The Very Best of South America 2012/2013

Luxury South America Holiday - 23-day escorted tour

One minute enthralled by a passionate tango display; the next, enraptured by dramatic waterfalls; the next, enchanted by the sleepy peace of a hillside village. This emotional journey is designed, not just to entertain, but to enrich.

Tour highlights
• Taking in the contrasting sights and sounds of Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, from mystical high peaks to sparkling bays
• Sightseeing around Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro
• Spending two nights in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and uncovering their fascinating history
• Journeying on a vistadome train to mysterious Machu Picchu
• Travelling over the Andes on a spectacular route from Chile to Argentina
• Sampling local wines at historic wineries and creating your own blend
• Taking a gourmet, culinary journey through South America’s diverse flavours
• Experiencing the force of Devil’s Throat waterfall in Argentina and treading the boardwalks in Brazil to view the Iguazu Falls from different vantage points
• Feeling the passion of an Argentine tango and a Brazilian samba

Extend Your Holiday
There’s so much to take in on this epic tour, why not combine yet another experience with some time to relax and absorb everything you’ve seen and done, before you head back to reality? We’ve organised two tour options; you can either travel along the coast to relax in the charming resort of Buzios, or we can take you deep into the jungle, to an Amazon lodge, where you’ll find true peace amidst a host of wildlife.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
Meet your Tour Manager before your flight to Peru, via Madrid.
Meals: In-flight. Hotel: Swissôtel.

Day 2 Lima
Your adventure begins with a tour of one of the oldest cities in the Americas, known as the City of Kings. You’ll visit the historic centre, the cathedral, the Monastery of San Francisco and the government buildings. We’ve also arranged a special visit to Casa Aliaga, a museum and home which has been handed down through 17 generations, since the city was founded in 1535. You’ll continue on to the modern Miraflores district on the Pacific coast for lunch, then return to the hotel for a free afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Swissôtel.

Day 3 Lima to Sacred Valley
This morning, you’ll fly to Cusco in south east Peru, then travel towards the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, you’ll stop at the vibrant Pisac market, where local villagers, many in traditional dress, gather to sell their wares, including handicrafts, ponchos and rugs. You’ll then head down to the valley, past a patchwork of fields which have been farmed the same way since Inca times by people who guard their age-old traditions. Your hotel, with individual ‘casita’ style rooms, is set in lovely gardens in the peaceful valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Sol y Luna.

Day 4 Sacred Valley
Your first stop today is Chinchero, a traditional village over 1,000 feet above the Urabamba River Valley floor, famous for its vibrant textiles with beautiful Incan designs. You’ll then continue to Maras, an amazing set of terraces that have been used to produce salt for hundreds of years. At lunchtime, you’ll stop at Casa Hacienda Orihuela, a private family estate with a rich history. You’ll sample typical local dishes, view the collection of local art and wander beautiful gardens with superb mountain views. Then, you continue on to Ollantaytambo, once the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, the town is an important Inca archaeological site. A fortress, partly built into the mountain sides, Ollantaytambo gave a strong defence against the Spanish conquistadores.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel: Sol y Luna.

Day 5 Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
A wonderful journey on the Vistadome train follows the Urubamba river as the valley closes into a dramatic gorge. An unforgettable vista awaits as you take the coach up to mysterious Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas. After a guided tour of the citadel and lunch, you’ll have time to explore after the crowds have gone.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel: Inkaterra Machu Picchu.

Day 6 Machu Picchu to Cusco
Today we’ve arranged another day’s entrance into the Inca temple complex if you’d like to explore further. Our travellers who watch the sun rise over the ruins find it’s an incredible experience. In the afternoon, you’ll board a train to Poroy then continue to Cusco by coach.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Libertador.

Day 7 Cusco
You’re free to explore this morning before your afternoon tour of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. The tour takes in Inca remains, the history of the Spanish conquest, the Koricancha temple and Santo Domingo Monastery, the Baroque cathedral and the spectacular ceremonial site of Sacsayhuaman, set high above the city.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Libertador.

Day 8 Cusco to Santiago
This morning, you’ll fly south to Santiago, via Lima, and the comforts of its VIP airport lounge.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Grand Hyatt.

Day 9 Santiago
To recharge after a few days travelling, today is a relaxed gourmet day. You’ll travel into the picturesque valleys of central Chile’s wine region, with vineyards dotted around the fertile lands in  the foothills of the Andes. First, you’ll visit the De Martino vineyard, a pioneering Chilean winery with a Tuscan-style manor house. Then, you’ll continue to the Maipo valley and the historic Trapaca vineyard, regarded as one of Chile’s best, where you’ll dine on regional gourmet specialities in beautiful surroundings and sample the wines.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Grand Hyatt.

