The Very Best of South America

Luxury South America Escorted Tour - 23 Days

A hugely popular tour encapsulating the contrasting sights and sounds of Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil from the mystical peaks to the beautiful valleys and sparkling bays including a sensational train journey to spectacular Machu Picchu.

Holiday Highlights
• Take in the contrasting sights and sounds of Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, from the mystical high peaks to the beautiful valleys and the sparkling bays.
• Enjoy sightseeing tours of some of South America’s great cities - Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.
• Stay for 2 nights in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and discover the Incan Empire’s most dramatic temples and forts, as well as more hidden remains.
• Journey with us on a vistadome train to spectacular Machu Picchu, the mysterious lost city surrounded by mountains.
• Travel over the Andes from Chile to Argentina, on a spectacular route with views of the continent’s highest mountain.
• Sample the delights of the South America’s main wine regions, with Chile’s most historic wineries and the chance to create your own blend in the winelands of Argentina.
• Try some of South America’s excellent and diverse flavours, with gourmet lunches and dinners across the continent served in wineries, private houses and fine restaurants.
• Experience the force of Devil’s Throat Cascade waterfalls in Argentina and then tread the boardwalks in Brazil to view and hear the Iguazu Falls from different vantage points.
• Experience the art of an Argentine tango show and the colour and passion of the Brazilian samba.

Extend Your Holiday
At the end of your tour, why not make the most of your holiday by extending your stay with a visit to a different region to experience something different? Whether you’re looking to relax or want to explore further, we have a number of options available

Amazon Lodge – Brazil
Day 1
Fly from Rio to Manaus and transfer up the Amazon to the Anavilhanas lodge for a stay

of 3 nights. The lodge is located in the Anavilhanas National Park, where over 400

islands are scattered among the waters of the Amazon and are the home to a very rich

plant and animal life.

Days 2-3
A full programme of activities are included, with rainforest walks, boat trips on the river, a visit to a native community and perhaps the chance to see freshwater dolphins.

Day 4
Return transfer to Manaus and fly to Rio de Janeiro. Stay at the Sofitel for 1 night.

Day 5
Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport for a flight to London via Madrid.

Day 6
Afternoon arrival in London.

From £1,650 per person Single supplement £825

Brazil Beach – Buzios

Day 1
Transfer from Rio to the coastal resort of Buzios, known for its picturesque bay dotted

with small islands, secluded coves and the fashionable town. Stay for 3 nights at the

Insolito hotel, set on a cliff with great ocean views.

Days 2-3
At leisure to relax by the hotel, explore Buzios or take optional excursions such as a

schooner cruise.

Day 4
Afternoon transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport for a flight to London via Madrid.

Day 5
Afternoon arrival in London.

From £850 per person Single supplement £850

Day One - Departure from London Heathrow
Join your Tour Manager and fellow travel companions at London Heathrow before boarding your Iberia flight to Peru, via Madrid. On arrival in the capital, Lima, we transfer to our hotel for a 2- night stay.
Meals: In-flight
Hotel: Swissôtel

Day Two - Lima
After breakfast we begin our South American adventure with a tour of the city. Lima is one of the oldest cities in the Americas and was a powerful centre of the Spanish empire in South America. Visit the historic centre of the City of Kings, including the Cathedral and see the early Spanish colonial architecture in the Monastery of San Francisco and the French influences in the government buildings.
We have arranged a special visit to Casa Aliaga, a museum and home which has been occupied by 17 generations of the same family since the city was founded in 1535. Continue to the modern Miraflores district, bordering the Pacific Ocean coast, and enjoy lunch. We then return to our hotel with the rest of the afternoon to relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Swissôtel

Day Three - Lima - Sacred Valley
After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco in south eastern Peru and then travel onwards towards the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route we’ll visit Pisac market, which is known for its colour and vibrancy. People from the local villages, many of them in traditional dress, travel to the town and the many wares on offer include handicrafts, ponchos and rugs. We then head down to the valley, dotted with small farms and patchwork fields which have been farmed the same way since Inca times and before. The people of the valley still retain and guard age-old traditions. Settle into individual ‘casita’ style rooms, set in lovely gardens in the peaceful valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Sol y Luna

