Day 01: Arrive Lima (PERU)

Welcome to Peru! We are met and transferred from the airport to the hotel.   Check in time starts from 1400 hrs.

Overnight: Hotel La Hacienda Miraflores, Lima (2 nights)

Day 02: Lima

Today explore Lima* on a sightseeing tour. Our experience starts at the Plaza de Armas with its beautiful buildings, including the government palace, the town hall, the palace of the archbishop and the cathedral, still some of the most important places in town. After that, visit the beautiful San Francisco monastery, which displays the largest collection of religious art in America. The highlight of this convent is a visit to the underground vaults known as “catacumbas” or catacombs.  Proceed through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores to the coastline, enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean.  Afterwards, enjoy a guided visit to one of Lima’s most noted museums, the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, which houses the world’s largest private collection of Peruvian Pre-Columbian Art. Mr. Rafael Larco Hoyle founded the museum on July 28, 1926, in the Chiclin sugar estate in Trujillo, naming it after his father. In 1958, he moved the collection to Lima, installing the museum in a colonial house in the district of Pueblo Libre, where it currently functions. The collection boasts approximately 45,000 objects, which have been exhibited to the public. The halls of the Larco Museum are organized by subject. The Metals, Ceramics, Stones, Culture, Great Jewellery Vault and Textile halls emphasize the technological aspects by Pre-Columbian cultures. Finally, the unique Erotic Hall gives us a glimpse of the fascinating sexual life of ancient Peruvians.  Our afternoon is free to sample more of Lima’s attractions. (B)

Day 03: Yucay

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco (cost not included). Upon arrival, we visit a Chinchero community located 28 kilometers away from Cusco. Here are the remains of the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, as well as beautiful colonial temples built on Inca’s foundations. However, its main attraction is its Sunday market, originally dedicated to the people of the valley to barter their products. This colourful and lively market still fascinates with its variety of handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbian style. Afterwards, we will be transferred to “El Mirador de Racchi”, where we have a splendid view of the Sacred Valley. Next enjoy a typical lunch at a local house, followed by transfer back to our hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca, Yucay (both for 2020) (2 nights) (B)

Day 04: Yucay

Our morning tour will be exploring Ollantaytambo, a typical Inca community. Towering above the town of Ollantaytambo, we will find the Inca fortress of the same name. Steep stone terraces rising from the edge of town lead up to the fortress ruins at the top of the hill. A stone stairway leads up through the terrace walls, allowing visitors to step out on them. One of the best preserved areas lies north of the Hanan Huacaypata square: an area of 15 blocks of houses built on top of carved stone walls.  Afternoon free. (B, L)

Day 05: Yucay/Machu Picchu (Drive)/Cusco (Train)

Transfer by bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo, where we take a train that travels through the fertile plain of the Urubamba valley and on to Aguas Calientes. From there, small busses drive up the steep mountain to Machu Picchu*. Called the Lost City of the Incas, this cultural heritage of mankind is a beautifully located impressive stone city constructed with a technique incredible for its era and even for present times. Here, stone upon stone has been fitted together perfectly without any cement, with impressive delicacy, exquisite detail and discrimination worthy of the world’s greatest palaces. There are many theories about Machu Picchu, but one thing is for sure - it is one of the most impressive sites in the world. Enjoy a guided visit of the ruins (approx. 2 hours) and return by bus and train to Ollantaytambo station. Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight: Hotel Xima, Cusco (2 nights) (B)

Day 06: Cusco

In the morning, we discover Cusco* on a half-day tour. Our experience starts at Plaza de Armas, shown to be the exact centre of the Inca Empire. To protect the historic center of Cusco, vehicles are no longer allowed in this main square. Here we will find the cathedral built on the ruins of the ancient Inca Palace. The cathedral borders on other churches on both sides. Next stop will be the old town, with its magnificent renovated colonial buildings. Then proceed to Sacsayhuaman, a ruin located approximately 3 kilometers above Cusco. Sacsayhuaman also offers a fabulous view of the city. Afterwards visit the surrounding ruins. Afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 07: Cusco/Puno (Drive)

A full day bus journey from Cusco to Puno through the Peruvian highland along snow-covered peaks. We pass up to 4,300 meters above sea level and then continue down to Puno, which is right on Lake Titicaca. En route, we will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi and the small town of Pucara. Lunch in a restaurant is included en route. After arrival in Puno, we are transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Xima, Puno (1 night) (B, L)

Day 08: Puno/Juliaca (Drive)/Lima (Flight)