Day 10 Santiago
On a half day tour of Santiago, you’ll stop at the impressive Presidential Palace, La Moneda, then explore the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art based in the old Royal Customs House, where the exhibits include ancient Latin American artefacts and paintings. You’ll visit the 18th century cathedral and National History Museum, then the afternoon is free to do as you please in this sophisticated city.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Grand Hyatt.

Day 11 Santiago to Mendoza
An extraordinary five hour journey takes you through picturesque valleys, past vineyards, small villages, forests and mountain slopes which give way to incredible views as we reach the Argentine border near Mount Aconcagua; the highest point of the Andes. Here, a statue of Christ the Redeemer of the Andes is an  impressive symbol of peace between Chile and Argentina. Descending into Argentina, the landscape gets greener, and you’ll finally arrive in the region’s capital, Mendoza; a European style city famous for its wine and cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sheraton.

Day 12 Mendoza
Heading into the countryside, you’ll see how wine is cultivated in some of the highest vineyards in the world, using Argentina’s distinctive Malbec grape that is so well suited to the climate. You’ll also have the opportunity to blend your own wine, guided by local experts. An excellent lunch is served at the vineyard, with the snow-capped Andes as a magnificent backdrop. You’ll then head back to the hotel for a free afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Sheraton.

Day 13 Mendoza
Today is a free day. Ask your Tour Manager for ideas, such as exploring the city, wine tasting or cookery courses to learn how to make gourmet Argentinean delicacies.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sheraton

Day 14 Mendoza to Buenos Aires
After your flight to Buenos Aires, you’ll embark on an afternoon tour of Argentina’s elegant and exciting capital. From the sophisticated neighbourhood of Recoleta, where Parisian architecture meets modern high-rises, you’ll visit the famous cemetery where Eva Perón is buried. The tour moves on to the government seat of Casa Rosada in the main square; Plaza de Mayo. Finally, you can watch the artists and street performers on the lively streets of La Boca, the colourful old port district.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sofitel Arroyo.

Day 15 Buenos Aires
The Pampas, the fertile Argentine grazing lands, stretch for hundreds of miles and are home to many huge ranches. At the beautiful Estancia El Rosario del Areco, dating from 1892, you’ll be welcomed by the family and served a splendid Argentine barbecue lunch. The legends of the gaucho are central to Argentine culture and you’ll watch a demonstration of horsemanship to complete the estancia experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Sofitel Arroyo.

Day 16 Buenos Aires
You have a free day to explore Buenos Aires’ hidden corners, or immerse yourself in the culture on a half day tour, such as a look backstage at the Colon Theatre, an exclusive visit to a private art studio, or a tango class. Tonight, your Buenos Aires dinner event includes a gourmet meal, fine wine and a top tango show.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Sofitel Arroyo.

Day 17 Buenos Aires to Iguazú
The world-famous Iguazú Falls divide the Iguazú River right on the border of Brazil and Argentina. After flying north to Iguazú, you’ll head to the Argentine side of the falls, which offer a thrilling perspective from above, and visit Devil’s Throat cataract – a heart-stopping wall of water 82 metres high and 150 metres wide.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sheraton Internacional.

Day 18 Iguazú
Today you’ll visit the Brazilian side of the falls, where a series of boardwalks provide some fantastic panoramic views. In the afternoon, you can explore by yourself, relax at the hotel or ask your Tour Manager to arrange an optional excursion; either to the rainforest to see the tropical wildlife, or on the river below the falls for a thrilling speedboat ride!
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sheraton Internacional.

Day 19 Iguazú to Rio de Janeiro
Squeeze in another visit to the Argentine side of the falls before your flight to Rio de Janeiro, where your hotel is set in a prime location on Copacabana beach, close to glamorous Ipanema.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sofitel.

Day 20 Rio de Janeiro
Your exciting tour of this colourful city begins in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood, where the ambience is arty and bohemian. Down at the waterfront, you’ll be served a typical Brazilian barbecue for lunch, before taking the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain to savour the panoramic views as you sip a cocktail.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Sofitel.

Day 21 Rio de Janeiro
Your morning tour heads to the ‘hunchback’ mountain of Corcovado to see the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Back in the city centre, you’ll visit the modernist Metropolitan Cathedral and see the wonderful effect of the huge stained glass windows from inside. The afternoon is free to explore or relax before your farewell dinner in an  exclusive Ipanema restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Sofitel.

Day 22 Depart Rio de Janeiro
After a leisurely morning, you’ll head back to the airport for your flight home, via Madrid.
Meals: Breakfast, Inflight.

Day 23 Arrive London Heathrow
Your holiday may be over, but your memories will last a lifetime.

Any questions? Chat to your Personal Travel Advisor on 0161 491 7616