Trafalgar
South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend East Cruise
South America Revealed With Galápagos Legend East Cruise
You’ll feel just like a local on this South American tour as you go from Rio’s gorgeous beaches to vibrant capitals, national parks, and the Inca heart of Peru, learn to samba and mix the perfect caipirinha. Then let loose your inner explorer meeting giant tortoises, turtles and sea lions, cruising the Galápagos Islands.Please note that the flight between Lima and Quito is not included.
Dining Summary
- 9 Dinner (D)
- 20 Breakfast (B)
- 6 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Buenos Aires: Visit a family-run gaucho ranch for an energizing event of food, drink, music, dance and horseback riding demonstrations. Kick off with a lunch of empanadas, salads, asado meat of sausages, chicken and beef and drinks followed by flan with dulce de leche for dessert. You’ll even learn how to grill the asado. Discoveries continue over a demonstration of gaucho´s skill with horses and a lively show. Take time to wander among the historic, 150-year-old building past the cows and horses before taking home your keepsake leather accessory gift typical of this region.
- Lima: Visit a local market with Chef Ignacio and enjoy a special lunch at his cooking school.
Dive into Culture
- Rio de Janeiro: At dinner there will be a mixology demonstration where you will learn how to mix a caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil.
- Lima: You’re treated to a lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru’s native drink. In the good hands of professional chef Ignacio, the results are sure to be delicious. Ignacio will explain the history of Pisco – a type pf wine, the typical Pisco Sour, and an internationally less known but locally more popular drink called “Chilcano”. This cocktail of pisco, lime juice, Ginger ale and bitters is a refreshing twist on the pisco sour that will have you eager to share the recipe with your friends.
- Sacred Valley: Visit the Pisac market displaying indigeneous Quechua arts and crafts from communities from the surrounding highlands.
Iconic Experience
- Rio de Janeiro: Journey high above Guanabara Bay first to Urca hill and then the top of Sugarloaf at 1,299 feet above sea level for views of Botafogo cove, Copacabana, and Guanabara Bay. Take in all the dramatic views with plenty of photos knowing you’re a part of history. This Cable Car linking Urca hill to Sugarloaf Mountain built in 1912 was the first Brazilian cable car and the third in the world. You’ll also learn the story of the name Sugarloaf, the most popular version saying that from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, at the peak of sugar cane production, the mounds of refined sugar resembled the shape of the mountain itself. A sweet story with a stunning view.
- Corcovado: Climb into the clouds to the top of Corcovado Mountain to visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer. You’ll ride the Corcovado Railway, the first electrified railroad in Brazil, and an icon itself. The railway is actually older than the monument and even transported the pieces of the monument. The train has taken popes, kings, princes, presidents, artists, scientists – and now you – since its start in 1884. You’ll feel good about your travels too knowing that this electric train doesn’t pollute the surrounding Tijuca National Park. As you ascend 2,379 feet, consider the history of Christ the Redeemer built from 1926-1931, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the most famous Art Déco sculptures. Gaze out the window at the views of the Rio de Janeiro and, at the top, stand beneath the famous statue’s feet looking up to its top of 98 feet high.
- Iguassu Falls: Join a Local Specialist who will guide your exploration of the Brazilian side of the falls in this massive park spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil. The region hosts a variety of wildlife including tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, caymans and 400 species of birds – so be on the lookout for that special photo-op. Given Iguassu’s support of extreme habitats and diverse species, it’s no wonder it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Iguassu Falls: Join a local specialist for a walk along the long catwalk suspended above the swirling waters of the Iguassu River. View the chaotic crush of water pouring down Devil’s throat falls. Then board an open-air ecological jungle train for a different perspective of the mighty cascades.
- Buenos Aires: Experience the beauty of the Tango and learn about it’s traditions. Here at El Viejo Almacen in the neighborhood of San Telmo, you’re in the most classic house of tango putting on shows since 1969 and preserving the architecture and atmosphere of Tango culture.
- Buenos Aires: Embark on a Buenos Aires City Tour with a Local Specialist. Walk through the wide boulevards of this beautiful capital admiring the spirit of a city whose European and Latin American influences can be seen around every turn. See the pink palace, the seat of the Argentine national government and president’s office whose balcony Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the people in the 1940s and 1950s. Visit the cathedral and wander through the lively and colorful La Boca neighborhood lined with restaurants, street artists and local art around every corner.
