Ultimate South American Odyssey

Touch down in Rio de Janeiro, one of the best-loved cities in Brazil! Transfer to the hotel.* Get settled in before spending the rest of the day at your leisure, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and gorgeous landscapes. Take a walk along the beachside promenade to watch the locals playing football on the beach. Overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro.

*Optional Meet and Greet in Rio de Janeiro: A local guide will accompany you during the transfer from the airport to your hotel where he will assist you to check in. He will also explain all the details of your itinerary and answer any questions you may have and advise you on the best things to do in Rio.

Note: if this service is not booked, the transfer from the airport to the hotel will continue to be included with driver only.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, set off on a day of discovery in Rio de Janeiro. Embark on a tour of Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer, a true symbol of the city. Head to the top of Corcovado Mountain, with spectacular views along the way. Visit Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and soak up the panoramic views. It's the perfect photo opportunity! Afterwards, explore the Sambodromo, home of the Rio Carnival, the Selaron Steps and see the exterior of the famous Maracana Stadium. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the vibrant atmosphere of the city. We recommend booking our optional activities: a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain and lunch at a churrascaria*, as well as dinner at the seafood restaurant Marius Degustare**. Overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro.

*Optional Visit to Sugarloaf Mountain and lunch at a churrascaria: Be amazed by one of the most breathtaking views in Rio de Janeiro as you ascend the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, a symbol of the city. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious buffet featuring a wide variety of exquisite cuts of meat, allowing you to sample the best of the local cuisine at the Carretão Lido churrascaria.

**Optional Dinner at the seafood restaurant Marius Degustare: Savor Brazilian cuisine at this restaurant where you can enjoy spectacular dishes with a tasting menu that includes a selection of special meats and/or grilled fish and seafood, as well as a buffet of hot and cold dishes. Drinks and desserts are not included.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, or alternatively, we recommend several optional activities: a Helicopter Flight over Rio de Janeiro and Tijuca National Park*, visit to Tijuca National Park, Vista Chinesa and lunch**, and Rodizio Restaurant Dinner with Brazilian music***. Overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro.

*Optional Flight over Rio de Janeiro and Tijuca National Park: Head to the heliport for an unforgettable aerial view of Rio on a 30-minute flight. Then, immerse yourself in the stunning nature of the park by enjoying its trails, caves, and waterfalls.

**Optional Visit to Tijuca National Park, Vista Chinesa and lunch: Discover the splendor of Tijuca National Park, a vast tropical rainforest in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy breathtaking views from the Vista Chinesa viewpoint, a tribute to the Chinese community in Brazil, offering panoramic vistas of the southern part of the city, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, and the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon. Afterwards, savor authentic Brazilian cuisine at a traditional restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.

Note: If this activity is booked for a Saturday or Sunday, the Vista Chinesa part will be replaced by a visit to Parque Lage, as Vista Chinesa is closed on those days.

***Optional Rodizio Restaurant Dinner and music in Rio Scenarium: Enjoy a traditional dinner at Rio Scenarium, an iconic Brazilian restaurant in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Located in a magical 19th-century mansion, famous for its charming decor of antique furniture and objects, it offers a unique experience. Immerse yourself in local rhythms while savoring the best of Brazilian cuisine – the perfect way to end the day! Explore its seven rooms spread over three floors, enjoy customized drinks, and authentic Brazilian music.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Iguazu, home of the mighty Iguazu Falls! On arrival, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free at your leisure. If your arrival time allows, we suggest enjoying a bike ride through the jungle or simply relaxing in this pristine natural setting. Overnight stay in Iguazu.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls on an exciting excursion. Take the train to the 'Devil's Throat' where a lookout area grants the opportunity to watch the water rush from the river and down an 80-meter high sheer drop. Walk across a number of bridges and enjoy the panoramic views on offer. Hear the roar of water whilst contemplating the spectacular landscape of rainbows, birds, exotic plants and trees. To experience more of this incredible environment, we recommend an optional Great Adventure excursion.* Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Iguazu.