Day Four - Sacred Valley
This morning we explore Chinchero, a traditional village over one thousand feet above the Urabamba River Valley floor. The village is famous for its vibrant textiles sporting beautiful Incan designs, many of which are woven with ancestral tools. Continue to Maras, an amazing set of terraces dedicated to salt production which has been in use for hundreds of years. Today’s destination is Ollantaytambo – the famous starting point for the well-trodden Inca Trail. The town itself was one the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti and is now an important Inca archaeological site. Casa Hacienda Orihuela provides the perfect lunch spot. We’ll enjoy typical local dishes at this private family estate with a rich history, local art collection and beautiful gardens from which there are spectacular mountain views. After lunch, it’s on to Ollantaytambo – once the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti and an important Inca archaeological site. This huge fortress is a remarkable construction built into the mountain sides, and was a strong barrier against the Spanish conquistadores. Amazing details of how it was constructed are still visible today. After a stroll through the small town of Ollantaytambo, we return to the hotel for a relaxing evening in the timeless valley. Santiago Cusco locals and lamas. This afternoon we’ll visit Pisac market, which is known for its colour and vibrancy. People from the local villages, many of them in traditional dress, travel to the town and the many wares on offer include handicrafts, ponchos and rugs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Sol y Luna

Day Five - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Today’s adventures start with a spectacular journey on board the Vistadome train, following the Urubamba river as the valley closes into a dramatic gorge. We arrive at Machu Picchu town and after lunch continue up the valley sides to reach the unforgettable vista of Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the citadel and even have time to enjoy it after the crowds have gone.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Inkaterra

Day Six - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Today we have arranged another day’s entrance into the Inca temple complex of Machu Picchu for those of you who would like explore this mystical and very spiritual place further. Perhaps get up early and see the sun rise over the ruins for an unforgettable experience. Later we take the afternoon train to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Libertador

Day Seven - Cusco
Following breakfast we begin our tour of Cusco, once the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Our tour includes the Inca remains and the history of the Spanish conquest, including the Koricancha temple and Santo Domingo Monastery, the Baroque cathedral, with Inca and Catholic motifs, and spectacular ceremonial site of Sacsayhuaman, set high above the city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Libertador

Day Eight - Cusco - Santiago
This morning we fly south to Santiago via Lima. The use of the VIP airport lounge is included for us in Lima, where refreshments can be taken. On arrival in the Chilean capital we will transfer to our hotel for a three night stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Grand Hyatt

Day Nine - Santiago
After a few days of travelling we will have a relaxed gourmet day today as we travel out of the city and into the picturesque valleys of central Chile. This is Chile’s wine region, with vineyards dotted around the fertile lands in the foothills of the Andes. Visit the De Martino vineyard, a pioneering Chilean winery with a Tuscan-style manor house. We then continue to the Maipo valley and the historic Trapaca vineyard, regarded as one of Chile’s best, where we will enjoy a lunch of regional gourmet specialities in beautiful surroundings. Relax and enjoy the scenery as we head beck to Santiago for an evening in this sophisticated South American city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Grand Hyatt

Day Ten - Santiago
Today we have arranged a half day tour of Santiago for you. Our first stop will be the impressive Presidential Palace, La Moneda. Then we’ll explore the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art with its ancient Latin American artefacts and paintings in the old Royal Customs House. Our tour continues with a look at the 18th century cathedral and National History Museum. The afternoon is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Grand Hyatt

Day Eleven - Santiago - Mendoza
Today we say goodbye to Chile and make our way towards to Argentina. This extraordinary five hour journey begins as we leave the suburbs of Santiago and head out towards the Andes to our final destination of Mendoza. The scenery is picturesque with valleys, vineyards, small villages, forests and mountain slopes giving way to incredible views as we reach the border at a road pass near the highest part of the whole of the Andes chain, Mount Aconcagua. Here stands a statue of Christ the Redeemer of the Andes - a symbol of peace between Chile and Argentina. As we descend into Argentina, the landscape gets greener and we arrive at the regions’ capital, Mendoza. This European style city is famous for its wine and cuisine and our three night stay here will give you ample time to enjoy the best of the area.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Sheraton

Day Twelve - Mendoza
Today we will see how wine is cultivated on the other side of the great mountains, in some of the highest vineyards in the world with views of the high snow capped peaks not far beyond. Wine in Argentina is all about the distinctive Malbec variety, and we’ll see how the climate is so suited to this grape. What’s more, you will have the opportunity to blend your own wine, guided by local experts who will introduce you to the daily work of a winemaker. You will be provided with decanters, labels and all the tools to get involved in winemaking in small groups, in a fun South American style.
An excellent lunch is served at the vineyard with the snowcapped Andes as a magnificent backdrop. We then head back to our hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Sheraton

Day Thirteen - Mendoza
Today is free for you to do as you please. Explore the city, indulge in some more wine tasting, or have a chat with your Tour Manager – they have some inspired ideas for things to do in the area, including learning to make gourmet Argentinean delicacies.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Sheraton

