Grand Tour of South America

Grand Tour of South America

This tour focuses on South America's cultural and natural highlights, revealing the continent's diversity, and passing from high Andean scenery down to the thundering Iguazú Falls. Stop in buzzing cities along the way including Bolivia’s capital of La Paz, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires in Argentina and the exotic Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

What's Included:

• Small group size - average 16 people (max 20)
• 4- & 5-star accommodation
• International flights with British Airways
• Internal flights
• Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Experienced local tour guides in each destination
• 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
• Porterage at airports and stations
• Easter departures
• Welcome dinner & farewell drink

Day 1: Fly to Lima, Peru

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Lima with British Airways. Transfer to the Casa Andina Premium Miraflores for 2 nights. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Day 2: Lima

Morning tour of Lima, with a stop at the historic Cordano tavern for a welcome pisco sour drink. (B)

Day 3: Fly to Cuzco - Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire. Transfer to the Sacred Valley, via the indigenous village of Chinchero and Ollantaytambo Inca fortress. Stay at the Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley for 1 night. (B)

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and explore the spectacular Inca city. Stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo for 1 night. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Cuzco

Morning at leisure or further explore Machu Picchu (purchase tickets at time of booking). In the afternoon, return to Cuzco by train and stay 2 nights at the Casa Andina Premium Cuzco. (B)

Day 6: Cuzco

Morning tour of Cuzco and San Blas. Afternoon at leisure or optional excursions. (B)

Day 7: Luxury Train to Puno

Take the Belmond Andean Explorer sleeper train across the altiplano (high plain) to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy majestic vistas from the stylish lounge car and watch the sunset at La Raya (the highest point of the route). Dinner and overnight on board (bunkbed cabin). Upgrade to a twin-bed cabin from £125. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Wake up to see the sunrise over Lake Titicaca. Travel by road to Huatajata in Bolivia visiting Copacabana and its shrine en route. See the cultural exhibition at the Andean Roots Eco Village, discover how reed boats are constructed and meet a spiritual Kallawaya healer. Stay overnight at the Inca Utama on the shores of the lake and observe the southern constellations from the hotel’s astronomical observatory. (B, L)

Day 9: Uros Iruitos - La Paz

Take a hydrofoil cruise to the Uros floating reed islands and visit the Quewaya Sustainable Project. Continue overland to bustling La Paz for an afternoon tour of the city, including the Witches’ Market and Moon Valley. Overnight at the Atix Hotel. (B)

Day 10: Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly to Buenos Aires, a city of grand architecture and European influences. Transfer to the Alvear Art Hotel for 3 nights. (B)

Day 11: Buenos Aires

Take a morning city tour, including the cathedral, La Boca district and the Recoleta Cemetery. (B)

Day 12: Buenos Aires

Day at leisure or take optional excursions (B)

Day 13: Fly to Iguazú

Fly to Iguazú and stay for 2 nights at the Gran Meliá Iguazú within the park (upgrade to a falls-view room from £145). Take a half-day tour of the Brazilian side of the falls for panoramic views. (B)

Day 14: Iguazú

Day at leisure to enjoy the various nearby walkways on the Argentinian side. (B)

Day 15: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fly to Rio, set among mountains, tropical forests and golden beaches. Transfer to the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana (deluxe city view room) for 2 nights. Upgrade to a deluxe ocean front room from £85. (B)

Day 16: Rio de Janeiro

Full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro, including Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain and enjoy a farewell drink. (B)

Day 17: Depart Rio de Janeiro

At leisure or optional excursions (day room use from £95). Evening flight to London with British Airways. (B)

Day 18: Arrive Home

Arrive in London. (N)