Highlights of South America - Travel with Marion Bunnik

Welcome to South America! Consisting of 13 countries, it is the fourth largest continent and home to some of the world's most recognisable UNESCO World Heritage sites. Today we arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina - the 'Paris of the South'. Buenos Aires is an intriguing mix of grand boulevards and classic European style architecture combined with an irresistible South American vibe. 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 most defining characteristic is its many varied neighbourhoods, explore these 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 in the hotel.

A bustling city of almost three million people, Buenos Aires is both cosmopolitan and elegant at the same time. Our sightseeing today begins with a city tour, including the widest avenue in the world, the 9 de Julio Avenue, the Plaza de Mayo and its buildings, Casa Rosada (Government House) and the Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Next, we'll walk through the elegant district of Recoleta and La Recoleta Cemetery where Argentina's famous Eva Perón was laid to rest, then on to the Italian district of La Boca and a visit to Caminito Street, a colourful street museum. We then visit the stunning Colón Theatre. The main opera house in Buenos Aires, it is ranked as the world's third best.

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. Our afternoon is at leisure to further explore this fascinating city.

Special Experience: Don your dancing shoes for a traditional tango lesson, then enjoy a lively dinner and show. We learn more about the art of tango, the popular dance form born in Argentina, and its importance to this country. (B/D)

Enjoy your morning at leisure to relax before our afternoon outing. You may choose to hit the shops of Calle Florida and the Palermo districts or explore the city's wealth of museums and art galleries, either way there is lots to see! Heading outside the city, we'll arrive at the Tigre Delta that flows into the Rio de la Plata, an estuary with a mix of fresh and salt water, that spills into the Atlantic Ocean. We'll cruise the channels around the unique Tigre city, as we witness the elegant homes dotted around, and only accessible by boat. (B)

Today we fly to Iguazu Falls! Straddling the borders of Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls is one of the world's biggest waterfalls with a total of more than 240 individual falls. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush rainforest. They are more than 3 kilometres wide and 80 metres high, making them wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure to explore our surroundings. (B)

We'll spend today exploring the Argentinian side of this natural masterpiece. A small train takes us into Iguazu National Park and we continue on foot to the falls. We'll stand on a platform suspended over the thundering Devil's Throat - the largest of the waterfalls, to feel (and hear) the water's power. Warning: you will get wet! (B)

We'll explore the Brazilian side of the falls this morning and walk along the canyon path, discovering panoramic views over San Martin Island. We will get wet, so bring a spray jacket! Later today, we'll get up close and personal with more than 150 species of stunning exotic birds at the famous Parque das Aves. The park is set in 12 acres of beautiful rainforest and home to more than 150 species of birds, including colourful macaws, toucans, and flamingos. We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro. (B)

Rise with a smile this morning because it's time to explore Rio de Janeiro! The Cidade Maravilhosa, or ‘Marvellous City', is situated amongst 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 amazing city, beginning with the Statue of Christ the Redeemer. One of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World', it is situated at the peak of the 700-metre-high Corcovado Hill.

We arrive at the bottom of the hill and board the red narrow-gauge train to climb the mountain and take us up to the statue. The historic railway was opened in 1884 and is Brazil's oldest tourist excursion. There will be so many fantastic photo opportunities here. We'll also visit Sugar Loaf Mountain to enjoy amazing panoramic views over the whole city. Sugar Loaf Mountain's name is said to have stemmed from when blocks of sugar (or sugar loaves) were placed in conical moulds made of clay to be transported on ships. The shape made by these moulds was similar to the peak, hence the name. (B)

This morning we'll visit Museu Do Amanhã, which translates to the Museum of Tomorrow. This science museum was designed by Spanish neofuturistic architect, Santiago Calatrava on the waterfront at Pier Maua. We'll enjoy some time to explore the different exhibits, which focus on sustainable cities and an ecological world.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore some more at our own pace.

In the evening we'll enjoy a Brazilian churrasco grill dinner at Fogo de Chão. (B/D)

Enjoy a morning at leisure before we depart for Lima, Peru. You may wish to visit the beautiful botanical gardens or simply stroll along Copacabana Beach, watching the world go by. Late in the evening we arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima was designed to be a showcase of Spanish colonial architecture in a conquered territory. The patchwork of Lima's vibrant city life and neighbourhoods combine with a plethora of museums and churches to offer visitors a fascinating and rich cultural heritage to discover. (B)

Explore colonial Lima on a half day city tour. Our first stop is the Plaza de Armas, where we see the Government Palace, the House of El Oidor and the stunning City Hall buildings. We take a stroll through the Cathedral of Lima and learn the religious history of Peru. Our walking tour continues to the San Francisco Convent to view both its ‘catacombs', the ancient, underground cemetery of Lima, and the convent's world-renowned library with thousands of antique texts.

During our touring we also see the architectural jewels of the baroque Torre Tagle Palace and colonial Osambela House before we reach the Larco Museum. The museum houses one of the most impressive collections of Incan artefacts and gives a fascinating insight into ancient Peru. We'll learn about ancient cultures as we visit the Textiles Gallery, the Spaniards' Arrival Gallery, the Sacrifice Ceremony Gallery and the Gold, Silver and Jewels Galleries. The afternoon is at leisure for you to rest and relax or explore at your own pace. (B)

This morning we take a short flight from Lima to the Incan capital of Cusco. High up in the Andes Mountains, Cusco is also known as the gateway to both the Sacred Valley and the world-famous site of Machu Picchu.

