The Complete South America

Day 1 Lima, Peru - Tour Begins Welcome to Peru, one of the treasures of South America. The enduring cultures and breathtaking beauty of the Andes await. Travel through this intriguing land and visit some of the world's most legendary sites, including Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." Arrive late this evening in Lima, the "City of Kings." High 69???° Low 61???° Doubletree El Pardo

Day2 Lima Discover Lima's fascinating history during a tour through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the artwork at San Francisco Monastery and enter the catacombs. View the Government Center, the elegant Cathedral at Plaza de Armas, an abundance of colonial architecture, and the fashionable suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores for insight into the daily life of the Limeños. Then, you will visit the Casa de Aliaga -former house of the conquistador Jeronimo de Aliaga y Ramirez- where the energy of colonial and republican Lima comes to life. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner with a tasting menu of artfully crafted Peruvian dishes and drinks; you will quickly discover why Peru has been named the world's top food travel destination four years in a row. Breakfast & Dinner High 69???° Low 61???° Doubletree El Pardo

Day3 Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas Fly to Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Journey through the Andes to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural center of their grand empire. Learn the centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing and weaving traditional textiles during a visit to Awana Kancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes. Stop in Pisac village to browse the colorful handicraft market. This evening, settle in at your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. The rest of the evening is yours...perhaps you'll take this opportunity to discover your hotel's planetarium to gaze at the stars. Breakfast High 69???° Low 43???° 1" Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley

Day4 Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo - Sacred Valley of the Inca This morning you visit the spectacular Ollantaytambo ruins, the only Incan settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A uniquely terraced complex topped with carved stone panels, these ruins reflect ancient Incan architecture and heritage. Then, head to the Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio where you'll get first-hand knowledge of this internationally-renowned artist's techniques and designs, inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Experience the lifestyle of the modern Andean people and delve into their culture when you travel to a nearby community and interact with the locals. You'll get a true taste of their daily life when participating in small group workshops that teach you traditional methods of growing, harvesting and weaving. Celebrate their culture as you learn their dances and listen to their musical instruments before enjoying a home-hosted farm-to-table lunch featuring local specialties. Tonight, savor an authentic Pachamanca dinner, a unique process where food is placed on hot stones and buried in the ground to cook. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 69???° Low 43???° 1" Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley

Day5 Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu Climb aboard the Machu Picchu Vistadome train for breathtaking views through domed windows as you ride through the Andes to the "Lost City of the Incas." Hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungle, Machu Picchu is considered the most spectacular sight in South America. Spend the afternoon with your guide uncovering the mysteries of these majestic ruins. Tonight, stay at the base of Machu Picchu for a chance to further soak up its atmosphere. Enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration before experiencing an award-winning tasting menu at your resort. Breakfast & Dinner High 68???° Low 44???° 1" Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Day6 Machu Picchu - Cuzco With leisure time this morning you may return to Machu Picchu on your own or explore the local markets. Return by Vistadome train to the Sacred Valley and continue to Cuzco, a city that blends Inca and Spanish colonial influences. Make a stop at the Sacred Valley Brewing Company, a nonprofit brewery created to support a local orphanage. Taste these Andean-inspired beers and learn about their efforts to support their community. Breakfast High 68???° Low 44???° 1" Hilton Garden Inn Cusco

Day7 Cuzco This morning, it's your choice! Explore Cuzco, the former capital of the Incan Empire, with a local guide on a walking tour of the city. Or, board a coach for a comprehensive tour of the city's main sites. Whichever you choose, you will experience the architectural legacy visible in the Cathedral, Santo Domingo and the Plaza de Armas; you'll also stop by the central market. Enjoy the afternoon to explore Cuzco on your own. Later, gather together and travel above the city to discover the sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Enjoy a toast at sunset while overlooking the city before arriving at your authentic dinner and folklore show in the heart of Cuzco. Breakfast & Dinner High 68???° Low 44???° 1" Hilton Garden Inn Cusco

Day8 Cuzco - Santiago, Chile Say farewell to this mystical land of the Incas and fly south to cosmopolitan Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital city. Breakfast High 71???° Low 45???° Hotel Plaza San Francisco

