18 Day Classic Brazil, Argentina and Peru

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Brazil
Depart for Brazil

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Brazil! Morning arrival in Rio, the vivacious "sun and fun" capital of South America; meet and transfer to your hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5 PM, followed by dinner at a typical Brazilian Churrascaria. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 2 PM
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Rio de Janeiro, Tour of Corcovado Mountain
Awake this morning in amazing Rio. Begin the day with an ascent by a scenic cog railway to the summit of Corcovado Hill. Here, at 2,400 feet above the city stands the 125 foot tall statue of Christ the Redeemer. The Christ statue, that embraces the entire city, is designated as one of the seven "New Wonders of the World". See the thrilling 360 degree sweeping view of the city and understand why Rio is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Afterwards, continue along Rio's famous beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema before returning to your hotel
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday - Rio de Janeiro
Today is at leisure to discover all of the delights of Rio on your own. Watch the volleyball and soccer matches on the beach, shop for local crafts, and linger at a waterfront cafe to just "people-watch." Join the optional not-to-be-missed glass cable car ride that takes you to the top of iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, symbol of the city, where you'll see the stunning panorama of the beaches, Corcovado Mountain, downtown Rio, and Guanabara Bay. In the afternoon, attend the optional Carnival and Samba Experience. Visit one of the top Samba schools in the city and learn what made the Samba & Carnival icons of Brazilian national identity. On your last night in Rio at leisure, be sure to sample the cuisine at some of the fabulous restaurants and cafes ringing the beachfront
Optional: Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain (AM)
Optional: Half Day Carnival and Samba Experience (PM)
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Monday - Flight to Iguassu, Brazilian Falls
Depart Rio this morning on a flight to Iguassu Falls. Upon arrival, walk along the winding pathways on the Brazilian side of the majestic and awe-inspiring Falls, one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Iguassu consists of over 275 separate cataracts across a span of two and one-half miles, wider than Victoria Falls, higher than Niagara Falls, and more dramatic than both. Cross the border to Iguazu, the Argentinean side of the Falls, for overnight. After a day filled with unforgettable memories, return to the hotel and enjoy a typical Argentine dinner
Overnight: Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Iguazu, the Argentinean Falls
Your adventure continues this morning on the Argentinean side of the Falls. A rail car takes you to the top of the Falls on the Upper Circuit,* and you will walk to the Lower Circuit where the power of nature surrounds you. Continue along the catwalks to Devil's Gorge - stand in amazement as you gaze at spectacular "Devil's Throat" the most magnificent of all of the cataracts. View, photograph, and feel the spray of the thundering waters, one of nature's most impressive achievements and a unique experience for your senses. Spend the rest of the day exploring the natural treasures of Iguazu National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rare and endangered flora and fauna
*Please be advised that in order to access the falls, you are required to walk over uneven surfaces, followed by a series of narrow boardwalk paths. The paths feature many sets of stairs and can be slippery due to the mist
Overnight: Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Wednesday - Flight to Buenos Aires
This morning, enjoy some additional time at leisure in Iguazu. Time permitting, visit a local school in the afternoon before transferring to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Its beauty is apparent with its elegant architecture, wide tree-shaded boulevards, striking monuments and sprawling parks. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to get acquainted with the "Paris of South America" and its distinct European flavor. As you will have your night at leisure feel free to treat yourself to an Argentine dinner at one of the city's many superb steak restaurants
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Thursday - Buenos Aires City Tour
Discover the city's highlights this morning on a tour that includes the Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Casa Rosada (government palace); see the balcony where Eva and Juan Peron made their speeches. Then, to the colorful La Boca neighborhood, a working-class barrio, and the old quarters of San Telmo and Caminito, a mix of colonial style homes, narrow lanes, artists' lofts, and very trendy cafes. Drive to the Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of many of the wealthiest and most important Argentine historical figures. The grounds here cover more than four city blocks, filled with tombs adorned by works of local and international sculptors, and more than 6,400 mausoleums including the tomb of Eva "Evita" Peron, always heaped with flowers and letters from adoring fans. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring some of Buenos Aires' neighborhoods and fabulous collection of shops before this evening's tango lesson with professional Argentine Tango dancers. Tonight is at leisure, or participate in the optional Buenos Aires Dinner and Tango Show
Optional: Buenos Aires Dinner & Tango Show (PM)
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Friday - Full Day in Buenos Aires
Revisit some of your favorite places in the city today, shop for leatherwear and designer clothes, or, join the optional fun-filled Gaucho Party at the Santa Susana Ranch. Get ready for a rustic experience at a typical Argentine ranch (estancia), dedicated to agriculture and the breeding of cattle and horses. After a tour of the grounds, enjoy a typical barbecue lunch, followed by a folklore show with live music and dancing. Return to the hotel with time to prepare for this evening's "Farewell to Argentina" dinner with your group at a delightful restaurant
Optional: Full Day Traditional Gaucho Party
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Depart Buenos Aires, Arrive in Lima
