This journey covers many of the major sites of South America in three memorable weeks. Not only will you visit the exciting city of Buenos Aires, seeing the magnificent architecture and sun-filled public squares with buskers dancing the tango. Then fly north to the magnificent Iguaçu Falls, follow the viewing trails on both sides of the border, and onwards to exciting Rio de Janeiro. You ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, stroll along Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches and explore the city. You then fly to Lima, capital of Peru and enter the Land of the Inca where we not only see the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu, the Lost City, but also experience the beauty of the Colca Canyon, see the Indians living on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the colonial architecture of Arequipa, and the Indian markets of Pisac and Cuzco.
Includes: All transfers and touring as per itinerary, 20 nights’ hotel accommodation, meals as stated, entry fees, local guides, regional airfares with taxes, transport by coach, air, inter-city public coach, boat and train.
Not included: Airfare from/to Australia, exit taxes if applicable, visas, flight Rio-Lima on Day 9, personal expenses, other meals, travel insurance, optional activities.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Buenos Aires
You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.
 

Day 2: Buenos Aires   [B]
The morning is at leisure. An afternoon city tour includes the Plaza de Mayo, Avienda 9 de Julio, the magnificent Cathedral and Casa Rosada, and casual walks through the quaint suburbs of San Telmo and La Boca where you’ll probably find tango dancers busking in the squares.
 

Day 3 Buenos Aires   [B]
A full day at leisure or take an optional visit to an Estancia with an experience of gaucho folklore and an Argentine BBQ lunch
 

Day 4: Buenos Aires   [B]
After breakfast, depart on a half-day tour of the Delta region, the junction of Rivers Plate, Tigre Delta and Parana. The tour includes a boating excursion. 
 

Day 5: Iguaçu   [B]
Flight to Iguaçu and afternoon visit to the Argentinean side of the Falls. Follow the paths leading to the down-river falls and the up-river cascades, then board the Jungle Train to see the Devil’s Throat. Afterwards cross into Brazil for overnight. 
 

Day 6: Iguaçu   [B]
Morning visit to the Brazilian side of the Falls including walks along the catwalks leading to the base of the Devil’s Throat. Afternoon at leisure for own activities.
 

Day 7: Rio de Janeiro   [B]
Morning transfers and flight to Rio de Janeiro. An afternoon tour includes the city highlights and ascent, by cable car, of Sugarloaf Mountain.
 

Day 8: Rio   [B]
A day at leisure to explore Rio on your own, or take one of several full-day optional tours.
 

Day 9: Lima   [B]
After breakfast transfer and flight to Lima (this flight not includes). You are met on arrival with transfer to your hotel for overnight.
 

Day 10: Lima   [B]
A guided tour of Lima includes the best examples of Colonial architecture in the city and the beaches of the Pacific. Afternoon at leisure.
 

Day 11: Arequipa   [B]
Morning transfers and flight to Arequipa, the ‘White City’. An afternoon tour includes the unusual landscapes, the volcanoes and pre-Inca terraces, and some fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Afternoon at leisure.
 

Day 12: Colca Canyon   [BLD]
Start an exciting 2-day excursion into the amazing Colca Canyon, 100km long and up to 3.4km deep. We follow the route, past both dormant and active volcanoes, to our overnight hotel in Chivay. Afterwards we visit the Hot Springs of La Calera.
 

Day 13: Puno   [B]
After breakfast we descend 3,400m to the canyon floor. We might see condors spiralling in the up-drafts. Afterwards transfer by bus to Puno located on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
 

Day 14: Puno   [B]
A full day excursion to the floating villages of the Uros Indians on Lake Titicaca. Continue to Taquile Island to see pre-Inca and Inca terracing. Here the inhabitants still wear traditional dress.
 

Day 15: Cuzco   [BL]
A full-day bus journey leads through the Peruvian highlands, past the snow covered peaks of the Andes, local villages, and across high mountain passes to Cuzco.
Option: Instead of the bus trip, you may (at additional cost) undertake today’s journey on board the Andean Explorer train. Add {mos_tourprice:}296 pp.
 

Day 16: Cuzco   [B] 
A half-day tour to visit the attractions of the city and the Incan sites of Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, Kenko and Puca Pucara. Afternoon at leisure.
 

Day 17: Cuzco   [B]
Leisure day to explore the markets and city of Cuzco. Optional activities are available locally.
 

Day 18: Yucay   [B]
After transferring to Yucay we visit the Sacred Valley of the Inca and the traditional Indian market in Pisac. Return to Yucay via the Urubamba Valley.
 

Day 19: Machu Picchu   [B]
A full day excursion by bus to Ollanta, then by train to Aquas Calientes. From there small busses take you to Machu Picchu. After an extensive site visit you return to Yucay via the Sacred Valley.
 

Day 20: Lima:  [B]
Transfers and flight to Lima and overnight.
 

Day 21: Departure   [B]
Transfer for your onward flight.

Optional extensions
4 Days: Northern Peru
3 Days: Nazca Lines, Ica and Paracas
4 Days: Iquitos Amazon rain forest