Cities of South America

Itinerary

14 Night (Without Peru):

3 Nights – Santiago / Valparaíso
3 Nights – Montevideo
4 Nights – Buenos Aires
4 Nights – Rio

21 Night (With Peru) – From £770 Extra:

3 Nights – Santiago / Valparaíso
5 Nights – Cuzco/Machu Picchu
2 Nights – Lima
3 Nights – Montevideo
4 Nights – Buenos Aires
4 Nights – Rio

✈️ UK to Santiago (3 Nights): You’ll kick off your South American adventure in Santiago, a vibrant city nestled between the Andes and the Chilean coast. Start your exploration by taking the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal hill for panoramic views of the city and the snow-capped Andes mountains. Back in the city, stroll through the Plaza de Armas, home to the grand Catedral Metropolitana and beautiful colonial-era buildings. For a deeper understanding of Chilean history and culture, visit the Museo Histórico Nacional, where artefacts span from pre-Columbian times to modern-day Chile.  For a more leisurely experience, wander through the lively Lastarria area, known for its cafes and art galleries and don’t miss the Mercado Central, famous for its fresh seafood and bustling atmosphere. The Bellavista area offers colourful murals, an artsy vibe, and a variety of dining options. For even more stunning city views, head to the observation deck at the Costanera Centre. From Santiago you can also visit the UNESCO world heritage city of Valparaíso which is known for its bohemian culture, brightly painted houses and beautiful coastal setting, as well as explore Chile’s famous wine regions.

✈️ Santiago to Cuzco (5 Nights) *21-night itinerary only: If you’re following the 21-night itinerary, your next destination is Cuzco, a fascinating city that serves as both an incredible destination in its own right and the gateway to Machu Picchu.  Cuzco will be your base as you adjust to the high altitude before you set out to discover the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu.  While you’re getting used to the high altitude, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the historic landmarks in and around Cuzco including the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress and the sacred Qorikancha temple. Additionally, you could include a day trip to the Sacred Valley with its ancient Inca ruins, traditional Andean villages, and stunning scenery of the surrounding terraced fields and mountains. After 2 days acclimatising, you’ll be ready to explore Machu Picchu. You can choose to reach it via a scenic train ride through the breath-taking Andean landscape, or, for the more adventurous, we can organise a trek along the renowned Inca Trail. Perched high above in the rugged mountains of the Andes, Machu Picchu is a testament to the sheer ingenuity of the Inca civilisation. The precision with which the stones were cut and fitted, the sophisticated water management systems, and the breath-taking location all highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and planning that went into its creation in the 15^th century. Wander through the ancient pathways, enjoy the views and visit key landmarks such as Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the stunning Inca Bridge. Whether you arrive by train or on foot, exploring Machu Picchu will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip.

✈️ Cuzco to Lima (2 Nights) *21-night itinerary only: A direct flight from Cuzco will bring you to Lima, the capital of Peru situated along the Pacific Ocean, and often referred to as the ‘gastronomic capital of Latin America’.  Some of the best views of the ocean can be found while wandering along the Miraflores boardwalk, with its great selection of restaurants, lush parks and sculptures such as the iconic ‘El Beso,’ (The Kiss).  Head to the grand Plaza Mayor with its impressive cathedrals and also visit the Larco Museum, with its collection of art and artefacts from Peru’s ancient civilisations.  For the best glimpses of local culture, wander through the vibrant area of Barranco, and also head to the Central Market where you can experience a variety of exotic produce and street food. Finally, don’t miss Chinatown, where Peruvian and Chinese flavours combine to create delicious fusion cuisine.

✈️ Santiago / Lima to Montevideo (3 Nights):  You’ll fly to Montevideo in Uruguay either direct from Santiago on the 14-night itinerary, or from Lima, on the 21-night itinerary.  A great place to start exploring this welcoming city is the Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo’s old town, where you’ll find colonial architecture and bustling markets. A central feature of the city is the 8.5 mile long La Rambla, a promenade that stretches along the city’s coastline with beautiful views that connects various areas of the city. If you like the hustle and bustle of a market, Mercado del Puerto is a must-visit, with a lively atmosphere, street performers, traditional Uruguayan cuisine, and local crafts. If you get the chance, don’t miss out on attending a local milonga (a social dance event where people gather to dance tango) or a tango performance for a wonderful way of experiencing Uruguay’s musical and dance traditions.  If you’d like to explore the nearby Colonia del Sacramento, consider spending one of your three nights in this historic city, located about a 2-hour drive from Montevideo. Colonia offers a picturesque setting along the Rio de la Plata and boasts a nostalgic sense of stepping back in time with its colonial buildings and narrow winding streets.  Founded in 1680 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, its influences are from both the Portuguese and Spanish colonial periods with key highlights including the old lighthouse, and the 18th-century Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento.

🚢 Montevideo to Buenos Aires (4 Nights):  Take a scenic ferry from Montevideo (or from Colonia del Sacramento if you’ve chosen to spend a night there) to Buenos Aires, a city renowned for its vibrant tango rhythms, excellent cuisine, and blend of European and Latin cultures. Start your exploration in La Boca, where the lively pedestrian street of Caminito features brightly coloured houses and offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of tango.  In upscale Recoleta area, visit the grand Recoleta Cemetery, known for its elaborate mausoleums and striking architecture, and explore Retiro, home to Plaza San Martín – a central square celebrated for its historical buildings and cultural events. If it’s trendy shops and chic cafes you’re after, head to Palermo.  Buenos Aires is renowned for its authentic tango performances, dance lessons, and live music and one of the best places to experience the passion of this iconic dance is to head to San Telmo with its energetic tango bars. There are plenty of dining options across the city. For a refined dining experience with a picturesque view, head to Puerto Madero, where waterfront restaurants and bars offer a beautiful setting, especially enchanting with the river’s twinkling reflections at night.

✈️ Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro (4 Nights):   Rio de Janeiro makes a spectacular finale to your South American adventure. It’s a city full of energy where you can dive into samba rhythms, relax on sun-soaked beaches, and enjoy iconic landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. When it comes to beaches, head to Copacabana for a spot of people-watching or Ipanema for chic boutiques, trendy cafes, and nightlife. No trip to Rio is complete without seeing the impressive Christ the Redeemer statue. Take the scenic Corcovado Railway through the Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban rainforest to reach the statue, taking in the stunning views along the way. Explore Rio’s blend of colonial and modern architecture, including the striking Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião by Oscar Niemeyer and don’t miss a cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain for the panoramic views of beaches, streets, and rainforests.

✈️ Rio – UK: At the end of your adventure we’ll return you back to Rio airport, for your last flight of the holiday, to take you back to the UK.