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13 Day itinerary in Peru, South America

Highlights of Southamerica

Travel to South America and discover Peru, Argentina and Brazil. Tour Machu Picchu, enchanting Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls and famous Rio de Janeiro in a 2-week itinerary. Best time to travel: All year round From North to South, from the city of the Incas to the Paris of the South, this 2-week Sout... Read More

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CynthiaMicaela

By Cynthia and Micaela

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Average
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Cusco

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Visit markets

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Historic & cultural landmarks

Outdoors & Nature

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Machu Picchu

2

Iguazu Falls

3

Buenos Aires

4

Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary

INN expand_more

Day 1

place Transfer Cusco airport / Hotel in Sacred Valley

Upon arrival to Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sacred Valley. Type of service: Private

Day 2

place Full-Day Pisac & Ollantaytambo

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel, and visit Pisac, a picturesque town located 19.8 miles or 32 Km. northeast of Cusco. It is famous for its colonial Church, where masses in Quechua are held every Sunday. Its colorful fairs also take place every day. Here merchants offer for sale all sorts of handicrafts, the most important of which are the textiles and ceramic goods such as ceremonial goblets called "Q'eros"; plates, ashtrays, necklaces, and replicas of pre-Hispanic pottery. Later, you will visit the remarkable fortress of Ollantaytambo, built by the Incas. A very steep stone staircase leads into the fortress. Across an esplanade, there is a temple with 10 niches, and beside it is a block of partially unworked stones. Beyond another esplanade, six huge rectangular monoliths (estimated weight: 50 tons) form the Temple of the Sun. Vestiges of rooms are seen on top and on the other side of the hill a four-story building, either a military school or prison. At the end of the excursion, you will be dropped off at your hotel. Type of service: Private Duration: 9 hours Included: Transportation mentioned above, excursions mentioned above, bilingual guide (English-Spanish), Cusco Tourist Entrance Ticket, Lunch Difficulty: Low

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3

place Train trip to Aguas Calientes & Visit to Machu Picchu Ruins

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes. This town is also known as "Machu Picchu pueblo" and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. In Aguas Calientes, there is a train station, a craft market, restaurants, and hotels of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night at the foot of the mountain and climb it early. Finally, after a short transfer by bus, you will reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec. Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain", is considered a World Heritage by UNESCO and one of the world's new seven wonders. At the end of the tour, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and have lunch at ¨Cafe Inkaterra¨ Machu Picchu. The rest of the afternoon will be free. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. Type of service: Shared Included: Shared transfer from the hotel in Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo train station. Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu (the journey usually takes about 1h 40min). Lunch in a local restaurant. Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, entrance fee to Machu Picchu. Visit Machu Picchu with a bilingual guide. Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Notes: It is important to note that there is usually a waiting time between the train's arrival to Aguas Calientes and the boarding of the bus to Machu Picchu. In high season, there are usually long lines both on the way there and on the way back. RECOMMENDATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR LUGGAGE ON BOARD OF THE TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU: Carry the same ID card submitted to the agency, as train tickets and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information. In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger may only carry hand luggage (backpack, purse, or briefcase), with a maximum weight of 5kg / 11lb.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4

place Day at leisure in Aguas Calientes & train trip back to Cusco

In the morning we suggest you return to Machu Picchu and visit any of the attractions of the citadel (second-day entrance not included, but may be requested. You can visit the Intipunku or "Sun Gate", where the sun rises every day through this door if viewed from the most important buildings of the citadel; the Inca Bridge, an incredible stone building that served as entrance or exit of the citadel; and you can also climb the Wayna Picchu (subject to space availability), which means "Young Mountain" as opposed to Machu Picchu. This ascent takes about an hour and its main attraction is the "Temple of the Moon", a complex of underground constructions likely to have been used by the elite (re-entry to Machu Picchu and ticket to Wayna Picchu not included in original pricing). In the afternoon you will head to the train station of Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco. Included: Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco, train tickets

