Highlights of South America

Welcome to South America, a continent full of rhythm, colour and character. Made up of 13 countries, it is the world's fourth largest continent and home to some of the most recognisable UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. Lucky for us, we're about to get a wonderful taste of what it has to offer.

Today, we arrive in Buenos Aires, the elegant capital of Argentina, often known as the 'Paris of the South'. Buenos Aires is an intriguing mix of grand boulevards and classic European-style architecture balanced by its own irresistible South American spirit. Founded in the 16th century on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, Buenos Aires literally translates to ‘fair winds', and it has grown and flourished since its early beginnings. Now one of the most visited cities in South America, its defining feature is its many varied neighbourhoods. Explore them on foot and take a stroll along the city streets to soak up the colourful atmosphere.

Meet your fellow travellers this evening over a welcome drink at the hotel.

A thriving city of approximately three million people, Buenos Aires is both cosmopolitan and elegant. Our sightseeing today begins with a city tour, including the widest avenue in the world, 9 de Julio Avenue, Plaza de Mayo and its notable buildings, Casa Rosada, the Government House and the Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires.

Next, we'll wander through the elegant district of Recoleta, think Paris with a Latin soul and a cheeky wink and visit Recoleta Cemetery where Argentina's famous Eva Peron was laid to rest. With its grand mausoleums and Gothic detail, it feels like a city within a city. From here, we'll continue to the Italian district of La Boca and a visit to Caminito Street, a colourful open-air street museum.

We'll then visit the stunning Colón Theatre. The main opera house in Buenos Aires, it stands as one of the city's most treasured landmarks and is a masterpiece of architecture and acoustics, earning its place among the grandest opera houses in the world.

Our final stop for the day takes us to the exquisite El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore. Recognised by National Geographic in 2019 as the most beautiful bookstore in the world, this historic building was once a palatial theatre that has since been meticulously transformed into an opulent haven for lovers of literature.

Special Experience: Don your dancing shoes for a traditional tango lesson, before keeping the rhythm alive at a lively dinner and show.

Discover the fascinating history of Buenos Aires with a visit to the El Zanjon de Granados.

Tucked away in the historic heart of San Telmo, what appears on the outside to be a modest 19th century house unfolds below ground into an intricate network of brick passageways and hidden chambers, dating back centuries and revealing layers of the city's forgotten history. Wander through the candlelit corridors of this intriguing mansion and explore its underground tunnels.

Afterwards, we'll head to the vibrant San Telmo market for a unique shopping experience. Enjoy a short tour of the market, followed by free time to explore and grab some lunch. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavours of this bustling market, where local artisans and vendors sell everything from handmade crafts to delicious street food.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for us to further discover vibrant Buenos Aires at our own pace. If food's your thing, this might be the perfect time for an empanada crawl, sampling as many varieties as you can find!

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Today, we say farewell to Buenos Aires and fly north to one of South America's most spectacular natural wonders, Iguazú Falls. Straddling the borders of Brazil and Argentina, this extraordinary waterfall system is made up of more than 275 individual falls, each tumbling through lush rainforest with a force and beauty that is hard to put into words. Stretching more than 3 kilometres wide and reaching heights of around 80 metres, Iguazú is wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls. In other words, it knows how to make an impression.

Surrounded by subtropical rainforest, the falls are not only impressive in scale but also rich in wildlife and natural beauty. The area is home to colourful birds, butterflies and curious coatis, so it's worth keeping an eye out as we explore.

Upon checking into our hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free for us to explore these incredible surroundings. You might like to relax, enjoy the hotel's setting or simply take in the anticipation of tomorrow's adventure.

Your flight time today will be approximately 2 hours.

We'll spend today exploring the Argentinian side of this verdant masterpiece. It's a wonderfully immersive experience, placing us right in the heart of one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. A small train takes us into Iguazú National Park, where a series of walkways and paths will lead us to the falls. We'll stand on a dramatic viewing platform suspended over the thundering Garganta del Diablo, or Devil's Throat, the largest of the waterfalls, and feel the power of the water all around us. It's something that truly has to be experienced to be believed. Warning: you will get wet, but you'll love every minute of it!

There are other trails too, including the Upper and Lower Circuits, which offer equally impressive but different perspectives, from sweeping vistas above the falls to intimate viewpoints beside the torrents.

Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking in hot and humid conditions.

We'll explore the Brazilian side of the falls this morning for the ultimate panoramic perspective, an unforgettable overview of the vast sweep of the waterfalls stretching across the jungle in a breathtaking haze of mist and motion. This side is ideal for taking in the sheer scale and majesty of Iguazú all at once.