Day Fourteen - Mendoza - Buenos Aires
Today we fly to Buenos Aires and begin our exploration of Argentina’s elegant and exciting capital with an afternoon city tour. We visit the sophisticated and upmarket neighbourhood of Recoleta, where Parisian architecture meets modern high-rise buildings, before taking in the famous cemetery, and then on to the government seat of Casa Rosada in the main square of Plaza de Mayo. We take you to the lively streets the colourful old port district of La Boca, which still has a 19th century ambience about it, and lively colourful streets with artists and street performers.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Sofitel Arroyo

Day Fifteen - Buenos Aires
Journey out of the capital to the edge of the Pampas, where huge ranches make use of the excellent grazing lands that stretch for hundreds of miles across the centre of Argentina. Visit the beautiful El Rosario de Areco estancia, dating from 1892, it is a lovely example of a colonial estancia which is still a working ranch and offers a warm welcome from the family. We will be served a splendid Argentine barbeque lunch. The legends of the gaucho are central to Argentine culture and we will be able to see an astounding demonstration of horsemanship and skills to complete the estancia experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Sofitel Arroyo

Day Sixteen - Buenos Aires
The day is yours. Buenos Aires is an easy city to explore with numerous hidden corners and districts with different character. Your Tour Manager will be happy to advise on some excellent half day tours, including backstage at the Colon Theatre or an exclusive visit to a private art studio. You can even participate in another of Argentina’s great passions – with an easy tango class in a welcoming small studio. This evening our Buenos Aires experience comes to a memorable close with a gourmet meal and fine wine accompanied by one of the city’s top Tango shows, in a beautiful and intimate setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Sofitel Arroyo

Day Seventeen - Buenos Aires - Iguazú
This morning we head to the airport for our flight north to Iguazú. On arrival we waste no time in taking you to the Brazilian side of the world-famous Iguazú Falls.. The series of boardwalks here provides some fantastic views of the complete panorama of falls from in front of and below the cascades on the opposite banks, it is a truly unforgettable sensory experience. Return to into Argentina at the Sheraton hotel. Jungle View rooms are reserved, upgrade to a Falls View room for £70 per person based on two sharing or £130 per person for singles.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Sheraton Internacional

Day Eighteen - Iguazú
This morning we head to the Argentina side of the falls. As we are staying in the national park we will be able to get in early before most of the day-trippers have arrived and have the place almost to ourselves. The falls divide the Iguazú River and are right on the border of the Brazilian state of Parana and Argentine Province of Misiones – there is a fabulous story around why the river was ‘sliced’ to create these impressive waterfalls. The Argentina side of the falls offers a thrilling perspective from above and you will be taken to the Devil’s Throat cataract – a heart-stopping wall of water at 82 metres high and 150 metres wide. The afternoon is yours at leisure, relax at the hotel or explore the pathways on your own. Your Tour Manager will be able to arrange optional excursions – explore the surrounding rainforest and see the tropical wildlife or get your adrenaline fix on a thrilling speedboat ride on the river below the falls!
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Sheraton Internacional

Day Nineteen - Iguazú - Rio de Janeiro
This morning there may be time to re-visit the Argentine side of the falls before the park opens. Transfer to the Brazilian side for a flight to Rio de Janeiro. Arrive and transfer to our hotel, set in a prime location on Copacabana beach and close to glamorous Ipanema.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Sofitel

Day Twenty - Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast we have arranged a tour of this exciting and colourful city. We begin our discovery tour in the old quarter in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood. In this hilltop location, the ambience is arty and bohemian complemented with faded colonial buildings. Lunch is a real treat as we enjoy a typical Brazilian barbecue down at the waterfront. Suitably replenished, we take the cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Enjoy a cocktail in this stunning location whilst taking in panoramic views of the bays and beaches.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Sofitel

Day Twenty One - Rio de Janeiro
This morning our first destination is the ‘hunchback’ mountain of Corcovado. Here you will see one of the world’s most famous images up close – the statue of Christ the Redeemer, standing 38 metres high. There are tremendous views across the city, from the hillside rainforest down to the beaches and bays. Back down in the city we head to the city centre and visit modernist Metropolitan Cathedral. In a country used to beautifully adorned churches the harsh concrete exterior divides opinion, but inside the light from the four huge stained glass windows creates a wonderful effect. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore or relax before our farewell dinner this evening in an exclusive Ipanema restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Sofitel

Day Twenty Two - Depart Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy a leisurely morning before we make our way to the airport for our flight home via Madrid.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight

Day Twenty Three - Arrive London Heathrow
Today we arrive back in London with new friends made and some wonderful memories to take home.