Bid farewell to your Argentinian Tour Manager and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima*. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
*Due to flight schedules, some departures will use an evening flight to Lima
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Sunday - Lima City Tour
This morning's tour of Lima, with its 2000 years of history, begins at the colonial center of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic buildings surrounding the splendid Plaza Mayor. View the impressive Palace of the Archbishop with its fine carved balcony, the opulent Government Palace, official residence of the President, and the 16th century Cathedral of Lima whose first stone was laid by Pizarro. Continue to the 17th century Monasterio de San Francisco complex with its magnificent tiles, ornate carved ceilings, exceptional paintings, and world-renowned library. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or join the optional tour Larco Herrera Museum with lunch. Following lunch, experience one of Lima's most magnificent museums. Admire the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian masterpieces and a stunning exhibition of gold and priceless jewels
Optional: Larco Herrera Museum with Lunch
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Monday - Flight to Cuzco, Cuzco City Tour
Depart Lima this morning by flight to Cuzco, in the Peruvian Andes. This ancient capital of the Inca Empire is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, depart for a tour of Cuzco. View the impressive Colonial Cathedral, which contains over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School in addition to colonial art. Continue on to visit the Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important religious site of the Incas, whose walls and floors were allegedly once covered by sheets of solid gold. Transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Tuesday - Discover Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer to the Sacred Valley's Ollanta Station to board the Vistadome Train that travels through misty peaks to the astonishing ancient citadel of Machu Picchu*, the "Lost City of the Incas", designated by UNESCO as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu was virtually unknown to the western world until Hiram Bingham's rediscovery in 1911. Spend the morning viewing the unforgettable wonders of this 15th century retreat, abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the conquistadors. See the highlights of the site including the imposing Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, and the Sacred Plaza. Return to the Sacred Valley in the early evening and transfer to your hotel in Cuzco for overnight
*Approximate time spent at the ruins of Machu Picchu is 3 hours
Overnight: Cuzco ▲
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Wednesday - Full Day in Cuzco
Spend today at leisure in the "Imperial City" of Cuzco. Take time to explore some of the city's stunning sights or shop for some of the finest handicrafts and textiles in all of Peru. Perhaps, participate in the optional Cuzco Behind the Scenes Tour, offering a glimpse into the other side of life in Cuzco. On this tour, visit a local market and taste fresh-baked Chuta bread. Stop at the Cuzco cemetery to learn more about Andean life and death and meet with a local "shaman" (holy man). After the cooking demonstration, enjoy a delicious meal. In the afternoon, attend the optional tour Half Day Ancient Cuzco Ruins which explores some of Cuzco's most unique Inca Ruins. Tonight, savor a 3-course set dinner, featuring delectable Andean specialties
Optional: Half Day Cuzco Behind the Scenes (AM)
Optional: Half Day Ancient Cuzco Ruins (PM)
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15, Thursday - Raqchi & Puno
Depart Cuzco early morning on a long drive today. Admire spectacular scenery as you drive through the Andes mountain range and the Andean plains to Puno on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. In this area, South American camelids (llamas and alpacas) graze on the immense plateaus and plains. En route, visit the 15th century Temple of Wiracocha, with its elaborate stonework, the largest Inca temple ever discovered. Today, Raqchi remains home to many farmers, ranchers, and artisans. Then, arrive at pristine Lake Titicaca sitting majestically at 12,500 feet above sea level, backed by the snowcapped peaks of Bolivia's Cordillera Real range. This is the highest navigable lake in the world and South America's largest fresh water lake. A box lunch will be provided en route
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 16, Friday - Laykakota Local Market, Fertility Temple of Chucuito, Excursion to Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
Begin the day at Laykakota local market. Explore the colorful stalls filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. Afterward, head to Chucuito Village to visit the Fertility Temple. Learn about the temple's history, cultural and religious significance, along with ancient fertility rituals. Next, take a boat excursion to the fascinating Uros Floating Islands where the indigenous people of the area, the Uros, live on islands that dot the lake. The Uros live very much the same way as their ancestors did and still follow the ancient customs and traditions. These islands are completely man-made structures, using the totora reeds from the lake to build the islands and houses. Return to Puno for the remainder of the day at leisure. Or, take the optional tour to the Sillustani Tombs, the pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. The tombs here are built above the ground in tower-like structures called chullpas, vestiges of the Colla people before they were conquered by the Incas in the 15th century. Evening is at leisure in Puno
Optional: Half Day Sillustani Tombs (PM)
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 17, Saturday - Flight to Lima
This morning transfer to the airport in Juliaca for your flight back to Lima. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manager with a dinner featuring Peruvian specialties
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 18, Sunday - Depart Peru
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight*
*Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of day 18 and will require a transfer on day 17. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time.
Meals: Breakfast