DAY 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires
![Arrive in Buenos Aires]()
Welcome to your South American tour! The first stop is Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital city. Arrive and check into the hotel. Head out and get your first taste of the city if you arrive with time to spare. This evening, meet your tour leader and group in the hotel lobby at 18:00. Once everyone is together, head out to a nearby local restaurant for the first group dinner of the tour.
Experiences
Buenos Aires Dinner. Enjoy your first meal in Argentina! The cuisine here has been heavily influenced by waves of European migration over the last century and often includes dishes with Spanish, Italian and German roots. Grilled meats, pastas, empanadas and sweet desserts are widely offered. How about a glass of Argentinian wine to complement your first meal in the country?
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Imperial Park HotelDAY 2: Buenos Aires City Tour
![Buenos Aires City Tour]()
Take a tour of Buenos Aires’s vibrant streets with an expert local guide this morning. Art, architecture, history, cuisine, culture… Buenos Aires has it all! Follow your guide and see the city’s highlights. Visit major sights such as the Avenida 9 de Julio and the famous Recoleta cemetery - the final resting place of Eva Perón, Argentina’s widely-loved former first lady. At lunchtime, you are free to tuck into some local Argentinian food - steak, empanadas, pasta and more. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. You could even enjoy a spot of Argentinian afternoon tea called “té” or “merienda”. Tonight, choose to join in for an optional dinner and Tango show!
Experiences
Buenos Aires City Tour. Buenos Aires is a city with the vibrancy of New York and the spirit of Paris at the pace of Latin America. This full-day tour will take you through the city’s best-known streets, show you the most popular sights and give you a taste of the real Buenos Aires. Iconic sights covered on tour include Avenida 9 de Julio (9 July Avenue), Plaza de Mayo, the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, the La Boca and San Telmo Neighbourhoods, and the famous Recoleta cemetery.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Imperial Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Tango Show & Dinner i US$65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 3: Buenos Aires: Free Day
![Buenos Aires: Free Day]()
Discover more of Buenos Aires on this free day. Meander through the streets and admire the murals, eat at local spots or browse the shops and markets. For something a little more wild, join the optional excursion to a classic gaucho ranch. Travel to the countryside of Buenos Aires to learn more about Argentinian cowboys. They are celebrated as national icons and the cattle stations are incredibly important to the country’s economy. Get a glimpse into life on the ranch - see the gauchos in action, chat with the friendly locals, watch folk dances and enjoy tasty traditional food! This is a truly unique day trip! This evening, join the group for dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Imperial Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Ranch and Gaucho Day Trip i US$105
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 4: Buenos Aires - flight to Mendoza
![Buenos Aires - flight to Mendoza]()
This morning, travel to the heart of Argentina’s sprawling wine region! Catch a flight from Buenos Aires to the city of Mendoza. Nestled at the base of the Andes Mountains, Mendoza is a beautiful city surrounded by amazing views. Arrive and head out on a tour of a few local wineries. Taste a range of local varieties including award-winning Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon and learn more about why Mendoza is one of the world’s top wine capitals. Tonight, you have free time to enjoy dinner and experience the laid-back nightlife in Mendoza. Finish off the day with a glass of Argentinian wine!
Experiences
Mendoza wine tour. Even though Mendoza is technically located in the desert, locals have created smart irrigation canals to capture water from the mountains. These days it's a real oasis with the ideal climate and topography for wine production. The region has been named the ‘Bordeaux of South America’ and so it is. Expect to taste anything from signature, award-winning Malbec to Cabernet Sauvignon and even simple foot-pressed wine (vino patero). This tour will take you around the best vineyards in the valley to enjoy ravishing views of the Andes mountains, vineyards and villages - a quintessential Mendoza experience.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Crillon
DAY 5: Mendoza - Santiago
![Mendoza - Santiago]()
Take the scenic route to Santiago, Chile today! It will be a long day of travel but the views are worth it! The route winds through the Andes Mountains. Take in the breathtaking views of the mountain passes and drive past South America’s highest mountain - Aconcagua. We will make a number of comfort stops along the way. Cross the border and travel on to Chile’s capital city. Arrive in Santiago and check into the hotel in the late afternoon. Join the group for an included dinner this evening.