* Optional Iguazu Great Adventure: Enter the jungle by the Yacaratiá trail in trucks specially designed for this environment.  This 5 km long stretch ends at Puerto Macuco. At its dock, board a boat that sails in the Lower Iguazu River for as long as 6 km, heading towards the waterfalls area, enjoying plentiful rapids. Upon reaching the Tres Mosqueteros Fall, see the falls of both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides crowned by the view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Afterwards, the most exciting point comes when facing the incomparable San Martín waterfall, the hugest any boat may face. If you choose to take this optional excursion, it will replace a part of the included tour on this day.

Please note: You will not be able to take part in the Great Adventure excursion if you have any heart problems, have had any kind of heart surgery or if you have any physical disabilities. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a different perspective of the falls today as you visit the Brazillian side of the Iguazu Falls, one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World. Stroll along the well-placed viewing trails and enjoy a spectacular panorama of one of the biggest waterfall systems in the world. Overnight stay in Iguazu.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive in Buenos Aires, transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to explore this sprawling city, full of colonial architecture and vibrant culture. Overnight stay in Buenos Aires.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an included tour of the chic city of Buenos Aires. Visit the most emblematic sites and monuments of the capital, such as the Plaza de Mayo filled with soul-stirring history, the colorful district of La Boca, the famous Obelisk, a symbol of the Argentine capital, and Casa Rosada where Madonna performed the hit song 'Don't cry for me Argentina!' in 1996. The tour finishes in the neighborhood of Palermo, the largest in the city. Rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Buenos Aires.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day. Take advantage of this day to continue to discover the capital and soak up the local atmosphere, the architecture of its colonial buildings and the delicious local cuisine. Overnight stay in Buenos Aires.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to check in for a flight to Lima. Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Centre and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

*Optional visit to the Larco Museum: visit this private museum of pre-Columbian art to explore the history and culture of Peru through an array of outstanding collections of art pieces.

**Optional dinner at Huaca Pucllana: a famous establishment in Lima ideal to enjoy the best of Peruvian gastronomy in a one-of-a-kind setting that includes views of a pre-Inca pyramid.

***Pack of 3 optional excursions: make the most of your trip to Peru by adding to your experience a pack of three great optional excursions that include a full day excursion to the Sacred Valley, a dinner and unforgettable show at Tunupa Cuzco and entrance to the Larco Museum.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cuzco. Arrive in Cuzco, the former Inca capital, and transfer to the Sacred Valley, on the way stop at Museo Sulca (no guide, only driver) and savour the opportunity to explore this living museum, where ancient customs and traditions have been preserved across the centuries. Watch local communities creating beautiful handmade textiles and soak up the impressive views, unchanged by time. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the lively immaculate scenery of this iconic region. Overnight stay in Sacred Valley.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, an exciting day awaits you in Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to the village of Ollantaytambo to travel by train to Aguas Calientes* (Machu Picchu village) and enjoy the beautiful green mountain scenery along the way.

Once there, transfer by bus to the ancient Inca city of the Citadel for approximately a 2:30h visit which may take place in the morning or afternoon depending on availability. Enjoy the spectacular views of this Peruvian treasure built in the 15th century at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. 

Return by bus to Aguas Calientes and, depending on the return train schedule, you will have free time to explore the town at your own pace. Travel by train back to Ollantaytambo, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Sacred Valley.

*The reservation includes a standard category train (Expedition train or Voyager train). You have the option to add a supplement to travel on a higher category train in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in the Sacred Valley, an area in the Andean Highlands famed as the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. We recommend an optional Sacred Valley Excursion to experience the best of the region. * At the indicated time, take the transfer to Cuzco. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

* Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Discover the millenary history and vibrant culture of the Sacred Valley. Begin in Chinchero, visiting the Parwa Cultural Center to learn about traditional textiles and their symbolism. Observe the artisans in action, from the extraction of natural dyes to the weaving techniques passed down through generations. Explore the archaeological complex of Chinchero, an ancient agricultural and livestock center of the Tahuantinsuyo, and admire the Nuestra Señora de Monserrat church, an example of the fusion between Andean and Spanish cultures. Then, visit Moray, a fascinating archaeological site with concentric terraces that functioned as an Incan agricultural laboratory. Enjoy a local lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo, an ancient military, religious, and agricultural center. Tour its impressive stone fortress and main temple while enjoying unparalleled views of the town, which still retains its original Incan urban design. Stroll through its stone streets, visit the market, and immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of the Andes.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

*Optional Dinner Show in Cusco: A perfect occasion to enjoy a wonderful dinner in the heart of Cusco, and a lively and colorful show with live music and traditional dances.

Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the Peruvian capital today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Lima. Arrive, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the atmospheric city plazas or shopping for souvenirs. Overnight stay in Lima.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, which earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1978. With its rich history, breathtaking views, and vibrant culture, the city seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern energy, making it one of the most captivating destinations in South America. Overnight stay in Quito.

Breakfast at the hotel. Then depart from the natural beauty of Baños to return to Quito. If the weather permits, enjoy stunning views of the Avenue of the Volcanoes and the towering Cotopaxi Volcano.

Continue the journey with a visit to the Middle of the World, where you'll explore the Inti Ñan Museum and take part in fascinating experiments that demonstrate the unique effects of being right on the equator.

You'll also visit the Middle of the World Monument—the iconic landmark marking the equatorial line. Be  sure to capture a memorable photo standing with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere! Overnight stay in Quito.

The total transfer time is approximately 5 hours, not including the visits made along the route.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day in the city of Quito to relax at your own pace, but we also recommend you to join our optional activities: a tour to Otavalo* and a traditional Ecuadorian dinner**. Overnight stay in Quito.

*Tour to Otavalo: Discover Otavalo, starting with stunning mountain views, Chirimoya fruit in Guayllabamba, and Cayambe biscuits. Explore Cuicocha Crater Lake, visit Cotacachi for leatherwork, and shop at Plaza de Ponchos. 

**Traditional Ecuadorian dinner experience: Experience dining at Pim’s Panecillo, perched on El Panecillo Hill with stunning views of Quito. Relish a variety of Ecuadorian and international dishes made with fresh ingredients, all while enjoying the breathtaking city scenery.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport in Quito to take your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at the enchanted islands, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we will take a walking tour of the city of Baquerizo Moreno to explore the main attractions. Also you can join a fun optional kayak tour*. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

*Kayaking experience: Explore San Cristóbal Island’s breathtaking coast on a kayaking adventure. Glide past volcanic cliffs, secluded beaches, and hidden coves. Take a break to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, spotting reef fish, rays, and harmless sharks!

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on an exciting journey through the Highlands of San Cristóbal, visiting iconic natural sites, enjoying a scenic lunch break, and exploring the island’s stunning coastal regions. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Galápagos.

Start by visiting La Galapaguera, a tortoise conservation center in the Highlands, where you'll observe the famous giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat and learn about the efforts to protect these iconic creatures.

Next, head to Puerto Chino, a beautiful, remote beach perfect for relaxation, swimming, or simply soaking in the breathtaking surroundings. Afterward, enjoy a lunch break (not included), and end the day at La Lobería, a popular spot to watch sea lions basking in the sun or swimming in the bay. Overnight stay in San Cristóbal.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day and to make the most of it we recommend you to choose one of our optional activities: a 360º tour of the island including snorkeling in Kicker Rock’ or a visit to Tijeretas and Playa Man with a ceviche cooking demonstration. Overnight in San Cristóbal.

*360° Island tour with snorkeling at Kicker Rock: Embark on an adventurous tour of San Cristóbal Island! Explore Rosa Blanca’s mangroves, Punta Pitt’s red-footed boobies, snorkel at Bahía Sardina, hike Punta Pucuna’s lava tunnels, and end the day with snorkeling at Kicker Rock, where, with a bit of luck, you may encounter turtles, manta rays, or even sharks in the crystal-clear waters.

**Visit to Tijeretas and Playa Mann with ceviche cooking demonstration: Experience the best of San Cristóbal Island on a tour to Tijeretas, the Interpretation Center, and Playa Mann. Enjoy breathtaking views, spot frigatebirds, and learn about the island’s rich history. Next, indulge in a ceviche-making session  guided by a local Galapagueña woman and translated by your guide. Discover the art of preparing ceviche by mixing fresh seafood, citrus juices, and local spices. Savor your culinary creation while soaking in the picturesque surroundings and tranquil atmosphere of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno!

Please note: You can only choose one between these two optional activities.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, transfer to San Cristóbal airport for your flight to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy some free time to relax and unwind. Overnight stay in Quito.

Breakfast at the hotel*. Unfortunately, it's time to end this adventure. At the designated time, take a shared transfer to the airport for your flight back to the US.

Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.