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Premium Highlights of South America

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Premium Highlights of South America

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Description

Experience the diversity of wonders across Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil on a 24-day Premium journey. Be immersed in the ancient culture of the Incas, visit the Amazon Jungle and revel in the magnificent citadel ruins of Machu Picchu. Soak up the energy of Santiago and Buenos Aires’ lively neighbourhoods and sip some of the world’s best wine in Mendoza. At the border with Brazil, experience the magnificent might of Iguazu Falls, before finally arriving in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro. With the guidance of passionate local leaders, you’ll find out South America dances to the beat of its own drum.

Trip Name
Premium Highlights of South America
Last Updated
2024-09-03
Days
24
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Elevate your adventure with memorable Exclusive Experiences including a tango lesson and asado dinner in Buenos Aires, rooftop pisco sours in Valparaiso and an insider’s day tour of the El Tigre Delta
  • Take your taste buds on a trip with Exclusive Experiences, including bodega tastings in Santiago, an expert-lead winery tour in Mendoza, lunch at the Gastromotiva social enterprise in Rio and home-cooked pachamanca lunch in the Sacred Valley.
  • Get to know local culture during Exclusive Experiences, including interactions with the Ese Eja and Chichubamba communities, and explore with expert guides in Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.
  • Soak in unbeatable views of the Andes as you travel towards Machu Picchu on a 360 train. With high domed windows and an open-air observation carriage, this Exclusive Experience allows you to immerse yourself in the incredible landscape.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. DEMONSTRATIONS & STRIKES: Demonstrations and protests, often in response to local labour or social issues, occur regularly in Peru. National strikes can be called at short notice and can cause disruption to road networks leading to inevitable itinerary changes. We will do everything possible for these changes to be at little or no extra cost; however in such circumstances we find that travellers may need to use their contingency funds to cover the costs of itinerary changes.

