Icons of South America

Embark on a full day exploring Francisco Pizarro's Capital of the New World. Immerse yourself in Lima's UNESCO-listed Historic Center, admiring the Plaza de Armas with its iconic cathedral and government palace. Visit the Church of San Francisco, descending into the catacombs where Lima's residents were buried for centuries. Later this morning, we'll meet local chef Ignacio Barrios, joining him for a walk through a local market while he explains how the local produce is used in traditional Peruvian cooking. Visit his cooking school for a Be My Guest lunch where you'll gain insights into preparing some of the most popular local dishes, then 'Connect with Locals' over lunch, sampling some of the dishes that were prepared. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore on your terms.

Optional Experiences

We travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley this morning. 'Dive into Culture' during a visit to Awanakancha, a farm located in the Peruvian Andes where you can interact with llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. Tuck into your picnic box lunch then connect with the local Quechua who sell their handicrafts at the vibrant market of Pisac. Admire the colourful displays and perhaps sample some of the local coca tea to help you acclimate to the altitude while the sounds of traditional music fill the air. Delve into the tradition of spinning, dyeing and weaving before joining your fellow travel companions for an included dinner. We overnight at an 18th century colonial-style establishment that was once a former monastery.

Our first stop on our journey back to the time of the Incas is Ollantaytambo, a former stronghold built using colossal stone blocks. We journey to the Lost City in the Clouds next, boarding the Vistadome train to the great citadel of Machu Picchu. Join your Local Specialist to explore the UNESCO-listed hilltop fortress including the great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and intricately carved Intihuatana. We'll dine at our hotel this evening.

Reconnect with Machu Picchu this morning. If you're feeling adventurous, hike up to the Gate of the Sun to witness first-hand the beauty of the misty peak and valley below. Take a moment to admire the stonework and ancient engineering feats that went into building this mystical city on top of an isolated mountain. This afternoon, we board a train to Cusco, stopping en route at a local chicheria for a taste of chicha. 'Dive into Culture' and learn how this traditional Peruvian corn beer is brewed by the local women of the nearby village.

Gear up for a full-day of Cusco sightseeing. Explore the Inca and Spanish roots of the "Imperial City", unlocking its best kept secrets with a Local Specialist. See the baroque Cathedral on the main Plaza de Armas, then delve deeper into the history of the Church of Santo Domingo, built atop Korikancha, the Temple of the Sun. Venture beyond the city to visit the intriguing megalith ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure before gathering for a Regional Meal at a local restaurant,. Savour Cusquenian gastronomy against the backdrop of a traditional dance performance.

Optional Experiences

We return to Lima where we'll have an afternoon at leisure to explore the city or simply relax. Later, meet your Local Specialist and curator at the Larco Museum, home to the largest private collection of 7th century pre-Columbian art in the world. Gain insights into the evolution and culture of ancient Peruvian societies as you explore this 18th century vice-royal mansion. Tonight, we enjoy dinner alfresco in the museum's garden restaurant with all the essentials taken care of.

Bid farewell to Peru and fly to Chile's fashionable capital, Santiago. On arrival, you'll be taken to your luxury hotel in Las Condes.

Join a Local Specialist this morning for an in-depth orientation of the city. The flavours of crisp Chardonnay beckon after a visit to the city's Central market. We journey to Casablanca Valley, Chile's wine region, stopping at a popular winery for a gourmet Regional Meal lunch served out on the exquisite surrounds. 'Dive into Culture' and meet a local winemaker for a personalised winery experience with exclusive tasting.

We fly to the coastal port of Puerto Montt this morning. From there it's on to Puerto Varas for a tour of the "City of Roses". On arrival at your lakeside hotel, you'll have the rest of the day at leisure before joining your travel companions for dinner.

This morning's first stop will see you admire the waters of Petrohue River cascading dramatically over volcanic rocks. We'll cruise over Todos Los Santos Lake, keeping a keen eye for Andean condors against the backdrop of the Osorno Volcano. Journey through unforgettable landscapes of snow-capped mountains, lush forests and alpine lakes. Enjoy a lunch stop in Peulla before crossing the border into Argentina. We'll cruise Lake Nahuel Huapi en route to Swiss-inspired Bariloche.

Meet a Local Specialist this morning, making your way along the "Circuito Chico" for epic mountain views and shimmering lake waters in Nahuel Huapi National Park. We visit Playa Bonita and admire the beautiful natural setting below from the hilltop of St. Edward's Chapel. Take a ride on the chairlift up to Cerro Campanario for a bird's eye view of the peaks of Catedral and Tronador. Today's "sweet spot" lies in Bariloche's centuries-old chocolate heritage. We 'Dive into Culture', exploring the production area and sampling a tantalising variety of melt-in-your-mouth selections.

Fly from the edge of Patagonia to the lively city of Buenos Aires where you will join your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for an exclusive 'Connect with Locals' dinner in Palermo Soho. A local family and long-time residents of this trendy neighbourhood welcome us into their home sharing the fruits of homemade family recipes for a Be My Guest experience. Discover the secrets of kneading fresh country bread and learn about the art of the Tango.

Connect with Argentina's capital this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the iconic Casa Rosada and barrios of La Boca, San Telmo and Palermo. Spend some time admiring the ornate façades of Teatro Colon, then head to Recoleta cemetery to pay tribute to Argentina's former first lady, Eva Peron (Evita). Spend the afternoon at leisure, before meeting your travel companions for a Regional Meal this evening to savour the authentic taste of Argentina Asado. 'Dive into Culture' as you witness the fire and passion of a traditional Tango performance by some of the best dancers in Buenos Aires.

Optional Experiences

Relish a morning and afternoon to explore the "Paris of South America" on your terms. Perhaps visit the country's finest museum, admiring the art on display at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes or consider a visit into the country at a traditional estancia where you'll enjoy an authentic parrillada lunch.

Fly to Iguassu Falls in Argentina and meet a Local Specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Iguassu National Park. Take a front-row seat on board an open-air ecological jungle train, keeping your camera close at hand as you stroll along the walkways to get an up-close view of the fury of Devil's Throat Falls. We cross the border into Brazil and enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner at our resort.

Wake up in paradise and return to Iguassu National Park - this time to explore the Brazilian side of the falls. Your Local Specialist will be close at hand to take you on an immersive walk through the evergreen rainforest fed by the spray of the falls.

Optional Experiences

Enjoy a soul-stirring encounter with Iguassu National Park this morning, meeting your Local Specialist to gain further insights into this extraordinary natural wonderland. We'll fly to vibrant Rio de Janeiro this afternoon and transfer to our hotel with magnificent oceanviews over the playground of Copacabana Beach.

Your Rio adventure begins today as you join a Local Specialist to ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for spectacular city views. Make the most of your afternoon by exploring this vibrant city at your leisure.

Hop aboard a classic cogwheel train to the summit of Corcovado, the site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. As the day unfolds, visit the iconic and unexpected sites with a Local Specialist including an 18th century aqueduct and colonial Candelaria Church. Later this afternoon, we'll 'Dive into Culture' at a Samba school for in-depth insights into how the school operates and prepares for the annual Rio Carnival. Admire the original costumes used in the celebrations. Then, sway those hips Samba-style as you take part in a private dance lesson accompanied by a musical Samba Trio. This evening, we'll visit a churrascaria for a Farewell Dinner complete with a splash of festive caipirinha mixing.

Optional Experiences

Today marks the last day of this Icons of South America adventure. Fit in some last-minute exploring and souvenir shopping until your transfer to the airport or consider extending your stay in Rio at the Miramar by Windsor.