Project Description

Iconic South America

15 Days / 14 Nights

MRB15-S

Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguacu, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Buenos Aires

PRICE AND DATE

Dates Twin Sharing Single Room Supplement
Jan – Dec $3,150 $760

Prices are per person in CAD based on double occupancy; including accommodations, transfers, tours, admissions, daily breakfast & some meals. Prices exclude gratuities, visa fees, taxes, surcharge (peak & weekend) and all flights. Guaranteed departure for min. 2 people traveling together. Departures in 2023: Jan 2, Feb 6, Mar 6, Apr 10, May 1 & 22, Jun 19, Jul 10 &31, Aug 28, Oct 2, Nov 6, Dec 4.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Rio De Janeiro

Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Hotel: 3*+Mirador Rio Hotel or similar (3 nights)

Day 2: Rio De Janeiro          B

A memorable experience awaits you as you explore the best highlights of Rio de Janeiro in a 5-hour’s tour of the Christ the Redeemer by Van & Sugarloaf Mountain.

Drive up to the Christ the Redeemer Statue – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – on top of Corcovado Mountain. The drive is short and beautiful, traveling through the Tijuca Forest before opening to incredible views of the entire city. Then go to Sugarloaf Mountain, located in the Urca neighborhood. Ride a series of 2 cable cars in route to the summit, first arriving at Urca Hill, and then continuing to the top of Sugarloaf, reaching a height of 1,295 feet (395m). Conclude the tour with an exquisitely beautiful panorama of Rio de Janeiro.

Day 3: Rio De Janeiro          B

Begin your tour at Downtown (“Centro”), where you will get the tram (“bondinho”) to the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa. You will drive over the Arcos da Lapa, the aqueduct used to connect water from Santa Teresa to Downtown and one of Rio’s most traditional postcards. At Santa Teresa, you will experience an interesting local atmosphere. Walk along the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, a bucolic area in Rio de Janeiro.

Located on a hillside, Santa Teresa has become a district of cultural interest because of its architectural value and prime location, famous for its winding, narrow cobblestone streets and a favourite spot for artists and tourists. A flair like Montmartre, in Paris. You will visit the Ruins Park, a public park with an art gallery built around the ruins of a mansion. Take a minute to enjoy the city’s landscape, in particular the Downtown area and the Sugarloaf Mountain.

Up next, you will walk down the colorful Selarón Steps, one of Rio’s landmarks, and arrive at the district of Lapa, the zone with most traditional nightlife. Take a stroll in the Passeio Público, the oldest public park in South America, to reach Cinelândia, a lively spot in Rio thanks to its bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Among many remarkable constructions in the area, you will notice the Municipal theater, Rio de Janeiro’s most traditional theatre and opera house, as well as the Biblioteca Nacional, Brazil’s most important library.

Your last stop will be at Confeitaria Colombo, a permanent member of all “must-see cafés” rankings around the world. Enjoy the opulent art nouveau decorated with huge stained glass, tiles, and mirrors imported from France, Portugal, and Belgium. You can finish your tour tasting one of the Brazilian traditional snacks – such as the coxinha de frango (‘little chicken thigh’) – or desserts – such as the brigadeiro (‘brigadier’) in one of Rio de Janeiro’s most prestigious places at the beginning of the 20th century.

Day 4: Rio De Janeiro  –  Foz do Iguassu    B

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu, meet and transfer to the hotel

Head to the National Park of the Brazilian Falls (entrance fee included). Start with a visit to the Main Center of the park, where you will have the opportunity to get some hints about the local ecosystem. From there hike along the most important trail of the park where you can enjoy an astonishing view of the waterfalls. From the local belvedere you will have a privileged sight of the both parks of the waterfalls. Return to the main point via the panoramic elevator.

Hotel: 3*+ Viale Tower or similar (2 nights)

Day 5: Foz do Iguassu – Iguazu (Argentinian side)  B

Transfer ahead to Argentina side with a quick stop at customs checks. After that, the tour continues to the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River, which separates the border between Argentina and Brazil. Once in Argentina, take a scenic highway up to the Argentine Iguassu Park (entrance fee included) where you will have a spectacular view of the Argentinean Falls, with access to the very brink of the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat, largest of the Argentinean Falls, including the San Martin Falls. On the way back from the falls a stop at the “Three Borders” Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet.

Visit the upper circuit and the Devil´s Throat.

Day 6: Foz Do Iguacu – Lima  B

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, Peru.

Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Hotel: 3*+Arawi Express or similar (2 nights)

Day 7: Lima B

You will visit the modern and colonial parts of Lima, known as The City of Kings, starting at the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, and passing along a “huaca” or sacred pre-Inca site, before heading to the Historic Center. There, you will walk along some of the most historically important streets of the city, leading to the Plaza de Armas, where you will have some time to take pictures of the amazing colonial architecture that surrounds it.

You will also have the chance to take a peek into an iconic building, that has served Lima’s citizens for centuries and continues to be an important landmark. Then you will visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo, an astonishing building with colonial style. After exploring the Historical Center, you will head towards the Larco Museum, which houses the incomparable Treasures of Ancient Peru private collection.

Afternoon is free at leisure.

Day 8: Lima – Cusco            B

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco city. Enjoy your leisure time exploring the charm of this beautiful colonial city that was built upon the remains of amazing Inca buildings. Not to miss: Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), San Blas artisan’s neighborhood, the Cathedral and the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Hotel: 3*+ Hacienda Cusco or similar (1 night)

Day 9: Cusco – Sacred Valley           B,L

You will head to the Maras salt mines, an amazing place where the finest salt in the world is extracted: Maras salt. On the way, you will make a stop at the Raqchi viewpoint, from where you will have an impressive view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Then, you will visit the Misminay community. Upon arrival, the villagers will give you a warm welcome with music and typical dances. There, you will be able to learn about the Andean families’ lifestyle, by sharing some of their daily activities with them.

Enjoy a delicious and traditional lunch prepared with local products. You will continue with a visit to Moray, a fascinating archeological site with huge concentric terraces, which the Incas used as a botanical laboratory.

Hotel: 3* Avat Spot or similar (1 night)

Day 10: Machu Picchu – Cusco       B,L

Board the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.

You are going to visit one of the most important energy centers of the world: Machu Picchu. You will be driven to the archeological site, the visit of which will be an unforgettable experience, with a professional tour guide to impart to you all the history that surrounds this mysterious and enchanting place. Once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, to relax, or to meditate. At the agreed upon hour, you will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train later that afternoon for the return trip.

Board train in Aguas Calientes, to Ollantantaytambo, and transfer back to Cusco.

Hotel: 3*+ Hacienda Cusco or similar (2 nights)

Day 11: Cusco  B

You will leave your hotel in Cusco early in the morning, crossing the South Valley, towards Cusipata. From there, you will be transferred to Phulawasipata where you will begin your walk. After some time to prepare, you will start with the ascending route to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. The place will amaze you with its vivid colors and natural beauty. There, you will have time to take photos and fill yourself with the energy of the place. At the end of this visit, you will walk back to the starting point. Finally, you will be taken back to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 12: Cusco – Lima – Buenos Aires          B

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Hotel: 3*+Hotel Ramada by Wyndham or similar (3 nights)

Day 13: Buenos Aires           B,L,D

Embark a tour to discover the charm of Argentina’s capital, from the chic districts of Recoleta and Palermo, to historic Plaza de Mayo, and architectural icons such as the Colon opera house, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the palace of Congress. The program finishes in old town San Telmo, home of the city’s aristocracy until the late

19th century; Caminito street, in La Boca, the colorful shelter for Italian immigrants by the Riachuelo, and the young

thriving restaurant scene at the Puerto Madero waterfront.

Afternoon is free at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner with Tango Show.

Famous for its amazing nightlife and for being the land of Carlos Gardel, Buenos Aires countless gastronomic and artistic options. Tango portrays the ‘Queen of the River Plate’ (‘Reina del Plata’). We will enjoy an unforgettable night, surrender to the magic of this city that never sleeps and to the charm of this overwhelming and sanguine music —main protagonist of the night— while enjoying the best of its varied gastronomic offer. This typical early 20th century house is an ideal stage for a unique show: 15 artists, one tango orchestras, a folk music group, dancers and singer.

Day 14: Buenos Aires – San Antonio de Areco – Buenos Aires          B,L

The historic estancia El Ombú de Areco is located in San Antonio de Areco, just 120 km from Buenos Aires. The ranch consists of a magnificent old town from 1880, this traditional ranch in San Antonio de Areco receives tourists from Argentina and the world. Among the activities that can be carried out, horseback riding, sulky or carriage rides, folkloric shows with music and dance, demonstrations of Indian dressage or herd management, walks, bicycle rides, bird watching and farm animals stand out. The Estancia El Ombú de Areco is an excellent option to enjoy an authentic field day in Buenos Aires, enjoying contact with nature, customs and typical foods of the country.

Day 15: Depart Buenos Aires          B

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.