Description

Day 01 – Saturday  Lima
Arrival at the airport in Lima where you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.

Lima was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro as “The city of the kings” and became the capital and most important city of the Spanish Viceroyalty. Today it is still Peru’s most important city as it gives home to about 9 million people, almost 30% of the national population.

The historical city centre comes with splendid colonial style architecture, ample squares as the Plaza de Armas (or Plaza Mayor) and grand churches which yielded it the declaration as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

In its modern quarters such as Miraflores and San Isidro you can find present day architecture, rich entertainment possibilities and a great number of first class hotels and restaurants. Peruvian cuisine is excellent and gets more and more famous in the world and Peruvians are extremely proud of their typical dishes.

Moderate: Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores or similar
Superior: Hotel Casa Andina Premium Miraflores or similar

Day 02 – Sunday  Lima (B)
Today you will explore the city on a sightseeing tour through Lima. The Plaza de Armas with the beautiful buildings of the government Palace, the town hall, the Palace of the archbishop and the cathedral are still the most important places in town. After that you will visit the beautiful San Francisco monastery which displays the largest collection of religious art in America. The highlight of this convent is the visit of the underground vaults known as “catacumbas” or catacombs.

Proceed through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and to the Coastline enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean.

Afterwards enjoy a guided visit of one of the Lima’s most noted museums, the Larco 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 as his father as an expression of filial homage. 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. This locale was adapted to the characteristics style of the 18th century Colonial houses from Trujillo. The approximate 45,000 objects of the collection have been exhibited to the public in the Permanent Hall, Jewellery Vault and the Classified Storage Area ever since.

The Halls of the Larco Museum are organized by subjects. The Metals, Ceramics, the Stones, the Culture, the Great Jewellery Vault and Textile Halls emphasize the technological aspects by Pre-Columbian cultures. Finally the World’s unique Erotic Hall gives us a glimpse of the fascinating sexual life of ancient Peruvians.

Afternoon is free at leisure or take an optional tour to 1) Walking tour of Miraflores; 2) Visit of Waterpark and dinner at Cafe del Museo.

Day 03 – Monday  Lima – Cusco (B)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco.
Upon arrival you will start for a half day city tour. It will be shown the exact centre of the Incan Empire, the Plaza de Armas. There one can 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; some of them are being used as hotels.
Proceed to Sacsayhuaman, a ruin site located approx. 3km above Cusco. Sacsayhuaman also offers a fabulous view over the city. Afterwards visit the surrounding ruins.
Return to your hotel after tour.
**Remark: To protect the historic center of Cusco, vehicles are no longer allowed in the main square.

Moderate: Hotel Jose Antonio Cusco or similar
Superior: Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar

Day 04 – Tuesday  Cusco (B)
Your day is free at leisure or to take an optional tour.
1) Excursion to the Rainbow Mountain
2) Cusco after dark
3) Cemetery of Cusco
4) Cusco – off the beaten track

Day 05 – Wednesday  Cusco – Machu Pichu – Cusco (B)
Transfer by bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo where the tour starts by train that goes through the fertile plain of the Urubamba valley and on to Aguas Calientes. From there, small busses drive up the steep mountain to the ruin town.

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. Stone upon stone, 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 around 2 hours of the ruins and return by bus and train to Ollantaytambo station. Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Return to Cusco after tour.

Day 06 – Thursday  Cusco – Puno (B)
A full day bus tour from Cusco to Puno leads through the Peruvian highland along snow-covered peaks of the Andes, small villages and reaches its highest point in La Raya at 4.300m above sea level. On route you will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi and the small town of Pucara. Lunch in a typical restaurant en route is included.

Upon arrival in Puno transfer to your hotel.
**Remark: The full day transfer is shared with international travellers and accompanied by a bilingual English/Spanish speaking guide.

