South America Delight

Day 1, Fri: Arrive Buenos Aires (City Tour)

Welcome to Argentina's capital, often referred to as the Paris of South America, a mosaic as varied and diverse as its culture. Built in the 19th Century, an era of plenty for the wealthy gaucho land barons of Argentina, this city of 10 million is a kaleidoscope of intimate places, events and interactions, each with a slightly different shade, shape, and character. More European than South American in flavor, Buenos Aires boasts bustling streets, grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurants. It's a city of tragedy and elation; a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital where locals are renowned for their flair and cockiness, even in times of adversity. The city's neighborhoods are small and highly individualized each with its own characteristic colors and forms.

Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires Signature Luxury Hotel, boasting magnificent architecture and exquisite decoration, combining European elegance and cutting-edge technology, offering an impeccable personalized service. Originally built in 1932, the refurbished hotel is strategically located in the heart of the fashionable neighborhood La Recoleta surrounded by extensive parks, wide avenues, and luxurious architecture in a classical style; where the best restaurants, cafes, antique shops and boutiques of Buenos Aires are found, with several of the main museums and cultural centers nearby. Past guests include Antonio Banderas, Donatella Versace, the emperor of Japan, and Robert Duvall and the list goes on.

This afternoon we begin our indoctrination of Buenos Aires making our way along the 9th of July Avenue (Avenida 9 de Julio) with its eight lanes divided by small green squares with old leafy trees and enriched by sculptures and fountains, considered as widest boulevard in the world. We pass Plaza de la Republica with Buenos Aires' signature Obelisk projecting upwards as a symbol of the city. Next we visit the picturesque and colorful port section of La Boca, a picturesque neighborhood at the mouth of the Riachuelo River where the city's first settlers landed; filled with Italian restaurants, and some streets, such as the Caminito, are lined with wooden houses painted in bright colors. Continue to San Telmo, also a center for immigrant settlers that maintain its heritage and architectonic patrimony untouched. We pass along the Palermo District with its elegant residences framed by wide green areas; reaching finally the district of Recoleta, the chic, most sophisticated neighborhood in the city, home to the Recoleta Cemetery, a necropolis of elaborate mausoleums, including that of Eva Peron. Next, it's on to the modern district of Puerto Madero, a revitalized section of the city once an abandoned old dilapidated port now boasting elegant houses, offices, lofts, luxurious hotels and restaurants. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Overnight at the Alvear Palace Hotel.

Day 2, Sat: Buenos Aires (Fiesta Gaucho)

Full day excursion along the famous Argentine rolling plains of the pampas, one of the most fertile natural prairies of the world, famous for its meat and cereal production, to visit to a typical "Estancia" (Argentine Ranch) for a "Fiesta Gaucha" (Barbecue Party) for a firsthand view of the Argentine "gaucho" (cowboy) who will demonstrate their "criollo" horsemanship. Here we have the opportunity to taste the delicious, world-renown Argentine meats along with great wines. When lunch is finished, we will enjoy a folk show where singers and dancers will perform typical folkloric dances. Later, you can stroll around the property, do some horseback riding or ride upon a horse and buggy or watch the "gauchos" performing their skills. A delicious tea typical of the area will be served until departure. Return to the hotel upon conclusion of this fun day in the countryside.
Overnight at the Alvear Palace Hotel. (B,L)

Day 3, Sun: Buenos Aires (San Telmo, Tigre, Dinner & Tango Show)

