A tour that visits the famous Incan sites of Peru, then crosses the continent, from the Pacific to the Atlantic. En-route you pass the highest peaks in the Andes, taste the superb wines of Argentina in Mendoza, explore Buenos Aires, known as ‘the Paris of South America’ one of the world’s great cities, gasp at the splendour of the Iguaçu Waterfalls, walk through the rain forest and then relax in the vibrant atmosphere of Rio de Janiero for two nights. This is as good as it gets!
Includes: Airport transfers, 18 nights’ hotel accommodation, meals as indicated, local English speaking guides, entry fees to included sites, transport by coach, air, inter-city coach and boat.

Not included: International flight from/to Australia, Airfare Lima-Santiago on Day 9, exit taxes if applicable, visas, personal expenses, tipping, other meals, optional activities.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Lima
You are met on arrival at Lima airport and transferred to your city centre hotel.

Day 2: Lima   [B]
A full day at leisure in Lima

Day 3: Cuzco-Yucay   [B]
Transfer and your included flight to Cuzco. You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley with an en-route stop at the Pisac Indian Market and the ruins at Ollantaytambo.

Day 4: Machu Picchu   [B]
Transfer by train to Aquas Calientes, then by a small bus to Machu Picchu. After an extensive guided tour, return to Cuzco and your hotel.

Day 5: Cuzco   [B]
The morning is at leisure. An afternoon city tour includes the centre of the Inca Empire at Plaza de Armas, continue through the old town and then to Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, Kenko and Puca Pucara.

Day 6:  Puno   [B]
A full-day bus journey leads through the Highlands and past snow covered peaks to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca with en-route stops at local villages and the ruins of Racchi.

Day 7: Lake Titicaca   [B]
A full day excursion by boat visits the Uros floating islands of the Aymara Indians and the pre-Inca ruins on Taquile Island. Here the locals still wear traditional dress.

Day 8: Lima   [B]
Morning transfer to the airport at Juliaca for your flight to Lima. You are met on arrival for an afternoon guided tour of the city sights. Overnight.

Day 9: Santiago   [B]
Transfer and flight to Santiago de Chile (this flight not includes). You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
An afternoon guided tour includes the highlights of the city: the Church of San Francisco, the cobbled streets of Barrio Paris, Club Hipico, the Plaza de Armas and Cathedral, and a drive to the summit of San Cristobel Hill for views across the city and the Andes beyond.

Day 10: Santiago   [B]
The day is at leisure but you may join an optional full-day tour to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar.

Day 11: Mendoza   [B]
Board the inter-city coach for an incredible day as you journey across the Andes. We follow Ruta 60, past the highest peaks in the Andes, ski resorts and small villages. Enter Argentina through the Andean Tunnel, then head down the mountain into one of the world’s largest wine producing regions and the city of Mendoza for two nights.

Day 12: Mendoza   [B]
Join your local guide after breakfast for a tour of this four-hundred year-old city, seeing Independence Plaza, the historic area, General Martin Park and the Hill of Glory. Afternoon at leisure or join a tour to a local bodega.

Day 13: Buenos Aires   [B]
Transfers and flight to the ‘Paris of South America’. Arrival transfer and check-in. An afternoon city tour includes the architectural highlights of the city and a stroll through the quaint suburbs of San Telmo and La Boca.

Optional evening Dinner and Tango Show.

Day 14: Buenos Aires   [B]
A day at leisure in exciting Buenos Aires, or join an optional visit to a traditional Estancia to see gauchos at work.

Day 15:  Buenos Aires   [B]
During the morning visit the Delta Region. Here the Rivers Plate and Parana merge and form a wide delta with many islands. An excursion by boat is includes.

Day 16: Iguaçu   [B]
Transfers and flight to the Iguaçu Falls. After check-in we transfer by coach to the Brazilian side of the Falls.Here we follow the catwalks that lead into the Devil’s Throat for spectacular views. Ascend by elevator, then return to our hotel.

Day 17: Iguaçu   [B]
After breakfast we visit the Argentinean side of the Falls, stroll along the pathways to several viewing points, then boarding the Jungle Train to see the Devil’s Throat.

Day 18: Buenos Aires   [B]
Transfers and return flight to Buenos Aires. You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for one night. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 19: Departure   [B]
After breakfast check-out and transfer for your onward flight.

Optional extensions
4 Days: Atacama Desert
4 Days: Easter Island
3 Days: Santiago Winelands
8 Days: Ouro Preto, Amazon River Lodge & Salvador da Bahia