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5

place Cusco Half-Day City Tour

At appropriate time, you will enjoy a guided tour of this charming city and learn about the fascinating Inca Empire. Discover the insights of this lost civilization visiting the famous Qoricacha temple, the Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral and other important monument along the city. Head to the top of the city to visit the remains of the fortresses of Sacsayhuaman and Puka Pukara with stunning panoramic view of Cusco. You will return to your hotel, after the excursion. Type of service: Shared Duration: 4 Hours Included: Transportation mentioned above, excursions mentioned above, local bilingual guide (English-Spanish) Cusco tourist ticket.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6

place Cusco / Buenos Aires

- Transfer Cusco Hotel / Cusco Airport At the appropriate time, we will pick you up at the hotel to take you to Cusco Airport (private) - Transfer Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini Ezeiza Airport / Buenos Aires Hotel Welcome to Argentina! Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day to enjoy at your own pace. Buenos Aires is a marvelous and furious cosmopolitan city, full of colors and different kinds of architecture. Capital of Argentina and described as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires proudly embraces this title, as well as showing off plenty of its own culture! Argentines are usually eager to host visitors: if you walk the streets with a map, someone will surely stop and ask if you need directions. That’s our spirit! So, for this first day, feel free to wander the cobblestone streets lined with outdoor cafes, enjoy the mouthwatering aroma of prized Argentine beef sizzling on an open “parrilla” (barbecue) and browse the local antique and artisan markets that offer plenty of bargain shopping. And to travel deeper and have a firm grip of the Argentine spirit, find the perfect leather jacket or handbag (Buenos Aires is home to some excellent local designers) and explore the colorful Palermo Soho neighborhoods. Type of service: Private

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7

place Buenos Aires City Tour and Tango Show&Dinner

- Half Day City Tour (5 hours/Private) Today you will be picked up at your hotel to explore Buenos Aires's major tourist attractions on this tour that hits all of the highlights of this cultural metropolis. Guided by a knowledgeable guide, learn about Porteño’s lifestyle, vibrant culture, and music. At the end of the tour, you will have a transfer back to your hotel. Included: Transportation mentioned above, bilingüal guide (Spanish / English), snack and water Note: As a private service, the tour can be customized according to your interests and preferences as long as they fit with the schedule - Dinner & Tango Show In the evening you will be picked up from your hotel (shared service) to be driven to a mystical place where you’ll discover one of our most ancient traditions. Enjoy a memorable night out in Buenos Aires and experience the passion of the Argentine tango. Tango is: our immigrant origins, the talent of our local artists, the sensuality of the Argentine woman and our way to deal with a broken heart, dancing our way through tragical and yet eternal love stories. Tonight, you will enjoy a professional display of tango and music with a group of local artists onstage immersed in an elegant and alluring place. The manners, ambience, clothes and dance steps which tango lovers used to practice 100 years ago will come to life again and you will travel in time for a night. Dinner is à la carte, beverages included so you can lose yourself in the ethereal taste of Malbec wine. At the end of the evening, around midnight, you will be driven back to your hotel (shared service), fully in love with the bohemian spirit of our beloved Buenos Aires. Duration: 3-4 hours. Included: transportation mentioned above, dinner with drinks. Note: formal dress is not required

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks

Day 8

place Buenos Aires / Puerto Iguazu

- Transfer Buenos Aires Hotel / Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport At the appropriate time, you will be taken to the domestic airport to take your next flight. Type of service: Private - Transfer Puerto Iguazú Airport / Puerto Iguazú Hotel Welcome to Puerto Iguazu! The small border town of Puerto Iguazú is the gateway to visit the impressive Iguazú Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Argentina. You will have the day to relax and enjoy the tropical climate and jungle setting. Upon arrival to Puerto Iguazú you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. Type of service: Private

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9

place Full-Day Iguazú Falls Argentine side

Today we will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Iguazú National Park, on the Argentine side. The falls are surrounded by a humid subtropical forest where the exuberant vegetation is home to many different species of wildlife. Our guide will help you spot some of them: toucans, parrots and coatis, just to name a few! Lower and upper walkways weave in and around the falls, permitting up-close and personal experiences with this magnificent spectacle of nature. The Argentine side of the falls is filled with a myriad of paths, and walkways which allow you to have an experience from many different perspectives. You will also have the chance to visit the “Devil's Throat”; the largest of the falls and for many, the most spellbinding. To get to the Devil's Throat, you’ll take the ecological train and then walk out along boardwalks. After walking around and taking pictures of waterfalls, animals and plants, you will have some free time to eat lunch in this amazing environment. This exciting, 7-hour excursion is highly recommended in order to experience the true power of Iguazú Falls!! Type of service: Private Duration: 7 hours Included: Transportation mentioned above, bilingual guide (English/Spanish), ecological train Not included: Entrance fee to the Iguazú National Park (Argentinian side), meals (lunch/box lunch)

