Treasures of South America

Day 1  Lima, Peru  
Fly to Lima and meet your guide to be transferred to your hotel. Kick off your South American adventure with a Peruvian welcome dinner with your group.

Day 2  Lima  
Rich in heritage and originally named the City of the Kings, Lima is a fascinating city with lots to uncover. Stroll through the colourful fruit market before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centre to admire the magnificent colonial buildings including the Cathedral of Lima and Government Palace. Later, explore the bohemian Barranco district, home to some of the finest artists in Latin America and filled with street art. Visit the renowned MATE museum, home to the collection of Peruvian photographer Mario Testino and end the day with a tasting session of Peru’s most famous drink, pisco.

Day 3  Lima to Sacred Valley  
Fly to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley, home to Incan citadels and beautiful agricultural landscapes set against a backdrop of the Andean mountains. Spend the afternoon in Manos de la Cominidad learning about the traditional crafts of weaving, pottery and jewellery making from local artisans and how they preserve their ancient techniques. Afterwards, tour the Pisac archaeological site where Incan ruins cling to the lush hillside.

Day 4  Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes  
Journey to the circular terraces of magnificent Moray before making your way to the Maras Salt Mines, where evaporation ponds catch salty water descending from the mountains. These ponds are most famous for producing pink table salt. Finish your sightseeing in Ollantaytambo, the start point of the Inca Trail, and visit preserved houses and the old fortress, before heading on to your overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

Day 5  Aguas Calientes to Cusco  
This morning, visit magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Perched on the clifftop surrounded by breathtaking mountains, tour this fascinating site with your guide. In the afternoon, transfer by train and road to Cusco.

Day 6  Cusco  
UNESCO World Heritage listed Cusco boasts a unique mix of Incan and colonial architecture. Visit Qoricancha, the temple of the sun, before exploring the Cusco Cathedral, home to intricate gold and silver reliefs. Participate in a traditional Quechua ritual with a shaman before enjoying a folklore show featuring traditional music and dancing.

Day 7  Cusco to Puno  
Journey by train through stunning Andean highlands from Cusco to Puno, a charming town on the banks of Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America.

Day 8  Puno  
Travel by boat to the island of Taquile. Once an Incan stronghold, this island has a long standing history of weaving and textile making. Later, visit the Chucuito Peninsula for lunch at a local fisherman’s house. Discover the remarkable floating Uros Islands, where the community inhabit a series of artificial islands constructed from weaving reeds together.

Day 9  Puno to Lima  
Drive to the airport via the pre-Incan burial site of Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo. Fly to Lima and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 10  Lima to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Fly to Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital city of Buenos Aires.

Day 11  Buenos Aires  
Tour lively Buenos Aires, from colourful La Boca, cobblestoned San Telmo and lavish Recoleta. In the evening, take a tango class and enjoy dinner and a dance show.

Day 12  Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay  
Take a day trip to Uruguay, visiting the picturesque Colonia del Sacramento. One of the oldest towns in the country, it features Portuguese-inspired architecture with winding pathways and cobblestone streets. Return to Buenos Aires in the evening.

Day 13  Buenos Aires, Argentina  
Today, venture into the vast Pampas surrounding Buenos Aires and spend the day at an authentic ranch. Discover the enduring traditions of the gauchos, enjoying a folklore show and asado barbecue lunch.

Day 14  Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls  
Transfer to the airport and fly to Puerto Iguazú, the gateway city to the natural wonder of Iguazú Falls. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 15  Iguazú Falls  
Visit the Argentinian side of the falls, including one of its’ most impressive sights, the Garganta del Diablo – the Devil’s Throat, the largest of the waterfalls. In the afternoon, take advantage of the unique opportunity to learn about the indigenous culture of the Mborore Aldea people, who will share fascinating stories of their ancestors, myths and legends.

Day 16  Iguazú Falls, Argentina to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  
Cross the border into Brazil to see the falls from a fresh perspective. Wander paths and catwalks to numerous smaller cascades. Hop on a flight to bustling Rio de Janeiro, where the rest of your evening is at leisure.

Day 17  Rio de Janeiro  
Renowned for its beaches, lush scenery and nightlife, this vibrant city is ripe for exploration. Ascend Corcovado and enjoy sweeping views of the city from atop the peak, marvelling at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer. Later, explore the charming Santa Teresa neighbourhood, known for its colourful streets, artistic spirit and bohemian atmosphere.

Day 18  Rio de Janeiro  
Head to downtown Rio, passing the Sambadrome and the Metropolitan Cathedral, then reach the heights of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car. Take in the breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay before visiting a samba club in Copacabana to dance the night away.

Days 19-20  Fly home