Take a 19-night trip and journey across South America to Rio de Janeiro, where you can see the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Tour Sugar Loaf Mountain and visit the 125-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer. From there, fly to Iguazu Falls, one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the world. Then fly to Buenos Aires and see the Obelisco and the famous square of Plaza de Mayo. Afterward, fly to Bariloche, in the foothills of the Andes, and see the beautiful mountain and lake scenery. Next, transfer to Peulla, where you embark on your Argentina-Chile lake crossing. After a day in Puerto Varas, transfer to the airport to fly to Santiago, where you see Santa Lucia Hill and Cerro San Cristobal. From there, fly to Lima and tour the Main Square and the 16th-century San Francisco Convent. Then fly to Cuzco, where you tour the city and view archaeological sites. The following day, travel by train to Machu Picchu, the fabled “Lost City of the Incas.” Return to Cuzco in the evening. Next, visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the monumental architectural complex of Ollantaytambo. Finally, transit through Lima on your way back to the US. Starting from $6220, including air, with daily departures.
Day 1 - Miami/Rio de Janeiro
Depart Miami on Avianca flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. (Windsor California/Fairmont Copacabana)
Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro
Start the day with a drive past Copacabana and Ipanema, two of the world's most famous beaches. Take a cable car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain. In the afternoon drive to Corcovado Mountain. Ascend by a tram to the summit to view one of the world's manmade wonders - the 125-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer. Evening, enjoy a samba presentation and dinner. (B/D)
Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro
Full day at leisure. (B)
Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro/Iguazu Falls
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Iguazu. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Then visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the world. (Recanto Cataratas/Mabu Thermas) (B)
Day 6 - Iguazu Falls/Buenos Aires
This morning visit the Argentine side of the falls. In the afternoon, from Argentine side, take a short flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to hotel. (Kenton Palace/Recoleta Grand) (B)
Day 7 - Buenos Aires
Morning city tour includes the Obelisco; the famous squares Plaza de Mayo, San Martin, Alvear and Plaza del Congreso; avenues Corrientes, Mayo and 9 de Julio; and historic neighborhoods. Afternoon free. (B)
Day 8 - Buenos Aires
After breakfast, a day at leisure. This evening, dinner and tango show in a traditional "tangueria." (B/D)
Day 9 - Buenos Aires/Bariloche
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Bariloche, in the foothills of the Andes. Arrive and transfer to hotel. (Edelweiss/Llao Llao) (B)
Day 10 - Bariloche
After breakfast, begin a half-day scenic excursion, mainly along the coast of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Stop at Bonita Beach en route to Mount Campanario, taking a chairlift to the peak for fascinating views. Continue to Llao Llao Peninsula and Puerto Panuelo. Cross the bridge over Lake Moreno and follow the coast of Trebol Lagoon back to the city. (B)
Day 11 - Bariloche/Peulla
After breakfast, transfer by bus to Puerto Panuelo. Board a launch and sail Lake Nahuel Huapi to begin your Argentina-Chile lake crossing. Arrive in Puerto Blest. Proceed by bus for a short ride to Puerto Alegre. Upon arrival board another launch and sail Lake Frias to Puerto Frias. After Argentine immigration and customs formalities, continue on by bus, crossing the border into Chile over the Perez Rosales Pass. Arrive in Peulla. Transfer to your hotel. (Natura) (B/D)
Day 12 - Peulla/Puerto Varas
After breakfast, transfer to the pier to board a launch and cruise the spectacular Lake Todos Los Santos. After a two-hour journey, arrive in Petrohue to end your lake crossing. Then travel by bus, stopping in Vicente Perez Rosales National Park for breathtaking views of Osorno Volcano and Llanquihue Lake. Transfer to Puerto Varas. (Cabana del Lago) (B)
Day 13 - Puerto Varas/Puerto Montt/Santiago
After breakfast, a day at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to airport at Puerto Montt for flight to Santiago. Arrive and transfer to hotel. (Plaza el Bosque Nueva Las Condes/Sheraton) (B)
Day 14 - Santiago
Morning city tour includes Club Hipico, a beautiful horse-racing track; the main square, Plaza de Armas; sights on the main avenue, "Alameda"; Cerro San Cristobal, for a panoramic city view; and Santa Lucia Hill. (B)
Day 15 - Santiago
Full day on your own. (B)
Day 16 - Santiago/Lima
Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima. Afternoon tour of Lima includes the Main Square, 16th-century San Francisco Convent, pre-Inca Huaca Huallamarca and Parque del Amor. (Casa Andina Select Miraflores/JW Marriott) (B)
Day 17 - Lima/Cuzco
Fly to Cuzco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and transfer to hotel. Afternoon tour of Cuzco includes the Imperial City, a living example of the mixture of Andean and Spanish cultures. Visit Santo Domingo Convent, built over the Koricancha, the ancient temple of the Sun. Stop at the Main Square and see the Cathedral and the Church of La Compania. Visit Sacsayhuaman Fortress and view archaeological sites. (Novotel/JW Marriott) (B/L)
Day 18 - Machu Picchu
Travel by train to Machu Picchu, fabled "Lost City of the Incas." En route, view the Sacred Valley of Urubamba. Arrive in Aguas Calientes and board the bus to the citadel for a guided tour. Return to Cuzco in the evening. (B/L)
Day 19 - Sacred Valley
In the morning, discover the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas through this route, starting in Chinchero at Inca's Balcony, a textile art center with an impressive view. Here, twelve families, who still preserve their traditional costumes, show you the ancestral way in which they process the wool and obtain vivid colors for their textiles. Afterward, visit Ollantaytambo, a monumental architectural complex of the ancient Inca Empire. (B/L)
Day 20 - Cuzco/Lima
Fly to Lima and transfer to your hotel. (Casa Andina Select Miraflores/JW Marriott) (B)
Day 21 - Lima/Miami
Transfer to the airport for your return flight on Avianca to Miami. (B)
