Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia & Peru 16 Days / 15 Nights
Rio de Janeiro (3N) + Foz do Iguacu (2N) + Buenos Aires (2N) + Santiago de Chile (2N) + Uyuni (1N) + La Paz (1N) + Puno (1N) + Cusco (2N) + Lima (1N)
Day 1: Rio de JaneiroArrival day in
Rio de Janeiro! A driver will be waiting for you at the international airport of Rio de Janeiro to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to discover the city or enjoy your first day at the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro is green hills, blue sky, beautiful bays, islands and marvelous beaches. It is the second biggest city in Brazil (after Sao Paulo) and, certainly, one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Beach hotels are situated along the whole perimeter of Guanabara Bay and, if you are staying in one of these hotels, the beauties of Rio de Janeiro are open for you all the time. Blue ocean water will call you to the beach. The most popular beaches - Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, are famous for their black and white tiled promenade. From early morning to late in the night you can see people playing soccer and volleyball on the golden sand of the beaches. For those who prefer active holidays, Rio offers opportunities to practice almost any sport: golf, tennis, surfing, rafting, diving, delta flight and many others. Numerous open cafeterias on the beach will offer you refreshing coconut water, freshly squeezed juices and other drinks. You can also see presentations of local musicians on the beach playing all kinds of music.
Day 2: Rio de JaneiroAfter breakfast you have the chance to go on a half-day excursion to the Corcovado Mountain. Arriving at the station, the environmentally friendly train will take us through the jungle to the top of Corcovado. On both sides of the railway you will have spectacular views of Tijuca forest, inhabited by monkeys and other exotic animals and birds. On top of Corcovado, at an altitude of 700 m above sea level, you will stand in front of the symbol of Rio de Janeiro- Statue of Christ the Savior (38m) that was built in 1931. From top of Corcovado, you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its surroundings like the Bridge Niteroi, Guanabara Bay, the Botanical Garden, the Maracana stadium and the Sugar Loaf.
Day 3: Rio de Janeiro After breakfast you have the chance to go on a half-day excursion to the Sugarloaf. The first stop is the Urca Mountain, with a wide viewing area that also offers the possibility to have a snack in the restaurant on top of the mountain. On the mountain of Sugar Loaf you will have a beautiful view of Rio, Copacabana beach, the bay, the surrounding mountains, islands in the ocean, bridge Niteroi, and the statue of Christ on Corcovado Mountain. After going down by cable car, the tour continues and we set off on a tour through the city.
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro - Foz do IguazuBreakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport with driver only. Flight to
Foz do Iguacu. Arrival in Foz do Iguacu airport. Meeting at the airport with your driver, who will drive you to your Hotel.
At the big waterfalls of
Foz de Iguazu you can find the border triangle with Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. A former frontier military outpost, construction and tourism led to development and growth in the area.
The Iguacu Falls receive their name from the Caigangues Indian word meaning 'great waters'. The falls are formed by the Iguacu River and consist of 275 separate falls; they are surrounded by the virgin jungle of Iguacu National Park which is home to about 2000 species of flora and 400 bird species (including parrots and toucans). The highest fall, the 'Garganta do Diabo' (Devil's Throat) reaches 70m (230ft), which is one and a half times the height of the Niagara Falls. Besides taking in the stunning view from one of the many "catwalks" visitors may try rafting or take a spectacular boat ride through the falls.
Day 5: Foz do IguazuToday after the breakfast in your Hotel, you will visit the Brazilian side of the magnificent Iguaçu Falls . Following the walkways which border the canyon of the Iguassu River, you will enjoy the sight of hundreds of small waterfalls. At the end of this Trail you will arrive right in front of the huge and impressing Devils Throat, the strongest and most powerful of all waterfalls. You will feel the waterfalls with the splashing water around you and the whole area around is full of beautiful rainbows.
At the end of the tour your guide will drop you off at your Hotel.