Experiences
Santiago City Tour. Set off on foot for a tour of Chile’s vibrant capital city! Your local guide will show you Santiago’s highlights and share the city’s rich history with you. See Santiago’s downtown area, visit Saint Lucia Hill and traditional neighbourhoods around the city centre. Stop by top attractions including the busy Plaza de Armas, the Santiago Cathedral, and the La Moneda Palace. The views alone would be enough to keep you captivated for hours with the Andes Mountains providing an incredible background to the city.
DAY 6: Santiago City Tour
![Santiago City Tour]()
Hola Santiago! This morning it’s time to get to know more about the beating heart of Chile. After breakfast, join an expert local guide for a tour of the city. Walk through downtown Santiago and see popular spots including the bustling Central Market and the neoclassical Santiago Cathedral. Complete the tour around lunchtime and the afternoon is yours to explore! Tonight, choose to join the group for a taste of local life while out for dinner.
Experiences
Santiago City Tour. Set off on foot for a tour of Chile’s vibrant capital city! Your local guide will show you Santiago’s highlights and share the city’s rich history with you. See Santiago’s downtown area, visit Saint Lucia Hill and traditional neighbourhoods around the city centre. Stop by top attractions including the busy Plaza de Armas, the Santiago Cathedral, and the La Moneda Palace. The views alone would be enough to keep you captivated for hours with the Andes Mountains providing an incredible background to the city.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Providencia Panamericana-
DAY 7: Santiago: Free Day
![Santiago: Free Day]()
Explore Santiago at your own pace today. Experience the city’s neighbourhoods, each one with its own unique character. Sample more of the country’s cuisine or even venture out to a nearby winery. For those looking for a bit of sunshine and sea, choose to join the optional day trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar! Leave after breakfast and travel to Chile’s Pacific Coast. First stop is the colourful seaside village of Valparaiso which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the scenery on the drive to Viña del Mar - a resort town complete with beautiful beaches, museums and gardens. Return to the city and the night is yours to relax or head into the city for dinner.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Providencia Panamericana-
Optional Excursions
- Valparaiso and Viña del Mar Day Trip i US$65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 8: Santiago - Flight to Calama - San Pedro de Atacama
![Santiago - Flight to Calama - San Pedro de Atacama]()
Head to the desert today for an incredible experience! Transfer to Santiago Airport and catch a flight to Calama, a mining city in northern Chile. From here, transfer to San Pedro de Atacama - a town in the middle of the captivating Atacama desert. Arrive, embark on an orientation tour and enjoy free time for lunch before checking into the hotel. Next, head out to El Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) to explore and watch the sunset. Prepare to be wowed by the dramatic landscapes that look like something from outer space! This evening is free, you can join your tour leader for dinner if you choose. There is also a stargazing session for any budding astronomers.
Experiences
Moon Valley afternoon and sunset visit. Pay a visit to the El Valle De La Luna (Moon Valley) just outside San Pedro de Atacama. From here you can appreciate the incredible views of this region and see the sun set like never before. Elevated 2,250 metres above sea level, the valley contains the Salt mountain range, deep valleys, salt caves and a variety of rock and stone formations. The scenes you’ll lay eyes on here closely resemble the surface of the moon - which explains the romantic name.
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 9: San Pedro de Atacama - Bolivian Desert
![San Pedro de Atacama - Bolivian Desert]()
Eat breakfast on the road during an early morning drive to the Bolivian border. It's time to spark your adventurous spirit! Jump into 4x4 trucks which will be your transport for the next three days. Venture deeper into Bolivia’s desert and experience the enchanting natural beauty of Eduardo Avaroa National Park; from stark desert landscapes to sparkling lagoons. At the end of the day, arrive at the homestay for this evening. A local host family will be waiting to greet the group. Spend the night getting familiar with the local way of life here.
* Due to the remote area and limited accommodation available, the accommodation will differ from the usual hotel standards. There will be basic, multi-share rooms with limited hot water and simple amenities.
Experiences
Eduardo Avaroa National Park. Drive through Eduardo Avaroa National Park in the southwestern region of Bolivia. It’s a true natural paradise with jewelled lakes, a high-altitude desert and wildlife. The trip includes stops at the Laguna Verde, Laguna Colorada (The Coloured Lagoons), the Siloli desert and the famous Stone Tree.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
La Magia de San Juan
DAY 10: Bolivian Desert
![Bolivian Desert]()
Back to the 4x4s for more adventures today! Explore sparkling blue lagoons and visit Laguna Canapa, Laguna Honda and Laguna Hedionda which is famous for the resident flamingo population. Stop for a picnic lunch and eat surrounded by the beauty of nature. See Ollague Volcano which stands tall over the desert landscape. Make a stop at the Train Cemetery in Uyuni. This is a graveyard home to huge carriages abandoned in the early 20th century. Tonight, a second local family will welcome and host the group at a homestay for the evening.
