Suitable for clients travelling from the US. On this 29 Day Small Group Journey, you’ll take in the best of the South American mainland before setting off on an incredible five day Galapagos Islands cruise.
Day 1. Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
Be met on arrival in Buenos Aires today and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception.
Day 2. Buenos Aires
A tour of Buenos Aires this morning begins with a visit to the Avenida de Mayo, an avenue that connects with the city’s main downtown square, the Plaza De Mayo. See sightseeing highlights including the pink Casa Rosada (Government House), the city’s cathedral and the Cabildo, the first city hall. Next, visit Café Tortoni, a famous literati coffeehouse established in 1858. As you enjoy fresh coffee and croissants, you’re invited to participate in a fun and informative introductory Spanish class, which will provide a basic understanding of words and phrases you’ll come across during your holiday. Afterwards, take a ride on the subway, the first of its kind in Latin America, then visit the city’s oldest barrio (district), San Telmo. Here, enjoy ample time to stroll around the charming square, which is lined with antique shops. Later, explore the Italian-influenced barrio of La Boca, with its colorful houses and picturesque pedestrian street, the Caminito. As you then drive along one of the widest avenues in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, you’ll see the iconic Teatro Colón (Columbia Theatre). Continue on to see the parks, gardens and tree-lined streets of Palermo and visit La Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place for many famous Argentines including Eva Perón (Evita). This evening, head to the vibrant portside barrio of Puerto Madero, located on the Río de la Plata riverbank and home to the city’s most modern architectural trends. Here, sit back and enjoy a sumptuous three-course dinner at a fine Argentinian parilla (steakhouse).
Day 3. Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, Dine Around Dinner
After a cruise across the Río de la Plata, you’ll arrive in Uruguay’s oldest town, Colonia del Sacramento. Here, a tour will take you to the World Heritage-listed historic quarter, Barrío Historico, where you’ll learn the history of this picturesque port, founded by the Portuguese in 1680. Afterwards, enjoy free time to further explore the cobbled streets, before returning to Buenos Aires. Tonight, choose where you’d like to dine. Perhaps enjoy traditional French cuisine at Le Sud; indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at Sorrento Recova; feast on an Argentinian BBQ at El Mirasol de la Recova; or alternatively, sample Italian fare at Piegari Restaurant.
Day 4. Buenos Aires, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, perhaps head to the island town of Tigre and cruise on a vintage mahogany boat over the waterways of the Paraná Delta. Or visit an estancia (ranch), for a full-day Fiesta Gaucha featuring horseback riding, folk music, dance and lunch. You may prefer to tour the Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano Isaac Fernández Blanco (the Spanish America Art Museum) and the Evita Museum or tour the popular streets of Palermo, as well as the Galerías Pacífico shopping mall. Afterwards, enjoy free time, then head to the Philippe Starck-designed cabaret, Rojo Tango, for dinner, drinks and the city’s most exclusive tango show.
Day 5. Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls, Argentina and Brazil, Dine Around Dinner
Fly to Iguassu Falls (flight not included), a system of 275 falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Land on the Argentinian side of the falls and ride the Rainforest Ecological Train through forest to a series of walkways and viewing points, including one located directly over 82 metre-high Devil’s Throat. Afterwards, travel into Brazil and on to your hotel, located just a stroll from the falls. This evening dine at either the Ipê Grill or the Restaurante Itaipu, both within your hotel. Or head into town to the Rafain Restaurant, a popular Brazilian BBQ establishment.
Day 6. Iguassu Falls
This morning enjoy time in Brazil’s World Heritage-listed Iguassu National Park. View the falls from close to the base of the Devil’s Throat then visit the Parque das Aves Bird Park, set just outside the national park. Walk through the giant aviaries and see native South American birds including flamingos, parrots and macaws, as well as several species of the iconic toucan. You’ll then take a boat ride up the river close to the base of the Devil’s Throat and the Three Musketeers. Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7. Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
After flying to Rio de Janeiro today (flight included), check into your hotel then, during time at leisure, perhaps visit the Ipanema workshop of the acclaimed jeweller, H. Stern. At sunset, absorb one of the world’s truly exquisite views as you ride a cable car from Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) via Morro da Urca (Urca Hill) to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, situated at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. After time at the peak, head for Porcão Rio’s to sample Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha, before a delicious and interactive Brazilian BBQ.