Excursions with additional charge:Great Adventure Boat TripThe Great Adventure takes you to meet the Iguazu Falls from a new point of view, but no less entrancing.
It all starts with a wonderful track by the Iguazú National Park. A walk six miles through the fully motorized Yacaratiá Sendero, which will take you from a subtropical vegetation, where flora and fauna coexist in harmony. Multilingual guides pass information about the curiosities of the jungle.
At the end of this wonderful journey you find Puerto Macuco. It's a ride in a special and very safe boat, passing true the island Isla Martín. The boat then on a superspeed takes you directly into the falls! Sparks of water and the adrenalin felt cannot be described in words and has to be felt! And yet you have the privilege of passing very close to the famous Garganta del Diablo.
Helicopter flight over the WaterfallsThe tour takes you for flying over the words’ widest falls!
The picture is stunning, and the tourist will get the best photographs of this nature show. The flyby allows the visitor to have a sense of the scale of the landscape, making the most different emotions arise.
Day 6: Foz do Iguazu – Buenos AiresGood Morning! After breakfast in your hotel, our guide will pick you up for a full day adventure to the Argentinian Side of the Iguazu Nationalpark. The Argentinean side is very different from the Brazilian one; there are the three trails leading you through the nature in the parc:
The Lower Circuit: At a length of 1,700 meters, runways venture into the lush jungle to take direct contact with the breaking of the Dos Hermanas, Chico and Ramirez. Walking down a runway you can be at the foot of a huge seawall water which is the fall of Salto Bosetti and you will enjoy the steep falls in the Saltos Alvar Nuñez, Elenita and Lanusse.
The Upper Circuit: a walk of 1,300 meters, elevated runways will take you on the fall line of several major jumps, reaching the edge thereof. It provides an overview of the whole area from a greater height.
The Devil's Throat: Accessed through the Rainforest with the Ecological Train arriving at the Devil's Throat Station. From there, after a 1,000 meters walk, you will reach the enormous 'Devil's Throat'.
You will walk around next to the falls to have a close look of the falls. You can feel the strength of the water and enjoy the 55.500 hectares of natural beauty!
Afterwards you will have a transfer out to airport to take your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting for you to drive you to your hotel.
Buenos Aires is famous for being the birthplace of Tango. No doubt, this is the best city in the world for fans of this famous dance. In addition, you will certainly feel the extraordinary charm of this cosmopolitan city, with its famous palace Casa Rosada, the former port of Puerto Madero, quarter Caminito, Calle Florida , Boca Hunior football stadium , the cathedral , the National History Museum , the Botanical Garden (…) - This multi-faceted city is so full of interesting places, which makes it impossible to list them all.
Day 7: Buenos AiresToday after breakfast you will go on a half day city tour of Buenos Aires.
This panoramic tour will take you through the highlights of South America's most European and cosmopolitan city. We'll drive along 9 de Julio Avenue where the renowned Colón Theater and the Obelisk, symbols of our city, are located. We'll visit Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by important historic buildings like the Casa Rosada, the Cathedral and the City Hall. We'll also visit Plaza San Martin, Alvear and Plaza del Congreso. The tour will drive us along the old fashion Avenida de Mayo and the dynamic Avenida Corrientes. Explore neighborhoods filled with colors and history, like La Boca and San Telmo, and the sumptuous neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta and the modern Puerto Madero, a busy gastronomic and entertainment area. Return to hotel and overnight.
In the evening: Tango Show & Dinner
Tango is still very much alive. A good way of feeling its spirit is visiting one of the restaurants that offers tango shows of an excellent level, to enjoy tango´s sensual magnetism taken to the stage by some of the best dancers, singers and musicians in Buenos Aires!
After a delicious dinner, you will follow a spectacular presentation of acclaimed popular and sensuous Tango, performed by the world's best. It is the music of Buenos Aires par excellence.