*Due to the remote area and limited accommodation available, the accommodation will differ from the usual hotel standards. There will be basic, multi-share rooms with limited hot water and simple amenities.
Experiences
Visit the Laguna Hedionda and see the Ollague Volcano. With your 4x4 vehicles roaming the desert in convoy, allow your local guide to point out some of the region’s most spectacular lagoons and vistas. This day includes views of the famous Ollague Volcano which sits on the border of Chile and Bolivia at a height of 5,868 metres above sea level. We’ll stop at several lakes, including Laguna Hedionda which hosts a large population of bright pink flamingos!
Train Cemetery. A visit to the Train Cemetery allows us to wander amongst these huge, abandoned carriages - some of which were imported from as far away as Britain, over 100 years ago.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
La Magia de San Juan
DAY 11: Bolivian Desert - Uyuni
![Bolivian Desert - Uyuni]()
Experience a South American bucket list destination today! Visit the Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) for a full day of exploration. The salt flats are one of Bolivia’s most famous attractions, drawing visitors from across the world. Join a local guide and hear all about this amazing destination. Visit Colchani, a tiny village, and Incahuasi Island in the middle of the salt flats. After an exciting day, arrive at the hotel in Uyuni and spend the evening relaxing as you wish.
Experiences
Uyuni Salt Flats Day Trip. Join a local guide to explore the Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) with the assistance of a 4x4 vehicle. Welcome to the world’s largest salt flats and one of Bolivia’s most famous tourist attractions. When it rains, the flats become a lake and creates the world’s largest mirror - bright, endless and spellbinding. Take time to wander about on the flats and take the most amazing photos. On the way there and back you can see magical landscapes made up of colourful lakes, local fauna, flora, mountains and rock formations.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Girasoles
DAY 12: Uyuni - Flight to La Paz
![Uyuni - Flight to La Paz]()
Say farewell to Uyuni and the Bolivian desert and head to La Paz today! Catch a flight to La Paz, the world’s highest administrative capital. The city has an extraordinary setting in a deep canyon below the peaks of the Andean mountaintops. Arrive and check into the hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish. Get a feel for this bustling, high energy city with a dramatic mountainous backdrop. Tonight, join the group for an included dinner.
Experiences
La Paz City Tour: EJoin an expert local guide on a city tour of La Paz which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! See the top attractions and learn all about La Paz’s history. Wander through the Mercado de Bruja (Witches Market) and discover the colourful powders and natural herbs on sale. See Plaza Murillo, the 16th century San Francisco Church and more! Ride the cable car above the city to reach Teleferico Viewpoint. Take in the sweeping views of the city and surrounds from here.
DAY 13: La Paz City Tour
![La Paz City Tour]()
Today use the free day to fall even more in love with La Paz! This city is high up - you might even feel the effects of the high altitude! An expert local guide will show you around the city, sharing interesting history and pointing out local hotspots. Visit the Mercado de Brujas (Witches Market) and catch a cable car over the city to the Telefrico Viewpoint. Enjoy free time after lunch. Delve deep into Bolivia’s ancient history on an optional excursion to Tiwanaku. This ancient site was once a sacred Andean spot. Today it is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Bolivia. Spend the evening exploring at your leisure or join the group for dinner at a local restaurant.
Experiences
La Paz City Tour: EJoin an expert local guide on a city tour of La Paz which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! See the top attractions and learn all about La Paz’s history. Wander through the Mercado de Bruja (Witches Market) and discover the colourful powders and natural herbs on sale. See Plaza Murillo, the 16th century San Francisco Church and more! Ride the cable car above the city to reach Teleferico Viewpoint. Take in the sweeping views of the city and surrounds from here.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hostal Naira
Optional Excursions
- Tiwanaku Archaeological Site i US$55
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 14: La Paz - Lake Titicaca - Copacabana
![La Paz - Lake Titicaca - Copacabana]()
Drive along the shores of Lake Titicaca from La Paz to Copacabana this morning. This beautiful destination, located between Bolivia and Peru, is one of the world’s highest navigable lakes. Myth and legend surround the area. Some say that Lake Titicaca gave birth to the sun and the moon! Arrive at the lake and take a trip to Isla del Sol (Sun Island). Find out more about pre-Inca mythology and explore a bit of the area before travelling back to mainland Copacabana. Arrive in the evening which will be free to spend at your leisure.
Experiences
Sun Island Visit. Catch a short ferry ride across Lake Titicaca to Isla del Sol and spend the day here. The island is home to indigenous villages, beautiful beaches and great rocky trails. Explore the 80+ archaeological ruins, dating back to the Inca period, scattered across the island. Sit down and enjoy a traditional lunch before travelling back to the mainland.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Gloria Copacabana
DAY 15: Copacabana - Puno
![Copacabana - Puno]()
Wake up early and continue the journey to a new country along the edge of Lake Titicaca. Cross the border into Peru and arrive at the port town of Puno. The highlight of today is a visit to the Uros Islands. Arrive and board a traditional reed boat to travel to the lake’s man made floating islands. The Uru people created these islands by hand, using totora reeds. Away from the mainland, the Uru people live traditional lifestyles and depend purely on the lake for food. Have a unique travel experience on this visit. Sail back to Puno in the late afternoon and the evening is free to relax at the hotel.
Experiences
Uros Islands Tour: Catch a traditional reed boat to the Uros floating reed islands. The islands are a top tourist attraction in Peru as they offer insight into a unique, survivalist way of life. The Uru people chose to create these floating islands away from the mainland and have been living here for many generations. Tour the islands and learn more about the way of life here. Meet the locals dressed in colourful traditional clothes, watch crafts being made by hand, see lively folk dances and taste some local food!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hacienda Puno
DAY 16: Puno - Pucara - Raqchi - Andahuaylillas - Sacred Valley
![Puno - Pucara - Raqchi - Andahuaylillas - Sacred Valley]()
Travel to Peru’s Sacred Valley today and see Inca sites along the way. It is a long day of travel but the beautiful surroundings of the Peruvian countryside will keep you captivated. Make a stop at the town of Pucara and see ancient Inca ruins. Pass through La Raya, which sits 4300m above sea level! Stop at roadside markets along the way to shop for trinkets and enjoy the views. The next stop is Raqchi, an ancient Inca fortress before visiting Urubamba and the Church of Andahuaylillas. This evening, arrive in the heart of El Valle Sagrado (the Sacred Valley) and enjoy an included group dinner.
Experiences
Visit the town of Pucara: See the small but exquisite Incan architectural site. Pucara is known for its pottery and you can see original and replica ceramics and sculptures in the Pucara Stone Museum.
See the ruins of Raqchi: Explore Raqchi which is home to a huge archaeological site. The Temple of Wiracocha was built in honour of the deity Wiracocha who is believed to be the giver of all life. See the living quarters, ceremonial baths and lake surrounding the temple.
Visit the Church of Andahuaylillas: See the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” on a visit to the Andean village of Andahuaylillas. The Church of Andahuaylillas was built in line with Spanish traditional techniques and is dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle. Marvel at the painted ceilings, the incredible murals and the altar adorned with gold-leaf.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
San Agustin UrubambaDAY 17: Sacred Valley
![Sacred Valley]()
The secrets of the Sacred Valley are waiting to be discovered today! Enjoy breakfast, travel along winding roads, through valleys and past local villages surrounded by imposing mountains. See Incan sites and learn about local culture and Incan history along the way. Visit the town of Ollantaytambo and see its impressive fortress. This town used to host Incan ceremonies and once was the royal estate for an Incan emperor. Get a taste of local life during a stop at a local marketplace and see everyone going about their daily lives. Arrive at the hotel in Urubamba and spend the evening relaxing as you wish.