Day 1 - Lima
Bienvenido! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins in Lima, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a welcome meeting at 2 pm. After, head out to get to know the city on a walking tour of downtown Lima with your leader. Admire the buildings of Plaza Mayor and visit the eerie catacombs of the Saint Francis Monastery, then head away from the tourist trail to Alameda de Chabuca Granda – an area popular with the locals. Stop off at the colourful street food stalls to sample some of Lima’s favourite sweet treats, like Peruvian doughnuts and mazamorra morada (porridge made from purple corn). Lima has one of the world’s most revered culinary scenes, and tonight, you’ll head to one of the city’s best restaurants that boasts stunning views, surrounded by ancient ruins. The creative chef here offers traditional Peruvian dishes with modern twists in a one-of-a-kind environment.
Day 2 - Amazon Jungle
Today, you’ll catch a flight to Puerto Maldonado. When you arrive, take a bus to the port where you’ll board motorised canoes and head into the Amazon rainforest. Keep an eye out for macaws, herons, alligators and capybaras along the way. Here, you’ll find Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion – your Feature Stay for the next two nights. Built in the heart of a 380-hectare private ecological reserve, this unique resort is focused on the conservation of local habitats and features 25 private cabanas plus an on-site team of expert local guides. Enjoy lunch at the lodge, then explore the Concepcion Trails with an expert guide. As darkness begins to fall, join a guided Twilight River boat ride and try to spot some caimans lurking on the riverbanks. Dinner tonight will be a la carte and draws on local Amazon ingredients.
Day 3 - Amazon Jungle
After breakfast, board a dug-out wooden canoe and glide across Lake Sandoval, keeping an eye out for potential wildlife sightings, like red howler monkeys, giant river otters and colourful macaws. After lunch, you might like to walk along the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway – a 344 m network of suspension bridges that take you high above the forest floor to some of the best places to spot toucans, woodpeckers, monkeys and three-toed sloths. Join a night walk to discover the nocturnal activity in the surrounding areas or book into the lodge’s spa before you meet your group for dinner.
Day 4 - Cusco
This morning, you’ll travel back to Puerto Maldonado, then take a flight to Cusco – the former centre of the Inca Empire. Arrive in the early afternoon before heading out with your leader to discover what the city has to offer. Stop by the stunning Plaza de Armas – the heart of the city, flanked by ornate churches. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cusco Cathedral, built on top of an Inca palace and one of the city's greatest repositories of art. Here, you’ll meet with a local historian guide who will provide expert insight into the building’s art, architecture and history and the surrounding city. Visit the Coricancha Temple – once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The evening is free for your own discoveries. Cusco offers no shortage of restaurants and as night falls, the city is swept up in a flurry of live music and late-night street food stalls.
Day 5 - Cusco
Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. Why not head to the San Pedro market, where you can practice your bargaining skills and take photos, then swing by the Plaza de Armas for another look at the cathedral. Speak to your leader about the optional cooking class at a local restaurant using fair trade products, or take the half-day Inkilltambo trek, exploring an archaeologic site on the city’s outskirts. Maybe consider checking out the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where the massive stone blocks that form the walls provide an impressive picture of how greatly developed Inca engineering was.
Day 6 - Ollantaytambo
This morning, travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, passing maize crops and fertile terraces carved into the valley walls. Visit the Willoq community to gain a greater insight into the local lifestyle and visit a local workshop where you’ll learn about traditional textile techniques that are used by the community – you’ll even have the chance to make your own bracelet with the local women! Sit down for a festive pachamanca lunch. After, visit AMA – a local restaurant specialising in organic produce – and learn how they support single mothers in the Sacred Valley. Continue to Ollantaytambo – a magnificent example of Inca urban planning and the perfect warm up for Machu Picchu. Explore Ollantaytambo's archaeological site with an expert local guide who will discuss the evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams, terraces and centres of worship dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Day 7 - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Today, travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in style, boarding the 360 Machu Picchu Train. High, domed windows offer unbelievable views of the Andes, allowing you to sit back comfortably and take it all in. The train also features an open-air observation carriage to completely immerse yourself in the remarkable landscape. Disembark the train in Aguas Calientes, drop your belongings at your hotel, then take a short bus ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you’ll be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, may always be a mystery since no records of the complex exist. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of Emperor Pachacuti. Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
Day 8 - Cusco
Rise before the sun and take the winding road back up to the incredible Machu Picchu. On your second visit, explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the temples, palaces and living quarters. Looking at Machu Picchu as it sits against a backdrop of forested mountains is a truly breathtaking experience. Its mortar-free design is particularly earthquake resistant, and the stones are so precisely cut that, to this day, not even a knife fits between them! Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then catch a train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you’ll make the drive back to Cusco for the evening.
Day 9 - Cusco to Lima
In the afternoon, fly from Cusco to Lima, where you'll spend the night. In the morning, you'll depart Peru and head to Chile for the next stage of your adventure.
Day 10 - Santiago