- Lima: Take in the highlights of Lima, the ‘City of the Kings,’ including a panoramic view of the ancient districts. Join a local specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Learn how before it was destroyed by earthquakes in the mid-18th century, observing how the historic buildings display a collaboration between local craftspeople and others from the Old World. Then drive along the coastline as you learn more about the fascinating history of Peru’s capital city.
- Cusco: Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo. These famous ruins are a massive Inca fortress made of large stone terraces stretching out across a hillside. Walk among the stone platforms, the sun temple of six monoliths and the Princess Baths fountain the Baño de la Nusta at the base of the ruins flowing from carved stone into a pool. Over your exploration, learn how the old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings.
- Machu Picchu: Soak in every moment of your Machu Picchu tour in style as you descend to the Lost City in the clouds aboard the Vistadome train. Traveling the Inca Trail, you’ll traverse dramatic landscapes with a panoramic view of the soaring peaks, river, and ruins. Sit back and relax as you enjoy this multi-sensory journey complete with background music, an informative audio commentary highlighting interesting sites, and an included light snack.
- Machu Picchu: Take a shuttle to the top of the mountain where you’ll meet your local specialist for a guided hike of Machu Picchu. You’ll learn about Machu Picchu’s history and the use of each section of including ceremonial, storage, agriculture, temples, astronomical, and observatory as well as the possible reasons why the Incas left Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu: The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon yet again and we enjoy one final opportunity to reconnect with its story. Journey to take in the ruins at sunrise spending some time on your own to explore the hill-top fortress. Soak in every moment at this iconic site, making stops at points of interest while your guide shares their insights on the archaeological sites.
- Cusco: Join your Local Specialist for a guided walk through Cusco’s colonial center, including the nearby 13th century Incan settlement of Koricancha. Here in Cusco’s Golden Temple of the Sun dedicated to the Sun God Inti, view the trapezoidal and irregular shapes and rounded edges. Note how the stones fit together and were built simply by placing them on top of each other without using any mortar. This staggered placement also enables them to withstand earthquakes.
- Cusco: Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking Cusco. With zig zagging walls and ruins of giant stones, see how the shape and harmony of the landscape is similar to Machu Picchu. Stroll through this Incan architecture of sacred buildings such as residential buildings, towers, shrines, warehouses, roads and aqueducts. And while you may not be able to take in the grand scale, the complex design is based on the shape of the head of a puma, a sacred animal in Inca spirituality.
- Lima: Join a local specialist for a tour of the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum which houses the largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art in the world. You’ll also explore the extensive collection of Peruvian gold and silver from ancient times. Learn the history of the museum founded by Rafael Larco on July 28th, 1926 in Trujillo followed by in 1958 when Larco moved his collection to Lima to a unique colonial residence built on top of a VIII century pyramid.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Iguassu Falls: Visiting the ancestral Guarani community for an immersive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join the Guarani for a jungle walk, first greeted by an aboriginal “guide” who leads you through trails that surround and crisscross the village. Learn about the beliefs, myths, legends and the virtues of medicinal plants and their uses before visiting the temple in the heart of the jungle discovering the initiation and baptism rituals of the tribe. See the plantations, their homes and their hunting traps for different kinds of animals that they used in ancient times. Your visit ends with a display of handicrafts using resources such as wood, lianas, seeds, etc.
- Buenos Aires: Visit a workshop where people with special abilities manufacture in an artisanal way the traditional shoe of the gauchos: “alpargatas”, still used in the countryside and by many rural workers. Learn about the production process. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps the association to support youth and adults develop their abilities to make these traditional shoes and is the only factory offering disabled people job opportunities.
- Sacred Valley: Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. You’ll learn about traditional weaving practice using natural dyeing techniques and its importance to their identity and culture. Your visit makes a difference in helping to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
- Cusco: Visit Manos de la Comunidad weaving center to learn about artistic traditions and the four Andean camels: Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Guanacos. Then step inside a private area to discover one of the traditions of the Sacred Valley called “lindaje”. This typical tradition of several communities reinforces the borders of each community and involves several customs, one of which is man dancing in typical women’s clothes. Then enjoy an exclusive lunch at a beautiful outdoor space near the Weaving Center. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10: Reduced Inequalities and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima and Cusco with a Local Specialist, Explore both the Brazilian & Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls with a local specialist, Enjoy a Tango & Dinner Show
- Visit Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue, Iguassu Falls, Pisac, Ollantaytambo ruins, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, the Larco Museum, the Guarani community, Manos de la Comunidad Weaving Center and San Antonio de Areco – the heart of the “gaucho” traditions in the “pampas” region
- See the Teatro Colon, Copacabana Beach and the Casa Rosada
- Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley
- Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
- Buenos Aires: Uncover San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the “gaucho” traditions in the “pampas” region. Walk around the small village’s cobblestoned streets appreciating its quaint historical center. See the main square, the church, and meet some of the locals along the way. Also known as the ‘Cradle of Tradition’ the colonial town was founded over 280 years ago and is filled with old bars (“pulperías”) and artisan shops with over 30 silversmiths. Known as “platería criolla”, the traditional Argentinean silverworks include knives, jewelery and other traditional items.