Today is Sunday, a grand opportunity to visit San Telmo to experience the famous San Telmo Antique Market, a favorite pastime of the Portenos (as the residents of the city are called) and tourists alike. We suggest the you first stop is at the famous Café Tortoni, the oldest Café house in Argentina and home to the artistic and intellectual capital of Buenos Aires since 1858. Here you may sample delicious deserts with coffee before heading to San Telmo, widely hailed as the most picturesque part of Buenos Aires, birthplace of the sultry tango. Cobblestone streets and colonial buildings set the atmosphere for an array of shops and boutiques, tango parlors and cafes. In a departure from the sophistication that is Buenos Aires, here you'll experience the bohemian side of the city with its mimes, impersonators, musicians and the ubiquitous tango dancers offering free lessons to the least inhibited passersby. The centerpiece of San Telmo is Plaza Dorrego, one of the oldest public spaces in the city, dating back to the 18th century, when it was an area reserved for the wagons that brought in produce to Buenos Aires from all over the country. The coffee shops and bars surrounding the Plaza sprung up in the 1930s when it became an area for wine, song and dance, as it remains today.

This afternoon we head to the suburbs and the Delta of the Parana River. The Tigre and the Delta islands is a unique region just 15 or so miles outside the hustle and bustle of the big city. We travel along the northern residential districts of the city and the suburbs for views of luxurious homes and mansions overlooking the River Plate. Continue to the Tigre district, home to summer residences, yacht clubs and rowing clubs, a weekend getaway for "porteños" (local residents of Buenos Aires). The islands of Paraná River Delta Tigre are the starting point for hundreds of islands forming up the Paraná River Delta at the mouth of Río de la Plata (River Plate). Tours along the Delta and to Martín García Island, a natural and historical reserve, start from the river port of Tigre. There are several museums here and time permitting we will visit the Museo de Arte Tigre, Tigre's fanciest museum located in an old (1912) social club. This beautiful art museum showcases famous Argentine artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.

This evening will be a special treat as we step into the Buenos Aires night making our way to Tango Porteno, one of the most prestigious and popular Tango houses in the city. Located in the heart of Buenos Aires City, just a few meters from the Obelisk, it offers an amazing show that takes you back in time recreating the sophistication of old Buenos Aires. Enjoy dinner sampling the famous Argentine beef followed by a show where we are mesmerized by sensual national dance...The Tango.
Overnight at the Alvear Palace Hotel. (B,L)

Day 4, Mon: Buenos Aires / Iguassu Falls (Visit Argentine Falls)

This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Iguassu Falls where Argentina and Brazil share borders. Here you will be treated to a sensational sound and light show brought to you courtesy of Mother Nature. A show with no intermissions - 275 separate waterfalls, spanning 2-miles, wider than Victoria, higher than Niagara and more magnificent than both.

Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel, the only hotel located within Brazil's Iguassu National Park providing the hotel a privileged location as the only hotel situated within the Iguassu National Park facing the Brazil side of the falls considered "the postcard picture" view of Iguassu Falls, providing its guests to enjoy exclusive access to the falls each morning before the park opens.

This afternoon we visit the Argentine side of the falls including the national park. Upon arrival to the park we walk the paths along lush tropical basin, over and under the splashing torrents of falling water. Beautiful flowers, ferns, tropical plants, butterflies and exotic birds add to the exciting experience of close contact with nature. A short train trip will take us to the pathways leading to the Devil's Throat, one of the most impressive points where 14 separate falls cascade down 350-foot cliff Overnight at the Belmont Das Cataratas Hotel. (B)

Day 5, Tue: Iguassu Falls (Brazil Falls and Great Adventure)

More than just a thundering water falls, Iguassu is also a national park of tropical forests sheltering more than 1,100 species of birds and mammals. This morning we cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River which also forms the border between Argentina and Brazil to visit the Brazil side of the falls for a different panoramic view. First, we take an unforgettable guided walking tour to visit the Brazilian side of the falls offering the best vantage points to appreciate the wondrous spectacle.

