South America Trek & Taste Adventure

Arrive in Lima
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Now the capital of Peru and its largest city, Lima was once called the “City of Kings” by Spanish conquistadors. If you look beyond the urban sprawl, you'll be rewarded with the National Museum's pre-Columbian treasures and Plaza Mayor's colonial splendour.

Exclusive Lima City Tour
Depart this morning on a 5 hour sightseeing tour exploring the most impressive sights of Lima along with some of our handpicked favourites. We will start in Miraflores market, a vibrant place visited by local chefs for its wonderful variety of fresh produce from the coast, the Andes and the Amazon. Take the chance to learn more about Peru’s diversity reflected in the colourful assortment of vegetables, fruits, fish and condiments.

On the way to Lima’s downtown we pass by ‘Huaca Pucllana’ an ancient adobe pyramid structure which served as one of the region’s most important ceremonial temples between the years of 200 AD and 700 AD. We continue to the San Isidro district and visit the impressive ‘El Olivar’ Park before stopping at the Pisco Museum where you have the chance to taste Peru’s national drink, the ‘Pisco Sour’ (optional, not included). Later we visit Lima’s downtown with its historic and traditional buildings: the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s palace and the Metropolitan City Hall surround the Main Square. Continue to San Francisco church and monastery, a 17th century jewel, recognised as a cultural heritage site by UNESCO.

This tour finishes with a guided visit of the Larco Herrera Museum. This is a fabulous private museum with an exquisite collection of gold and silver treasures from ancient Peru. Many pieces in this museum are now world famous after having been exhibited in the best museums around the world.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the city on your own.

Breakfast included.

Depart Lima
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel in Lima and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Tambopata Research Centre
Peruvian Amazon: If you are looking for a more in-depth Amazon experience then journey into the Peruvian Tambopata National Reserve known for its pristine forest and exceptional wildlife. Head into the jungle to the Tambopata Research Centre where you will spend several days exploring this world renowned eco-lodge including its huge macaw clay lick.
Tambopata Research Centre: Day 1
Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, you will be welcomed at the airport and taken to Tambopata Research Center. En route, you will make a short stop at the lodge’s office where you will leave your excess luggage. After an approximately 3.5-hour journey by bus and boat you will arrive at Tambopata Research Center (TRC) in the pristine heart of the reserve of the same name. The journey travels deep into the Amazon, crossing the confluence with the Malinowski River, leaving behind any trace of human life, and replacing it with capybara, caiman, geese, and macaws.

Upon arrival at the Tambopata Research Center, you will be welcomed and briefed with important navigation and security tips. Your stay includes round trip transportation by land and river, meals, unlimited purified water and guided excursions in English (shared with other lodge guests).

Lunch and Dinner included.

Tambopata Research Centre: Day 2
Over the following two full days you will have the opportunity to head out on excursions with your expert guide to explore the jungle and all that it holds. Examples of some of the activities that may be on offer include:

- Night walks
- Amazon birdwatching
- Overlook trail
- Sunset cruise
- Rainforest tattoo
- Bamboo trail
- Monkey search
- Night lectures
- Amazon creek trail hike
- Colorado Macaw clay lick
- Island exploration and pond
- The world of butterflies
- Macaw project lecture
- Palm swamp trail
- Rainforest master hike

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Tambopata Research Centre: Day 3
Another full day of activities which you will decide on with your guide.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Tambopata Research Centre: Day 4
Breakfast. Transfer Boat - TRC to Tambopata River Port. Transfer Tambopata River Port to Puerto Maldonado Headquarters

Transfer Puerto Maldonado Headquarters to Airport We retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado, our office and the airport. Depending on airline schedules, this may require dawn departures.

Breakfast included.

Airport to Sacred Valley with Chincheros markets
Upon arrival, welcome and transfer to the Sacred Valley so you can have time to acclimatize and rest. On the way you stop at Chinchero to join a local weaving family in their courtyard for an overview of the Andean weaving process. Chinchero is renowned for the production of textiles done on backstrap looms. You watch as wool is carded, spun, and dyed and learn about the different techniques used to create belts, ponchos and shawls. You will also enjoy an Andean snack as boxed lunch.