Experiences
Guided Tour of the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a guided tour of the Sacred Valley which formed part of the heart of the Incan Empire. Stop at incredible Incan sites to explore. Make a stop at a local marketplace for souvenir shopping, to see Peruvian blanket weaving in action and maybe even get a taste of some local dishes. Try and learn a few phrases in Quechua - the local language mainly spoken in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
Guided tour of Ollantaytambo Archaeological complex. Visit one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley with a local guide. Ollantaytambo is the last major town before Machu Picchu and is built on the site of ancient ruins. Learn about the history of the town and take in the incredible views. See the impressive terraces which were used for Incan ceremonies and by an Incan emperor as a royal estate at one point.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
San Agustin UrubambaDAY 18: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu optional excursion: Free Day
![Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu optional excursion: Free Day]()
Choose to join the Machu Picchu excursion today and enjoy a full-day of exploring the ruins! Join a local guide and journey by bus, train and on foot to reach this celebrated heritage site - it’s worth the trek! Sitting on a mountain in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is surrounded by lush valleys and steep cliffs - an amazing setting! See the ruins made up of intricate buildings, stone canals, tombs and plazas. The ruins are shrouded in mystery. It was once the royal estate of Incan King Pachacutec but the exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains unknown. Travel back to the hotel after a day of discoveries. Those not visiting Machu Picchu will enjoy a free day in the Sacred Valley.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
San Agustin Urubamba
Optional Excursions
- Machu Picchu Day Trip i TBC
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 19: Sacred Valley - Cusco
![Sacred Valley - Cusco]()
All roads lead to Cusco this morning! Travel from the Sacred Valley to Cusco which was once the capital of the Incan Empire. Stop at Sacsayhuaman on the way. This fortress temple is an incredible example of Inca architecture. Next, continue to Cusco and enjoy free time and lunch in this lively destination. Head to any local hotspot for a delicious meal. This afternoon, hit the streets of Cusco with a local guide and get to know more about the city. Tonight, choose to join a buffet dinner and Peruvian dance show for a taste of Cusco’s culture!
Experiences
Guided tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins. Visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, perched 3km above Cusco. See the huge rocks stacked with impressive precision. Don’t forget to take in the amazing views of Cusco and surrounds!
Cusco City Tour with a local guide. Some call Cusco the bellybutton of the Earth due to the reach of the Incan Empire. Others have called it the Rome of South America. It was once the capital of the Incan Empire, making Cusco an intriguing city to explore. A local guide will share insights on the local history and culture. Find out how the Quechua and Spanish cultures met to create a truly unique destination.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
San Francisco Cusco Plaza
Optional Excursions
- Cusco Dinner & Peruvian Dance Show i US$25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 20: Cusco - Flight to Lima
![Cusco - Flight to Lima]()
Travel to Lima, Peru’s capital city today! Catch a short flight to this sprawling city. Arrive and join a local guide on a tour of this city bursting with people, buildings and things to see and do! Walk along the streets of this coastal city perched on cliffs that drop into the Pacific Ocean. See highlights including the Plaza de Armas and Cathedral of Lima. The hotel is based in the vibrant Miraflores neighbourhood. Check-in, freshen up and join the group for dinner at a nearby local restaurant.
Experiences
Lima city tour: Led by an expert local guide, take a journey through the areas of significance in Lima. Tour the colonial city centre, including a foray to the Main square where the Presidential Palace, Archbishops Palace and City Hall are located. Learn more about the fascinating history, main industries and culture of Peru's capital. The list of attractions include, among others, the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, plazas like San Francisco and De Armas, and the modern district of San Isidro. We’ll also make our way to Miraflores, a seaside suburb with magnificent Pacific coast views.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Larco Miraflores
DAY 21: Lima: Free Day
![Lima: Free Day]()
Make the most of this full free day in Lima! Explore more of the city or join a full-day tour to the Ballestas Islands and Nazca Lines. Depart early for Peru’s Paracas region on the southern coast. Embark on a boat trip around the Ballestas Islands and experience the beauty and the amazing marine life. See dolphins, sea lions, penguins and pelicans up close! Return to the mainland and catch a flight from Pisco Airport to see the Nazca Lines. Fly over the Nazca Desert and see the mysterious Nazca Lines which are huge geoglyphs carved into the desert sand - you’ll see a variety of shapes including humans and animals! They have to be seen to be believed! Return to Lima for a final group dinner this evening.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Larco Miraflores
Optional Excursions
- Nazca Lines and Ballestas Island Day Trip i US$390
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 22: Lima - End of tour
![Lima - End of tour]()
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning and share highlights and memories with your new travel friends. After breakfast, the tour officially ends. It will have been an amazing three weeks on tour, seeing South America’s highlights! We hope to welcome you on tour again. Have a safe onward journey!
Experiences
If you would like to extend your stay in Lima after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel. By this point you will have enjoyed 22 incredible days exploring the very best of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia & Peru. A true delight!