Next, we return to the Argentine side to join the thrilling "Great Adventure" tour, a fabulous combination of nature and adventure. We first walk along boardwalks into the surrounding forest; then gain amazing, close-up views of the falls until we reach the river shore. Once there, we board zodiacs to start an exhilarating ride around the thundering falls, enjoying the myriad rainbows beside roaring San Martin Falls. Later we disembark on the Iguassu River shore where Rangers will escort us on a fascinating park ride, explaining the local habitat and pointing out exotic plant and animal species that still survive in the Atlantic Rainforest. After the tour return to the hotel.
Overnight at the Belmont Das Cataratas Hotel. (B)

DAY 6, Wed: Iguassu / Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Rio...the very sound of it evokes images of sun, fun and rhythm of the sensuous Samba. Welcome to one of the most spectacular cities on our planet. Flanked by gorgeous mountains, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests fronting deep blue sea, Rio occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any metropolis in the world. With the seductive sounds of sambato the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema; the restaurants and open-air cafes, the cariocas (residents of Rio) live for the moment without a care in the world. This idea of paradise has enchanted visitors for centuries.

Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the Belmont Copacabana Palace Hotel. A glance through the pages of the Copacabana Palace's Golden Book will attest to the hotel status among the world's great hotels with its guest list of royalty, stars as well as the politicians and business leaders who have helped shape the world over the last seven decades.
Overnight at the Belmont Copacabana Palace Hotel. (B)

Day 7, Thu: Rio de Janeiro (Corcovado Mountain)

This morning we drive through the fashionable Lagoa District to the base of Corcovado Mountain for a short train ride to the summit. Here, at 2,400 feet above the city stands one of South America's most famous landmarks, the 125-foot statue of "Christ the Redeemer", one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The panorama of the city below is testament to why most visitors consider Rio to be one of the most spectacular and beautiful cities in the world. On a clear day a 360-degree panorama view covering the entire city, the beaches, the forest, mountains, Maracana (soccer) Stadium, Rio Niteroi Bridge, Botanic Garden and more. Continue to have lunch at one of Rio's famous Churrascaria's (barbecue house) for a sampling of Brazil's appreciation for beef and fun eating. Here you'll be introduced Brazil's national cocktail, the "Caipirinha", a traditional Brazilian drink prepared with "cachaça" (made of sugar cane), once Brazil's best-kept secret, now it's the connoisseur's cocktail of choice from New York City to Miami.
Overnight at the Belmont Copacabana Palace Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Fri: Rio de Janeiro (City, Sugarloaf & Dinner with Show)

This morning we drive drive along Copacabana and Ipanema, two of the world's most famous beaches as we make our way to Rio's downtown to see and visit the highlights of the city including Praça Mauá, where Brazil's first skyscraper was developed; we visit Rio's ultramodern Cathedral, traffic permitting, we also stop in front of the Teatro Municipal. Next, we drive to the Sambódromo. Completed in 1984, it is approx. a mile long, custom-built to host Rio's Carnival samba parades. We head back towards the beaches with a stop at Urca where we board the cable cars to ascend to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain - 1,200 feet of sheer rock overlooking Guanabara Bay for a breathtaking view of the beaches, a view of Corcovado with opportunity for great sunsets.

This evening a special treat as we set out for the Rio by night Tour. First stop for dinner at one of Rio's best restaurants, followed by a Brazilian Extravaganza show at Plataforma where you will be treated to the contagious rhythms of the Brazilian samba with the percussion instruments unique to Brazil. The show consists of lavishly and colorfully costumed dancers and musicians presenting the richness of the nation's musical and cultural heritage. The grand finale displays some of the dazzling costumes used in the Carnival parade.
Overnight at the Belmont Copacabana Palace Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Sat: Rio de Janeiro / Lima

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima Peru. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the Ramada Airport Hotel for overnight.
Overnight at the Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel. (B)

Day 10, Sun: Lima / Cuzco - Sacred Valley (Chinchero & Ollantaytambo)

Morning transfer to the airport in Lima for the flight to Cuzco. Meeting services upon arrival in Cuzco and transfer to the fabled Urubamba Valley, also referred to as "El Valle Sagrado de los Incas" or the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", an astonishingly fertile Andean valley, boasting soaring mountains, lush landscapes, ancient villages, Inca ruins, and deep-rooted traditions.