At the end of the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Taray - Pisaq Ruins - Market - Ollantaytambo Tour
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for your tour in the Sacred Valley. Your first stop will be at the Mirador de Taray, a scenic lookout point offering impressive panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. Then you continue to Pisaq, where you will first visit the archaeological complex, the ruins of the fortress of Pisaq, which are set high above a valley by patterned fields and rimmed by vast terracing. The stonework and panoramas at Pisaq's Inca citadel are magnificent. You will visit the lower part of the complex where the agricultural area and the pre-Hispanic cemetery are located. Afterwards, visit the vibrant Pisaq market, originally a place where people from remote communities used to barter their products. Nowadays Pisaq has evolved to one of South America's most famous souvenir markets. Make sure to sample some 'empanadas' baked in traditional clay ovens.

Afternoon visit to the fortress of Ollantaytambo where the Temple of the Sun (formed of six gigantic monoliths, whose total weight exceeds 50 tons) and the Terrace of the Ten Niches stand out.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Maras and Moray (Private)
Tour to Maras and Moray. The dominant color in Maras is an intense white that burns like snow on a sunny day and are an impressive sight for any visitor. Salt was extracted from these mines from Inca times and the same method has been used ever since. You will then head to Moray. The circular terraces hidden among the hills are similar to a Greek amphitheater. Surrounded by an impressive backdrop of snow covered mountains, Moray was used as an open-air agricultural lab for adapting crops to different environmental conditions. 4 hours

Breakfast included.

1 day Inca Trail trek from Km104 (Shared) from SV
Your Inca Trail adventure starts with pick up from your hotel as you are transported to the railway station to board the Expedition train heading to Aguas Calientes. (Luggage will be stored at the train's company baggage storage) Escorted by your guide you descend at kilometer 104 – the starting point of today’s hike towards Machu Picchu. En route stop by the Inca ruins of Chachabamba (2,150 m/ 7,052 ft), which is noted for its complex irrigation channels and expert stone masonry. Your route will soon lead along misty cloud-forest paths, moss-covered stairs, and numerous mountain lookout points, before arriving at the well-preserved, imposing ancient compound at Wiñay Wayna. After a lunch break, you head to Inti Punku or ‘the Sun Gate’, where you will get your first ideally elevated glimpse of Machu Picchu. Before dark, a secondary trail will take you down to the village of Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night at your hotel.

Includes: Boxed Lunch

Total distance: 13 km (8 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours
Starting altitude: 2,150 m (7,052 ft)
Max. altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Machu Picchu Tour
Today you will visit Wayna Picchu mountain. Upon entering the citadel, you will follow a short, predetermined route through a section of Machu Picchu until you reach the entrance of Wayna Picchu’s trail. Enjoy the exhilarating climb of Wayna Picchu, situated at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level. Make sure to take some impressive panoramic photos of Machu Picchu from above. Upon descending the mountain, you follow the short, predetermined route to the exit of the citadel.

Later, you will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival a small coach takes you up the steep roads to the entrance of the citadel. For centuries Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the Spaniards and has only been found in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. During a guided tour you will experience the uniqueness of the location and the genius that went into its construction, making this Inca site one of the seven new wonders of the world.

At the proper time, walk on your own to the local train station (close to artisanal market) and take the train back to Ollantaytambo where our local representative is waiting to transfer you to Cusco. In case you have left any luggage in the hotel in the Sacred Valley, it will be picked up on route.

Breakfast included.

City Tour
Your first morning in Cusco can be spent at your leisure, enjoying breakfast before exploring Cusco or relaxing at your hotel. In the afternoon you will be met for your guided tour of Cusco and its archaeological sites. Your Cusco tour will include highlights such as Plaza de Armas, the cathedral and Koricancha Temple. We also visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed ruins of Sacsayhuaman just outside of Cusco which were once the former capital of the Incan Empire.

Breakfast included.

Bus Tour to Puno
This morning you will be met at your hotel by our representative and transferred to the bus station where you will board your bus to Puno. This 10-hour bus trip takes you through picturesque Andean landscapes dotted by small villages and herds of llamas and vicunas.

