South America Grand Tour | 19 Day Trip

We will start the day with breakfast, then head to Arequipa, located at 2325 meters above sea level. In the morning, we will pick you up from the hotel to begin your city tour. We will begin with a panoramic view of the “Huaca Pucllana,” a pre-Inca archaeological site. A “huaca” is a sacred place, and this particular one served as the religious center for the Lima, Huari, and Ichma civilizations. The pyramid, with its ramp leading to the top, offers a view of the sea, while a main square and tombs with offerings to the dead were also discovered. We will take a walk through the Historic Center, from Plaza San Martín to Plaza Mayor, where we will highlight the local architecture, stories, churches, and shops. You will enter the Convent of Santo Domingo, a stunning colonial architectural complex with Seville tiles adorning its cloisters. It is home to the chapter house where the first class of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos was held, the oldest university in America. The convent also houses the remains of three Peruvian saints: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porras, and another saint who, although born in Spain, spent much of his career in Peru. In the afternoon, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Arequipa. Meals included: Breakfast.

After breakfast you will have a free morning. In the afternoon, we will embark on a city tour, beginning with a visit to the Chilina neighborhood, where we will see the Inca platforms (staggered terraces) that were originally built for agricultural purposes and are still in use today. We will then head to the picturesque Yanahuara neighborhood, known for its Andalusian-style streets and residences surrounded by gardens. From this location, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the city, framed by the impressive volcanoes. Next, we will visit the Plaza de Armas, famous for its beautiful arches, considered one of the most stunning in the country. We will also explore the exterior of the 19th-century Cathedral and continue to the Church of the Company, with its cloisters, which is an exemplary representation of 17th-century religious architecture in the mixed baroque style. Finally, we will visit the renowned Convent of Santa Catalina, a unique site with streets and squares named after Spanish cities. This convent, where Spanish nuns lived for centuries, has been open to the public since 1970. Spanning 20,000 m², it is a remarkable 16th-century religious citadel and an extraordinary architectural complex. Meals will be free, and you will have the evening at leisure. Overnight in Arequipa. Meals included: Breakfast.

We will begin with a transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco, where we will arrive and transfer to the hotel. After checking in, the afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the Monastery of Santo Domingo, built atop the impressive Koricancha Temple, also known as the "golden temple." During the Inca period, this temple housed sacred relics from across the empire. Today, the Koricancha still features some of its beautifully rounded and polished stone walls, considered the finest examples of Inca craftsmanship. We will continue our tour by heading to Loreto Street, leading us to the Plaza de Armas. Here, we will visit the Cathedral, constructed in 1534 from large blocks of red granite taken from Sacsayhuaman. The Renaissance-style façade contrasts with the ornate Baroque and Plateresque interior. From there, we will visit the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, believed by the Spanish conquerors to be a fortress due to its shape. It consists of three long terraced walls, and recent studies suggest it was actually a religious center. Our journey will continue with a visit to Tambomachay, an Inca site with terraces and stairs, also known as the "Inca Baths," due to its meticulously carved stone springs. We will also stop at PukaPukara, which translates to "red fortress," named after the reddish stones used in its construction and its strategic location offering panoramic views. Finally, we will visit Q'enko, a religious temple carved into rock, representing the three realms of Inca cosmology: the sky, earth, and the underworld. Overnight in Cusco. Meals included: Breakfast.

In the morning, we will depart for the Sacred Valley, where we will visit the ruins of Pisaq, one of the most stunning examples of Inca imperial-style architecture. Afterward, we will explore the Pisaq market. Starting from the main square, the entire town turns into a lively fair, especially on Sundays, offering visitors a vibrant and folkloric atmosphere. The market features a colorful array of fruits and vegetables displayed on the ground and in stands, where handmade products from all corners of the region are available for purchase. Visitors can find multicolored fabrics, traditional ponchos, jewelry, antiques, and ritual objects, among other treasures. We will then continue to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the last great Inca constructions. Much of the structure remains unfinished, with the abandoned stones (known as "Piedras Cansadas") standing as silent witnesses to the battle between Manco II and the Spanish conquerors. After visiting the fortress, we will transfer to the Ollanta train station and take the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we will check in at the hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. Meals included: Breakfast.