After some free time for lunch we'll begin a walking tour of the town to the 17th century Cusco Cathedral - the façade of which is a fine example of colonial baroque architecture. 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. (B)

It's a short trip this morning to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Urubamba Valley, as it is also known, encompasses the heartland of the Inca Empire and contains numerous archaeological remains and villages. The valley was valued by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities and was one of the empire's main points for the extraction of natural wealth. A truly special day awaits us as we visit the local village of Ccorccor.

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. (B)

We enjoy a day of trekking through the beautiful Sacred Valley today. Rising early, we'll drive to Patacancha where we'll commence our trek. The first portion of the trek takes us to the village of Huilloc, stopping at a waterfall along the way. In this small, Quechua-speaking village, the local people maintain the customs and traditions their ancestors have passed down for centuries. Here we will see a traditional weaving demonstration and learn how Peruvian textiles are made.

From Huilloc, our trek continues for two to three hours, until we arrive at the incredible ruins of Pumamarca. This hillside fortress once guarded the entrance to the Sacred Valley, and provides stunning, panoramic views of the valley and rivers below. The final section of the trek takes us back to Ollantaytambo where we return to our hotel to relax after a long day of walking!

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity. (B/L)

A magical day ahead. This morning we take an early Vistadome train ride through the Urubamba Valley to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu! On arrival in Aguas Calientes we check into our eco-resort before taking a local bus up the mountain to the entrance. Our guide will give us an in-depth introduction and description of the site and we'll also have the opportunity to explore the ruins at our own pace afterwards. Alternatively, if you have chosen to undertake the optional Inca Trail (must have been pre-booked at 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 way is the incredible archaeological complex of Chachabamba. From here, the trail ascends for 8 kilometres. At approximately the 4 hour mark we'll 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 Incan city of Machu Picchu. Our guide will take us through this mind-blowing site, pointing out the most important parts of the ancient civilisation.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity. (B/D)

This morning is at leisure. You have the option to return to Machu Picchu for a second visit to thoroughly soak in the beauty of this ancient phenomenon before the crowds arrive. We'll then return to Ollantaytambo via the Vistadome train. We'll stop to explore the ancient Inca village ruins. The ruins form a fortress that can only be entered by a steep stone staircase. We climb these and enter the town's narrow streets for an up-close look at the Inca's dry masonry skill. Their astounding craftsmanship ensures that even after centuries of earthquakes, a knife cannot be slipped into the seams between the limestone blocks. In the late afternoon we'll depart for Cusco, stopping en route at Chinchero to visit the temple, which is built on the Inca walls of the Inca Tupac Yupanqui Palace. The temple is made up of Inca stone structures, which were used as foundations for colonial construction and shaped its design.

Please Note: You must purchase your entrance ticket in advance. This will be done by our local operator. Please advise your travel specialist if you would like to include a second visit. Entrance tickets are limited and by shifts. These usually sell out well in advance. Current shifts for entry in the morning are hourly beginning at 6.00am. Your entry time is located in the top left corner of the ticket and you have a maximum of 60 minutes after that time to arrive at the entrance for check in.

If possible, we recommend booking an earlier time slot. Only the tickets that specify “llaqta de Machupicchu” allows you to choose one of the three established circuits around the site. The ticket that includes Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) mountain only allows you to visit circuit 4.

Today is all about exploring the wonders of Cusco beginning with a visit to the San Pedro Market. Then, it's time for us to discover the magnificent fortress of Sacsayhuaman, believed to have been built during the 1400s. The enormous limestone blocks used in the construction of this colossal structure were carved and fitted with such precision that there was no need for mortar, a testament to the skill of the masons.

Our tour will then take us to the religious complex of Qoricancha, containing the Temple of the Sun, considered to be the most spectacular temple in the Inca Empire. As well as being the main astronomical observatory for the Incas, some 4,000 priests and their attendants once lived within its confines. Looted and then destroyed by the Spanish, they used the foundations for the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo, creating perhaps the most incongruous imperial-colonial architectural clash in Cusco. (B)

Enjoy a day at leisure in colourful Cusco. Full of plazas, archaeological ruins and interesting craft shops, it's a great place to explore and experience on your own. Why not check out the Casa Concha Museum, containing artefacts from Machu Picchu that were found by Hiram Bingham and recently returned by Yale University? (B)

We travel south to Paracas this morning after a short flight from Cusco to Lima. Located just a few hours south of Lima, Paracas is a beach resort town on Peru's coast. A national reserve and a pre-Inca cultural haven, it's also the gateway to Nazca and the Ballestas Islands. (B)

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. This series of line drawings are believed to have been made in the sand more than 2,000 years ago by the Nazca culture and were only discovered in 1927 by Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejia Xesspe when he was part of an expedition organised by the National University of San Marcos.

The gigantic geoglyphs resemble a landing field and feature over 70 figures including a monkey, spider, condor, lizard, and fish, among others. The view from the plane is simply breathtaking and a flight is definitely the only way to appreciate this amazing site. Next, we'll visit the beautiful Paracas National Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most biologically productive marine areas in the world. Enjoy some time to relax and appreciate the picturesque surroundings before we return to Paracas. (B)

Get your sea legs ready as we board a boat bound for the Ballestas Islands, a vibrant sanctuary home to many birds and animals, including the endangered Humboldt penguin. Here we'll see an abundance of wildlife including sea lions, penguins and more than 60 species of colourful sea birds. Along the way we will also see the 'Candelabro', a huge prehistoric geoglyph on the hilly coast of Pisco Bay, only visible from the sea or sky. We'll return to Lima in the early afternoon before enjoying a group dinner this evening overlooking the ruins at Huaca Pucllana. (B/D)

Today marks the end of our Highlights of South America tour. We hope you leave with fantastic memories! (B)