The Urubamba Valley is a laid-back valley with a very pleasant climate perfectly suited for farming. Ancient ruins, gentle mountain slopes and scattered farming towns define the valley. The same properties that make the valley attractive for today's tourist were also the reason why the Inca chose this valley for their permanent settlements. The valley also served as a gateway to the jungle and was easily defendable by Ollantaytambo to the northwest and Rumicolca to the southeast.

We check into the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, one of the most unique luxury hotels in Peru. A stay here lets you experience the majesty of life in the mountains. Situated at a lower altitude than nearby Cusco, the hotel provides the perfect environment in which to acclimatize and is an ideal base to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Savor sensational cuisine in the restaurant, enjoy a local Sacred Valley massage or spend a few soothing minutes feeding the hotel's baby alpacas.

This afternoon we visit the Chinchero, a traditional Quechua community in the highlands of Peru. Sunday is market day when Indians from different villages meet to trade their wares and produces among themselves just as they did a century ago. We visit the village with women weaving in the market plaza offering beautiful hand-woven textiles, old and new, available for purchase.
Overnight at the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado Hotel. (B,L)

Day 11, Mon: Sacred Valley (Maras and Moray)

This morning we visit the Inca agricultural experimental center of Moray, famous for its sunken amphitheater, made up of four circular terraces, which appear to disappear into the earth like an artificial crater. The site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station designed for experimenting with crops at various altitudes. It is believed that the system of using terraces and watered by complex irrigation systems, enabled the Incas to grow more than 250 plant species. Next, we continue to the impressive Salt Pools of Maras emerging from a salt spring underneath the Urubamba Valley that is fed into terraced evaporative pools as a way of harvesting salt. Here we learn about ancestral techniques still used in current day agricultural, irrigation and salt-recollection tasks, as well as in Andean festivals and rites. Return to the hotel for overnight. (B,L) Overnight at the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado Hotel. (B,L)

Day 12, Tue: Valley - Machu Picchu (Visit Ruins)

Early morning transfer to the train station to board the Vistadome Train traveling through the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu often dubbed the "Lost City" of the Incas. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, this significant archaeological find is situated along remote mountains, amid a semi-tropical jungle and therefore was hidden for 400 years until discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham of Yale University.

Upon arrival to the town of Aguas Calientes we transfer to the bus station and begin this phase of our adventure aboard the minibus that makes an awe-inspiring ascent to the ancient citadel to explore the temples, altars and more than 200 buildings. Standing at the top of a steep, forested hill overlooking the Urubamba River, the citadel was hidden by dense vegetation for centuries until Hiram Bingham began to clear the site. Today the city has been completely restored and even if it has lost some of its mystery it still remains an unforgettable sight. The tour includes visits to the temples, plazas, palaces, watercourses and residential areas. After lunch more exploration on your own before returning to the train station below and return by train back to Cuzco and transfer to the Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco situated in a beautiful eighteenth century house, recently refurbished, with 5 stately colonial courtyards, only 4 blocks away from Cusco's Main Square.
Overnight at the Belmont Machu Pichu Hotel atop of the Citadel. (B)

Day 13, Wed: Machu Picchu - Cusco

Morning is free to visit the ruins once again on your own. If you feel a bit more adventurous, we suggest a hike along steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu for a breathtaking view of the site. Afternoon return by train back to Cuzco and transfer to the Cusco at Belmond Monasterio Hotel, a 16th-century former Jesuit seminary, a relic of Spanish colonial architecture with two landscaped courtyards and covered arcades, transformed to a unique hotel.
Overnight at the Belmond Monasterio, Superior Room (B)

Day 14, Thu: Cusco / Lima - Departure (Cuzco City and Nearby Ruins, Lima City Tour)

This morning we tour Cuzco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere. Nowadays Cuzco is a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. During the tour we will visit Cuzco's most important landmarks such as the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church dating back to the 17th century built on the foundations of Inca Coricancha temple of the Sun and the Plaza de Armas, Main Square of the city. We also visit the famous San Blas artisan's quarter.