Throughout the journey you will make 3 important stops: the first is Andahuaylillas, known for its baroque church dating back to the 17th-century. The second stop will be at La Raya Pass where you will climb up to enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-capped Andes. The final stop is Raqchi where you will visit the Viracocha Temple. This was the only Incan temple of the time to feature cylindrical columns covered by fine layers of clay. You will enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant in Sicuani then board the bus again for the final leg of your trip.

Upon arrival into Puno you will be met at the bus station and transferred to your hotel.

There is also an option to take the scenic Titicaca train between Cusco and Puno.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Uros & Taquile Island
This morning we board our speed boat for the cruise to the Uros and Taquile Islands. By taking a speed boat we save 2-hours travel time giving you more time to explore the islands.

Our first stop is to visit the Uros Indians, who live on islands of floating reeds and, save for a few modest concessions to the modern world, still live as their ancestors would have done centuries ago.

We continue on to Taquile Island where we will tour around the ruins and visit these beautiful people, world famous for their intricate and fascinating weavings. After lunch we will return to Puno and transfer you back to your hotel.

* If you have an extra day then we recommend spending this evening in an authentic Lake Titicaca island home. On the following day you will return to Puno via Taquile Island.

* Please note: Due to the high altitude (3800m) visitors require a certain level of fitness for the walking on the islands.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Puno to Colca
In the early morning you leave Puno and head towards the Colca valley. After a 6 hour drive you arrive at Chivay, Colca‘s most important town where you’ll make a short stop to explore the local market. Afterwards you continue the journey to our hotel in the Colca Canyon.

Breakfast included.

Uyo Uyo Hike
The Uyo Uyo hike in Colca, Peru, offers a fascinating journey through history and nature. This moderately challenging trek takes hikers to the ancient ruins of Uyo Uyo, an archaeological site that dates back to pre-Inca times. Along the trail, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Colca Valley, terraced landscapes, and the majestic Andes mountains. The hike also provides a unique opportunity to see local flora and fauna, and possibly spot the famous Andean condor soaring above. Uyo Uyo's ruins include stone structures, ceremonial sites, and irrigation systems, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering of ancient civilizations.

Includes: Entrance Fee Uyo Uyo

Altitude: 3,570 m.a.s.l.
Activity level: Easy – Moderate
Time: Walk/Trekking of 30-40 min.
What to bring? It is recommended to bring comfortable clothes, trekking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat or cap, and if travelers wish a walking stick to help you on the hikes but is not necessary.
Non-recommendable for people with heart or mobility problems.
Path: Semi-firm stone road with some undefined land spaces.

Breakfast included.

Colca to Arequipa (Shared)
Early morning drive to an observation point, located between Maca and Cabanaconde, one of the deepest parts of the canyon. Here, you will find the perfect spot to look down 1,200m (3,937 ft) into the canyon at Mirador Cruz del Condor. It's here that the legendary condor, the bird with the largest wingspan in the world, can be seen rising and circling on the morning thermals, silhouetted against the magnificent backdrop of the mountain scenery. In the afternoon, you will continue the journey to Arequipa.

Breakfast included.

Arequipa Walking Tour
This afternoon you will take a walking tour around town. Because some of the old buildings are made of white volcanic material (sillar) Arequipa is also known as the ‘white city’. You will visit the extraordinary Santa Catalina Convent. This cloister, built in the 16th century, is a huge construction which once served as a town within itself housing 450 nuns. Traditionally, the oldest daughters of Arequipa’s aristocratic families entered the convent in their early teens and spent their lives there, cloistered away. The convent complex has been beautifully refurbished, bringing the past vividly alive once more.

Breakfast included.

Hotel to Airport (Private)
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Arrive in Buenos Aires
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Buenos Aires, capital of the Republic of Argentina and the country's largest city, is undeniably one of Latin America's hottest destinations. Located on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, the city's combination of European architecture and the passion of its people – the porteños (people of the port) – work together to create a colourful and dynamic modern city.

