Day 1
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Begin your South American adventure in the vibrant Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, a local host will escort you to your hotel, boasting stunning views of Copacabana Beach. In the evening, gather with your Travel Director and fellow explorers for a festive Welcome Reception, setting the tone for your journey.
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro or similar
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
Day 2
Rio de Janeiro
Start your morning leisurely, Rio-style, then join your Travel Director to explore the contrasting marvels of Brazil's cidade maravilhosa. Visit the 18th-century Carioca Aqueduct, the colonial Candelaria Church, and the Sambodromo, the epicentre of Rio Carnival. Experience a breathtaking cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain, offering stunning views of the bay and city. The evening is yours to enjoy freely.
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3
Rio de Janeiro
This morning, visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer, ascending Corcovado by cogwheel train for panoramic views. Back in Rio, explore Copacabana and Ipanema's shores. Enjoy free time observing Rio's vibrant lifestyle. In the evening, master the art of mixing a caipirinha, followed by a sizzling regional barbecue dinner at a local churrascaria.
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Day 4
Rio de Janeiro- Iguassu Falls
Fly from Rio to the breathtaking Iguassu Falls, a UNESCO treasure spanning Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. With a Local Specialist, discover the Brazilian side in Iguassu National Park. Hike amidst mist and spray, experiencing the area's humid, lush micro-climate, home to diverse fauna and over 2,000 plant species. End your day crossing into Argentina for your hotel stay.
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure, Argentina or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5
Iguassu Falls
Explore the Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls at Devil's Throat and engage with the Guarani community at Fortín M'bororé for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn their jungle secrets, culture, and the "Spirit of the Trees" in a guided jungle walk. In the afternoon, choose between a thrilling Gran Aventura boat tour or a cultural Argentinean experience with a five-course dinner and wine tasting, meeting travellers from across the globe.
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure, Argentina or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Iguassu Falls- Buenos Aires
Fly from Iguassu Falls to Buenos Aires and settle into your hotel near historic Plaza San Martin. Spend your free time exploring the city's upscale areas. In the evening, experience the intense passion of tango at El Viejo Almacen in San Telmo, a classic venue embodying the essence of Tango culture since 1969.
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Day 7
Buenos Aires
Discover Buenos Aires with a city tour featuring the pink palace, cathedral, and vibrant La Boca neighbourhood. Afterwards, enjoy free time to relax or explore the city further. Optionally, visit the scenic Tigre Delta, a lush retreat with yachting and summer homes, or experience a wine tasting at “El Querandi,” a historical bar dating back to 1920, showcasing the city's rich heritage.
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8
Buenos Aires
Travel to San Antonio de Areco, the epicentre of gaucho culture in the pampas, and stroll its charming streets adorned with silversmiths. Participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, supporting a local initiative aiding disabled artisans in crafting traditional "alpargatas" shoes. Visit an artist's studio to witness the creation of masterpieces. Conclude with a Be My Guest lunch featuring asado steak at a gaucho ranch, enjoying a display of cowboy skills, music, and dance.
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 9
Buenos Aires- Lima
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru, starting in its vibrant capital. Upon arrival, a local host will guide you to your hotel in the chic Miraflores district, known for its upscale shopping. Later, at 6 p.m., meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a warm Welcome Reception.
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima or similar
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
Day 10
Lima
This morning, uncover the colonial heritage of Lima's UNESCO-listed Historic Centre with a Local Specialist. Marvel at the Church of San Francisco's baroque façade and explore its catacombs. Embrace Lima's culinary prestige with Ignacio Barrios, visiting a local market to understand the foundation of Peruvian cuisine. At his cooking school, engage in a demonstration of Peru's famous dishes, followed by a Be My Guest lunch sampling these flavours. Enjoy free time afterwards to further explore.
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 11
Lima- Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, where you'll engage with local culture at Manos de la Comunidad, a Weaving Centre showcasing Sacred Valley traditions. Stay at an 18th-century colonial-style monastery hotel. Meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver, learning about her journey and role in preserving ancient weaving techniques. Your visit contributes to sustaining these traditional practices, making it a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, Sacred Valley or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Sacred Valley- Machu Picchu
Today, delve into the enigmatic Sacred Valley and its Inca legacy. Start with a visit to the imposing Ollantaytambo fortress. Then embark on an unforgettable Vistadome train ride, snack included, to the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu. A Local Specialist guides you through the ancient ruins, including the Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana sundial. End your day with a hotel dinner.
Accommodation: El MaPi, Machu Picchu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13
Machu Picchu- Cusco
Revisit Machu Picchu this morning for personal exploration of its mystical ruins. Later, journey to Cusco, pausing at a local chicheria to sample chicha and Dive Into Culture, learning about this traditional Peruvian corn beer's production by local women.
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14
Cusco
This morning, join your Local Specialist for a tour of Cusco, observing Spanish colonial architecture built atop Inca foundations. Visit landmarks like the Plaza de Armas' baroque Cathedral and the 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo. Explore the Sacsayhuaman fortress ruins and ancient Inca granaries. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. Tonight, dive into culture with a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant, featuring Cusquenian cuisine and traditional dance performances.
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 15
Cusco- Lima
Arrive in Lima late this morning for a relaxed day. Spend the afternoon at your leisure or join a Local Specialist for an evening tour at the Larco Museum, showcasing pre-Columbian art. Cap off your journey with a memorable Farewell Dinner in the museum's beautiful garden.
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 16
Lima- Quito
Proceed to the airport for your next flight to Ecuador (note: flight cost not included in the holiday package). Upon arrival in Quito, receive a warm greeting at the airport and be escorted to your hotel.
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 17
Quito
Explore Quito's historic centre, the first location ever declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Journey to the 'Middle of the World' and experience standing on the Equator. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying leisure time.
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 18
Quito- Bartolome Island
Embark on a journey to the very place that sparked Darwin's insights into the process of Natural Selection. Begin your adventure at Baltra airport, from where you'll be whisked away to the M/V Galápagos Legend. Set sail towards the captivating Bartolomé Island. Here, ascend to the peak for breathtaking panoramas, and later, immerse yourself in a snorkelling experience surrounded by the unique Galápagos penguins.
Accommodation: M/V Galapagos Legend or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 19
South Plaza Island- North Seymour Island
Today's adventure begins at South Plaza Island, renowned for its Galápagos sea lions and distinctive prickly pear cacti amidst a striking red terrain. We'll then explore North Seymour Island, where sea lions and marine iguanas bask on sandy beaches and rocky shores.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20
San Cristobal Island
This morning, we ascend Pitt Point's volcanic hill, hoping to spot three booby species together. Next, we visit Cerro Brujo's coral beach, mingling with sea lions or snorkelling by Witch's Hill's shadow.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21
San Cristobal Island- Quito
Visit La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a sanctuary for giant tortoises, then conclude your Galápagos expedition. Depart from San Cristobal Airport to Quito, arriving at 7 p.m., important for coordinating onward flights.
Meals Included: Breakfast
