Highlights of South America

20 days, 28 meals. Cover four countries in 20 days on this incredible South American adventure. Stay in thrilling capital cities and see wonders on a grand scale from Iguazu Falls to Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Santiago

Arrive in Santiago, the Chilean capital. Situated in the Santiago basin and flanked by the Andes, this metropolis enjoys one of the most stunning settings of any city in the world. On arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Reception this evening.

Day 2: Santiago, Valparaiso

After breakfast, head off to explore the port city of Valparaiso, one of the South Pacific’s most important seaports. On arrival, set out on a tour of the World Heritage-listed town centre. Then take a drive into the surrounding hills to absorb the vistas of the bay and the colourful city below. Later, return to Santiago for your evening at leisure.

Day 3: Santiago, Buenos Aires

This morning, see Santiago’s modern and historic sites on a guided tour. Rich in history, walk around the Plaza de Aromas before transferring to the airport and flying to Buenos Aires. On arrival, check into your hotel, then enjoy free time.

Day 4: Buenos Aires

Your in-depth tour of Buenos Aires starts this morning along the Avenida de Mayo. At the Plaza de Mayo, admire the pink Casa Rosada, a palatial building that houses the offices of the Argentine president. You’ll also see the city’s cathedral as well as the Cabildo, Buenos Aires’ first city hall. Later, explore the Italian-influenced barrio of La Boca and its famously colourful pedestrian street, the Caminito. You’ll also travel along Avenida 9 de Julio.

Day 5: Buenos Aires

Armed with the insight and advice provided by your knowledgeable Travelmarvel Tour Director, today is yours to either relax or explore more of this fascinating city.

Day 6: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls

Fly to Iguazu Falls, a system of 275 falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. On the Argentinian side, ride the Ecological train to a series of walkways and viewing points. This narrow-gauge train stops at several locations including one that leads to the 82-metre-high Devil’s Throat, one of the most spectacular falls of the region. Afterwards, perhaps enjoy your Enhance your Journey experience.

Day 7: Iguazu Falls

Today on the Brazilian side, experience the majesty of World Heritage-listed Iguacu National Park during a half-day tour. Walk through spectacular subtropical rainforest and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the falls. Afterwards, you might like to enjoy your Enhance your Journey experience.

Day 8: Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro

Later today, fly to beautiful Rio de Janeiro, also known as ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ – Portuguese for the Marvellous City. After checking in, enjoy time to recharge or stroll along the stunning Copacabana beachfront.

Day 9: Rio de Janeiro

Today, head to Corcovado Mountain and visit the incredible statue of Christ the Redeemer, the world’s largest art deco sculpture. Admire the breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro and its stunning surroundings. See the sunset this evening on a cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain.

Day 10: Rio de Janeiro

In a capital city as dynamic as Rio de Janeiro, there is always something around the corner to discover. Today you have a full day set aside to relax or explore, from beautiful, landscaped parks and botanical gardens to bohemian neighbourhoods and long stretches of sandy beaches.

Day 11: Rio de Janeiro, Lima

Early this morning fly to Lima and undertake a panoramic city tour of Lima’s historic centre, admire the Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Built in the 16th century, this pink convent is also the resting place for three Peruvian saints. Then enjoy lunch at a historic mansion in the city.

Day 12: Lima, Cusco, Chinchero, Sacred Valley

Wake early this morning and fly to the World Heritage-listed city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Travel through Cusco to Chinchero, a city located in the stunning Andean highlands. See how the colourful fabrics of Peru are created during a traditional weaving demonstration.

Day 13: Sacred Valley

Today, explore the Pisac ruins, a unique Inca archaeological site. Then visit a local family home and be treated to a traditional home-cooked Peruvian lunch.

Day 14: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Farewell the Sacred Valley this morning bound for Machu Picchu aboard your train. On arrival, you will set off to join a guided walking tour of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 15: Machu Picchu, Cusco

With the morning free, you might like to step out and wander around the colourful stalls of the Mercado de Artesanias craft market in Aguas Calientes. Later today, you will reboard your train for a wonderful journey to Ollantaytambo station before a coach returns you to Cusco. Enjoy a delicious Peruvian dinner and traditional folklore show at a local restaurant this evening.

 

Day 16: Cusco

A guided walking tour through Cusco today will take you to the city’s historic heart, the Plaza de Armas. During your tour you will visit the sacred site of Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, thought to be the most important temple of the Inca Empire. Ruined during the 16th century, today its stonework forms the foundations of the baroque Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. Following the tour, the afternoon is yours to absorb the atmosphere of this city at your own leisure.

Day 17: Puno, Lake Titicaca

Take a coach to the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, you will stop at the small town of Andahuaylillas to visit San Pedro Apostol, a small Baroque chapel built in the 16th century called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes owing to a dazzlingly ornate interior of murals and decorations. You will also stop for a hearty buffet lunch. Later, on arrival in Puno, this evening is at your leisure.

Day 18: Puno, Lake Titicaca

Your Lake Titicaca excursion starts with a visit to one of the forty floating Uros islands, Titino before reaching the unspoiled community of Luquina. Locals in this lesser-known area are not visited by mass tourism yet. The locals will introduce you to the daily activities and customs of a Quechua community. A simple but fresh Andean lunch is served then in the community’s restaurant, Luquina, on the shores of Lake Titicaca and providing some of the best views of the lake.

Day 19: Lake Titicaca, Lima

Fly from Puno to Lima this morning and choose to Enhance your Journey with a visit the Larco Museum, a privately owned collection of pre-Columbian art, ceramics, and numerous artefacts from across Peru. Alternatively, the afternoon is yours at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a delicious Farewell Dinner.

Day 20: Depart Lima

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.