As the largest tropical rainforest in the world with the biggest collection of plant and animal species, the Amazon Rainforest is probably the most amazing natural region on Earth. On this Small Group Journey, you’ll take in the must-see sights of South America before an extended stay in a luxury Amazon eco-lodge located conveniently close to Cusco.
Day 1. Arrive Buenos Aires (Argentina)
On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel before a Welcome Reception this evening.
Day 2. Buenos Aires
After an in-depth tour of Buenos Aires, head to Café Tortoni for an introductory Spanish class over coffee and croissants. Then ride the subway, explore San Telmo, visit La Boca, drive along Avenida 9 de Julio, see the tree-lined streets of Palermo and visit La Recoleta Cemetery. Tonight in the barrio (district) of Puerto Madero, enjoy a three-course dinner at a fine Argentinian parilla (steakhouse).
Day 3. Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay), Dine Around Dinner
This morning cruise to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay’s oldest town, where a tour will take you to the World Heritage-listed historic quarter, Barrío Historico. After returning to Buenos Aires, this evening, enjoy French cuisine at Le Sud; Mediterranean cuisine at Sorrento Recoval; an Argentinian BBQ at El Mirasol de la Recova; or Italian fare at Piegari Restaurant.
Day 4. Buenos Aires, Freedom of Choice Touring
Perhaps cruise the Tigre River; enjoy a Fiesta Gaucha; take a museums tour; or enjoy a visit to the trendy streets of Palermo and the Galerías Pacífico shopping mall. Afterwards, enjoy free time, then head to Rojo Tango for dinner, fine Argentinian wine and the most exclusive tango show in the city.
Day 5. Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls (Argentina and Brazil), Dine Around Dinner
Fly to Iguassu Falls, a system of 275 falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Land on the Argentinian side of the falls and ride a train through forest to a series of walkways and viewing points. Afterwards, travel into Brazil and on to your hotel. Tonight dine at the Ipê Grill or Restaurante Itaipu within your hotel, or perhaps dine at Rafain Restaurant, a Brazilian BBQ establishment in town.
Day 6. Iguassu Falls
This morning enjoy time in Brazil’s Iguassu National Park. View the falls from close to the base then visit the Parque das Aves Bird Park. Walk through the giant aviaries and get up close to a range of native South American birds including a number of species of the iconic toucan. You’ll then enjoy a boat ride close to the base of the Devil’s Throat and the Three Musketeers.
Day 7. Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Fly to Rio de Janeiro and, during free time, perhaps visit the workshop of the acclaimed jeweller, H. Stern. At sunset, ride a cable car to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain. Afterwards, head for Porcão Rio’s to sample Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha, before a delicious BBQ.
Day 8. Rio de Janeiro, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning, perhaps take a jeep tour through two local favelas; visit the Sambódrome and take part in a samba lesson; explore the Botanical Gardens and Tijuca National Park on a jeep tour; take an excursion to Petrópolis; or ride a ferry to Niterói for a visit to the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum.
Day 9. Rio de Janeiro, Dine Around Dinner
Travel to Corcovado and its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Tonight, perhaps dine at Plataforma Restaurant then enjoy a show; savour Italian at Don Camillo; take in views over the coast from Restaurante Atlantis; or head to a samba bar for dinner and live samba music.
Day 10. Rio de Janeiro, Santiago (Chile)
Departing Brazil, you’ll fly to Chile’s capital, Santiago, and check in to your five-star hotel.
Day 11. Santiago, Dine Around Dinner
Tour Santiago then travel to Casas del Bosque vineyards for a tour, wine tasting and lunch. Back in Santiago tonight, perhaps sample Pacific Rim delicacies at Akarana; try seafood at Coco Loco; enjoy contemporary cuisine at the city’s oldest restaurant, Confiteria Torres; or head to the steakhouse, Happening.
Day 12. Santiago, Lima (Peru)
After breakfast, fly to Peru’s capital, Lima. On arrival, a tour includes a visit to the historic city centre. Tonight, dine at the renowned Brujas del Cachiche.
Day 13. Lima, Cusco, Chincheros, Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco then head for Chincheros in the Andean highlands. During a weaving demonstration, learn how colourful South American materials are created. Then enjoy a BBQ lunch and watch a Peruvian Paso horse demonstration at Wayra.
Day 14. Sacred Valley
Today begins with a visit to the markets of Pisac, before you’re given the chance to assist with a special school project in Taray. Later, it’s on to the Inca archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Afterwards, visit a local family home to sample an Andean meal.
