South America has many sides, from the energy of the cities and the beauty of the landscape to the spirit of the people. On this 18-day discovery, you’ll wind through the Inca heartlands and jungles of Peru, the enigmatic cities and natural wonders of Argentina and the dynamism of Brazil's vibrant Rio. See animals, meet locals, traverse trails and marvel at all the contrasts of this very special corner of the world. If you’re looking for a trip that hits not one, but two Wonders of the World off your bucket list – you’ve come to the right place. Take a guided tour of Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes Mountains, then visit Christ the Redeemer, overlooking breathtaking Rio. Wild ride, anyone?
Day 1: LimaBienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. With Indigenous cultures dating back millennia, this country is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and soaring mountains. Your adventure begins in Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm at your hotel in Lima. After, head downtown for a guided walking tour of the city's historical centre to take in the colonial mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets. Then, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free. You might visit the Museum of the Inquisition to learn about Spanish colonialism in Peru. Otherwise, wander around the city until night falls, then embark on an optional Lima Bites and Sights Tour with Urban Adventures, taking you to the bohemian Barranco district to sample the best local street food and Pisco cocktails.
Day 2: CuscoThis morning after breakfast, you’ll catch an early flight to Cusco. Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3450 m). Then, get acquainted with this charming city and its intriguing blend of cultures on a leader-led walking tour. Check out some of Cusco's main attractions, as well as its lesser-known sights, such as the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Tonight is free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites.
Day 3: Aguas CalientesTravel by private bus through the Sacred Valley on the outskirts of Cusco today. This lush valley, known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces that are carved high into the valley walls. You’ll visit a community in the valley to learn about local lifestyles and activities. If your visit coincides with market day, you can browse the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba for afternoon tea – this café is dedicated to working with single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley, where there are few opportunities for childcare and employment. As all the ingredients used here are grown and purchased locally, the establishment also prides itself on its organic and locally focused practices. Enjoy a coffee, tea or juice with a slice of vegan beet cake or a homemade cookie and then board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes – nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Day 4: CuscoThis morning, you’ll take an early bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Welcome to one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World! This is your chance to decide for yourself whether Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for the Incan nobility or as an ancient astronomical observatory. Enjoy a guided visit of the incredible site, giving you ample time to take in the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, you’ll return to Cusco.
Day 5: CuscoToday after breakfast, you can enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore Cusco's many sights. Maybe rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market, where you can find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market is also where many locals (and daring travellers) go to eat ‘mystery soups.’ Some may be just chicken – however, the most popular among the locals usually contain frogs or offal. For those looking for something active, why not try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco?
Day 6: PunoThis morning after breakfast, you’ll travel through the dramatic scenery of the high Altiplano to Puno – located on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3800 m, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. Today includes a bit of a long drive, but it’s worth the first glimpse of immense Lake Titicaca, whose seemingly endless waters stretch into the horizon. Puno is a melting pot of Indigenous Aymara and Quechuan culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve. If you're lucky, your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here. Ask your leader where you can get the best grilled trout tonight – a true local specialty perfect for dinner.
Day 7: PunoThis morning, you’ll take a tour of the immense lake by motorboat, stopping at the floating Uros Islands that look like they could come from a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie. Built by the Uros people to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces hundreds of years ago, the islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. Get a closer look at contemporary life on the shores of the lake with a homestay in a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, try out a few words in the Quechua language and maybe even join a local soccer game to make some friends on the makeshift pitch. Tonight, sit down and swap stories with your hosts, who will cook you a feast full of traditional Peruvian favourites.
Day 8: LimaThis morning after breakfast at your homestay, take a bus to Juliaca airport. Then, you’ll take an included flight back to Lima, where you’ll have a free night. Maybe head out with your fellow travellers for a celebratory dinner (some of your group will be leaving the trip tomorrow).
Day 9: Buenos AiresSay ‘hasta luego’ to Lima and board a flight today to Argentina’s fiery capital, Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city, with Latin passion, European elegance and its own distinctive style. Your adventure continues with another welcome meeting at 6 pm. Your leader will leave a note at the hotel reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. If you arrive early, why not visit San Telmo and its weekend antiques market and artists' displays? Or maybe visit Recoleta (the grand cemetery) or Casa Rosada (the Pink House).
