DAY 1: Departure from USA
- Depart the USA to Rio de Janeiro. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey.
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DAY 2: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
- Arrival 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 has 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.
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DAY 3: City Tour and Sugarloaf
- After breakfast you have the chance to go on a half-day excursion to the Sugar Loaf. 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 Sugarloaf 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 by car to the central regions of the old town of Rio where you can admire several old churches, monasteries, the main cathedral of the city as well as buildings in colonial style.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 4: Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer Statue
- After breakfast we set off on a tour through the city. 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.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 5: Rio de Janeiro - Free Day
- Free day. Today you can enjoy the day the way you decide, relax on the beach or get to know the city by yourself.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 6: Rio de Janeiro – Foz do Iguazu
- You will have your breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to the airport with a driver only. Flight to Foz do Iguacu. Arrival in Foz do Iguacu airport and transfer to your tour to the Brazilian side of the magnificent Iguaçu Falls
- 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 Caingangues 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 (Devils 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.
- Note: Optional, Great Adventure Boat Trip. The 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. Its 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.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 7: Foz do Iguazu - full day adventure to the Argentinian Side
- After breakfast in your hotel, our guide will pick you up for a full day adventure to the Argentinian Side of the Iguazu National Park. The Argentinean side is very different from the Brazilian one there are the three trails leading you through the nature in the park:
- 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 which is the fall of Salto Bosetti and you will enjoy the steep falls in the Saltos Alvar Nunez, 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 Devils Throat: Accessed through the Rainforest with the Ecological Train arriving at the Devils Throat Station. From there, after a 1,000 meters walk, you will reach the enormous Devils 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
- After the tour you will be taken back to your hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 8: Foz do Iguazu – Buenos Aires
- After your breakfast 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. In the afternoon half day city tour in Buenos Aires. This panoramic tour will take you through the highlights of South Americas most European and cosmopolitan city. Well drive along 9 de Julio Avenue where the renowned Colon Theater and the Obelisk, symbols of our city, are located. Well visit Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by important historic buildings like the Casa Rosada, the Cathedral and the City Hall. Well 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.
- Note: 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 (&hellip) - This multi-faceted city is so full of interesting places, which makes it impossible to list them all.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 9: Buenos Aires, Fiesta Gaucha Tour Don Silvano
- Today you are going to the Fiesta Gaucha Tour Don Silvano
- Spend a full day in the country learning about the culture of the Argentinian Gaucho (cowboy). Learn about their traditions, engage in Gaucho activities, savor an Argentinean Grill lunch and much more Don Silvano is an authentic Argentinian agricultural and cattle ranch where everyday life happens in their fields and where you can learn all the interesting parts of the life of the gaucho. The ranch is located 87 kilometers from downtown Buenos Aires (about 1 hour).
- Schedule of Gaucho Party:
- 11:00 am - Reception in a traditional gaucho building known as "Rancho de Adobe" including empanadas (meat pies), wine, and juice.
- 11:30 am - Free Activities. Visit a museum, bakery, and several other parts of the ranch. As you make your way through the ranch you can go horseback riding or ride around the ranch on a tractor.
- 1:00 pm - Lunch Time - Enjoy grilled traditional sausages, short ribs, and chichen. A specialty salad will be prepared including provenzal potatoes mixed with carrots and eggs. Your choice of drinks includes red or white wine, cola, sparkling water, and water. For dessert, enjoy ice cream and coffee. During lunch, you´ll be treated to a lively folklore show with traditional singing and dancing. Fun local dances will be performed including the participation of the public. Enjoy carriage rides, tractor rides, and horseback riding. The gauchos will show you their creole skills including ring-races, horse mildness, and troops retail-trade.
- 2:30 pm- The Gauchos will demonstrate further skills such as "Carreras Cuadreras", "Carrera de la Sortija", and more.
- 4:00 pm - Snack: Enjoy the energizing national drink of Argentina, "mate" (hot root tea), and sweet cakes with quince jelly.
- 4:30 pm - Return to Buenos Aires.
- Note: Optional 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 worlds best. It is the music of Buenos Aires par excellence. Tango is felt in the air of the city, the city breathes Tango
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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DAY 10: Buenos Aires – Santiago de Chile
- After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the international airport to take your flight to Santiago de Chile. After you are transferred to your hotel 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 also see the Government House &ldquoLa Moneda&rdquo. Afterward, we will take you to East Santiago, where you may appreciate modern buildings, with offices, apartments, shopping centers and restaurants. Return to hotel and overnight. 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.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 11: Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
- Breakfast in the hotel. Full-day tour to Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, visiting Quinta Vergara Amphitheater, where the International Song Festival of Viña del Mar is held every year, San Martin Avenue, Peru Avenue, Sotomayor Square, El Peral Funicular, and Yugoslav Corridor.
- Return to Santiago overnight.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 12: Santiago de Chile – Lima
- Today you will be transferred to the international airport to board your flight to Peru. Arrival in Lima and Private Transfer to your Hotel in the city. 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 &ldquoCiudad de los Reyes&rdquo (City of Kings). The historic center was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.It&rsquos 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.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 13: Lima – Cusco
- After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Cusco. Arrival in Cusco, reception and transfer to the Hotel. In the afternoon you 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 worshiped. 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 transferring back to the city and your hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 14: Cusco – Machu Picchu
- 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 have lunch and then we return to Cusco by train. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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DAY 15: Cusco – Lima
- Transfer to the airport for our flight back to Lima.
- In the afternoon 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 have been restored. Afterwards you will visit Lima&rsquos 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. Return to the hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 16: Departure - Lima – Back home to USA
- Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your international flight back home
- Meal: Breakfast
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