Day 8. Rio de Janeiro, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning, perhaps embark on a jeep tour through two friendly local favelas. Or visit the Sambódrome - site of the Carnival Parade - then head to a local samba school to try on a costume and take part in a samba lesson. Alternatively, take a full-day excursion to Petrópolis, which is The Imperial City of Brazil, or experience the beauty of the Botanical Gardens and Tijuca National Park on a jeep tour. Your last option is a ferry ride across the bay to the island of Niterói for a visit to the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum. After your chosen activity, the evening is yours to spend at leisure.
Day 9. Rio de Janeiro, Dine Around Dinner
This morning after breakfast, travel to Corcovado, a mountain that’s famous for its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the statue and travel to the platform at its peak for stunning views over downtown Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach and much more. This evening, choose from our Dine Around Dinner options. Perhaps dine at Plataforma Restaurant then enjoy a show, savor an Italian meal at Don Camillo, take in views over Copacabana Beach from Restaurante Atlantis or head to a samba bar for dinner and live samba music.
Day 10. Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Chile
Departing Brazil, fly to Chile’s capital, Santiago (flight not included), situated in the Central Valley between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean coast. On arrival, check into your five-star hotel before this evening is yours at leisure to settle in.
Day 11. Santiago, Dine Around Dinner
On a tour of Santiago this morning, explore the city’s central square, the Plaza de Armas, and enjoy superb views over the city from San Cristóbal Hill. Afterwards, travel to the San Antonio Valley, where you’ll tour the boutique vineyards of Matetic then taste some Chilean wine before a delicious lunch. Back in Santiago, a Dine Around Dinner offers you the chance to sample Pacific Rim delicacies at Akarana; taste fresh seafood at Coco Loco; indulge in 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 the starting point for your Peruvian discovery and the country’s capital, Lima (flight not included). On arrival, a tour of the city includes a visit to the World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Lima, where you’ll see many of this fascinating quarter’s most significant landmarks, such as the Archbishop Palace, the Basilica Cathedral of Lima and much more. Take the time to observe Lima’s colonial-influenced architecture with its elaborately ornate balconies, which gild many of its buildings. After checking into your hotel, dine at Brujas del Cachiche - a local restaurant set in an old mansion overlooking a lovely park. Lima is now widely hailed as a gastronomic centre for Latin American cuisine. This evening, enjoy a delicious medley of Peruvian culinary delights. Then, learn more about the adventure that awaits over the coming days.
Day 13. Lima, Cusco, Chincheros, Sacred Valley
Today, fly to the World Heritage-listed city of Cusco, the historic capital of the Incan Empire (flight not included). On arrival, travel through the city en route to the lovely city of Chincheros, set high in the Andean highlands. During a traditional weaving demonstration, learn how the famously colorful materials of South America are created. Later, head for Wayra, a restaurant and equestrian centre. Enjoy a BBQ lunch, a Peruvian Paso horse demonstration and a performance of the ‘la marinera’ - known as Peru’s national dance.
Day 14. Sacred Valley
Take a full day tour in and around the Sacred Valley and visit the markets of Pisac. Then enjoy the chance to contribute time to the community of nearby Taray during a special school project. Later, continue on to the site of Ollantaytambo, before visiting the home of a local family for a typical Andean meal.
Day 15. Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Board PeruRail’s Vistadome train and admire the mountainous Andean landscape outside your large panoramic windows as you travel to Machu Picchu, located over 7,900 feet above sea level. On arrival at the ruins, enjoy a hearty lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge then set off on a locally guided tour of the iconic Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu. Recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu was built around 1450, at the height of the Incan Empire, and abandoned just over 100 years later. The site remained undiscovered in modern times until the American historian, Hiram Bingham, brought it to international attention in 1911. Today, it’s a World Heritage-listed site and the most familiar icon of the Incan World. After your time here, return to town and check into your charming hotel.
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. Must be pre-booked. Additional charge.
Day 16. Machu Picchu, Cusco
Awake this morning incredibly close to the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. With leisure time after breakfast, you have the chance to return to Machu Picchu to experience the site in true serenity - for the day travelers don’t arrive until later that morning. This afternoon, board Orient-Express’ Hiram Bingham train for what is the most luxurious rail journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco. On board, you’ll savor a Pisco Sour, enjoy live Peruvian music and indulge in a sumptuous four-course Andean-inspired dinner. On arrival back in Cusco following this remarkable rail journey, you’ll disembark and check into your hotel.