Later, we'll get up close to more than 150 species of stunning exotic birds at the famous Parque das Aves. Located just a short walk from the entrance to the Brazilian side of Iguazú National Park, this beautiful bird park is set within 12 acres of rainforest and is designed to feel more like a tropical forest than a zoo. Its spacious walk-through aviaries are home to colourful macaws, toucans, flamingos, as well as butterflies, reptiles and a growing number of rescued animals. It's a wonderful complement to the falls and a lovely way to experience the region's rich biodiversity.

We'll then transfer to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro.

Optional Excursion: Helicopter Tour - (min 2/max 4 participants per helicopter) - Experience the breathtaking sights of Iguazú Falls from the sky! Departure is from the entrance of the Iguazú National Park (Brazilian side) and can be taken when doing the Brazilian Falls tour. Please advise your guide if you are interested in this tour. 10 minutes – from $212pp US.

Rise with a smile this morning because it's time to explore Rio de Janeiro. The Cidade Maravilhosa, or ‘Marvellous City', sits between lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches and is one of the world's most lively and beautiful cities.

Today, we'll discover the icons of this remarkable place, beginning with the Statue of Christ the Redeemer. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it stands high atop Corcovado Hill. From the base of the mountain, we'll board the historic red narrow-gauge train and travel through the lush Tijuca Forest to the summit. Opened in 1884, this charming railway is Brazil's oldest tourist excursion and offers beautiful scenery and wonderful photo opportunities along the way.

Later, we'll visit Sugarloaf Mountain for sweeping panoramic views across the city. Its name is said to have come from the conical moulds once used to shape blocks of sugar for transport by ship, their form echoing the distinctive peak we see today.

Our touring also includes a stop at the Selaron Steps, one of Rio's most striking and colourful landmarks. Created by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron, this is one of Brazil's most famous pieces of street art, with the steps decorated with more than 2,000 tiles from all over the world, many in the bright colours of the Brazilian flag.

Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking.

Rio knows how to put on a show, and this morning we'll step behind the scenes of its most dazzling celebration. Carnival is more than a parade. It's colour, music, craftsmanship and pure joy, all wrapped up in one unforgettable tradition.

Special Experience: Experience the artistry of Carnival, marvelling at the spectacle of more than 6000 costumes and even dressing up in one, while enjoying music and a delicious drink.

Optional Excursion: Tour Old Rio and Santa Teresa - This tour starts in the historical centre of Rio de Janeiro. The architecture of Praça XV, Arco dos Teles, the França-Brasil House (Old Alfândega), the São Bento Monastery, and the Lapa Arches are prime examples of buildings from the Colonial era. The Banco do Brasil Cultural Museum, Municipal Theatre, Museum of Fine Arts and the Public National Library are examples of architecture from the Imperial era. Next stop on the tour is the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. This traditional neighbourhood is home to mansions from the beginning of the 20th century, built mainly by the English who sought out this region for its mild climate. Nowadays, it's a hotspot for artists and eccentrics. The antique cable car still runs through the narrow streets as the main form of collective transportation. Includes transportation on a seat-in-coach basis. 4 hours – from $66pp US.

Spend your morning as you please before we set off for Lima, the capital of Peru. You might like to visit the stunning botanical gardens or simply take a leisurely stroll along Copacabana Beach, soaking up the everyday rhythm of the city one last time.

Later this evening, we arrive in Lima. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the city was designed as a showcase of Spanish Colonial architecture in the New World. Today, Lima is a fascinating blend of old and new, where grand churches and elegant balconies sit alongside lively neighbourhoods, excellent museums and a thriving food scene. There's plenty of history here, but also a real sense of energy and surprise around every corner.

Tomorrow, we'll begin discovering more of this captivating city.

Optional Excursion: Art and Graffiti Tour - This guided walking tour traces the route of open-air artwork located in some of Rio's oldest neighbourhoods, from the original settlement of Praça XV to the recently renovated Porto Maravilha. This area's historical importance is echoed through its monuments, statues, art installations, murals, and graffiti. Candelária Church, the Olympic Pyre, Maua Square and Rio's Art Museum (MAR) are some of the highlights on this 4km walk. The amount of walking can be established by your interests and conditions. Most museums close on Monday in Rio. Entrance in any of the sites can be included for an added cost. Includes driver and guide. 4 hours – from $107pp US

Explore colonial Lima today on a city tour. Our first stop is the Plaza de Armas, where we'll see the Government Palace, the House of El Oidor and the stunning City Hall buildings. We'll then step inside the Cathedral of Lima to learn more about the religious history of Peru and see the resting place of the famous conquistador, Francisco Pizarro.

Our walking tour continues to the San Francisco Convent, where we'll visit both its catacombs, Lima's ancient underground cemetery, and its world-renowned library filled with thousands of antique texts. As we move through the city, we'll also admire the stunning Baroque architecture of the Torre Tagle Palace and colonial Osambela House.