Today, you'll take your next unaccompanied flight form Lima to Santiago. When you arrive, you'll be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation where you'll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm. Your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two evenings is the Altiplanico Bellas Artes. Converted from a historical house built in 1909, the hotel focuses on architecture and creative interior design while retaining the welcoming spirit of the home it once was. The hotel’s enviable location serves as a perfect base for your first explorations of Santiago. If you arrive early, maybe head out and explore the Parque Forestal just steps from your front door. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your leader and group. From baked casserole to razor clams cooked in parmesan cheese, Chilean food is hearty, fresh and delicious.
Day 11 - Santiago
Get to know the city on a tour with a local guide who’s an expert on all things Santiago. Your guide will peel back the many layers of the city’s history, beginning at the main square of Plaza de Armas where you’ll hear the tales of the foundation of Santiago and its turbulent past. Continue to La Moneda Palace, the home of Chile’s presidential office, where your guide will fill you in on the country’s complicated political history. From here, take the short drive to Parque Bicentenario, created in 2011 to commemorate 200 years of independence. Walk through the grounds then head to a local eatery to sample some excellent cheese, ham and wine for lunch. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations.
Day 12 - Valparaiso
Enjoy a free morning in Santiago. Maybe visit the Mercado Central – Santiago’s celebrated fish market. Then, begin the journey to Valparaiso, stopping off for a wine tasting on the way in the Casablanca Valley. Sitting on a coastal plain between the capital and Valparaiso, Casablanca Valley is Chile’s fastest growing wine region, with rich soil and a perfect climate for chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Visit a vineyard focused on sustainable and organic viticulture, then continue to Valparaiso, known for its brightly hued houses that spread over the hills overlooking the ocean. Your hotel for the next two nights has been delighting guests since 1885 and sits in the historic heart of the city. Enjoy an introduction to pisco on the rooftop and take in the views.
Day 13 - Valparaiso
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage centre in 2003, Valparaiso used to be South America’s busiest port before the opening of the Panama Canal. It has since transformed itself into Chile’s most creative city, which you'll learn more about on the walking tour today with a local guide. The hills of Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre are dotted with coloured houses, cobbled streets, galleries, restaurants and shops. Later, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a beautiful art nouveau chalet. Tonight, maybe visit an iconic local restaurant credited with the invention of chorrillana. This legendary Chilean dish is made up of French fries topped with beef, eggs and fried onions.
Day 14 - Mendoza
Depart Valparaiso and head back to Santiago to catch a flight to Mendoza. As your plane crosses the Andes, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Aconcagua – the highest mountain in the Americas at 6962 m above sea level. In Mendoza, get to know the lively city with a gentle stroll around its wide, lively streets with your local leader. Technically a desert city, the extensive irrigation system here means Mendoza is remarkably green. Check out the city’s tree-lined spaces – from the sprawling Parque San Martin to Plaza Espana – and get a taste of local life along the bustling street, Peatonal Sarmiento. Head South towards wine country and your countryside boutique hotel.
Day 15 - Mendoza
Mendoza is Argentina's most significant grape-growing region, producing nearly three-quarters of the country's wine. The climate produces an excellent variety of grapes, with the region's signature being Malbec. Today, you’ll get to experience this internationally renowned wine at its source during tours and tastings at three world-class and innovative wineries, each with its own distinct style and flavour. Meet with a local wine expert and gain inside knowledge on the varieties of grapes and different production methods used at each winery, and sample award winning bottles just as spectacular as the surrounding Andes. After the tastings, settle in for a special closed-door gourmet lunch at one of the wineries. Enjoy several courses paired with wines carefully selected to bring out the flavours in the wonderful food. In the evening, maybe test your palate by attempting to pair the perfect wine with an authentic Argentine asado (barbecue-style food).
Day 16 - Buenos Aires
This morning fly from Mendoza to Buenos Aires, then transfer to your boutique accommodation. Built in 1913, the hotel is located in the centre of the city. In the afternoon, soak up the Argentinean capital’s mix of European and Latin culture on an orientation walk with your leader. Visit Florida Street, National Congress and the presidential palace of the Casa Rosada (Pink House) in the Plaza de Mayo. If there’s time, your group may get to visit the Obelisk as well. The evening is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit a tango bar, attend a football match, or find a great local eatery and set up shop.
Day 17 - Buenos Aires
Today, head north of Buenos Aires to explore the city of Tigre and its surrounding delta region. First, do as the locals do and catch the subway to San Martin square, then set off on a bicycle tour around Puerto Maldero and the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve – where inhabitants of the city come for a peaceful escape and fresh air. Hop on a train to Tigre and get to know the city during a walking tour. Visit the local fruit market, follow the river along the stunning Paseo Victorica street and stop by the Tigre Art Museum to admire the European inspired building. Next, take a private boat through the third-largest river delta in the world, then stop off on an island for a homemade lunch. Here, swim, kayak or just sit back and soak in the beautiful island surroundings. Transfer back to Buenos Aires for a free night.
Day 18 - Buenos Aires
