South America: Top Five Travel Treats

Explore the highlights of Lima on this privately guided city tour as you gain insights into Peru and her capital. Stroll through the beautiful city center visiting the main square of Plaza Mayor, the Lima Cathedral, and the Government Palace and other historical attractions.

(Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy.)

After a drive through the picturesque countryside, arrive at the sleepy village of Pisac, along the banks of the Urubamba River. Head up to the Pisac archaeological complex, which features four sections on a mountain ridge. See the spectacular agricultural terraces and the main fortress, called Q’alla Q’assa. At the back towards Kitamayo Gorge, Inca burial sites adorn the cliff walls. Nearby, there’s the pink granite ceremonial complex, highlighted by the Sun Temple. Continue to the citadel sector. Further ahead is Kinchiraqay that has thatched red adobe granaries. Learn about Pisac’s history, its connection to the partridge, and its significance in the Inca Empire. Later, visit the bustling market in Pisac town, with stalls selling colorful local handicrafts and souvenirs. Take time to enjoy the diversity of Peruvian products, and try regional street foods. Stop for lunch at Sarapampa Hacienda. Also located on the banks of Urubamba River, the hacienda has produced Cusco’s famous giant white corn for three generations. Members of the Sumar family, who own the property, will greet you and tell you about the ancient methods they use to produce this traditional crop. Then gather around the table to enjoy a meal that draws on the rich farming heritage of the Sacred Valley and features traditional dishes. Soak in the intimate atmosphere that feels more like a family get together than a meal in a restaurant, before you drive back to your hotel.

(Duration: full day: Start time: 0800 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1 hr; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; All entrance fees included)

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before you begin the day’s adventures with a visit to the archeological site of Moray. Here you will see the ruins of an ancient Inca construction – a series of concentric terraces built of stone and compacted earth with a built-in irrigation system. Believed to have been used for agricultural research, it stands testimony to the Incas’ intelligence and talent for construction. The largest of the terraces descend to a depth of about 150 meters! From this hugely interesting site, proceed to the equally interesting salt ponds of Maras town. Still operational, these salt ponds are believed to have been in use since Inca times and were managed through an intricate system of water supply channels. Enjoy spectacular views of the salt pans and the surroundings as you trek up to the vantage viewpoint. They are a sight to behold, thanks to the patterns they form and their stark white color set against the green mountain slopes. Break for lunch before you move on to your last stop – Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Inca towns and that was once guarded by a fortress and served as a stopover point for royals during long journeys. Walk past the ruins of a civilization known for its brilliant craftsmanship and astounding masonry. Head back to your hotel for dinner after a day filled with learnings and discoveries. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch included; Please note that trekking and walking on the salt pans of Maras is prohibited in order to preserve the purity of the salt extracted.)

Board the PeruRail Vistadome train for a memorable journey to the fabled Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Each railway carriage with a sky roof, features spacious interiors with large bay windows and comfortable seats with plenty of legroom. As the train winds its way through the scenic Sacred Valley and along the Urubamba River, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andean highlands, Enjoy panoramic views of the Peruvian countryside, while gliding past lush-green terraced fields and towering mountains. Enter the mist-shrouded Cloud Forest and journey across the rugged Andean Plateau. Arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night before your epic adventure continues the following morning.

(Duration: 2 hrs; Time of day: morning or afternoon; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

If you are physically fit and want a postcard view of the citadel of Machu Picchu, then be among the first in the morning at the gate of Machu Picchu as you explore on your own the mountain opposite the ruins, Wayna Picchu. The trail is steep but worthwhile with great birds-eye views of the lost city and the surrounding peaks of the Andes. Because of the narrow trail and popular demand, there are only two timings allowed for the climb which must be booked in advance. Please let your travel consultant know if you’d rather do the climb from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. We recommend rising early to get the best views before the heat and the crowds arrive! After the exertion of Wayna Picchu take a second day to explore the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Independently view the ruins again, deepening your impressions and gaining a richer understanding and appreciation for this amazing world wonder. (Self-exploring Activity; Machu Picchu opens at 0600 hrs; Please note that the maximum time permitted at the ruins is 4 hours)

Discover Cusco’s heart and the secrets of the Incan Empire, where colonial flair and Incan culture combine to create a fascinating atmosphere. On this half-day tour your private guide will take you to explore the Main Square and Cathedral, San Blas neighborhood, San Blas Church, the market and Korikancha. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes.)

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before you begin the day’s adventures with a visit to the archeological site of Moray. Here you will see the ruins of an ancient Inca construction – a series of concentric terraces built of stone and compacted earth with a built-in irrigation system. Believed to have been used for agricultural research, it stands testimony to the Incas’ intelligence and talent for construction. The largest of the terraces descend to a depth of about 150 meters! From this hugely interesting site, proceed to the equally interesting salt ponds of Maras town. Still operational, these salt ponds are believed to have been in use since Inca times and were managed through an intricate system of water supply channels. Enjoy spectacular views of the salt pans and the surroundings as you trek up to the vantage viewpoint. They are a sight to behold, thanks to the patterns they form and their stark white color set against the green mountain slopes. Break for lunch before you move on to your last stop – Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Inca towns and that was once guarded by a fortress and served as a stopover point for royals during long journeys. Walk past the ruins of a civilization known for its brilliant craftsmanship and astounding masonry. Head back to your hotel for dinner after a day filled with learnings and discoveries. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch included; Please note that trekking and walking on the salt pans of Maras is prohibited in order to preserve the purity of the salt extracted.)

