Day 1 UK - Lima
Today you will fly to Peru's capital, Lima.
Day 2 Lima
On arrival in Lima today we'll transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the Miraflores district for an overnight stay.
Day 3 Lima and Cuzco
You'll get to know Lima this morning on an included tour. The city is splendidly positioned overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Known as the 'City of Kings' it was founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, and eventually became the capital of the whole Spanish colony.
One highlight of your tour is the main square, where you'll find the Presidential Palace, the cathedral and the Metropolitan City Hall. A lot of the architecture you'll see has changed little since the 17th century, while the influence of the Incas and native Indians is also in evidence.
This afternoon we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Cuzco. B
Day 4 Cuzco
Cuzco, the 'Imperial City', was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is now a fascinating combination of ancient and colonial architecture. On your tour this morning highlights include the elegant Plaza de Armas at the heart of the city, and the impressive cathedral. You're also going to visit the Inka's Expression Workshop where you can watch artisans at work. B
Day 5 Cuzco - Machu Picchu
Today is the day you get to explore the incredible 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu. This Inca treasure was rediscovered in 1911 and lies perched above a steep valley swathed in jungle. Your journey to the ruined city is by narrow gauge railway with an onward journey by bus. On the mist-shrouded mountain top you'll set off on a walk with a Local Guide, who will introduce its splendour.
Afterwards you'll have time to explore this fascinating citadel by yourself. We'll then head to the small town of Aguas Calientes, which is nestled in a valley beneath this incredible site. We'll have lunch here before making our way to the Sacred Valley by train. B,L
Day 6 Cuzco - Sacred Valley
You are going to visit the vibrant Indian market in Pisac today – a great place to pick up a unique souvenir of your holiday and mingle with the locals. As you browse maybe you'll choose to barter for a rug, an alpaca-wool sweater or other local handicrafts. Later, we'll return to Cuzco. B
Day 7 Cuzco - Puno
Early this morning we take to the road and head to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The route we take includes a stop at La Raya pass, which is 4,300 metres above sea level and acts as a natural boundary between Cuzco and Puno. It's a great spot for viewing the snow-capped Andes, so have your camera at the ready! We will also stop at the Inca ruins in Raqchi, where there is a beautifully decorated 17th century church. B,L
Day 8 Lake Titicaca - La Paz
Your day begins with a cruise across Lake Titicaca to Sun Island, the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire. You'll step ashore to visit the Inca Garden, steps and fountain before heading to the Inti Wata Cultural Complex. Here you can visit the Ekako Underground Museum and admire the Titikaka Reed Shipbuilders display.
As we cruise back to the harbour we'll enjoy a buffet lunch, and then our journey continues by road to the Bolivian city of La Paz. B,L
Day 9 La Paz
There's lots to see in La Paz, an intriguing city which sits high above sea level and is beautifully framed by the three-peaked Illimani Mountain, so let's go out and explore. Hidden treasures lurk around every corner, and on this full-day tour you'll discover gems including the Indian Market and fascinating Witch Doctor's Market. The stalls here sell all kinds of charms and potions that promise to ward off evil spirits.
You'll also visit Moon Valley, a lunar landscape of canyons and spires, and take a cable car ride from one end of La Paz to the other for fantastic views of the city and the mountains that surround it. B,D
Day 10 La Paz - Buenos Aires
Today we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires, arriving this afternoon. Argentina's thrilling capital is known as the 'Paris of the Americas' and boasts beautiful tree-lined boulevards lined by 19th century architecture. Why not head out to explore, or simply relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. B
Day 11 Buenos Aires
We'll explore the sights of Buenos Aires on a tour that takes in Plaza de Mayo, where the Casa Rosada, or Government House sits. Also in the square is the Cathedral of Buenos Aires, where the tomb of General San Martin, the hero and liberator of Argentina is located. You will also visit the La Boca District, renowned for its brightly painted houses, and now an artists' colony. Your final stop is the Recoleta cemetery, famous for its beautiful family tombs and as the burial place of Eva Peron.
This evening you have the option to enjoy a traditional dinner and tango show. B
Day 12 Buenos Aires at leisure
Today is free for you to do just as you wish, so head back into Buenos Aires and explore further at your own pace. Alternatively, you could join an optional estancia ranch tour. Your Tour Manager will have all the details. This evening we will take you to a typical Argentine restaurant for a traditional asado dinner. In true Argentine style, this is served late evening. B,D
Day 13 Buenos Aires - Iguaçú
We’ll transfer to the airport this morning for our flight to Iguaçú, home of the famous waterfalls, which span Argentina and Brazil. B
Day 14 Iguaçú at leisure
Today is free for you to spend just as you please. You can explore the area at your own pace, or choose to join a full-day excursion into the Iguaçú National Park and the Argentinian side of the Iguaçú Falls.
Situated at the meeting point of three countries – Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina – they are a truly awesome sight and considered one of the world's largest natural wonders. Higher than Niagara, wider than Victoria, Iguaçú actually consists of 275 separate falls, and about three-quarters of the total length is on this side. From one of the many trails here you can actually walk into the heart of Devil's Throat, the best-known of the individual falls. In fact you're quite likely to get wet on this side, as the walkways take you sometimes within arms length of the thundering waters for a really unique experience. B
Day 15 Iguaçú and Rio de Janeiro
We are going to see the Iguaçú Falls from the Brazilian side today. Although smaller than the Argentinian side, from here you can take in the full panorama of these immense falls as you stand on special walkways and feel the spray on your face.
This afternoon we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro. B
Day 16 Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is unique – simply bursting with energy, excitement and entertainment. As an introduction to the city, today you'll head to Corcovado, home to the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Built in 1931 as a symbol of peace, it is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and stands 38 metres high. To reach the statue it is necessary to ascend via a small cog railway which winds up the mountain for superb views over Rio and Sugarloaf Mountain.
This afternoon you have the option to view Rio from another wonderful vantage point, Sugarloaf Mountain. You will travel to the lofty heights of the mountain by cable car on an unforgettable journey. B
Day 17 Rio de Janeiro - UK
You've a free day in Rio to explore at your own pace. If you want to relax and soak up the sun you are perfectly placed as your hotel boasts a wonderful spot right on the world-famous Copacabana Beach. Curving in a crescent over four kilometres its white sand is lapped by azure waters and is sure to prove too tempting to resist.
This evening we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK. B
Day 18 UK
You'll arrive back in the UK today.
Please note:
During this tour you will travel to altitudes of over 12,000ft where altitude sickness can occur. Simple measures, such as eating light meals and drinking lots of fluids, can help to alleviate the symptoms. If you suffer from heart or respiratory conditions or have any other concerns please consult your doctor.
A tourist tax is payable on arrival at the hotel in Buenos Aires. This will be 1.50 USD per person per night.