2027 South America Tour

Today we fly to Santiago, crossing the international dateline en route, arriving mid afternoon of the same day. We are met and transferred to our hotel for a 3 night stay. This evening, we have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. We begin with a visit to the historic downtown, where the city’s central square (Plaza de Armas) stands out as the kilometer zero and nerve center of the capital, marking the starting point of Santiago’s construction during the colonial era. Next, we will visit the civic district, home to ministerial buildings and the presidential palace, La Moneda. Afterward, we will enjoy an impressive panoramic view from San Cristóbal Hill, which we will access via funicular. From here, we can admire part of the Andean foothills surrounding the capital. We will then head to the eastern district, where we will see the city’s modern side and its striking architectural contrasts.

After breakfast we depart towards the Casablanca Valley known mainly for the great production of Chilean wines, namely the Sauvignon Blanc, among others. We visit Veramonte Vineyard, characterized by following organic and sustainable practices. After the tour and wine tasting in Veramonte, we continue to Valparaíso (Chile’s main port), declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, due to its colourful constructions that decorate the hills and provide the city with a characteristic architecture and unique identity. Here we will visit the main attractions of the city. Continue to Viña del Mar, known as “The Garden City”, where we will have lunch before we return to the city.

The morning, we will be transferred back to Santiago Airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel for a 3-night stay. Tonight, we have dinner at the hotel.

Today we get to experience the vibrant heart of Rio de Janeiro. We will take a walk though the city, which gives visitors a feeling for the legends around downtown Rio’s narrow streets and old historical buildings. Next we will visit the famous landmark of Rio de Janeiro, the extraordinarily decorated, vibrant and impressive Escadaria Selarón, a staircase covered in more than 2,000 pieces of colourful tiles, mirrors, and ceramics stairs. After a stop for lunch, we head to Santa Teresa, one of Rio’s oldest neighborhoods. It offers majestic views of Rio’s main attractions and is considered the Bohemian section of Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we visit the city’s most famous landmarks and see the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro from above. First off, we embark on a comfortable train that ascends the mountain, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located 2,300 ft above sea level. The Christ statue, known as the “wonder of Rio,” was elected one of the 7 “New Wonders of the World.” Enjoy the most amazing views from the top. After stopping for a bite to eat, we catch the cable car to the summit of the famous “Sugarloaf” for even more spectacular views of the bay.

Today we say farewell to Rio as we return to the airport and join our morning flight to Iguassu (Brazil). On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel on the Argentine side of the Falls. Tonight we have a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Our day combines both adventure and nature as we experience the breathtaking beauty of the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls. We will explore the extensive network of walkways and trails in Iguazú National Park, getting up close to the awe-inspiring cascades from multiple angles – including the iconic Devil’s Throat.

Today we will visit the stunning Falls from the Brazilian side. The Iguassu River splits into 275 amazing waterfalls, one of the most majestic spectacles in the world. The virgin jungle of the national park surrounds the deep “Garganta del Diablo” (Devils Throat), a confluence of rapids falling straight down. Spray rises over 30 metres from the bottom (hidden by the mist) and countless rainbows are threaded under the sun. Butterflies and tropical birds fly over the falls.
Enjoy lunch with amazing views over parts of the falls before we return to the hotel.

This morning, we transfer to Iguazu Falls Airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. We are met on arrival and transferred to our hotel for a 4-night stay. This evening we enjoy dinner at a traditional local Argentine BBQ (parrilla) restaurant, where we will savour some of the country’s famous grilled meats and local flavours — the perfect introduction to the culinary traditions of Buenos Aires.

Staring at the heart of the city, the Plaza de Mayo, this morning’s city tour of Buenos Aires highlights many famous sites, including the Government House, Casa Rosada, the Cathedral built on the site of the city’s first church, Columbus Square, Boca Square, and other attractions in the “Paris of the Americas.” This evening, we visit one of Buenos Aires’ top tango houses for dinner and a tango show. After dinner, enjoy a performance of this passionate dance, which began in the late 19th century in poorer neighbourhoods and was originally danced by pairs of men to music played on flute, violin, and guitar.

Today, we travel to the outskirts of Buenos Aires for our “Gaucho” excursion. It allows us the opportunity to admire the traditional dances and enjoy the songs, and the food, of the Argentinian Gaucho (cowboy). The venue is a beautiful country residence at an old ranch, located on the fringe of the city.

Discover the vibrant soul of Buenos Aires on an immersive Markets Day experience today. We will wander the cobbled streets of San Telmo, where the famous market overflows with antiques, artisan crafts, street performers and local delicacies. Then we continue to the lively Mataderos Market, a celebration of authentic gaucho culture, traditional food stalls and regional crafts that showcase Argentina’s rural heritage. Finish in elegant Recoleta, browsing refined artisan fairs set among grand architecture and leafy plazas. A perfect blend of colour, culture and local flavour, this day offers an authentic taste of Buenos Aires beyond the usual tourist trail.