Puno – The beauty and charm of Puno town is made up by its habitants’ kind personality and by its mixture of typical Andean architecture that is to be found all way down from the sides of the hills until the bank of the Titicaca Lake. Its archaeological, cultural and architectural variety and richness owes Puno to the fact that it once has been inhabited by three different civilizations on the banks of the Titicaca Lake: Aymara, Quechua and Spanish. This multicultural origin has created a mestizo race that is also found in their artistic and cultural expression and especially in an incomparable folklore which is second to none and has made Puno the “Folklore Capital of Peru”. But the main attraction of Puno is the Titicaca Lake, a must for any visitor. The Sacred Lake of the Incas is one of the most enigmatic places in the world. It is the highest navigable lake and combines beautiful sights, culture and history.

Moderate: Hotel Jose Antonio Puno or similar
Superior: Hotel GHL Lago Titicaca or similar

Day 07 – Friday  Puno – Lake Titicaca – La Paz (B/L)
Your morning is free at leisure or to participate in the optional tour to the Floating Islands of Uros.

In the afternoon, proceed to Kasani and cross into Bolivia. Assistance with migration formalities. From here, drive to Copacabana. Visit the small religious town and see the main square and the church. Then, embark on the eco-friendly catamaran and sail to the southern side of Sun Island. Arrive at the Pilcocaina temple, the island’s most spectacular ruins. Visit the site and walk along the maze of stonewalls and tiny doorways that overlook a lovely white beach lapped by the deep blue waters. During your visit, participate in an Aymara ceremony lead by a “Kallawaya”, or Andean healer. Afterwards, take a local motor boat and sail to the Yumani dock to visit the Eternal Youth Fountain and the Inca terraces. As you continue by catamaran, appreciate the breathtaking views of Andes and taste delicious dishes that include Bolivian specialties. Arrival to Cocotoni dock place, transfer to La Paz and check in at your hotel.
**Remarks: The catamaran cruise and the transfer to La Paz are shared with other travelers, but with and additional private English-speaking guide.
For the border crossing from Peru to Bolivia, travelers need their passports and visas (if necessary).

La Paz is one of the world’s highest cities. Nestled at an altitude of 3,600m (11,800ft.), the bustling metropolis has its colorful areas and a strong cultural presence. In the streets, see women with bowler hats and vibrant voluminous skirts as well as businessmen in suits. Discover its unique markets and vibrant nightlife and admire the unusual sceneries that combine buildings, snow-capped mountains, and lunar landscapes.

Moderate: Hotel Presidente or similar
Superior: Hotel Ritz Apart or similar

Day 08 – Saturday  La Paz (B)
Take a tour around La Paz and discover its history and hidden highlights. Start with a visit at a local handicraft market and the famous Witches’ Market. As you walk along the streets filled with vendors, see different healing plants, objects for rituals, dried reptiles, and odd items that witches and healers need for their potions and ceremonies. Pass by important historical buildings such as the San Francisco Colonial Church, Plaza Murillo, the Government Palace, and the National Congress. As you continue your tour, pass by the residential districts of Obrajes, Calacoto, and La Florida. Then, approximately 10km (6,2mi.) away from the downtown area, enjoy a moderate walk to the Moon Valley and appreciate its lunar landscapes and unique geological formations. End your tour with a ride up the world’s highest cable car and marvel at the views over La Paz.

Day 09 – Saturday  La Paz – Buenos Aires(B)
In the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Buenos Aires – is not only the capital of Argentina; it is also one of the 10 most important metropolises in the world and the centre of the political, economic and intellectual life of the country. This cosmopolitan city – with great European cultural influence – displays a refined taste in its cooking, in its ”boutiques” and in the elegance of its inhabitants. Almost 12 million people live there and can enjoy the plentiful night life visiting ”tango” bars, cabarets, discotheques, restaurants or eternally open bars. During the day, a wide variety of attractions is offered: museums, art galleries, tasteful shops, fascinating antiques, large green areas, parks, wide tree lined boulevards, clubs and sporting events. The Italian-Spanish descent of the inhabitants has formed this modern metropolis. Feel the flair, above all in the Italian old quarter La Boca and in the wide streets with cafes from the turn of the century. At the Plaza de Mayo, in the political centre of town, is the starting point of this tour through this exciting capital. The widest street of the world, the very famous opera house and also the shopping street Florida make Buenos Aires unforgettable.