- Buenos Aires: Visit a gaucho painter’s studio to view his works, appreciate the diverse subjects of his paintings, learn the history of the gaucho town followed by a fascinating drawing demonstration.
- Cusco: Enjoy the flavors of chicha, a Peruvian corn beer. Hear about how chicha is brewed by the local indigenous women and its history dating back to the time of the Incas as a favorite drink of the Andes. Learn about the two types of chicha, alcoholic sour chicha de jora made from fermented jora corn and the non-alcoholic, sweet chicha morada.
Trafalgar Difference
- Sacred Valley: Admire your idyllic setting within the Sacred Valley and take in the 18th-century colonial-style features of Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, a former monastery complete with plazas and cobbled streets.
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
- A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Lima, Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Day 1 |
Exhilarating Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant South American destination and cultural capital, abounds with iconic landmarks, beaches, and attractions. Christ the Redeemer, the hundred-foot mosaic statue atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooks the glittering coastline and is instantly recognizable, having become an enduring symbol of the city itself. Its arms stretching wide, the prominent figure beckons you to explore this inviting locale. A visit to Rio won’t be complete without a day spent sunbathing on one of its many local beaches. Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach, legendary seaside getaways with white sands and brilliant blue waves, attract millions of visitors each year, but an hour-long trek to the west will bring you to the secluded beauty of Prainha Beach, equally worth admiration. Aside from the crowded beaches, Rio de Janeiro has plenty of serene natural beauty and ecological marvels. Venture west of Rio to immerse yourself in the lush rainforests, waterfalls, and biodiverse wildlife of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, a verdant paradise for those who love hiking, bird-watching, or rock-climbing excursions! Northeast of Copacabana Beach lies Pão de Açucar, or Sugarloaf Mountain, accessible by a short tram ride to its peak and providing spectacular views of the bustling city. Rio de Janeiro boasts thrilling nightlife, mouthwatering delicacies, and internationally renowned football teams. Dance clubs and bars, offering some of the best cocktails and live music in South America, line the city’s streets, particularly in the popular Lapa neighborhood. Staple street foods include savory churrasco, a Portuguese-style steak, fresh seafood dishes like moqueca, a fish stew, or pão de queijo, warm rolls of cheese bread. International soccer enthusiasts will enjoy touring the Maracanã Stadium, Brazil’s premier football stadium, which can hold up to 80,000 cheering fans per match. Travel to Rio in February for the city’s infamous Carnival, a four-day festival where the streets are filled with samba dancing, parade floats, and brilliantly hued costumes. This colorful city will excite the eye and capture the senses! |
Day 2 |
Exhilarating Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant South American destination and cultural capital, abounds with iconic landmarks, beaches, and attractions. Christ the Redeemer, the hundred-foot mosaic statue atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooks the glittering coastline and is instantly recognizable, having become an enduring symbol of the city itself. Its arms stretching wide, the prominent figure beckons you to explore this inviting locale. A visit to Rio won’t be complete without a day spent sunbathing on one of its many local beaches. Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach, legendary seaside getaways with white sands and brilliant blue waves, attract millions of visitors each year, but an hour-long trek to the west will bring you to the secluded beauty of Prainha Beach, equally worth admiration. Aside from the crowded beaches, Rio de Janeiro has plenty of serene natural beauty and ecological marvels. Venture west of Rio to immerse yourself in the lush rainforests, waterfalls, and biodiverse wildlife of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, a verdant paradise for those who love hiking, bird-watching, or rock-climbing excursions! Northeast of Copacabana Beach lies Pão de Açucar, or Sugarloaf Mountain, accessible by a short tram ride to its peak and providing spectacular views of the bustling city. Rio de Janeiro boasts thrilling nightlife, mouthwatering delicacies, and internationally renowned football teams. Dance clubs and bars, offering some of the best cocktails and live music in South America, line the city’s streets, particularly in the popular Lapa neighborhood. Staple street foods include savory churrasco, a Portuguese-style steak, fresh seafood dishes like moqueca, a fish stew, or pão de queijo, warm rolls of cheese bread. International soccer enthusiasts will enjoy touring the Maracanã Stadium, Brazil’s premier football stadium, which can hold up to 80,000 cheering fans per match. Travel to Rio in February for the city’s infamous Carnival, a four-day festival where the streets are filled with samba dancing, parade floats, and brilliantly hued costumes. This colorful city will excite the eye and capture the senses! |