Tango is felt in the air of the city, the city breathes Tango!!
Day 8: Buenos Aires – Santiago de ChileAfter breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the international airport to take your flight to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Santiago de Chile has very interesting historical, residential and business districts. Take a walk through the historic center and you will see the Plaza de Armas with a monument dedicated to the founder of the city - Pedro de Valdivia, as well as the monument called "Freedom America" and a monument to the first Chilean Cardinal - Jose Maria Caro. Furthermore you can have a look at the Presidential Palace of La Moneda, which is the largest neoclassical building as well as the Cathedral and the Central Post Office building.
Day 9: Santiago de Chile Today you will go on a city tour to the most interesting sights in Santiago, beginning with the historic downtown district, visiting Main Square, Cathedral, Post Office Headquarters, and Santiago City Hall. We will see the Government House “La Moneda” and also go to the Santa Lucia Hill, a small hill in the centre of Santiago witch is the remnant of a volcano 15 million years old. Afterward, we will take you to East Santiago, where you may appreciate modern buildings, with offices, apartments, shopping centers and restaurants.
Excursions with additional charge:Santa Rita’s VineyardVisiting Santa Rita’s Vineyard represent a fascinating trip around the cultural heritage of Chile and the wine tradition, located just 45 minutes away from Santiago. Placed in the foothill zone of Alto Jahuel, in Buin, the vineyard is surrounded by a extraordinary natural environment, where the wine tradition, the national culture of Chile and the gastronomy coexists.
Day 10: Santiago de Chile – San Pedro de Atacama - Salt Flats of UyuniBreakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama.
From San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) drive toward Hito Cajón, admire the Green Lagoon and enjoy the panoramic view of the Licancabur Volcano. Cross the Dali Valley, enjoy the Polkes hot springs and admire the “Sol de Mañana” geysers. Continue towards the Red Lagoon where you will observe many Andean flamingos, you will see the Árbol de Piedra and (Stone Tree) and arrival at “Ojo de Perdiz”.
Accommodation: Desert Hotel, room with prívate bathroom (Box Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Villa Mar Uyuni La PazStart the journey visiting the small Lagoons: Onda, Chiar Kota, Hedionda y Cañapa, stop at the scenic viewpoint of the Ollagüe Volcano, one of the few active volcanoes in the surroundings. Continue the journey through the Salt Flats of Chiguana, which is a vast extension of saltpeter (potassium nitrate). Arrival at the village of San Juan, visit of the archaeological museum and continue the trip through the Salt Flats of Uyuni towards the Fish Island, where you will find the highest cactus in the world. Hike up to the top of the island to enjoy of a great view of the entire Salt Flat. After lunch drive towards Uyuni, visiting Colchani, a town that its main economy is based on the salt processing and distribution of salt. Transfer to the airpot and flight to La Paz. Transfer in to the hotel.
Includes: Private four wheel drive transportation, guide (English – Spanish), meals and hotels according to the program, entrance fees to the Abaroa National Park and Fish Island. Connection in private transportation without guide in the border of Chile and Bolivia.
Day 12: La Paz -Tiwanaku – Desaguadero – PunoCity Tour by the heights – Charming La Paz
Pick up from the hotel to visit the embroiderers street of typical costumes where colorful folk dresses are displayed. Excursion to the historical center of the city of La Paz, visit to the Witches Market (mystical articles of Andean region), Church of San Francisco, Murillo main square, Executive Palace, Legislative Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral and Killi Killi view Point. Transfer by cable car to enjoy a beautiful panorama of La Paz city in one of the most picturesque and long cable urban air transport in the world. Unmissable visit to the impressive Moon Valley located at 10 km far from La Paz city center, these curious geological formations where created by the erosion of the winds and the heavy rains forming an attractive lunar landscape.