Next, we drive out of Cuzco to visit the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-pucara, and the royal baths of Tampumachay, continuing to the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose gigantic 3-tiered walls are built from 18-foot boulders and weigh over 300 tons. We retune to Cuzco and transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima where we transfer to the Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel for day room use.

Founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro, this colonial city became the political and military capital of the New World until it was declared the capital of Peru in 1821. We begin our tour of Colonial and Modern Lima, "City of Kings." Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor with its cathedral and palace, and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Continue with a visit to the Gold Museum followed by the Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum which exhibits the world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian art boasting an astonishing array of gold, silver, semi-precious stones and textiles.
Late evening transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

Remarks

Not included: Airport departure taxes, meals unless included in the itinerary, beverages, travel insurance, gratuities of any kind, or items of person nature.

To visit the Brazil side of Iguassu U.S. Citizens require Brazilian visa.

Tour rate quoted upon request and vary based on season and hotels selected.

Other hotels available upon request.

This itinerary may be customized, please inquire.

We can provide land only and or air and land packages.

Departure USA on October 4, 2019
Return from Peru on October 18, 2019

Land & Local Flights Tour Rate:
$5575.00: Per Person in Double Room

Local Air Included:
LA7508 11OCT 5 AEPIGR 1145A 135P
LA3738 12OCT 6 IGUGIG 115P 315P
LA2419 15OCT 2 GIGLIM 710P1100P
LA2123 17OCT 4 LIMCUZ 907A1034A
AA7653 21OCT 1 CUZLIM 812P 944P

Add-on International Airfare:
International Airfare rates subject to city of departure and available upon request.

This all-inclusive trip includes:
All local flights within South America. Complete deluxe-style land arrangements, featuring all ground transportation by luxury private bus; four-star hotel stays throughout the tour. Private guided tours with highly trained English-speaking specialist guides in each region. Breakfast throughout; 7 lunches and 1 dinner. All local taxes and fees included throughout.

Hotels:
3-nights at the Grand Brizo Hotel. Buenos Aires. Argentina
1-night at the Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort, Iguassu Falls
3-nights at the Excelsior Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
2-nights at the Casa Andina Premium Miraflores Hotel, Lima Peru
2-nights at the Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, Urubamba Valley, Peru
1-night at the Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Hotel, Peru
1-night at the Casa Andina Premium Cusco Hotel, Cuzco Peru

Reservations, Deposit and Payment:
A deposit of $1,000.00 per person is required in order to commence booking and confirming services quoted. Final payment will be due 105 days prior to departure (June 18, 2019). Final Group Voucher and E-airlines ticket confirmations are issued between 30 and 21 days prior to departure.

Cancellations, Refunds & Changes:
A $450.00 fee will apply for cancellations received more than 104 days prior to departure. Cancellations received 103 to 72 days prior to departure (July 28, 2019), a fee of $750.00 per person will be charged. Cancellations received between 71 and 61 days prior to departure will be charged 45% of the tour cost per person. Cancellations received 60 to 35 days prior to departure will be charged 75% of the total tour cost per person. Cancellations made 34 days or less prior to departure will be charged 100% per person. No refund for no-show. No refunds will be given for unused portions of tour components or hotel stays. No refunds for cancellations received 34 days or less prior to departure. No refund for no-show. No refunds will be given for unused portions of tour components or hotel stays. Name changes are subject to provider acceptance and penalties will be governed by such conditions. CANCELLATION NOTICES MUST BE RECEIVED BY LTD VIA EMAIL AND REQUIRE A REPLY AKNOWLEDGMENT THAT SUCH NOTICE WAS INDEED RECIVED BY REPLY EMAIL FROM LTD TO AGENCY.

Note: The price quoted is based on a minimum of 21 participants. We reserve the right to postpone or cancel the trip in the event we do not have 21 paying participants. Participants may choose to take the revised rate and or get a full refund.