Day 10: Buenos AiresAfter breakfast this morning, head out on an orientation walk through this bustling city. You'll be introduced to some of Buenos Aires' major sights – the Colon Theatre, the Obelisco and Plaza de Mayo. Along the way, learn a little more about Argentina's independence from Spain. Tonight, you’re free to hit one of the many incredible restaurants with your new group.
Day 11: ItuizangóThis mroning catch a short flight to Posadas, followed by a drive to Ituzaingo (approximately 1 hour). Ituizangó will serve as your base to explore the beautiful Ibera Wetlands region in the north of Argentina. Spanning more than 15,000 square kilometres, the Ibera wetlands are roughly the size of Belgium, which gives you an idea of how much there is to explore. The biodiversity in incredible, and the swamps, lakes and lagoons are home to such creatures as otters, alligators, deer, wolves and black howler monkeys, just to name a few. Keep a look out too for those oddly noble-looking creatures, the capybaras. These cousins of guinea pigs are the largest rodents in the world.
Day 12: Ibera Wetlands/ItuizangóTake part on a full day (approximately 8-10 hour) walking tour and car safari with a guide. You might see any number of obscure species – maybe caiman or swamp deer, perhaps even an armadillo, or a flock of rhea (which are like a South American equivalent of an emu). Anacondas, though particularly hard to spot at certain times of the year, are also known to inhabit these wetlands. Keep an eye to the sky, as you're bound to catch a glimpse of some of the 350 bird species here, from the sharp-tailed tyrant to the gorgeous and garish yellow robin. For lunch enjoy a delicious barbecue (Asado) and even have a go at kneading some dough to bake Argentinian bread. Chat to your friendly hosts and gain insight into everyday life in Argentina while sampling some traditonal mate (tea).
Day 13: Foz do IguazuAfter breakfast, you’ll have a long travel day today. From Ituizango, take a comfortable local bus to Puerto Iguazu. As soon as you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station, you’ll take a minivan across the border into Brazil and continue to your hotel in Foz do Iguazu. Take a good book or play some road trip games with your fellow travellers as you watch the scenery pass you by. Tonight, you’re free to relax at your hotel or find a cosy spot for dinner.
Day 14: Iguazu FallsThis morning you'll visit the mighty waterfalls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. At over two km long, Iguazu Falls are actually a series of cataracts. There are over 270 falls, some reaching up to 80 m in height. They are wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls! Enjoy the magnificent panoramas on the Brazilian side – seeing the falls from this side means you’ll have a unique view of San Martin Island. You might also like to take a helicopter ride over the falls while you're here, which your trip leader can help you book. This optional excursion offers spectacular views of the falls and the lush green parklands surrounding it.
Day 15: Foz do IguazuToday, you’ll head to the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls, where you can follow a series of boardwalks to get up close and personal to the thundering waters – so close you can almost touch them! Later, visit a Guarani community for the rare opportunity to meet some of the region’s few remaining Indigenous people. Swap stories and then head back to your hotel, where you have a free evening.
Day 16: Rio de JaneiroToday you’ll travel by plane to Rio de Janeiro, the festive heart of Brazil. Settle into your hotel and then set out on an orientation walk with your leader. Rio is a fascinating and diverse city best known for its contrasting images of favelas (shanty towns) and the glitz and glamour of Carnaval. With loads of free time today, you can choose from many optional activities. Maybe head to a football game, take a cable car ride between Praia Vermelha and Sugarloaf Mountain for incredible views over Rio or just explore on foot with one of the many walking and hiking options!
Day 17: Rio de JaneiroYou’ll be picked up at your hotel first thing in the morning today to head straight to Christ the Redeemer – the second Wonder of the World on this action-packed trip! Soak up the early morning air, revel in the joy of beating the crowds and take some epic photos of this iconic statue before heading to a local farmer's market. Your local leader will show you some of the best foods to try as well as provide plenty of interesting facts about the market traditions. Today you'll have a free afternoon, so may wish to return to the hotel with your leader to relax. Otherwise, visiting Sugarloaf Mountain (if you haven’t yet) is a great way to spend the rest of the day. Tonight, maybe head out with your group for an optional farewell dinner.
Day 18: Rio de JaneiroThere are no activities planned for the final day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