Explore the pulsating Argentine capital on this tour of the city’s iconic destinations. Set off from your hotel in the company of your guide, enjoying a leisurely tour of Buenos Aires. Visit the chic French residential neighborhood of Recoleta, teeming with classy art galleries and cultural centers. If you’re lucky, you could even catch an exhibition or two while visiting the district. Also visit the Recoleta Cemetery, to find the graves of notable people, including Eva Perón. Continue with the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Colon Theater, the National Congress, and the Presidential Palace, before returning to your hotel. (Half Day; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes, and don’t forget your camera).

Explore the San Telmo neighborhood in Buenos Aires and sample some of Argentina’s iconic dishes on this walking tour. Your expert guide will lead you through the cobbled streets of San Telmo and introduce you to the city’s food history and culture. Take a mini-masterclass on how to make Mate, the South American herbal tea, and learn what it takes to become a ‘cebador’ – the person who brews Mate. Pair your Mate with dulce de leche-filled alfajores, a traditional confection. Try empanadas, a picada of cheese and cured meats, and Argentine cocktails. Visit a neo-bodegon, where the city’s youth are reinventing grandma’s cuisine. The dishes change according to the seasons. Depending on when you visit, you may sample mushroom and chimichurri croquettes, blue cheese and pineapple palmerita, or milanesa. Along the way, stop to see the San Telmo Church and Dorrego Square. Then wander through Argentina’s most iconic market, the centennial San Telmo Market. Meet some of the locals behind the stalls and learn about their food histories and traditions.

(Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 1100 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: tastings & drinks; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Immerse yourself in the flavors of an Argentinian asado, or barbecue, during this experience. From your hotel in Buenos Aires, make your way to your host’s house for lunch or dinner, depending on your preference. Your host will welcome you and will prepare your asado. As you watch the food being prepared, learn about the different grilling methods. Your meal might be made on the parrilla, or Argentinian grill. It might also be made al disco, which is fried and then stewed, or a las brasas using red hot embers. Pair your meal with wine or a non-alcoholic beverage. Save some room for dessert too. As the asado takes place in an open space around a fire, chat with your host and other guests and share your stories.

(Duration: 3.5 hrs; Shared group activity; No transfers; Meals included: lunch/dinner, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Gain a deep perspective of the breathtaking waterfalls, recently named one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Three sets of trails and walkways allow you to explore the natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding jungle as you walk through the national park. On the lower circuit take in a view of the falls from below, feeling part of the natural surroundings, and sensing their great magnitude. The upper circuit takes you above the falls where you get a different perspective of the same waterfalls you just saw on the lower circuit. Hop on one of the open-top carriages of the Jungle Ecological Train and enjoy a 15-20 minute ride through the forest to the start of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) trail. No visit to Iguazu is complete without viewing the Devil’s Throat Falls, where you stand just feet from the thundering cascades of water tumbling to depths below. (From 09:00 to 15:00. Timing can vary and will be reconfirmed on the ground. Private Activity)

Enhance your visit to the Argentina side of the Iguazu Waterfalls with an exciting boat ride up the Iguazu River. Begin your adventure in the heart of the national park with a ride by truck through the subtropical rainforest to the launch point on the river. Embark on a thirty minute navigation up the Iguazu River. End this fun-filled adventure by going up under the waterfalls themselves, getting a stunning view, and also nice and wet.

(Duration around 2:15 hours, Group Activity, Maximum 45 people in the boat, Combined with the Visit to the Argentine Side of Iguazu Waterfalls Activity. Important: you will get wet, please bring a rain poncho and/or extra clothes)

On this half day tour, take in the incredible panoramic view of Iguazu Waterfalls. From the amazing vantage points in Brazil, marvel at the sheer beauty and amazing magnitude of this natural wonder. (Duration 4 hours, if you have a preference for timing, please tell your travel consultant at the time of booking, otherwise our team will schedule the tour at the best available time. Private Activity)

Discover two of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous landmarks and enjoy spectacular views of the city on this full day tour. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast and drive you to Corcovado Hill. Board the train at the bottom of the hill and climb 2,300 ft to see the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the seven ‘New Wonders of the World’. Disembark from the train and take the elevator or escalator to the foot of the statue. Gaze up at the 124 ft tall statue, that includes the pedestal, and soak in panoramic views of the city below. Then descend the mountain and stop for a BBQ lunch at a local restaurant. After your meal, head out to see ‘Pão de Açúcar’, or Sugarloaf Mountain, that rises up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay. Take the first glass cable car to the top of Urca Hill, roughly 700 ft above sea level. Pause here to admire the view of the bay and its surrounding islands. Finally, board the second cable car to the top of Sugarloaf, a height of around 1,300 ft. From here you can see the entire city, its beautiful beaches, and out across the Atlantic Ocean.

(Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Explore the bohemian hilltop locality of Santa Teresa and soak in its charm. Located on Morro do Desterro, the area is known for its artsy vibe, architecture and historic cable cars that ply the narrow streets. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven by private vehicle to the neighborhood of Cosme Velho on the slopes of Corcovado mountain. Head to the Castle of Valentim, the former residence of Commander Antonio Valentim, that lies in Santa Teresa. Stop at Parque das Ruinas to take in splendid views of the city before visiting the Chacara do Ceu Museu. Housed within the erstwhile residence of prominent industrialist Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya, the museum has a small but important collection of Brazilian and European art. Your knowledgeable guide will point out works by artists such as Portinari, Di Cavalcanti and Matisse. You can also see furniture and maps from the 17th and 18th centuries. Next, check out the beautiful Selaron Staircase by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron. Each step along the colorful staircase is made of ceramics, mirrors and tiles. After, visit the area of Largo do Guimaraes which is packed with bars and restaurants. You could buy yourself a meal here before driving back to your hotel.

(Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers)