The Very Best of South America

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
Meet your Tour Manager before your flight to Lima, via Madrid. Stay at the Swissotel Lima for 2 nights.

Day 2 Lima
This morning experience Lima, the City of Kings, one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Visit the cathedral and the San Francisco monastery and enjoy a special visit to Casa Aliaga, a museum and family home which has been handed down through 17 generations since Lima was founded in 1535. Continue to the Miraflores district for lunch by the Pacific Coast.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 3 Lima to Sacred Valley of the Incas
This morning fly to Cusco and head by coach down into the ancient Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route stop at the colourful Pisac market, where traders come from around the region to sell traditional arts, embroidery and handicrafts. Head further into the valley to relax in the beautiful landscapes with a 2 night stay at Sol y Luna.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 4 Sacred Valley of the Incas
Your first stop today is Chinchero, a traditional village above the Urubamba valley with great views of distant peaks. Enjoy lunch in the hills at the Casa Hacienda Orihuela, a private family estate serving fresh traditional food. In the afternoon continue to the impressive site of Ollantaytambo fortress at the head of the valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5 Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
This morning you’ll take the vistadome train following the white waters of the Urubamba River towards Machu Picchu, one of the most unforgettable and mystical sights in South America. After a guided tour of the ruins and lunch, there is time to explore after the crowds have gone with an overnight stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6 Machu Picchu to Cusco
A second day’s entrance to Machu Picchu is included, should you wish to explore the citadel further. Our travellers who experience dawn at the ruins find it an incredible experience in the silent mountains. In the afternoon you’ll board a train to Poroy and continue to Cusco by coach for a 2 night stay at Hotel Libertador.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7 Cusco
Cusco is one of South America’s most vibrant cities; the ancient Inca mountain capital is now a melting pot of art, culture and tradition. A morning tour of the city reveals its historic wonders, including the Koricancha temple and the cathedral. You’ll then head a little out of the city to the nearby Inca ruins, including the impressive ceremonial site of Sacsay huaman, set high above the city. The afternoon is free to explore Cusco, shop for souvenirs and relax in a cafe on the main square.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Cusco to Santiago, Chile
Today you’ll fly south to Santiago, via Lima where you will be able to enjoy the comforts of the VIP airport lounge. On arrival you’ll settle into the beautiful Plaza el Bosque Park & Suites, your home for the next 4 nights.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 Santiago
To recharge after the excitement of Machu Picchu and vibrant Cusco, today is a relaxed day in Santiago. On a city tour you will see a mixture of modern architecture and old colonial squares. Set under some of the highest peaks of the Andes you can explore the Palacio de la Moneda and the fashionable Barrio Lastarria, or head up the hill of San Cristobal for great views across the city.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10 Chilean Winelands
Today you’ll travel out of the city into the beautiful central valleys of Chile, the fertile lands in the foothills of the Andes dotted with orchards and some of Chile’s most notable vineyards. You’ll stop for a tour and tasting at the De Martino vineyard, with its Tuscan style manor house. Then continue to the Maipo valley and Viña Tarapacá, one of Chile’s best, where you’ll dine on regional gourmet specialities in beautiful surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 11 Valparaiso
You’ll travel to the Pacific coast this morning and visit the historic port of Valparaiso. Valpo, as locals call it, was one of the world’s busiest ports when it was a mandatory stop for ships before the Panama Canal was opened. View the impressive buildings of the historic quarter, home to many British pioneers in the 19th Century, and hop on one of the traditional elevators which have carried people up some of the steep streets for over 100 years.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12 Santiago to Mendoza, Argentina
An extraordinary 5 hour journey takes you over the Andes through picturesque valleys, small villages, forests and mountain slopes which give way to incredible views as you reach the Argentine border near Mount Aconcagua; the highest point in the Andes. As you arrive in Mendoza, a European style city famous for its wine and cuisine, the snow capped peaks are still visible. You’ll stay at the Sheraton for 2 nights.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 13 Mendoza
Today you’ll visit the renowned Norton winery, one of the highest vineyards in the world, which uses the Malbec grape that is so suited to the climate. You can get involved with the wine making process and blend your own wine, then enjoy lunch served in the vineyard with the backdrop of Andean peaks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 14 Mendoza to Buenos Aires
After your flight to the capital you’ll embark on an afternoon tour of this exciting city including the sophisticated Recoleta district where you’ll visit the ornate cemetery where Eva Peron is buried. See the famous Casa Rosada and the Cathedral and then head to La Boca, the colourful port district with street performers and artists. You’ll stay in the Sofitel Arroyo for 3 nights.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 15 Buenos Aires
The Pampas, Argentina’s vast fertile grasslands, are home to numerous huge ranches and you’ll visit one today to experience the culture of the gaucho, a part of the fabric of life in Argentina. Visit the beautiful Estancia El Rosario de Areco, where you’ll be welcomed by the family, served a delicious barbecue lunch known as an ‘asado’ and see a breathtaking demonstration of horsemanship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16 Buenos Aires
You have a free day to explore Buenos Aires’ hidden corners, relax in your refined hotel or for shopping along the wide boulevards with a stop in a traditional coffee shop. This evening you’ll head to the theatre to see a tango show in the city that gave birth to the dance, along with dinner and wine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 17 Buenos Aires to Iguazú
At the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, the powerful river falls over an immense fault line among lush jungle foliage to create an unforgettable sensory experience. After a flight north you’ll transfer into Brazil and stay 2 nights at Hotel Das Cataratas located within the national park, where you can walk along paths with views in front of and below the immense cascades.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 18 Iguazú Falls
This morning you’ll visit the Argentina side of the falls, where a series of walkways offer unforgettable views from above the falls. Stand on the platform next to the Devil’s Throat at the centre of the river, and feel the thundering force and constant roar of the water.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 19 Iguazú Falls to Rio de Janeiro
Squeeze in a last view of Iguazú before your flight to Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll stay 3 nights at the Sofitel, set in a prime location on the famous Copacabana Beach.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 20 Rio de Janeiro
Your exploration of this city set between the mountains and ocean, begins in the bohemian Santa Theresa neighbourhood. After lunch at the historic Confiteria Colombo, you’ll continue to Sugar Loaf and take the cable car to the top to savour the view of the bays and mountains as you sip a cocktail.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 21 Rio de Janeiro
Your morning tour takes you to the ‘hunchback’ mountain of Corcovado to see the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer up close. Later head into the city centre and visit the modernist cathedral, before some time at leisure in the afternoon. This evening’s farewell dinner is at a lively Brazilian barbeque restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 22 Depart Rio de Janeiro
Today is free with a late check out from your hotel, until an evening transfer to the airport for your flight home via Madrid.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 23 Arrive London Heathrow
Your holiday may be over, but your memories will last a lifetime.

Tour includes:

A Journeys of Distinction Tour Manager on hand at all times
Local guides, with an insider’s knowledge, who give a true insight into the culture, history and lifestyle
Return scheduled flights including all UK taxes
Scheduled internal flights
Exceptional hand-picked hotels
21 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners
All sightseeing and travel as specified
Luggage service throughout

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”