Embark on the ultimate South American adventure with a thrilling tour of Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. Be captivated by stunning waterfalls, expansive lakes, and awe-inspiring ancient ruins that will leave a lasting impression. This grand journey through these three extraordinary destinations is sure to be a cherished experience for years to come.
Best Time to Travel: The ideal time to visit these remarkable Latin American countries is during their winter months, from November to February.
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Arrive at Rio de Janeiro Airport, meet our representative, and proceed to your hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, enjoy a brief city tour, beginning with a visit to Sugar Loaf Mountain (shared service). Hop aboard a cable car for an unforgettable ride to the summit, where you can take in breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay and enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective of Rio. The tour will include stops at the modern cathedral and the historic districts of the city.
Destination Nugget: Guanabara Bay is Brazil’s second-largest bay (after All Saints’ Bay), with a perimeter of 143 kilometers (89 miles) and an area of 412 square kilometers (159 square miles).
After breakfast, set out to visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue at the summit of Corcovado Mountain. Inaugurated in 1931 and situated 700 meters above sea level, this statue can be seen from virtually any point in the city.
Destination Nugget: The Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the most lightning-prone locations in the world, experiencing strikes at least twice each year.
Proceed to the airport for your flight to Iguaçu. Upon arrival, meet our representative and head to Iguazu Falls for a guided tour via private bus. Enjoy a walking tour along the Brazilian side of the falls, where you’ll be enchanted by the panoramic views. Return to town for an overnight hotel stay.
Destination Nugget: The name “Iguacu” translates to “Big Water” for a reason, as torrents of water cascade down its cliffs. It features 275 separate falls, with the number varying from 150 to 300 depending on the season.
After admiring the breathtaking views of Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian viewpoint, head over to the Argentinian side for a different perspective. The unique terrain allows for a close-up experience of the rock formations and cascading waters, including the dramatic Devil’s Throat.
Following your excursion, proceed to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, be greeted by our representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Embark on a comprehensive city tour of Buenos Aires, starting at Plaza de Mayo, the heart of the city. Explore prominent sites such as the historic Cabildo, where the independence movement against Spanish rule began, as well as the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace), local theatres, and commercial areas. Stroll along 9 de Julio Avenue, one of the world’s widest streets, and discover other notable streets like de Mayo Avenue, Corrientes Avenue (famous for its nightlife and theatres), and Florida Street, where you’ll be treated to enchanting tango performances.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then continue your adventure in La Recoleta, known as “The Paris of Latin America.” Explore numerous exquisite museums and visit the grave of beloved Evita Perón, the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 to 1952, whose final resting place features many declared national monuments.
Destination Nugget: de Mayo Avenue is named after the May Revolution of 1810, and the original assembly site (Buenos Aires Cabildo) was demolished in 1888 to make way for the avenue.
Proceed to Jorge Newbery Airport and board your flight to El Calafate. Upon arrival, meet our representative and check in at your hotel before enjoying a leisurely morning.
In the afternoon, visit the Glaciarium, a modern glacier interpretation center designed to educate visitors about glaciers, ice, and the Patagonian Ice Fields. El Calafate is known as the gateway to the glaciers.
Destination Nugget: The world altitude gliding record was set near El Calafate at a height of 22,657 meters in 2018 by Jim Payne and Tim Gardner.
Experience a day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can observe its grandeur from the footbridges. Watch in awe as the glacier breaks apart, creating spectacular icefalls as it moves toward the front of the Magallanes Peninsula.
Destination Nugget: The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of 49 glaciers in the Southern Patagonian Continental Ice Field, which is the world’s third-largest ice field, excluding Greenland and Antarctica.
Embark on a thrilling 3-hour 4×4 excursion to Cerro Frias, reaching an altitude of 1,100 meters. Marvel at the breathtaking views of Lake Argentino, and, if weather permits, catch glimpses of the stunning mountains of Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine (Chile).
Later in the day, proceed to the airport, board your flight back to Buenos Aires, and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Destination Nugget: With a maximum width of 32 kilometres and a surface area of 1,415 square kilometres (546 square miles), Lake Argentino is Argentina’s largest freshwater lake.
After a restful night in Buenos Aires, board your flight to Lima. Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez Airport, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a tour of the Historic Center of Lima, visiting the Main Square, City Hall, and the Presidential Palace. Then head to the upscale Miraflores District, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Next, visit the Cathedral of Lima, constructed in 1625 and later reconstructed after a 1940 earthquake. Admire its splendid chapels and beautiful wood carvings that hide behind its seemingly plain exterior. Continue to the Convent of San Francisco, a beautiful colonial structure known for its Sevillian tiles, cloisters featuring impressive frescos, and its famous library. The catacombs, which served as a cemetery during colonial times, are the second largest in the world after the Catacombs of Paris.
Destination Nugget: The Cathedral of Lima features three naves and two ancillary naves, where side chapels open. Along the side naves, you can see large paintings of the Via Crucis depicting the crucifixion of Christ.
Proceed to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, meet our representative and board an outboard-motorized canoe to traverse the Madre de Dios River to the Reserva Amazonica Lodge. After lunch, choose from 14 exciting excursion options available at the lodge. We recommend a guided walk that introduces you to the forest environment along the property’s nature trail. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Madre de Dios River, where you can learn about the Amazonian ecosystem and observe nocturnal wildlife.
Destination Nugget: The Madre de Dios River serves as an important transportation route in the Amazon, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
Start your day early with a trek through Tambopata National Reserve, where you can row across Lake Sandoval in a traditional dugout canoe. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including red howler monkeys, blue and yellow macaws, black caimans, and the endangered river otter.
In the afternoon, visit the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Center to experience two 98-foot towers and cross seven hanging bridges that connect the forest’s towering treetops. Enjoy sweeping views and a chance to spot woodpeckers, white-throated toucans, and three-toed sloths.
Destination Nugget: Tambopata National Reserve is home to over 670 species of birds, 200 species of fish, and 1,700 species of plants, showcasing one of the world’s highest biodiversities.
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before taking an outboard-motorized canoe back to Puerto Maldonado. From there, proceed to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, meet our representative and head to the Sacred Valley, checking into your hotel for an overnight stay.
Destination Nugget: The Sacred Valley in Cusco boasts the largest collection of well-preserved Incan ruins in one area.
Machu Picchu is renowned for its intricate dry-stone walls, built without mortar, and features enigmatic buildings arranged according to astronomical alignments, offering stunning panoramic views. The original purpose of this ancient citadel remains shrouded in mystery.
After exploring the site, take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo Railway Station and then proceed to Cusco for your overnight stay.
Destination Nugget: Machu Picchu was originally known as Huyana Picchu or simply Picchu and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
In the morning, visit the Cusco Cathedral, constructed in the 14th century atop the Suntur Wasi, an Inca ceremonial building linked to the palace of Viracocha. Then proceed to the Koricancha, a famous temple built in honour of the Sun God, known for its impressive Inca architecture and colonial constructions.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of the Larco Herrera Museum, where you can discover a rich collection of artefacts including magnificent funeral textiles and a gold jewel exhibition hall. Marvel at the extraordinary art collection housed in the adjacent museum depot and don’t miss the erotic figures and exhibits from the Mochica culture, providing insight into their history and way of life. Once you’ve completed the day’s exploration, return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Destination Nugget: The Larco Herrera Museum features over 4,500 pieces from the private collection of Rafael Larco Herrera (1901-1966), a notable Peruvian statesman. It was established by his son Rafael Larco Hoyle to shed light on pre-Hispanic ancient Peruvian cultures.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your flight home.
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