Day 3 |
Exhilarating Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant South American destination and cultural capital, abounds with iconic landmarks, beaches, and attractions. Christ the Redeemer, the hundred-foot mosaic statue atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooks the glittering coastline and is instantly recognizable, having become an enduring symbol of the city itself. Its arms stretching wide, the prominent figure beckons you to explore this inviting locale. A visit to Rio won’t be complete without a day spent sunbathing on one of its many local beaches. Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach, legendary seaside getaways with white sands and brilliant blue waves, attract millions of visitors each year, but an hour-long trek to the west will bring you to the secluded beauty of Prainha Beach, equally worth admiration. Aside from the crowded beaches, Rio de Janeiro has plenty of serene natural beauty and ecological marvels. Venture west of Rio to immerse yourself in the lush rainforests, waterfalls, and biodiverse wildlife of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, a verdant paradise for those who love hiking, bird-watching, or rock-climbing excursions! Northeast of Copacabana Beach lies Pão de Açucar, or Sugarloaf Mountain, accessible by a short tram ride to its peak and providing spectacular views of the bustling city. Rio de Janeiro boasts thrilling nightlife, mouthwatering delicacies, and internationally renowned football teams. Dance clubs and bars, offering some of the best cocktails and live music in South America, line the city’s streets, particularly in the popular Lapa neighborhood. Staple street foods include savory churrasco, a Portuguese-style steak, fresh seafood dishes like moqueca, a fish stew, or pão de queijo, warm rolls of cheese bread. International soccer enthusiasts will enjoy touring the Maracanã Stadium, Brazil’s premier football stadium, which can hold up to 80,000 cheering fans per match. Travel to Rio in February for the city’s infamous Carnival, a four-day festival where the streets are filled with samba dancing, parade floats, and brilliantly hued costumes. This colorful city will excite the eye and capture the senses! |
Day 4 |
Exhilarating Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant South American destination and cultural capital, abounds with iconic landmarks, beaches, and attractions. Christ the Redeemer, the hundred-foot mosaic statue atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooks the glittering coastline and is instantly recognizable, having become an enduring symbol of the city itself. Its arms stretching wide, the prominent figure beckons you to explore this inviting locale. A visit to Rio won’t be complete without a day spent sunbathing on one of its many local beaches. Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach, legendary seaside getaways with white sands and brilliant blue waves, attract millions of visitors each year, but an hour-long trek to the west will bring you to the secluded beauty of Prainha Beach, equally worth admiration. Aside from the crowded beaches, Rio de Janeiro has plenty of serene natural beauty and ecological marvels. Venture west of Rio to immerse yourself in the lush rainforests, waterfalls, and biodiverse wildlife of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, a verdant paradise for those who love hiking, bird-watching, or rock-climbing excursions! Northeast of Copacabana Beach lies Pão de Açucar, or Sugarloaf Mountain, accessible by a short tram ride to its peak and providing spectacular views of the bustling city. Rio de Janeiro boasts thrilling nightlife, mouthwatering delicacies, and internationally renowned football teams. Dance clubs and bars, offering some of the best cocktails and live music in South America, line the city’s streets, particularly in the popular Lapa neighborhood. Staple street foods include savory churrasco, a Portuguese-style steak, fresh seafood dishes like moqueca, a fish stew, or pão de queijo, warm rolls of cheese bread. International soccer enthusiasts will enjoy touring the Maracanã Stadium, Brazil’s premier football stadium, which can hold up to 80,000 cheering fans per match. Travel to Rio in February for the city’s infamous Carnival, a four-day festival where the streets are filled with samba dancing, parade floats, and brilliantly hued costumes. This colorful city will excite the eye and capture the senses! |
Day 5 |
Situated in the Parque Nacional Iguazú near Puerto Iguazú, these spectacular falls lie just east of the confluence of the Iguazu and Paraná rivers. At least 5000 cubic m of water per second plunge the 70m into the abyss below. If they look familiar, it's because they were the supporting actors in the film The Mission; appropriately, the area has historic ruins of Jesuit missions which also draw many visitors. San Ignacio Miní, built in a style of architecture known as 'Guaraní
baroque', is especially popular. Above the falls, the waters are suitable for canoeing, kayaking and other water sports. The surrounding park is home to 55,000 hectares of pristine subtropical rainforest, with abundant wildlife and plant species. |