Half Day: Fogon Asado Experience
Discover the Asado tradition, served with a twist. A closed-door dining experience that explores new ways of serving Argentine Asado classics. While seated at the bar you’ll see, feel and experience different grill cooking techniques, up close and personal. It aims to create a memorable evening for each guest, beyond your regular steakhouse expectations.

The optional wine pairing menu ( extra cost on arrival) has also been designed to best enhance the flavors of the ingredients, while presenting you with some of the best boutique wines from Argentina.

Guests will also:
* Select their own Gaucho knife
* Make chimichurri sauce
* Enjoy the open kitchen and grill
* Receive Chef ‘s explanation of ingredients and cooking techniques
* Take home exclusive recipes

Starts @ 12:30pm or 7:30pm - Please let me know which you prefer.

** Does not include transfers to and from the hotel, please let us know if you'd like to add these on **

Breakfast included.

San Telmo and La Boca City Tour
This morning's excursion will introduce you to the magic of the Argentine capital. After being picked up from your hotel we start with a visit of 'San Telmo', the oldest barrio (neighbourhood) of Buenos Aires which is famous for its historic architecture, tango parlours and antique shops. We take our time and wander through the cobblestone streets learning about the history of the area and seeing its sights including its impressive old churches and its abundance of colourful street art.

We leave San Telmo and the tour continues past the many architectural highlights of Buenos Aires including the Palace of Justice, the Argentine National Congress building, the 'Cabildo (old town hall) and the presidential palace 'Casa Rosada' (pink house).

Next we visit ‘La Boca', the most picturesque of all neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. This extravagant zone is completely different to the old and to the modern Buenos Aires and romantic stories tell us that tango was born in this working class area. We wander its famous street “Caminito” where you will have the chance to view the spectacle of impromptu tango dancing, street performers and have the chance to buy some local handicrafts.

On our way back to your hotel we pass through the newly restored Puerto Madero area where you can choose to be dropped off at for a nice meal by the waterfront. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure with the chance to visit some of Buenos Aires' many great museums or do some shopping.

Dinner & Tango Show
Tango expresses the heart and spirit of Argentina and no visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without it. This evening you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to La Ventana where you will experience the intimacy of this dance in equally intimate surrounds while you indulge in delicious Argentinean cuisine. At the end of the show you will be taken back to your hotel.

*Before the show you have the option of arriving before the others and taking a short tango lesson with a professional dancer or a wine tasting. This comes at an additional cost but if you would like to book either of these please let your consultant know.

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken back at the end of the tour along other passengers. We suggest to upgrade to a private transfer as the pick ups and drop offs could take a considerable time.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Colonia day trip (self guided with fast ferry) (Shared)
Escape the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the historic Uruguayan town of Colonia del Sacramento. In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the ferry terminal where you will take the fast ferry from Buenos Aires across the Rio de la Plata to Colonia. Return ferry tickets are included.

Whilst in Colonia you will enjoy time at leisure to explore this interesting town on foot and enjoy its many excellent restaurants bars before taking the return fast ferry to Buenos Aires and being transferred to your hotel.

*Please take note that during daylight savings there is a time difference between Buenos Aires and Colonia. Uruguay is 1 hour ahead of Argentina.

Breakfast included.

Depart Buenos Aires
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.

Argentinian side of the Falls and Adventure Boat Tour
Today you will get to experience the mighty Iguassu Falls up close. You'll be picked up from the airport before 10am and transferred to Iguazu National Park. From the entrance, a small train will take you on a tour of the park. On the first of two stops you'll follow pathways to the top of the Cataratas (“The Falls”) where you'll have a spectacular view of the falls and their surrounding scenery including an abundance of orchids, colourful birds and other native wildlife. The second stop occurs at La Garganta del Diablo (“The Devil's Throat”), the largest fall in the park and also the highlight of the tour. A suspended platform at the brink of the fall allows for a startlingly close view of this breathtaking natural wonder.

At a pre-arranged time you will take a boat tour to the base of the falls. You will first board a large truck which will take you to explore 6 kilometers of humid subtropical forest as far as the banks of the Iguazu River, downstream from the Falls. From here you will board the fast zodiac motorboats starting the upstream ride close to and under the breathtaking Iguazu waterfalls, visiting Tres Mosqueteros and San Martin falls, ending up completely wet (change of clothes is recommended). The tour then returns you to the central office where this exciting adventure comes to an end.