Full day excursion on Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros floating islands. The Aymara Indians build their houses on floating artificial islands on the waters of Titicaca, adhering to their ancient ancestral customs.  Continue to Taquile Island, where we find numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins and Inca terracing. The island is narrow, only about 1 kilometer wide, but 6 to 7 kilometers long. The people here still wear their traditional clothes and there is a co-operative shop on the plaza where we can buy woolen goods of very fine quality. A typical lunch at Taquile Island is included. Afterwards, we transfer from the hotel to the airport of Juliaca to catch our flight to Lima (cost not included) and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel La Hacienda Miraflores, Lima (1 night) (B, L)

Day 09: Lima/Iguassu (Flight) (BRAZIL)

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Iguassu (cost not included). Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Overnight: Hotel Viale Cataraatas, Iguassu (2 nights) (B)

Day 10: Iguassu

Depart from the hotel on the Brazilian side by motor coach and cross the Iguassu National Park* towards the Brazilian falls. We will walk along the paths following the cascades and then along the catwalk, which leads us very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat. Here, enjoy magnificent views. Afterwards, take an elevator to go up back to the road, where we will board the motor coach, which will take us to the Argentinian side of the falls. A short stop at the Visitor’s Centre before we proceed along the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls, to the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades. The Ecological Jungle Train leads us to the most impressive observation point of the falls – The Devil´s Throat.  After our visit, transfer to our hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls. (B)

Day 11: Iguassu/Buenos Aires (Flight) (ARGENTINA)

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Buenos Aires (cost not included). Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel.  Afterwards you will be taken to the tango house Viejo Almacén, because visiting a Tango Show is a MUST when you are in Buenos Aires!  El Viejo Almacén became a unique place thanks to its historic location and an authentic style nourished by popularity built through the years. Every night its doors are open to enjoy an impressive tango show performed by prominent interpreters of the tango scene, a demonstration of Andean music, as well as exquisite cuisine.  The Tango tradition started at the end of the 19th century, and developed out of a mixture of various rhythms, which were originally danced in the poorer neighborhoods. Tango is reflecting the nostalgia and melancholy of the European immigrants and brought up some great musicians, such as Astor Piazzolla and Anibal Troilo.  You will enjoy a show with music, singing and dancing. The dinner includes entrée, main course, dessert & drinks.  After the tango show return to the hotel, arrival around midnight.

**Remarks: The excursion is shared with international travelers. The transfers hotel-tango house and vv. take place with other international travelers from different hotels and Spanish speaking driver.

Overnight: Hotel Loi Suites Esmeralda, Buenos Aires (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 12: Buenos Aires

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Buenos Aires (3 hrs). First, drive to the Plaza de Mayo, where we see the Casa Rosada, the pink house, seat of the government, the Cabildo (town hall) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, home of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Then explore the district San Telmo. Until 1888, this part of the city was a river port. Today San Telmo is one of the most modern and desired places to live in Buenos Aires. Our next stop is the worker district La Boca, famous for its colourful tin-houses and its history as the living district of Italian seamen and dock workers in the 19th century. The Barrio Norte, called Recoleta, is the quarter of the rich of Buenos Aires. On the cemetery of Recoleta, we will find the grave of Eva Duarte, who became famous as Evita Perón. Continue along the widest avenue in the world, the Avenida 9 de Julio, to the Plaza Lavalle with the Federal Court of Justice and the Teatro Colón. Then journey on to Palermo with its parks and gardens before returning to the hotel. Afternoon is free to sample more of Buenos Aires’ highlights. (B)

Day 13: Buenos Aires/Rio de Janeiro (Flight) (BRAZIL)

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro* (cost not included). Transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free to sample the city’s many cultural attractions.

Overnight: Hotel Mirador Rio Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro (2 nights) (B)

Day 14: Rio de Janeiro

Leaving the hotel and proceeding as far as Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train(*) for the ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain at 748m (2.454 ft) high. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado and then proceeding up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below, passengers will descend by train. The tour proceeds passing by Rio’s world-famous beaches as far as Urca District to board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up Sugar Loaf Mountain at 390m (1.280 ft) high. Then coming down and proceeding along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park as far as downtown.   Visit downtown area, passing by the financial and business centre and by other attractions such as the Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theatre, National Library, Fine Arts Museum, and by the Sambadrome, site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade.

**Remark: (*) In the unusual case that the train does not operate, the drive will instead take place with vans certified by the city’s administration from/to the Largo do Machado parking.

*COG-TRAINS are vans certified by the city´s administration. Depart from Largo do Machado, where the van stop is located, and go to top of Corcovado.

Day 15: Depart Rio de Janeiro

Check out by 1100 hrs. After our fascinating tour through the highlights of South America, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. (B)

please contact us for other combination programs of South America.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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