Day9 Santiago This morning, embark on a walking tour of Santiago's historic city center. View such sights as the La Moneda Presidential Palace, Plaza de Armas and Santiago's Cathedral. Then venture out to Chile's wine region and visit a local winery for lunch. Sample some of Chile's famous cabernet and carmenere wine while a local expert teaches you about winemaking in this part of the world. Next, explore artwork and artifacts from Central and South America during your visit to the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Your evening is at leisure to further explore Santiago on your own. Breakfast & Lunch High 71???° Low 45???° Hotel Plaza San Francisco

Day10 Santiago - Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales Leave Santiago behind and fly to the region of Patagonia, the southern portion of Chile and Argentina that is filled with natural wonders. Arrive in Punta Arenas, built along the Strait of Magellan. Visit the old port village and Fort Bulnes, a historical reconstruction based on the original fortified settlement. Take in the stunning scenery before heading to Puerto Natales, the stepping off point to Chile's Torres del Paine National Park. Breakfast & Dinner High 56???° Low 39???° Costaustralis Hotel

Day11 Puerto Natales Embark on a full-day cruise through the Chilean Fjords, visiting the breathtaking Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers. As you pass through the Seno Ultima Esperanza - "Channel of Last Hope" - behold the pristine beauty of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile's largest natural reserve. This rugged landscape and unspoiled territory is a site you will never forget. Breakfast & Lunch High 56???° Low 39???° Costaustralis Hotel

Day12 Puerto Natales - Torres Del Paine - Puerto Natales Today you'll venture into the UNESCO biosphere reserve - Torres Del Paine National Park. Take in the panoramas of jagged mountains and emerald-blue lakes. Marvel at the cascading waterfalls and the flora & fauna that are unique to the area. You are sure to be awed at every turn when exploring what is known as South America's most incredible national park. Breakfast High 56???° Low 39???° Costaustralis Hotel

Day13 Puerto Natales - El Calafate, Argentina Make your way from the Chilean side of Patagonia to El Calafate in Argentina, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. En route, meet some local gauchos at a typical Patagonian estancia. Partake in a traditional lamb roast lunch and learn about the local culture. Then you are treated to a dog show and sheep shearing demonstration. Revel in the beauty of the landscape during your drive through the countryside before settling into your hotel, perfectly situated near downtown and featuring spectacular views of magnificent Lake Argentino. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 56???° Low 39???° Esplendor El Calafate

Day14 El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier Discover the jewel of Argentina's Patagonia - Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. This UNESCO site forms part of the Patagonian Continental Ice Field and is one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing. Gaze off the shoreline in search of floating icebergs as you listen to the sounds of crashing ice breaking off the massive glacier. Breakfast & Lunch High 56???° Low 39???° Esplendor El Calafate

Day15 El Calafate - Buenos Aires Board your flight to Buenos Aires, birthplace of the tango and the "Paris of South America." Stretching along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, the city is a mosaic of European-styled architecture and South American spirit. Tonight, head to Esquina Carlos Gardel, named after Argentina's most famous tango maestro, and savor Argentine cuisine and wine before witnessing a stunning tango performance. Breakfast & Dinner High 71???° Low 51???° 3" Brick Hotel Buenos Aires

Day16 Buenos Aires Start your day with a panoramic tour of lively Buenos Aires. Visit the Palermo district and Recoleta Cemetery, where Evita Peron rests. Drive along the famous Avenida 9 de Julio; view the Teatro Colon opera house; the Metropolitan Cathedral, the former church of Pope Francis I; and the Presidential Palace - "La Casa Rosada" - at Plaza de Mayo. Then, it's your choice! Continue on your city tour by bus or embark on a bicycle tour with a local guide. Either way you will visit La Boca and the Puerto Madero neighborhoods. The remainder of the day is yours to create your own adventure. Maybe you'll stroll through San Martin Park or Calle de Florida, a shopper's paradise; or take the optional Tigre Delta trip where you'll pass by an array of historic mansions before boarding a cruise through the canals. Breakfast High 71???° Low 51???° 3" Brick Hotel Buenos Aires