Day 17. Cusco, Dine Around Dinner
A walking tour of Cusco this morning will take you to the square in the city’s historic heart, the Plaza de Armas, as well as the sacred sites of Koricancha and Santo Domingo. After free time, perhaps dine at Tupananchis Restaurant and Pizzeria; enjoy tapas at Cicciolina; try Italian cuisine at Incanto; indulge in fine dining at the MAP Café; or take in a folklore show and dinner at Tunupa Restaurant Bar and Grill.
Day 18. Cusco, Puno
Today, board the Andean Explorer for a day-long rail journey into the highlands and on to Puno, almost 12,500 feet above sea level. Travelling in Andean Explorer Class (first class), the start of your rail adventure is dominated by the spectacular Andean mountains, towering over the valleys below. Later, you’ll reach the sweeping Andean Plains, home to wild vicuña and alpaca. On the way, enjoy access to the lounge car and the open-air observation bar car, and be treated to a three-course lunch. Later, arrive in Puno, which is situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, and check into your hotel.
Day 19. Puno, Lake Titicaca
Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the largest navigable high-altitude lake in the world and it was also a sacred place for the Incan civilization. Today, take a cruise on this vast expanse of water, studded with many islands, to the home of the Uros people – a group of more than 40 man-made islands created from floating reeds. Then continue to the isolated Capachica Peninsula, where you’ll enjoy great views and a traditional BBQ lunch. Afterwards, visit the community of Llachon, overlooking the lake. Late this afternoon, return to your hotel.
Day 20. Puno, Lima
After flying back to Lima (flight not included), transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Huaca Pucllana – set within the ancient ruins of the Huaca Pucllana, which is an archaeological compound built between 200 and 700 AD. As you dine, take in amazing views of the colorfully illuminated adobe pyramid, digs and walls of the complex.
Day 21. Lima, Quito (Ecuador)
Fly to Quito, capital of Ecuador. On arrival, check in to your hotel.
Day 22. Quito
This morning, take a fascinating guided tour of Quito’s World Heritage-listed Old Town, which is nestled high up in the Andes. At 9,200 feet above sea level, Quito is the second-highest administrative capital city in the world. Following your tour, travel to the site of the ‘Middle of the World’ – where the southern and northern hemispheres meet, marked by the monolithic Equinoctial Monument. After exploring here, return to Quito and enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 23. Quito, Otavalo
Enjoy a day trip to Otavalo, notable for its textiles and Indian clothing markets. Take a tour here, then head to Cotacachi, famous for its leatherworks. Stop off at Hacienda Pinsaqui for a typical Ecuadorian lunch, then return to Quito and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 24. Quito, Galápagos Islands Cruise
Fly to San Cristóbal Island, the easternmost in the Galápagos archipelago (flight included). On arrival, transfer to your ship. This afternoon, set out to Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill), a collapsed volcano with a white fine-sand beach that’s home to Galápagos wildlife including sea lions and frigate birds.
Day 25. Galápagos Islands Cruise
Spend today exploring unforgettable Española Island. This morning, choose from three touring options. In Gardener’s Bay, see colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas and view sea turtles swim offshore. You also have the chance to snorkel with the sea lions. Your second option is to head for nearby Gardener Island to snorkel with a plethora of fish. Or perhaps visit Osborn Islet to snorkel with tropical fish. After lunch, disembark at Punta Suarez for an informative wildlife walk.
Day 26. Galápagos Islands Cruise
Arrive at Santa Cruz Island and Bahia Ballena (Whale Bay), a newly opened site. Go for a walk to observe sea lions and marine iguanas then cruise to Rabida Island, where you’re likely to see pelicans, White-cheeked Pintails, boobies, and up to nine species of finch as you walk the red sand beaches and visit the saltwater lagoon, inhabited by pink flamingos and a sea lion colony.
Day 27. Galápagos Islands Cruise
Visit the south side of Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora and tour the Charles Darwin Research Station. See Galápagos Tortoises including Lonesome George, thought by many to be the world’s rarest creature. Later, cruise to South Plazas Island, home to one of the Galápagos’ largest populations of land iguanas.
Day 28. Galápagos Islands Cruise, Quito
Disembark and fly to Quito (flight included). Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at Theatrum Restaurante & Wine Bar, in Quito’s Sucre National Theatre.
Day 29. Depart Quito
This morning your vacation ends with a transfer to the airport.