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10

place Visit to Brazilian Side of the Falls and fly to Rio de Janeiro

- Half-Day Iguazú Falls Brazilian side Today we will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Foz do Iguazú National Park, on the Brazilian side. Don't forget your passport! While Argentina has 80% of the falls on its side, Brazil has the best panoramic view. On the Argentinian side, you have the sensation of being right inside the falls, but only by visiting the Brazilian side you will fully appreciate the immensity of Iguazú falls. At the entrance of the National Park, you will get a bus with accompanied by a guide that will take your to the falls. Take your time to enjoy it and feel it. Stroll the different walkways and feel the spray of water in your face. Take the boardwalk over the Salto Santa María, it feels like walking on the water! Get closer to the Devil's Throat and feel the power of water! Once the tour is over, take the bus that will leave you at the access gate from where you will be driven to your hotel. Type of service: Private Duration: 2-3 hours Included: Transportation mentioned above, bilingual guide (English/Spanish) Not included: Entrance fee to the Iguazú National Park (Brazilian side), meals (lunch/box lunch), Visa to enter Brazil (please check with the consulate of your country) - Transfer Puerto Iguazú Hotel / Foz de Iguaçú Airport At the appropriate time you will be transferred to Foz de Iguaçú airport to take your flight. Type of service: Private - Transfer Rio de Janeiro Airport / Rio de Janeiro Hotel Upon arrival, you will be driven to the hotel and have the rest of the day to explore this lively city or spend time relaxing by the beach. Type of service: Private

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11

place Half-Day Santa Teresa, Corcovado & Tijuca Forest by Jeep

We will pick you up from your hotel and start the tour to Corcovado Hill on a jeep. The 709m humpbacked Corcovado is famous for the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer located at the top, one of Rio's most famous postcards and it is located in the Tijuca Atlantic Forest. You will get by car to the top of the mountain where it is possible to see the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Botanical Gardens, Maracanã stadium, the Guanabara Bay, and the Sugar Loaf. After enjoying the view you will continue with a small walk inside the forest, a trail up to the Cascatinha Fall. To end the day, you will visit Santa Teresa, a traditional district with a mild climate and big houses from the beginning of the century, built mainly by English railroad managers. In our days, it became an art center with lots of craftsmanship galleries and the only district in Rio where we can find the trolley car. After the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel. Type of tour: Shared Duration: 5 hours Includes: Transportation from/to your hotel, bilingual guide (English/Spanish), Corcovado entrance fee Note: minimum 2 passengers

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12

place Half-Day Sugar Loaf

We will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the neighborhood of Urca, where Sugar Loaf is located. The visit is made in two steps by cable car. The first one will take us to Urca Hill, which is 705 feet high and has a breathtaking view of the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói bridge, and Corcovado hill. From there, we will board a second cable car that will go up to the top of the mountain, with 1296 feet high and a splendid view from Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress, and some beaches of Niterói. At the end of the tour, we will take you back to your hotel. Type of service: Private Duration: 4 Hours Included: Transportation mentioned above, bilingual guide (English / Portuguese), Entrance Fees, Note: We recommend you to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and water

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13

place Transfer Rio de Janeiro Hotel / Rio de Janeiro Airport

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to Rio de Janeiro Airport. Type of service: Private Included: Transportation mentioned above

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (12)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (1)
  • Snacks (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Transfers mentioned in the itinerary.

Activities expand_less

  • Tours mentioned in the itinerary

Not Included expand_less

  • International or domestic flights
  • National Park entrance fees
  • Travel / Medical Insurance
  • Visa to enter Brazil (if required)
  • Iguazú Eco Fee: this is a mandatory tax that you have to pay once you get to your hotel in Iguazú.

About Cynthia

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Expertise: 

Cycling

Kayaking

Hiking

Rafting

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Historic & cultural landmarks

Travel with Purpose

Outdoors & Nature

Food & Drink

Beach & Sea

I have worked in the tourism industry for many years now and traveled through different countries. The world is a book and those who don't travel read only one page. So, I take each opportunity to discover new landscapes and cultures worldwide.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,760.00 USD