Day17 Buenos Aires - Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay - Buenos Aires Hop aboard the Colonia Express, a ferry that takes you across the Rio de la Plata to the charming village of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. This UNESCO site, dating back to 1680, is the only remaining Portuguese settlement in Uruguay. A local resident joins us for a ride through town to introduce you to its landmarks before leading you on a guided walk through the historic old town. Savor lunch featuring some local delicacies and Uruguayan wine before having free time to relax or explore independently. Later we return to Buenos Aires. Breakfast & Lunch High 71???° Low 51???° 3" Brick Hotel Buenos Aires

Day18 Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls, Brazil Fly to Iguazu Falls - located at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay - hailed as the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Board the Rainforest Ecological Train inside the national park on the Argentine side and walk to the platform overlooking powerful Devil's Throat. Discover unparalleled views of five waterfalls as they plummet into the Iguazu River. Cross to the Brazilian side and check into your resort. Cap off your day with a relaxing dinner. Breakfast & Dinner High 81???° Low 63???° 6" Mabu Thermas Grand Resort

Day19 Iguazu Falls Soak up the breathtaking views of the waterfalls from the Brazilian side. Join your local guide as you discover how Brazil and Argentina have fought to protect the beauty and raw power of the falls by making each side a national park. You will see firsthand why Eleanor Roosevelt, upon seeing Iguazu Falls, exclaimed "Poor Niagara." The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the many amenities at your resort or you may choose an optional jungle boat ride at the base of the falls. Breakfast High 81???° Low 63???° 6" Mabu Thermas Grand Resort

Day20 Iguazu Falls - Rio de Janeiro Fly to Rio de Janeiro. Magnificent views, beautiful beaches, flamboyant Carnival costumes, great cuisine and friendly people make Rio the cultural capital of Brazil. Venture to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views. Check into your beachfront hotel in the exclusive Leblon neighborhood. Learn how to craft caipirinhas - Brazil's famous cocktail made with sugar cane liquor and lime.* Then, cap the night off with a feast in a typical Brazilian churrascaria. Indulge in wine and meats slow-roasted to perfection. Breakfast & Dinner High 84???° Low 68???° 3" Sheraton Rio

Day21 Rio de Janeiro Journey to Corcovado by train to see Christ the Redeemer, one of the largest Art Deco statues in the world. Take in the panoramic vistas from Tijuca Forest National Park. With 360-degree views around the city, you'll soon realize why this statue is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Then spend time with locals at one of the city's open-air markets. Break into small groups with market guides as you discover and taste over a dozen different types of exotic fruits from Brazil. This afternoon, it's your choice! Step behind-the-scenes at Carnival and meet the artists who are designing the floats, costumes and dances during their year-round preparations for Rio's biggest event. Or, join a local guide for a tour of a favela; learn about the unique contrasts and paradoxes of Brazilian society as you stroll through the community and visit a local home; relish some time for coffee, cake and discussion with the humble residents. The evening is yours to relax or explore independently. Breakfast High 84???° Low 68???° 3" Sheraton Rio

Day22 Rio de Janeiro Your morning is at leisure to explore fabulous Rio de Janeiro on your own. Relax by the beach at your resort or take a shuttle to Copacabana. Or, perhaps take an optional jeep ride through the Tijuca forest followed by a visit to historic Santa Teresa. This afternoon, witness the city of Rio that captivated the world during the 2016 Summer Olympics. Stop by the Maracanã football stadium, which hosted the 2014 World Cup finals, before continuing on to the famous Carnival parade route, the Sambadrome. Afterward, behold the renowned Metropolitan Cathedral with architecture that was inspired by a Mayan pyramid. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an exciting farewell dinner at Rio Scenarium, a lavishly decorated restaurant and music venue in the historic Lapa district. Meet local Cariocas (the name for people from Rio de Janeiro) for a night of dinner, music and dancing. Breakfast & Dinner High 84???° Low 68???° 3" Sheraton Rio

Day23 Rio de Janeiro - Tour Ends As your tour comes to a close, transfer to the airport for your flight home. For guests with evening flights, you may choose an optional visit to the famous Botanical Gardens along with a cruise of Guanabara Bay, or perhaps a historic walking tour of the waterfront district which underwent a fantastic transformation for the 2016 Olympics. Breakfast