Early in the morning, we will ride a minibus to an altitude of 2,400 meters, where we will reach the incredible Inca city of Machu Picchu, an ancient and long-forgotten marvel. Discovered in 1911 by American anthropologist Hiram Bingham, the history and purpose of the citadel remain a mystery. Perched atop a mountain between the peaks of Huayna Picchu ("young peak") and Machu Picchu ("old peak"), the site’s stunning beauty and mystical character will captivate you. You will enjoy a guided tour of the citadel and have free time to explore the site. In the afternoon, we will return by train to Cusco and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cusco. Meals included: Breakfast.

At the appropriate time, we will transfer you to the airport and assist with the boarding procedures for your international departure flight. Upon your arrival at Ezeiza International Airport, our Argentina Pura guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name to transfer you to the selected hotel (private service with driver and guide). During your free time in Buenos Aires, don't miss the charm of San Telmo with its cobblestone streets and vintage shops. You can also enjoy a coffee at “El Ateneo,” one of the most impressive bookstores in the world. Buenos Aires has a unique rhythm that is sure to captivate you! Overnight in Buenos Aires: Kenton Palace, Legado Mítico, Loi Suites Recoleta (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast.

We will take you on an exciting sightseeing tour to explore all the most famous spots around Buenos Aires, with a special stop at the Teatro Colón. Our first stop will be May Square, where you will discover the history of this iconic location, which has witnessed the most important historical events and their key figures since its foundation. You’ll explore its surroundings, the most emblematic buildings, and learn about their significance. We will continue with a walk along Caminito Street, where you’ll enjoy tango dancers and browse souvenir shops. Then, you’ll see the legendary Boca Juniors soccer stadium. As we travel along Madero Port, you will admire the city’s modernization, including exclusive docks full of excellent restaurants and office buildings. We will pass through the Retiro neighborhood and head towards Recoleta, where you will have the chance to visit the final resting place of Eva Perón, “Evita,” in the Recoleta Cemetery. The tour also includes a visit to the Teatro Colón, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses, where you will enjoy a one-hour guided tour of its stunning interior. The theater is known for being one of the top five concert venues in the world acoustically. Overnight in Buenos Aires. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

We will take you on an unforgettable excursion to the Uco Valley, where you will explore Mendoza's northern wine region. During the day, we will visit three world-class wineries, where you will learn about the unique winemaking methods and enjoy a delicious lunch at a renowned winery restaurant. Located 115 km from Mendoza city, Uco Valley’s high altitude, alluvial soils, and sunny climate create the perfect conditions for producing exceptional wines. You will experience guided tours at each winery, discover the mineral-rich terroir of the region, and savor a wine-paired lunch with breathtaking views of the Andes. Overnight in Mendoza. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

We will invite you to join our popular Mendoza winery tour, where you will indulge your senses in the best of local wines and cuisine. During the day, we will visit top wineries in Luján de Cuyo, the birthplace of Malbec, or Maipú, the province's first wine-growing region. You will tour three wineries, learning about the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings at each. The experience culminates with a traditional lunch paired with exquisite local Malbecs, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes mountains. Overnight in Mendoza. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

After breakfast we will depart to explore Rio de Janeiro's most famous landmarks. Our first stop will be Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), an iconic symbol of the city. You will take a glass cable-car to Urca Hill, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Guanabara Bay and surrounding islands, before continuing to the summit of Sugar Loaf, located 395 meters above sea level. From the top, you'll be able to admire a 360-degree view of Rio, including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado Mountain, and downtown Rio. After descending, we will have lunch before heading to Corcovado Hill. There, you will take a scenic train ride to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the "New Wonders of the World." Once at the top, you can use panoramic elevators or escalators to reach the statue and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, known as the "Marvelous City." Overnight in Rio de Janeiro. Meals included: Breakfast.

We will embark on a unique walking tour that immerses visitors in the legends and stories surrounding the narrow streets and historical buildings of downtown Rio. The tour includes visits to several iconic landmarks, such as the São Bento Monastery, Candelária Church, Praça XV, and the "Travessa do Mercado."

You'll also explore the Imperial Palace (Paço Imperial), the beautifully restored Banco do Brasil cultural center, and the Casa França-Brasil. As we continue, you'll discover Ouvidor Street, Gonçalves Dias Street, and the traditional Colombo Coffee Shop. The walk will take us through Uruguaiana Street, Carioca Square, and up to the Metropolitan Cathedral. The tour will conclude with transportation back to your hotel.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
Meals included: Breakfast.