Our next stop will be the Larco Museum, home to an impressive collection of Inca artefacts that offer a fascinating glimpse into Peru's rich past. During our visit, we'll have the chance to explore galleries showcasing ancient textiles, ceremonial objects, gold and silver pieces and more, each helping to tell the story of Peru's early civilisations.

After some free time to enjoy lunch at Café del Museo or to further explore the museum at your own pace, we'll return to our hotel to relax and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

This morning, we'll take a short flight from Lima to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Nestled high in the Andes Mountains at more than 3,300 metres above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is known as the gateway to both the Sacred Valley and the world-famous Machu Picchu. But Cusco is far more than a stepping stone. With Inca stone walls, Baroque churches, bustling plazas and narrow alleyways all around, it offers a rich mix of history, culture and high-altitude charm.

The best way to explore this picturesque town is on foot. You might like to wander through the central Plaza de Armas, browse the lively San Pedro Market with its colourful stalls and local flavours or explore the bohemian San Blas district, known for its artist studios, cobbled laneways and cosy little restaurants.

It's worth noting that Cusco's altitude can come as a surprise, so we'll take things gently as we settle in. Staying hydrated is key, and a cup of local coca tea can be a great help when it comes to acclimatising.

Peru is also known for its vibrant food and drink culture, so this afternoon we'll be treated to a fun local tradition that adds a little extra flavour to our time in Cusco.

Special Experience: Learn how to make the deliciously sweet and sour cocktail, Pisco Sour. For decades it has been regarded as the signature drink of Peru.

It's a short trip this morning to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Urubamba Valley, one of Peru's most beautiful and soul-stirring regions. Framed by mountain peaks, terraced hillsides and traditional villages, this fertile valley was once the heartland of the Inca Empire and remains deeply connected to Andean life. Today is all about stepping a little closer to this world and enjoying the warmth of the people who call it home.

Our first stop takes us to the Indigenous community of Ccorccor, where we'll be welcomed into village life and invited to experience some of the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Special Experience: Discover the lives of Ccorccor's indigenous women and take part in customary activities like Andean games, 'Tribute to Mother Earth', and 'chicha' demonstration.

A fine morning for bird lovers as we make our way to Ensifera, where we'll visit the hummingbird gardens and learn all about these delightful creatures from an expert birder. With a beak longer than its body, the only bird in the world with that claim, the pretty hummingbird flits from flower to flower with grace and purpose, perfectly evolved to sip from trumpet-shaped blooms.

Next, we'll visit the terraces at Moray, generally regarded as one of the Inca's most intriguing and mysterious engineering feats. At first glance, they resemble a giant green amphitheatre carved into the earth, but these concentric rings served a much more sophisticated purpose. Believed to be an ancient agricultural laboratory, each level of the terraces sits at a different altitude, which allowed the Inca to experiment with growing various crops under distinctly different environmental conditions. Ingenious indeed.

The salt pans of Maras are our next stop this morning, a striking patchwork of pink, white and golden pools flowing down the mountainside. These terraced salt ponds have been used since pre-Inca times, fed by a naturally salty spring that runs through narrow channels into thousands of little ponds. Don't forget to pick up a small bag of the famed sal de Maras as a flavourful souvenir straight from the source.

On our way back to the hotel, we'll stop at the gorgeous Hacienda Huayoccari for lunch and some time to explore the private museum. Owned by the same family since 1916, this estate has an interesting collection of pre-Columbian, Inca and colonial artefacts, showcasing centuries of Peruvian heritage. The remainder of the day is ours to enjoy at leisure or simply relax and take in our surroundings.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking at altitude.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

A magical day awaits as we board an early Vistadome train to traverse the stunning Urubamba Valley and reach the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu ruins.

On arrival in Aguas Calientes, we'll check into our hotel before taking a local bus up the mountain to the entrance. Nestled within an Andean cloud forest, Machu Picchu is famous for its remarkably preserved ruins and deep spiritual significance to the ancient Inca civilisation. Our guide will introduce us to this site, before enjoying some free time to explore the ruins at our own pace.

Alternatively, if you have chosen to undertake the optional Inca Trail hike (this must be pre-booked at the time of tour booking), you will have an early start, taking a train to the ‘Km 104' station where your trek commences.

For those on the trek, the first site along the route is the incredible archaeological complex of Chachabamba. From here, the trail ascends for 8 kilometres. At approximately the four-hour mark we arrive at the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, built into the steep countryside. As we continue, we'll enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex.

We continue along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle for another hour or so, until we arrive at the picturesque Sun Gate of Inti Punku - a wonderful photo opportunity. The trek ends in the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. Our guide will take us through this mind-blowing site, pointing out the most important sites of the ancient civilisation.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking at altitude.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today, we'll rise and enjoy a leisurely morning. You'll also have the option to return to Machu Picchu for a second visit, to admire the beauty of this ancient wonder before the crowds arrive.

