Highlights of South America

Description

4 Nights – Santiago / Valparaíso
5 Nights – Cusco / Machu Picchu
2 Nights – Lima
4 Nights – Buenos Aires
2 Nights – Iguazu Falls
4 Nights – Rio de Janeiro

UK – Santiago / Valparaíso (4 Nights): To start your epic adventure, you will fly to Chile’s capital, Santiago, where you will stay for 4 nights. This is a perfect amount of time to explore the city and enjoy a day trip to take in the UNESCO world heritage city of Valparaíso and have a day to explore Chile’s world-famous vineyards.  You can also split your stay to stay in both Santiago and Valparaíso, and we can arrange a day of wine tasting on your drive from Santiago to Valparaíso.

Santiago is framed by the famous San Cristóbal and Santa Lucía hills, and is known for its 22 funiculars and rewarding, high-perched views. Stroll the bohemian Barrio Bellavista neighbourhood and visit the Catedral Metropolitana shadowing the main Plaza de Armas square. Shopaholics and spice lovers are catered-to at endless malls and markets.

Valparaíso is known for its bohemian culture, brightly painted houses and beautiful coastal setting. You can explore the city’s famous street art and hill-set neighbourhoods of Cerro Alegre and Concepción, and enjoy its endless array of restaurants and bars.  The neighbouring beachside city of Viña del Mar boasts a long golden beach, lined with restaurants and larger hotels.

Santiago – Cuzco (5 Nights): You’ll fly direct from Santiago to Cuzco, the gateway to the mesmerising Inca trail that is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Spend the first few days here relaxing and exploring Cuzco, allowing your body to acclimatise to the 3,399-metre altitude, but there’s plenty to do while you adjust. Snug in the Andean mountain valley, Cuzco’s baroque squares and cobbles are filled with fresh markets, food vendors and bustling locals in indigenous garb. Two magnificent churches flank the main Plaza de Armas, while traditional cafes dot nearby thoroughfares. Whether you’re exploring the Inca site of Sacsayhuamán two miles north or just soaking in the Quechua culture, you’ll be surrounded by authenticity. Listen to the locals when they offer you that hot coca tea for altitude adjustment.

 Incas Sacred Valley Day Trip: Once you’re a little more acclimatised you will do this amazing day trip to discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore some of the most well known sites associated with this mysterious civilisation and take in the stunning Andean landscapes that surround it.

 Machu Picchu Day Trip: The highlight for many here is the 26-mile Machu Picchu trail, which we include as a day tour by rail , but we can also arrange for you to trek the trail. Beautifully preserved Inca culture here is showcased in sights such as the Temple of the Sun, Sun Gate and The Sacred Rock. Cascading terraces frame this 7 New Wonders of the World citadel, and brave travellers can hike up the demanding Huayna Picchu (where the photo ops are legendary).

Cuzco – Lima (2 Nights): After Cusco, you’ll fly on to Peru’s coastal capital, where we’ll transfer you to your next hotel. Lima is a melting pot of modern-day urbanisms, colonial-era mansions, vibrant markets and nightlife. Historic squares and cathedrals fill El Centro’s streets, where ceviche restaurants contribute to Lima’s status as “gastronomic capital of the Americas”. There’s romance and greenery at the Parque del Amor, ancient temple ruins at Huaca Huallamarca, bohemian flair in Mirador and plenty of cobbled charm in the Barranco beach district. Visit the Museo Larco, meander grand lawns at the Plaza Mayor and take in the city’s iconic canary yellow facades. Fresh markets, historic monasteries and an exciting Chinatown make Lima fascinating.

Lima to Buenos Aires (4 nights):  Next your journey will take you to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s dynamic capital and the cultural heartbeat of the country, renowned as the birthplace of tango. During your four-night stay, you can explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including the historic Recoleta Cemetery, the colourful streets of La Boca, the majestic Teatro Colón, and the iconic Obelisk. For the best place to experience the authentic tango culture, visit San Telmo, where you’ll find numerous tango bars and witness captivating performances that embody the city’s passion and soul.

Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls (2 nights):   Take a thrilling journey into nature as you fly to Iguazu.  Here you’ll be met by 275 thunderous waterfalls, even larger than the Niagara Falls, that cascade through a lush rainforest – truly and unforgettable experience!  From the Argentine side, explore extensive walkways that bring you up close to the falls, including the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat, where you’ll feel the full force of the falls. On the Brazilian side, you can experience the magnificence of this natural phenomenon from elevated viewpoints and take a thrilling boat ride that gets you close enough to feel the spray of the falls.

Iguazu Falls – Rio (4 Nights): Wrapping up this itinerary in spectacular style, you’ll now fly direct to the Brazilian capital of Rio de Janeiro. Blending urban jungles, white-sand beaches and sensational shopping and dining, Rio wasn’t nicknamed “The Marvellous City” for nothing. Bounce rays and samba beats on the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, explore colourful favelas and take in breathtaking panoramas from the Sugarloaf and Corcovado mountains. Under the iconic Christ The Redeemer statue, Rio encapsulates a feast of cloistered charm, cutting-edge nightlife, iconic landmarks and some of the most beautiful beaches on earth.

 Rio – UK: We’ll be at your hotel on your departure day to meet and escort you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.