Day 6 |
Iguassu Falls, straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina, is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its sheer scale and beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the largest waterfall system in the world, with nearly 275 individual falls cascading over a rugged landscape. The Brazilian side of the falls offers stunning panoramic views, where visitors can marvel at the thundering torrents and the vibrant rainbows that often form in the mist. The Iguassu National Park, which encompasses the falls, is a lush haven of biodiversity. Here, travelers can embark on a series of thrilling activities, including boat rides that take you close to the base of the falls, where you’ll feel the raw power of the water as it crashes down. For a more serene experience, the park's extensive network of trails provides opportunities for observing diverse wildlife, including toucans, jaguars, and capuchin monkeys. A visit to the falls also offers a unique chance to explore the Argentinian side, where the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) viewpoint provides an unparalleled perspective of the falls' most dramatic and powerful section. The extensive network of walkways on this side allows visitors to get up close to the thundering cascades, enhancing the sensory experience. A fun fact about Iguassu Falls is that the local name "Iguassu" means "big water" in the Tupi-Guarani language, reflecting the grandeur of this natural wonder. The falls were also featured in the 2016 film The Jungle Book as a backdrop for the cinematic adventures of Mowgli. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a nature enthusiast, Iguassu Falls offers an awe-inspiring experience that truly embodies the splendor of South America's natural heritage. |
Day 7 |
Buenos Aires, the vibrant political and cultural capital of Argentina, has become an enticing destination for many travelers and a must-see destination in South America. Founded in the sixteenth century by Spanish explorers, Buenos Aires has since developed its own unique flair. Hints of Buenos Aires’s colonial origins can be found in the Plaza de Mayo city center, including the Cabildo, the Spanish colonial town hall turned museum, and Casa Rosada, the iconic governmental building. This bright pink palace was once the site for Eva Peron’s political speeches, immortalized in Broadway’s Evita, and is a favorite landmark for photographs. In contrast, La Boca’s famous Caminito street museum bursts with brilliant hues of blue, red, green, and yellow and is a haven for local Argentine artists, chefs, and dancers. Buenos Aires abounds with art, beauty, and romance. The luxurious Teatro Colón opera house rivals those in Paris and London, while El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, housed in an old cinema theater, is a book-lover’s paradise. Stop by the Café Tortoni to delight in fresh coffee and churros or listen to live tango and jazz performances. Browse eclectic and traditional antiques in Plaza Dorrego’s San Telmo fair. Marvel at the city’s Floralis Genérica sculpture, whose massive aluminum and steel petals open or close in response to sunlight and wind. Buenos Aires’s stunning blend of colonial, European, and modern architecture, gastronomy, and attractions will enthrall you at every turn! |
Day 8 |
Buenos Aires, the vibrant political and cultural capital of Argentina, has become an enticing destination for many travelers and a must-see destination in South America. Founded in the sixteenth century by Spanish explorers, Buenos Aires has since developed its own unique flair. Hints of Buenos Aires’s colonial origins can be found in the Plaza de Mayo city center, including the Cabildo, the Spanish colonial town hall turned museum, and Casa Rosada, the iconic governmental building. This bright pink palace was once the site for Eva Peron’s political speeches, immortalized in Broadway’s Evita, and is a favorite landmark for photographs. In contrast, La Boca’s famous Caminito street museum bursts with brilliant hues of blue, red, green, and yellow and is a haven for local Argentine artists, chefs, and dancers. Buenos Aires abounds with art, beauty, and romance. The luxurious Teatro Colón opera house rivals those in Paris and London, while El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, housed in an old cinema theater, is a book-lover’s paradise. Stop by the Café Tortoni to delight in fresh coffee and churros or listen to live tango and jazz performances. Browse eclectic and traditional antiques in Plaza Dorrego’s San Telmo fair. Marvel at the city’s Floralis Genérica sculpture, whose massive aluminum and steel petals open or close in response to sunlight and wind. Buenos Aires’s stunning blend of colonial, European, and modern architecture, gastronomy, and attractions will enthrall you at every turn! |
Day 9 |