Afterwards, we'll take the Vistadome train back through the mountains to Poroy. Upon arrival we will be transferred back to our hotel in Cusco.

Optional Excursion: Machu Picchu 2nd visit & Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) - Your tour already includes one visit to Machu Picchu, however, you may wish to take a second visit to explore this phenomenon further. Alternatively, you may wish to also incorporate a climb up to Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) (considered to provide the best view over Machu Picchu). Please note both options include entry into Machu Picchu and transportation (guide not included). If you choose the Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) option, entry to the peak is also included. Half day Machu Picchu only - from $90pp US. Half day Machu Picchu incl. Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) – from $105pp US.

Today is all about exploring the wonders of Cusco, beginning by discovering the magnificent fortress of Sacsayhuamán, believed to have been built during the 1400s. Some of its enormous stones weigh over 100 tonnes yet fit together so precisely that not even a sheet of paper can slip between them. It's an incredible feat of engineering that continues to puzzle archaeologists to this day!

We'll then visit the San Pedro Market to immerse ourselves in the local culture. This bustling market offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can find fresh produce, handicrafts and traditional food.

Special Experience: Learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes with fresh ingredients and expert guidance from local chefs before enjoying our creations for lunch.

Spend a leisurely morning in Cusco, a city that seems to invite one last wander. With its cobbled laneways, handsome plazas and layers of Inca and colonial history, there is always something to catch the eye. If you're in the mood for a little culture, you might like to visit the Casa Concha Museum, home to artefacts from Machu Picchu that were discovered by Hiram Bingham and later returned by Yale University. It's a fascinating place to linger and a wonderful way to deepen your connection to Peru's past.

If you'd rather simply enjoy the city itself, Cusco is made for pottering. You could stroll through Plaza de Armas and admire the graceful architecture, pause in a cosy café for a coffee or a warming cup of coca tea or browse for handmade treasures. The bohemian San Blas district is another lovely option, with its artisan workshops, narrow streets and pretty views over the rooftops.

This free morning is a chance to soak up a final taste of Cusco at your own pace, whether that means sightseeing, shopping or simply sitting in the sunshine and watching the world go by.

This afternoon, we'll transfer to Cusco airport for our flight back to Lima.

Your flight time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

This morning, we'll head south to Paracas, a beautiful beach resort town where desert meets the Pacific in rather spectacular style. Situated just a few hours from Lima on Peru's stunning coast, this region is rich in wildlife, natural beauty and ancient mystery.

Our journey takes us along the famous and very scenic Pan-American Highway. After leaving the bustle of Lima behind, the landscape opens into wide open desert vistas, rolling sand dunes and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean shimmering on the horizon. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery, as it offers a wonderful prelude to the natural wonders waiting for us in Paracas.

A national reserve and a pre-Inca cultural haven, Paracas is also the gateway to Nazca and Paracas National Reserve, a striking landscape of rust-coloured cliffs, golden beaches and turquoise waters. The reserve is home to a variety of marine life and seabirds, and just offshore a small boat trip away, are the spectacular Ballestas Islands. Here, it's possible to spot sea lions, dolphins and Humboldt penguins, along with a wonderful array of bird species.

Paracas is the perfect spot to unwind and people-watch in a seaside café, perhaps with a pisco sour in hand.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today brings one of Peru's great mysteries into view as we take to the skies above the Nazca Desert.

Special Experience: Fly in a light plane over the mysterious Nazca Lines in the middle of the Nazca Desert. We'll see ancient geoglyphs depicting hundreds of figures.

Optional Excursion: Dune buggy in the Paracas Desert – The desert near Paracas is a dream setting for a dune buggy adventure. Experience the thrill of zigzagging across the sands and have the opportunity to try sandboarding on the Paracas dunes. 2 hours – from $68pp US

Get your sea legs ready as we board a boat bound for the Ballestas Islands, a vibrant sanctuary home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife and marine animals, including the endangered Humboldt penguin. These craggy, sea-sculpted isles are bursting with life, from colonies of noisy sea lions and waddling penguins to more than 60 species of colourful seabirds.

Along the way we will also see the Candelabro, a huge prehistoric geoglyph etched into the hillside above Pisco Bay, only visible from the sea or sky. Measuring more than 150 metres high, this mysterious figure resembles a giant candlestick. Whether it served as a navigational guide for sailors, a symbol linked to the Nazca Lines or an offering to local deities, no one knows for certain. What is certain is that seeing the Candelabro from the shimmering waters of the bay, with seabirds soaring overhead, is a truly memorable experience.

In the early afternoon, we'll settle in on the coach and relax as we return to Lima via the Pan-American Highway. Upon arrival in Lima, we'll check into our hotel before enjoying a group farewell dinner this evening overlooking the ruins of Huaca Pucllana.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!