Day 15. Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Board PeruRail’s Vistadome train and admire the mountainous Andean landscape as you travel to Machu Picchu. Enjoy lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge then set off on a guided tour.
Hike the Famous Inca Trail
The more adventurous can replace Day 15 touring with a five-hour hike to Machu Picchu, before rejoining the group for dinner at your hotel. A box lunch is included along the walk. A$295 pp twin share. Must be pre-booked.
Day 16. Machu Picchu, Cusco
After breakfast, perhaps return to Machu Picchu to experience the site in the peace of morning. This afternoon, board the Hiram Bingham by Orient-Express for a truly luxurious rail journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco.
Day 17. Cusco, Dine Around Dinner
Tour Cusco this morning then, after free time, choose from dinner at Tupananchis Restaurant and Pizzeria; tapas at Cicciolina; Italian cuisine at Incanto; fine dining at the MAP Café; or a show and dinner at Tunupa Restaurant Bar and Grill.
Day 18. Cusco, Puno
Today, board the Andean Explorer for a rail journey into the highlands and on to Puno, almost 4,000 metres above sea level. Travelling in Andean Explorer Class (first class), you’ll enjoy access to the lounge car and the open-air observation bar car, and you’ll be treated to a three-course lunch.
Day 19. Puno, Lake Titicaca
After breakfast, cruise to the home of the Uros people - a group of more than 40 man-made islands on Lake Titicaca made from floating reeds. Continue to the Capachica Peninsula for a BBQ lunch, then visit the local community of Llachon.
Day 20. Puno, Puerto Maldonado, Luxury Amazon Lodge
After breakfast, fly to Puerto Maldonado, nestled in the Amazon forest at the confluence of the Tambopata River and the Madre de Dios River - a tributary of the Amazon. On arrival, visit the butterfly gardens at the Inkaterra Butterfly House then board a motorised canoe and cruise to your lodge. Check in, then meet with an interpreter to discuss your touring options for your stay, based on your interests, fitness level and the forecast weather conditions. With multiple activities available - all of which are escorted by an English-speaking guide - you’re spoiled for choice.
Day 21. Luxury Amazon Lodge
Set adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve where the Madre de Dios River flows through Southern Peru’s rainforest region, Inkaterra Reserva Amazònica is the perfect base from which to explore the Amazon. Over two days, you choose the activities that most interest you, and opt to be as active or relaxed as you choose. Perhaps go walking along the rainforest treetop canopy to observe the jungle from a unique perspective. You may like to join a tour to a local village and learn about the medicinal plants of the rainforest. In the evening, a Rainforest by Night tour is available, introducing you to the animals that awaken after dark. With these and so many other options available, this is a truly personalised manner in which to explore.
Day 22. Luxury Amazon Lodge
Explore one of the many options available.
Day 23. Luxury Amazon Lodge, Lima
After breakfast, return to the airport in Puerto Maldonado and fly to Lima. The rest of today is then yours to spend at leisure.
Day 24. Lima, Quito (Ecuador)
Board a plane and fly to Quito, capital of Ecuador. On arrival, check in to your hotel.
Day 25. Quito
Today tour Quito, then travel to the ‘Middle of the World’ - where the southern and northern hemispheres meet.
Day 26. Quito, Galápagos Islands Cruise
Fly to San Cristóbal Island, part of the Galápagos archipelago. On arrival, board your ship. This afternoon, explore Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill), home to a range of Galápagos wildlife including Blue-footed Boobies, iguanas and more.
Day 27. Galápagos Islands Cruise
Spend today exploring Española Island, which plays host to an incredible number of different creatures. In the morning, perhaps spend time on the white sandy beach, head for Gardener Island to go snorkelling or see the fish as you snorkel off Osborn Islet. At Punta Suarez, enjoy a wildlife walk.
Day 28. Galápagos Islands Cruise
On Santa Cruz Island, enjoy a walk and look for sea lions, iguanas and birdlife. Then cruise to Rabida Island, where you’re likely to see boobies, flamingos, several species of finch and more.
Day 29. Galápagos Islands Cruise
Explore Puerto Ayora, the most populated town in the Galápagos. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see giant Galápagos Tortoises including Lonesome George, the last known Pinta Island Tortoise. Later, cruise to South Plazas Island and set off on a walk, looking out for marine and land iguanas.
Day 30. Galápagos Islands Cruise, Quito
After breakfast today, your cruise ends as you disembark your ship on Baltra Island and fly back to Quito. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at Theatrum Restaurante and Wine Bar, located in Quito’s Sucre National Theatre in the Old Town.
Day 31. Depart Quito
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