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Argentina. You’ll arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city.If you arrive early, maybe head to a local rooftop bar and enjoy the views of Buenos Aires with a cocktail. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, head to the home of a porteno (inhabitant of Buenos Aires) for a traditional Asado feast. Chat to your friendly host about all things Argentina while tucking into a spread of barbecued meats, provoleta cheese and plenty of local wine. After, you might want to keep the evening going with a post-dinner tango show.
Day 19 - Buenos Aires
This morning you’ll discover Buenos Aires’s history, cultural influences and iconic sites during a city tour with a local guide. First, you'll head to a traditional urban house and enjoy an exclusive tango performance by two professional dancers who have been working together for more than 15 years. The dancers are passionate about preserving and sharing the art of tango, and the performance will be followed by a beginner’s class, so you can be a part of Argentina’s cultural heritage, too. Learn about the style and history of the dance and pick up a few moves to take home. Your next stop is the Plaza de Mayo to see the original town hall, as well as the presidential palace known as the Pink House. Walk around La Boca and its Caminito district. Head to the Recoleta Cemetery – a labyrinth of ornate mausoleums, stopping at the grave of Eva Peron. Leave the cemetery and see the Floralis Generica – a huge metal flower made by Argentinean architect Eduardo Catalano. The rest of the evening is free.
Day 20 - Iguazu Falls - Brazilian side
This morning, transfer to the airport and board a flight to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina. You’ll spend the next two days exploring Iguazu Falls in depth, seeing them from both the Argentinian and Brazilian side. While you’re flying into Argentina, today will be spent exploring the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. At over 2 km in length, and made up of 275 waterfalls in total, Iguazu is higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls! The Brazilian side of the falls offers unforgettable panoramic views, which you’ll get to spend time taking in today. For an eagle-eye view of the falls, you can also opt to take on an optional helicopter flight.
Day 21 - Iguazu Falls - Argentinian side
Rise and shine for an early departure to the Argentinian side of the falls, where you will be able to get up close to this incredible feat of nature. There is a system of boardwalks on the Argentinian side of the falls that allow you to access some incredible viewing points, or you could choose to take an optional zodiac ride beneath the cascades for a different perspective. This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a Guarani community – one of the few remaining original inhabitants of the region. Meet with a member of the community to learn about the native tools used for daily activities. Your host will show you around the community and provide insight on the Guarani way of life while explaining how they have preserved their traditions on the edge of one of the world’s most popular attractions. Return to your hotel for a leisurely evening.
Day 22 - Rio de Janeiro
Take an included flight from Foz do Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro and when you have settled into your Feature Stay hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach, join your leader on an orientation walk to get a feel for this lively city and learn a little about its layered history. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. You might like to head down to the famous white sands of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches for a snapshot of local life. If you’d like to listen to some live music, head to Lapa and join the locals for some dancing.
Day 23 - Rio de Janeiro
Today, you’ll get to know the sights and sounds of Rio during a full-day tour with your leader. Visit Corcovado Mountain for expansive views over the city from the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue – one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Next, head to Santa Teresa to see the architecture, restaurants and art galleries. Continue to the famous Selaron Steps to see Chilean artist Jorge Selaron’s famous artwork. Give your feet a break during a lunch stop in a restored home dating to 1907. Finally, visit the iconic Sugarloaf
Day 24 - Rio de Janeiro
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Rio de Janeiro, please speak to your booking agent about arranging additional accommodation in advance.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-12-202424-12-2024AUD $ 18,986-
18-01-202510-02-2025AUD $ 19,179-
25-01-202517-02-2025AUD $ 18,621-
01-03-202524-03-2025AUD $ 19,926-
15-03-202507-04-2025AUD $ 18,994-
22-03-202514-04-2025AUD $ 19,552-
29-03-202521-04-2025AUD $ 20,907-
20-04-202513-05-2025AUD $ 20,326-
27-04-202520-05-2025AUD $ 19,359-
03-05-202526-05-2025AUD $ 22,518-
10-05-202502-06-2025AUD $ 20,709-
24-05-202516-06-2025AUD $ 20,308-
07-06-202530-06-2025AUD $ 19,746-
04-07-202527-07-2025AUD $ 19,359-
13-07-202505-08-2025AUD $ 19,359-
16-08-202508-09-2025AUD $ 19,359-
23-08-202515-09-2025AUD $ 20,106-
30-08-202522-09-2025AUD $ 20,106-
13-09-202506-10-2025AUD $ 20,106-
20-09-202513-10-2025AUD $ 20,106-
04-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 20,106-
11-10-202503-11-2025AUD $ 20,106-
18-10-202510-11-2025AUD $ 19,359-
25-10-202517-11-2025AUD $ 19,359-
08-11-202501-12-2025AUD $ 18,621-
06-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 18,621-
03-01-202626-01-2026AUD $ 21,730-
17-01-202609-02-2026AUD $ 21,730-
24-01-202616-02-2026AUD $ 21,730-
28-02-202623-03-2026AUD $ 21,730-
14-03-202606-04-2026AUD $ 21,730-
21-03-202613-04-2026AUD $ 22,595-
28-03-202620-04-2026AUD $ 22,595-
19-04-202612-05-2026AUD $ 23,465-
02-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 23,465-
23-05-202615-06-2026AUD $ 23,465-
06-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 23,465-
03-07-202626-07-2026AUD $ 22,595-
12-07-202604-08-2026AUD $ 22,595-
15-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 22,595-
22-08-202614-09-2026AUD $ 22,595-
29-08-202621-09-2026AUD $ 23,465-
12-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 23,465-
19-09-202612-10-2026AUD $ 23,465-
03-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 23,465-
10-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 22,595-
17-10-202609-11-2026AUD $ 22,595-
24-10-202616-11-2026AUD $ 21,730-
07-11-202630-11-2026AUD $ 21,730-
05-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 21,730-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (19 nights),Feature Stay (4 nights)

Transport

Plane,Train,Private vehicle,Boat,Bicycle

Map

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