Buenos Aires, the vibrant political and cultural capital of Argentina, has become an enticing destination for many travelers and a must-see destination in South America. Founded in the sixteenth century by Spanish explorers, Buenos Aires has since developed its own unique flair. Hints of Buenos Aires’s colonial origins can be found in the Plaza de Mayo city center, including the Cabildo, the Spanish colonial town hall turned museum, and Casa Rosada, the iconic governmental building. This bright pink palace was once the site for Eva Peron’s political speeches, immortalized in Broadway’s Evita, and is a favorite landmark for photographs. In contrast, La Boca’s famous Caminito street museum bursts with brilliant hues of blue, red, green, and yellow and is a haven for local Argentine artists, chefs, and dancers. Buenos Aires abounds with art, beauty, and romance. The luxurious Teatro Colón opera house rivals those in Paris and London, while El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, housed in an old cinema theater, is a book-lover’s paradise. Stop by the Café Tortoni to delight in fresh coffee and churros or listen to live tango and jazz performances. Browse eclectic and traditional antiques in Plaza Dorrego’s San Telmo fair. Marvel at the city’s Floralis Genérica sculpture, whose massive aluminum and steel petals open or close in response to sunlight and wind. Buenos Aires’s stunning blend of colonial, European, and modern architecture, gastronomy, and attractions will enthrall you at every turn! |
Day 10 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
Day 11 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
Day 12 |
The Sacred Valley, located in the Andes and divided by Urubamba River, was part of the larger Inca Empire, along with Machu Picchu and the closeby town of Cusco. Tourists will see green agricultural landscapes and Spanish hamlets like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, the latter featuring a Sunday market. While most travelers understandably focus on getting to Macchu Picchu, the picturesque Sacred Valley is a highly worthwhile stop on any Peruvian itinerary. Cusco, a one-hour flight from Lima, is an ideal base for exploring Sacred Valley, and guided tours are widely available. |
Day 13 |
Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. At more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, this symbol of the Incan Empire was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. |
Day 14 |
Cusco is the South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, the gateway to Machu Picchu and once was the capital of the Inca Empire. Make sure you get to Plaza de Armas, the main square and center of the city. Walk through the nearby San Pedro Market to find a special gift for loved ones (or yourself!) or view the Sun Temple Coricancha. |
Day 15 |
Cusco is the South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, the gateway to Machu Picchu and once was the capital of the Inca Empire. Make sure you get to Plaza de Armas, the main square and center of the city. Walk through the nearby San Pedro Market to find a special gift for loved ones (or yourself!) or view the Sun Temple Coricancha. |
Day 16 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
Day 17 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
Day 18 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
Day 19 |
On South Plaza Island, sea lions breed all along the low lying northern coast. These sheer cliffs are home for swallow-tail gulls and the beautiful red billed tropic birds. The landscape is dominated by optunia cactus trees. A look under each tree reveals a land iguana patiently waiting for a succulent cactus pad to fall. |
Day 20 |
Geologically, San Cristobal Island is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. It is home to the only source of fresh water in the islands, a small lake called Laguna El Junco. The lake hosts a large population of birdlife, as does the rest of the island. Other animal inhabitants include sea lions, tortoises, marine iguanas, dolphins, lobsters and more. One of San Cristobal Island's most popular visitor sites is Cerro Brujo, with its expansive white sand beach and a lagoon that locals once used as a salt mine but now offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. Another must-see is Kicker Rock, a fascinating rock formation that looks like a boot from one angle (hence its English name) and like a sleeping lion from another (thus its Spanish name, Roca León Dormido). |
Day 21 |
Geologically, San Cristobal Island is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. It is home to the only source of fresh water in the islands, a small lake called Laguna El Junco. The lake hosts a large population of birdlife, as does the rest of the island. Other animal inhabitants include sea lions, tortoises, marine iguanas, dolphins, lobsters and more. One of San Cristobal Island's most popular visitor sites is Cerro Brujo, with its expansive white sand beach and a lagoon that locals once used as a salt mine but now offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. Another must-see is Kicker Rock, a fascinating rock formation that looks like a boot from one angle (hence its English name) and like a sleeping lion from another (thus its Spanish name, Roca León Dormido). |
Travel Dates | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|
10/10/25 - 10/30/25 |
Starting At $10,771 |
Get A Quote | |
11/07/25 - 11/27/25 |
Starting At $10,771 |
Get A Quote |
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change.
Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.