A Taste of South America

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Buenos Aires with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Morning arrival. Transfer to the Alvear Art Hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon at leisure. (N)

Day 3: Buenos Aires

In the morning visit the elegant Recoleta and colourful La Boca districts, and travel back in time at the amazing underground tunnels of El Zanjon. Optional evening dinner and tango show. (B)

Day 4: The Pampas

Full-day excursion into the Pampas. Visit the town of San Antonio de Areco, birthplace of the gauchos tradition, and its small museum, and relax at a traditional estancia (ranch) over a typical asado (barbecue lunch). (B, L)

Day 5: Fly to Santiago, Chile Valparaso

Fly to Santiago and transfer to the coast and bohemian Valparaso for a one-night stay at Hotel Acontraluz (upgrade to a sea-vew room from £45), in the heart of historic Cerro Alegre hill. (B)

Day 6: Winelands Santiago

Morning tour of the colourful port city with its distinctive funicular elevators and visit the eccentric house of Nobel prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda. Continue to the Casablanca Valley for a vineyard tour and wine tasting, and onto Santiago for 2 nights at the Hotel Plaza San Francisco. (B, L)

Day 7: Santiago

Half-day city tour of the historic centre and the Human Rights Museum to reflect on Chiles past. Optional afternoon visit to the Sky Costanera viewing platform. (B)

Days 8-9: Fly to Lima, Peru

Fly to Lima and transfer to Casa Andina Premium Miraflores for 2 nights. Morning tour of the highlights of this historic capital including Casa Aliaga, the oldest colonial mansion in the city. (B)

Day 10: Fly to Cuzco Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco in the Andes. Transfer to the Sacred Valley, visiting the indigenous village of Chinchero and the impressive Ollantaytambo Inca fortress en route. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley. (B)

Day 11: Machu Picchu

Board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and take a guided tour of the magnificent ruined citadel. Stay at El Mapi Hotel for 1 night. (B, L, D)

Day 12: To Cuzco

Morning at leisure or further explore Machu Picchu (purchase ticket at time of booking). Afternoon train to Cuzco for a 2-night stay at Casa Andina Premium Cuzco. (B)

Day 13: Cuzco

Half-day tour of the ancient capital of the Inca empire. Optional afternoon visit to nearby Sacsayhuaman fortress. (B)

Days 14-15: Fly to London via Lima

Fly to London via Lima with British Airways, arriving the next day. (B) (N)