Departure from Hotel towards the pre Incan remains of Tiwanaku, declared world heritage site by UNESCO in December 2000. On the way enjoy great views of the Royal Range of the Andes. Upon arrival, visit the Lithic and the Ceramic Museums where you will receive an introduction about the Tiwanaku civilization, explore the archaeological site walking through the main temples such as the Pyramid of Akapana, the Semi Underground temple, the Kalasasaya temple in where you will find the Ponce monolith and the famous Gate of the Sun.
Continue the trip towards Desaguadero, which is the border in between Bolivia and Perú and there you will be welcomed by your Peruvian guide, and transfer to your Hotel in Puno.
Puno is a port city at an altitude of over 3,800 msnm, on the shores of Lake Titicaca on the Altiplano of Peru. Despite its picturesque hillside setting, the city itself is a ramshackle collection of mostly unfinished modern buildings – its biggest attraction is as a departure point for the famous floating islands on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca.
Day 13: Puno – Cusco In the morning at 06 am, we take a short boat ride to visit the Uros Islands, the fames floating reed islands of Lake Titacaca. A unique feature of this part of the lake is the traditional settlement of Uros people on floating islands made entirely of reeds-the same material they use to build their canoes. The islanders also use totora reeds to make boats, and even as food. Although fishing is still an important activity, nowadays the inhabitants earn their living mainly through selling handicrafts to tourists. After the tour private transfer to the bus station for your bus trip to Cusco (incl. buffet lunch). During the bus trip visit the Pucara site museum, Wiracocha temple & Andahuaylillas chapel. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
Day 14: Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco After breakfast, we set off by train to Machu Picchu. The train passes through the Sacred Valley. The single line track hugs the right side of the canyon next to the boulder-strewn, roaring Urubamba River. Arrival at the small town of Aguas Calientes, and finally a 30-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu, an Inca city with a maze of fine stone temples, houses and fountains, spectacularly situated on a ridge between two peaks. Hidden by dense vegetation when Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911. There you have a guided tour. In the afternoon you willhave lunch in a local restaurant and then we return to Cusco by train. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight.
Day 15: Cusco – LimaIn the morning we will get away from the crowds to visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive citadel full of colossal constructions surrounded by beautiful landscapes in complete communion with nature. We will then continue to the Inca shrine of Qenqo, with its awesome altar for sacrifices embedded in the side of the rock. We will finally reach the Puca Pucara watchtower and Tambomachay, a monument of noticeable architectural excellence, considered one of the pillars of the Andean view of the world.
Climb to the Archaeological park of Sacsayhuaman, in the higher part of Cusco. Our first stop will be Tambomachay, a source of spring water that it is believed was once worshipped. Next we will visit the remains of Qenqo, a stone made labyrinth with a sacrificial altar in its center. At the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman we will enjoy a wonderful view of Cusco while admiring the massive stones that make up the fortress. Our last stop will be to see the Tower of Pucca Pucara before we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lima.
Upon arrival in Lima private transfer to your hotel.
Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the central coastal part of the country, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The city was founded in 1535 by the Spanish discoverer Francisco Pizarrounder and was named “Ciudad de los Reyes” (City of Kings). The historic center was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.It’s a city with great cultural diversity- which has a large number of museums. Another amazing thing it has to offer is its great food which has been recognized worldwide through many years. Lima offers a wide range of restaurants and bars, where you can taste delicious Peruvian dishes and drinks. In Lima you will find everything you are looking for diversity of cultures, adventures, beaches, variety of food, entertainment and everything you can imagine.
Day 16: Lima - Back homeIn the morning you have a guided tour that includes visits to the main Colonial attractions such as the Main Square with the Cathedral, San Francisco Convent, and many elegant buildings with their traditional wooden balconies, which had being restored. Afterwards you will visit Lima’s residential areas: San Isidro with its Olive Grove, Country Club and Golf course and Miraflores with its Central Park, City Hall and Main shopping streets such as Larco Avenue.
Transfer to the airport for your international flight back home!
End of the Program