Riviera Travel South America Highlights With Peru

• Revel in awe-inspiring vistas of Rio de Janeiro, with panoramic views from the summits of Sugarloaf Mountain and the base of Christ the Redeemer, as well as the stunning sights of Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, often referred to as the ‘Paris of South America,’ and explore Cusco, the former Incan empire capital, now transformed into one of South America’s most captivating cities, all while being guided by knowledgeable experts.
• Embark on a journey to Argentina’s picturesque ‘pampas,’ or plains, and experience the authentic charm of a traditional ‘estancia’ (ranch) visit.
• Unearth the mysteries of the legendary Machu Picchu, known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas,’ during a comprehensive guided tour that will leave you in awe.
• Traverse the Sacred Valley of the Incas and delve into the rich heritage of Pisac’s renowned Indian market and the historic temple of Ollantaytambo.

• Selected meals: daily breakfast, 4 lunches & 1 dinner
• 3 to 4-star accommodation
• Programme of daily tours & visits
• Inclusive of all local taxes
• Return flights & transfers
• Expert Tour Manager
• Checked luggage

Day 1 – Departure

Arrive at the airport for your overnight flight to Lima

Day 2 – Arrival in Lima

Upon  arrival, transfer to Lima. In the afternoon, the tour takes you to explore the heart of the city’s colonial heritage, a UNESCO-listed area. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks, including the Presidential Palace, the enchanting Plaza del Armas, and the exquisite Baroque San Francisco church.

Day 3 – Sacred Valley

Your journey today takes you to Cusco, the historic Inca capital. Spend the next two nights in the Urubamba Valley, known as the ‘Sacred Valley of the Incas,’ which is situated just below Cusco at a slightly lower elevation.

Day 4 – Pisac & Sacred Valley

Spend the day in the Sacred Valley, starting with a visit to Pisac, known for its vibrant indigenous market offering a wide range of local crafts. After lunch, explore the remarkable hillside fortress of Ollantaytambo, showcasing intricate Incan stonework crafted with stone tools.

Day 5 – Machu Picchu

Today’s tour includes a remarkable journey aboard the Explorer train through the breathtaking Urubamba River gorge, leading to the legendary Machu Picchu. You’ll return by train to the Sacred Valley before driving to Cusco.

Day 6 – Cusco

This morning, explore the Qorichancha, the Incan sun temple, once covered in gold sheets, partially preserved beneath a Spanish convent. Enjoy an afternoon of independent exploration in the charming city, easily accessible on foot from your centrally located hotel.

Day 7 – Flight to Buenos Aires

This morning, fly back to Lima for your flight to Buenos Aires in Argentina

Day 8 – Pampas Ranch

Following breakfast, we depart the city for the Pampas plains west of Buenos Aires. Our destination is Estancia Santa Susana, a historic working ranch spanning nearly 3,000 acres, originally established by Irish immigrants. The well-preserved original house offers a captivating glimpse into late 19th-century life on the ranch. You’ll also witness impressive equestrian displays, true to the gaucho tradition, with a multitude of horses.

An exceptional lunch awaits, featuring Argentinian barbecue beef, accompanied by local songs and dances for your enjoyment.

Day 9 –  Buenos Aires & Tango Show

Today, delve into the captivating Buenos Aires, often hailed as the ‘Paris of South America’ for its elegant avenues, parks, and grand architecture. Your tour includes stops at Plaza de Mayo and the iconic pink Presidential Palace, famous for Evita Peron’s historic speeches. You’ll explore the vibrant districts of San Telmo and La Boca, and Recoleta Cemetery, where Evita Peron rests.

In the evening, visit one of the city’s top tango shows, complete with a delightful dinner.

Day 10 – Fly to Iguazu Falls

This morning, take a short flight to Iguazu Falls. In the afternoon, see the falls themselves from the Brazilian side

Day 11 – Iguazu Falls

The Argentinian side of the falls offers numerous viewpoints, including the impressive Devils’ Throat balcony, and accessible wooden boardwalks through lush forest leading to various falls. A charming ‘jungle train’ takes you to the head of the falls, and for the adventurous, a jetboat ride to the falls’ base on the Iguazu River is also an option.

Day 12 – Fly to Rio de Janeiro

In the afternoon, take a short flight to Rio de Janeiro

Day 13 – Rio de Janeiro

Today, embark on a tour highlight – visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Reach this 2,300ft granite peak by a Swiss-built cog railway through the Tijuca Forest National Park. The panoramic views in every direction are simply breathtaking.

After descending to sea level, stroll through Rio’s delightful Botanical Gardens and savour an included lunch featuring Brazilian barbecued meats (with a vegetarian option available).

Day 14 – Rio de Janeiro

This morning, ascend Sugarloaf Mountain via a thrilling two-stage cable car, enjoying mesmerizing vistas of Rio’s stunning bays and beaches. Following this, explore the city center of Rio and indulge in a lunch at the iconic Confeitaria Colombo, a charming belle-époque restaurant.

Day 15 – Return home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home

Day 16 – Arrive Home

Arrive back in the UK

Casa Andina Select Miraflores, Lima
This hotel offers a range of amenities, including a 24-hour front desk, swimming pool, spa, lounge, fitness center, elevator access, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry service, boutique gift shop, and a coffee shop. Additional features include an ATM, gym, and hair salon (with charges). The 155 modern and well-equipped rooms feature air conditioning, bath/shower, hairdryer, mini-fridge, iron/board, safe, TV, and coffee-maker (Wi-Fi is available for an extra charge, but free in the lobby).

Hotel Costa del Solo Ramada, Cusco
Features at Hotel Costa Del Sol Ramada include air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, a bar, and a restaurant. This four-star hotel, originally the 17th-century residence of the Marquis of Picoaga, has been thoughtfully restored. It offers 90 rooms split into two wings, one preserving the traditional colonial style and the other featuring a modern contemporary design. All rooms are equipped with a safe, TV, hairdryer, and minibar.

725 Continental Hotel, Buenos Aires
Built in 1927 and recently renovated, this hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, bar, restaurant, fitness center, sauna, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can also unwind at the rooftop bar and open-air pool while enjoying panoramic views of the Buenos Aires skyline. The 192 stylishly appointed rooms feature air conditioning, bath/shower, hairdryer, safe, minibar, and TV.

Mercure Iguazu Hotel, Puerto Iguazu
The Mercure Iguazu is a four-star hotel located on the Argentinian side of the falls. It features a bar, restaurant, fitness area, spa, outdoor swimming pool, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The 100 spacious rooms offer views of the pool or jungle and include a shower, hairdryer, safe, minibar, TV, and balcony.

Windsor Leme, Rio de Janeiro
The hotel offers a rooftop swimming pool with a pool bar, 24-hour front desk service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant serving international cuisine. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, minibar, in-room safe, desk, seating area, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic