Grand Tour of South America

Overview

This tour explores South America’s cultural and natural highlights, taking you from the high Andes to the thunderous Iguazú Falls. Experience the continent’s diversity, from the bustling cities of La Paz, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro to ancient Inca ruins and Bolivian highlands. Marvel at spectacular landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historic landmarks across Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lima, Peru

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Lima, Peru, with British Airways. Transfer to the Casa Andina Premium Miraflores for a 2-night stay. (N)

Day 2: Lima

Morning tour of Lima, including the colonial centre and a stop at the historic Cordano Tavern for a local pisco sour. (B)

Day 3: Fly to Cuzco • The Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Transfer to the Sacred Valley, visiting the local market in Pisac and the Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress. Stay at Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley for 1 night. (B)

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Take the train to Machu Picchu and explore this 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 (tickets available at time of booking). In the afternoon, return to Cuzco by train and stay for 2 nights at Casa Andina Premium Cuzco. (B)

Day 6: Cuzco

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

Day 7: Luxury Train to Puno

Take the Belmond Andean Explorer sleeper train across the altiplano (high plain) to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy panoramic vistas from the lounge car, stop at the Raqchi archaeological site, and watch the sunset at La Raya, the highest point of the route. Dinner and overnight on board (bunk bed cabin – upgrade to a twin-bedded cabin). (B, L, D)

Day 8: Lake Titicaca • La Paz, Bolivia

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

Day 9: La Paz

After breakfast, take a hydrofoil cruise to the Uros Iruitos floating reed islands and visit the Quewaya Sustainable Project. Continue overland to La Paz and take an afternoon tour of the city, including the witches’ market and Moon Valley. Overnight at Hotel Europa. (B)

Day 10: Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

Day 11-12: Buenos Aires

Morning city tour, including a visit to the Cathedral, La Boca district, and the Recoleta Cemetery. Day at leisure or optional excursions. (B)

Day 13: Fly to Iguazú / Iguaçu

Fly to Iguazú and visit the Brazilian side of the park for panoramic views of the thundering Iguazú Falls. Return to the Argentinian side and stay for 2 nights at the Gran Melia Iguazú Hotel inside the park. (B)

Day 14: Iguazú

At leisure to explore the walkways and viewing platforms on the Argentinian side or take an optional boat ride on the river below. (B)

Day 15: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fly to Rio de Janeiro, set among mountains, tropical forests, and golden beaches. Transfer to Copacabana Beach for a 2-night stay at the Windsor California (Superior room). Upgrade to an executive oceanfront room or the Belmond Copacabana Palace (enquire for supplements). (B)

Day 16: Rio de Janeiro

Full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro, including visits to Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain. (B)

Days 17-18: Fly to London

At leisure or take optional excursions. Evening flight to London with British Airways, arriving the next day. (B) (N)

What’s Included

• All accommodation as listed.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner).
• All transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
• Fully escorted tours by an English-speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to all listed sites and attractions.
• Boat rides and optional excursions as stated in the itinerary.
• Internal flights where necessary.

Signature Experiences

• Travel aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer luxury sleeper train across the Andean altiplano.
• Explore the Iguazú Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides.
• Visit the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca and discover the local culture.
• Take in the panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro from Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Activity Level

• Moderate activity with some longer travel days and walking on uneven terrain. A good level of fitness is recommended for this tour.

Important Information

• Group Size: This is a group tour with a maximum of 18 participants.
• Flights: International flights are included, with possible stopovers in Amsterdam or the US.
• Accommodations: Stays are in premium hotels throughout the tour, with optional upgrades for certain properties.