Later in the evening, you may chose to join an optional tour for dinner and tango show at Viejo Almacen.

Moderate: Hotel Loi Suites Esmeralda or similar
Superior: Hotel Grand Brizo Buenos Aires or similar

Day 10 – Monday  Buenos Aires (B)
Get in touch with the birth city of the Tango!
During your half day city tour in Buenos Aires you will drive along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue of the world, you will pass close to the Colon Theatre, one of the world’s best known opera houses and the cultural pride of the “bonaerenses”.
Visit the famous Avenida de Mayo that runs into the Plaza De Mayo, surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (first City Hall, built during Spanish rule). At the other end of Avenida de Mayo the cupola of the Congress building can be seen.
Stop and inside visit of the Metropolitan Cathedral, this imposing neo-classical building is Argentina´s main catholic building. The mausoleum of General San Martin (our National Hero) is located inside the Cathedral, and Pope Francisco used to celebrate religious services in this Cathedral when he was cardinal of Buenos Aires city. We will stop for a cup of coffee and a snack at a traditional coffee house.
Your next stop is La Boca, a most colorful area with the famous street Caminito.
Continue to the north area and visit the Recoleta area, one of the city’s most glamorous spots. Here you will see elegant boutiques and excellent restaurants, surrounded by centennial trees.
The heart of the neighborhood is the Recoleta cemetery. The cemetery is the centre of this aristocratic neighborhood, and the most relevant personalities of Argentina’s history rest in this place. The mausoleums and pantheons reflect the architectural diversity emerging from the different cultural tendencies Argentina incorporated in its formation as a nation. The cemetery is considered to be one of the most impressive monuments of Argentina. 30min stop includes visit of Eva Duarte`s grave, known as Eva Perón (Evita).

Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Day 11 – Tuesday  Buenos Aires – Iguassu (B)
After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Iguassu.

Iguassu – one of the biggest wonders of nature in South America: located amidst a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, a gigantic row of waterfalls goes down into the river Iguassu.

Upon arrival, you will visit the Argentinian side of the Falls.

The tour takes a scenic highway up the Argentinean Iguassu National Park. Stopping at the Visitors’ Centre and proceeding from there the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades, to the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls and then takes the Ecological Jungle Train that leads visitors to and from the most impressive observation point of the falls – The Devil’s Throat.

Then drive across the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassú River, which forms the natural border between Brazil and Argentina, and enter Brazil.
**Remark: For the border crossing, travelers need their passports and visas (if necessary).

Transfer to hotel.

Moderate: Hotel Viale Cataratas or similar
Superior: Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort & Convention or similar

Day 12 – Wednesday  Iguassu (B)
Today you visit day visit the Brazilian side of the falls. The tour leaves from the hotel by coach and crossing Iguassu National Park as far as the Brazilian Falls. It follows a walk along the paths following cascades and then along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat to enjoy magnificent views. Take an elevator to go up to the road, and there board the coach to get back to the hotel.

Return to the hotel after tour

Day 13 – Thursday  Iguassu – Rio de Janeiro (B)
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Arrival in Rio and transfer to the hotel.

Rio de Janeiro founded in 1556, the city of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Colony of Brazil in 1776. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and settled in Rio. This brought a surge of progress and the city became the main cultural, political and economic centre of the Portuguese empire. In 1889, when the republic was proclaimed, Rio was confirmed as the country’s capital, which it remained until 1960, when the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, was founded. Rio is situated in a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colourful state of mind called CARIOCA, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way through life, relaxed and high-spirited. That is just the way it should be in Rio, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, with Christ the Redeemer perched on top of Corcovado blessing the city and Sugar Loaf, one of the most famous postcards of our country.

The rest of the day is at your disposal.
Tonight, enjoy an optional: Rio by night – Show in the evening

Moderate: Hotel Mirador Rio Copacabana or similar
Superior: Hotel Windsor Excelsior or similar

Day 14 – Friday  Rio de Janeiro (B)
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.

Day 15 – Saturday  Rio de Janeiro Departure (B)
Transfer to the airport for your international flight back home.

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GROUP DEPARTURE CALENDAR 2025