This tour operates in a back and forth mode (Central Office-Visitors Center-Yacaratiá- Puerto Macuco-Navigation-Waterfalls-Navigation-Puerto Macuco-Yacaratiá-Central Office). The landing is only at the Central Office and the duration is an estimated 2hs 15 min.

At the end of the tour you will be taken to your hotel.

Breakfast included.

Puerto Iguassu Hotel to Das Cataratas (Private)
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel on the Argentinean side of the falls and transfer you to Das Cataratas on the Brazilian side of the falls.

Brazilian Falls from Das Cataratas
Today you will explore the panoramic Brazilian side of the falls which are easily accessed from your hotel. You may simply wander down and connect with the path opposite to the falls, until reaching the Devils Throat section. Along the way you'll watch as 14 separate waterfalls drop with such force that a tall cloud of mist stays permanently suspended overhead. Great photo opportunities abound, however, raincoats are highly advisable!

Breakfast included.

Depart
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight

Fly to Rio de Janeiro
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Golden beaches and lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife and spectacular football matches, Rio is sure to be one of the highlights of your South American adventure. This evening you are at your leisure. We recommend trying a local churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) for dinner.

Breakfast included.

Corcovado tour & Santa Teresa
Leave the hotel in the direction of the Cosme Velho neighborhood to board the train, which will take us up the beautiful mountainside before arriving at the feet of Christ the Redeemer, one of the seven "New Wonders of the World," located 2,300ft above sea level. There will be available time here to enjoy the most famous panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, also known as the "Marvelous City."

From here, drive to the tram station to embark on a tour through Santa Teresa, a traditional neighborhood located high up on the city's hills, overlooking downtown and Guanabara Bay. Home to several Twentieth-century mansions, cultural houses, galleries, and gourmet restaurants, Santa Teresa's charming cobbled streets are also a haven for local artists and intellectuals.
Next, stop by Ruins Park ('Parque das Ruínas') to enjoy a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro. Afterward, the Chácara do Céu Museum has a fascinating Brazilian and European art collection, highlighting Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, Matisse, and Modigliani.

The tour continues to Selaron staircase and Largo do Guimarães, considered the heart of the neighbourhood, with several bars and restaurants. After this tour, guests will certainly feel as though they know a little more about the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro.

Duration: approximately 6 hours.
Days of operation of Museums and Parks:
- Chacara do Ceu Museum from Wednesdays to Mondays, between 12 pm and 5 pm. Closed on Jan 01st, Dec 25th, and 31st.
- Ruins Park from Tuesdays to Sundays, between 9 am and 6 pm.

Breakfast included.

Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain
Over a million tourists every year visit the world famous Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated, refined sugarloaf. A cable car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its islands. From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable car to the top of Sugarloaf, which rises 395 metres above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the entire city, including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado and downtown Rio.

Breakfast included.

Half Day Hiking at the Tijuca Forest to the Tijuca Peak
At 1021m Tijuca Peak is the highest point in the Tijuca National Park, and the second tallest mountain in Rio de Janeiro. We’ll leave from the hotel and travel to the start of the hike, stopping off on the way at the Vista Chinesa (an old Chinese belvedere) to admire the views and take some photos. The hike will lead us up through the lush Atlantic Forest, environmentally protected due to its rich diversity in plant and animal life. The majority of the hike is moderate and with plenty of shade, until we get to the final section which is steeper and less sheltered by trees. At the very end we’ll reach a 117 step staircase that was carved into the gneiss rock in 1920 for a visit by King Alberto of Belgium. Upon reaching the top we´ll be rewarded with incredible views of the North, West and South areas of the Rio de Janeiro.

Trail: 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Tour duration: 5 hours.
Difficulty: moderate.
Minimum Age: 10 years old.
Recommended: light clothing, sunscreen, camera, insect repellent, comfortable footwear, water, snacks and a small backpack.

Breakfast included.

Depart Rio
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.

Breakfast included.