This morning we fly to Lima, the capital of Peru and known as the ‘Gastronomical Capital of the America’s’, encompassing specialties from traditional coastal cooking to a refined global fare. Lima is home to various museums including Museo Larco & Museo de la Nacion and even boasts several of the top restaurants in the world.
On arrival in Lima we have a culinary experience with Penélope Alzamora. Born in Lima, the chef Penélope Alzamora has been steeped in authentic Peruvian flavors from her earliest years. After touring the United States studying, working and teaching culinary arts, Penélope has returned to Peru to give us a master class in traditional cooking: from the market to dessert. We will visit her most trusted vendors and try some of their produce. From here we’ll go to her kitchen in Barranco where she will teach us how to prepare various dishes, all accompanied, of course, with a pisco sour. It is said that, to get to know the culture of a country, it is necessary to visit its markets and savor its food, and what better way to do that than with a true expert!

Today we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Lima, starting in the historic colonial centre at Plaza Mayor. Here we admire the grand exteriors of the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, and the Municipal Palace, before stepping inside the cathedral to explore its beautiful chapels and learn about Peru’s religious history. We continue to the 17th-century San Francisco Convent, famous for its striking architecture and underground catacombs, once used as one of Lima’s earliest cemeteries, and visit Casa de Aliaga, the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Our tour then passes through modern Lima, including the financial district of San Isidro, before reaching the coastal suburb of Miraflores for views over the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

This morning we take a short flight from Lima to Cusco. On arrival, we transfer to the Sacred Valley, where we will spend the next couple of days acclimatizing to the higher altitude.

This morning we depart for the charming town of Pisac, where ancient Incan traditions blend seamlessly with colonial influences to create a distinctive local culture and way of life. We have time to explore the town’s renowned artisan markets, famous for their colourful stalls offering finely crafted jewellery, ceramics, and traditional Andean textiles. A short distance away, high on the mountain slopes overlooking the Vilcanota River, lies the impressive Pisac Archaeological Park. This remarkable site features a series of agricultural terraces built at varying altitudes, separated by intricate stone structures that demonstrate the advanced engineering skills of the Inca civilisation. The most significant features is the Intihuatana, often referred to as the “Hitching Post of the Sun,” an ancient ceremonial stone believed to have been used by the Incas as a solar calendar. Enjoy your group dinner tonight.

Our first stop today is the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular series of terraced salt pools that have been in continuous use since Inca times. The brilliant white salt pans cascade down the mountainside, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding green Andean landscape. Afterwards we continue to Moray, an impressive archaeological site featuring vast circular terraces believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural research centre. Descending deep into the earth, these terraces demonstrate the remarkable ingenuity and advanced farming knowledge of the Inca civilisation.

This morning we depart Ollantaytambo aboard the scenic Vistadome Train for the unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu. Perched 2,430 metres above sea level on a mountain ridge overlooking the Sacred Valley, this extraordinary ancient city is the most famous of all Inca sites and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
During our guided visit we will explore many of Machu Picchu’s most important features, including the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, and the Temple of the Three Windows, while learning about the history and mystery of this remarkable site. After our visit, we transfer to our hotel in Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay, reflecting on an unforgettable day at one of South America’s most iconic and sacred destinations.

Spend the morning in and around Aguas Calientes before we catch the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo.
We will visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. We will discover the large archaeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions. After our visit, we will continue to Cusco where we will spend the next 3 nights.

After breakfast, we visit the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuamán, a remarkable example of Incan military architecture built from enormous stones fitted together with extraordinary precision. We then continue to Qoricancha, the “Temple of the Sun,” once the most important religious site of the Inca Empire.
Next, we explore the artistic neighbourhood of San Blas, known for its narrow streets and local artisans, before visiting the Church of the Society of Jesus in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, one of the finest examples of Spanish Baroque architecture in Peru. Our tour concludes at Cusco Cathedral, where we admire its beautiful atria and valuable 17th- and 18th-century paintings from the Cusco School. This evening we enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a free day at leisure in Cusco, giving you time to explore this enchanting Andean city at your own pace. Wander the charming cobbled streets, relax in the historic Plaza de Armas, browse vibrant local markets, or discover hidden cafés and artisan boutiques.

Today we return to Cusco Airport for our flight back to Santiago. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay. We enjoy a farewell dinner tonight for our last night in Chile.

After breakfast and check out, we transfer back to Santiago Airport for our return flight to Auckland. We cross the international dateline enroute.

We arrive into Auckland early evening.