BEST OF SOUTH AMERICA
Lima – Yucay – Machu Picchu – Cusco – Puno – Iguassú – Buenos Aires – Rio de Janeiro
Travel Peru Seat-in-Coach Tour
Peru – also known as The Kingdom of the Sun, is one of the most representative countries of Latin America due to the mix of native Indian, afro American and European cultures. Peru is a country where the traditional customs have transcended through the years, and they are the basis for the current way of life. The contrasts produced because of the different landscapes and people, is why Peru is such an interesting country to visit. The City of Kings was once the scenario of the war against the Spanish conquerors, who came in a ruthless search for the gold that was hidden in Peru. However, their most wanted treasure was the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu, which they never found.
Argentina – the second biggest state of South America, has a surface of 2.8 million square kilometres. The country has 33 million inhabitants and nearly half of them live in the surroundings of Buenos Aires, one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world. Argentina is a fascinating land of contrasts where the exceptional is almost commonplace. It’s home to an abundant wildlife, enjoys a unique culture, and delights in an astonishing variety of landscapes from tropical rain forest in the north to the remote vastness of the Antarctic in the South. Three big landscapes form the country: the Andes in the west, the northern and western flatland as well as the wide plains of Patagonia in the South. The country is stretched in length and has three climatic zones: tropics in the north, moderate in the centre and polar in the extreme South. The Indian aborigines only live in the north-western Andean region and in the north-east province of Misiones. The rest of the population is mainly composed of European immigrants. The official language is Spanish, but in bigger towns English is also quite common.
Brazil – with this term one associates endless Amazon jungle, wonderful beaches, Rio de Janeiro, carnival and samba. This is all correct but, Brazil is much more, a huge country of the superlatives. Brazil, a country of immense proportions and contrasts, has a mysterious attraction for many people. With a surface of 8,5 million km², Brazil is approximately as big as Europe and covers half of the South American continent. The climate changes from the permanent warm, tropic north over all sub tropic variants to the moderate South. Since the 16th century - when Portuguese have begun to settle in the country - Brazil had always a magic attraction on foreigners. First there was the gold and then rubber and coffee and today it is above all the rhythm and the exotic that attracts tourists. People over there show a lot of happiness, kindness, and spontaneity. The biggest country of South America is a mirror of fascinating pictures.
Day 01 – Friday Lima/ Approx. 22 km
- Transfer airport – hotel
Arrival at the airport in Lima where you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
Lima was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro as “The city of the kings” and became the capital and most important city of the Spanish Viceroyalty. Today it is still Peru’s most important city as it gives home to about 9 million people, almost 30% of the national population. The historical city centre comes with splendid colonial style architecture, ample squares as the Plaza de Armas (or Plaza Mayor) and grand churches which yielded it the declaration as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. In its modern quarters such as Miraflores and San Isidro you can find present day architecture, rich entertainment possibilities and a great number of first-class hotels and restaurants. Peruvian cuisine is excellent and gets more and more famous in the world and Peruvians are extremely proud of their typical dishes.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores 4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Casa Andina Premium Miraflores 4* (local category 5*) or similar (superior room)
Day 02 – Saturday Lima/ Approx. 35 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- City Tour including San Francisco monastery and Larco Museum (5h)
In the morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the most important sights in Lima. The Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace, the Town Hall, the Palace of the Archbishop, and the Cathedral. After visit the beautiful Monastery of San Francisco which displays the largest collection of religious art in the Americas. The highlight of this convent is the visit to the underground vaults, known as “catacumbas” or catacombs.
Journey through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and to the Coastline, enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean.
Afterwards enjoy a guided visit of one of the Lima’s most important museums, the Larco Museum which houses the world’s largest private collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian Art. Mr. Rafael Larco Hoyle founded the museum on July 28, 1926, on the Chiclin sugar estate in Trujillo, naming it after his father. In 1958 he moved the collection to Lima, installing the Museum in a Colonial house in the district of Pueblo Libre, where it currently functions. This place was adapted to the characteristics style of an 18th century colonial houses from Trujillo. The 45,000 objects from this collection have been exhibited to the public in the Permanent Hall, Jewellery Vault, and the Classified Storage Area, ever since it moved to Lima.
The Halls of the Larco Museum are organized into subjects, Metals, Ceramics, Stones, Culture, Great Jewellery, and Textiles. All emphasizing the technological aspects of the Pre-Columbian cultures. Finally, the World’s unique Erotic Hall, gives us a glimpse of the fascinating sexual life of ancient Peruvians.
Afternoon free at leisure or take the below optional tour.
Optional: Visit of the Waterpark and dinner at Café del Museo (5h)
You will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the city center and to the Parque de la Exposición, one of the biggest waterparks in the city. There you can marvel at different shapes of fountains illuminated with different colours. The highlight of each evening is the music show at the biggest fountain, with the water dancing at the rhythm of the music.
Afterwards enjoy a variety of regional dishes in the Café del Museo, located in the Larco Museum. The Café del Museo is set in the garden within the grounds of this beautiful colonial building, you can either sit outside on the terrace surrounded by colourful flowers or inside.
**Remarks: Visit of the Waterpark is only possible from Tuesday to Sunday. Dinner: three course menu includes a Pisco Sour, mineral water and one hot beverage (coffee or tea)
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores 4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Casa Andina Premium Miraflores 4* (local category 5*) or similar (superior room)
Day 03 – Sunday Lima – Cusco – Yucay/ Approx. 66 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transfer hotel – airport
- Flight Lima – Cusco (not included)
- Transfer Airport Cusco – hotel Yucay including visit to the Chinchero community and the Chinchero market en route.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you will start the tour with a visit to Chinchero community located 28 km away from Cusco. Here are the remains of what was the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, as well as beautiful colonial temples built on Inca foundations.
However, its main attraction is its Sunday market originally dedicated to the people of the valley to barter their products. This colourful and lively market still fascinates people with its variety of handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbian style.
Then you will be transferred to “El Mirador de Racchi” where you will have a splendid view of the Sacred Valley. Afterwards transfer to your hotel.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay 3-4* (local category 3*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness 4-5* (local category 5*) or similar (deluxe room)
Day 04 – Monday Yucay/ Approx. 46 km
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Half day excursion to the Ollantaytambo Ruins (4h)
Today visit Ollantaytambo, a typical Inca community. Towering above the town of Ollantaytambo we will find the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Steep stone terraces rising from the edge of town lead up to the fortress ruins at the top of the hill. A stone stairway leads up through the terrace walls, which visitors can follow. One of the best-preserved areas lies north of the Hanan Huacaypata square: an area of 15 blocks of houses built on top of carved stone walls.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
For the afternoon the following optional tours can be booked or afternoon free.
Optional: Moray and Maras (4h)
The excursion starts with the visit to Moray, a little Andean community which is famous for its embedded amphitheater, formed by four circular terraces which seem to disappear into the interior of the Puma, like an artificial crater. Evidence seems to suggest that Moray was an important Inca agricultural research center. Finally, you will be transferred to visit the Salt Mines of Maras. Observe the salt which is tapped by exposing salt water that bubbles to the surface from a spring called Qoripujio. These are man-made wells exposed to the sun and from this, local people earn their living. The view of this complex of nearly 3,000 wells is spectacular. The local people demonstrate the ancient techniques to visitors, even allowing you to participate.
**Remarks: Visits are not recommended during the rainy season (November to April)
Optional: Trekking to the terraces of Yucay (1h)
An easy and relaxing hike to enjoy nature. Behind the Plaza of Yucay you will see an impressive group of terraces that follow the outline of the mountain and are still in use by the locals.
The trail will allow you to observe the old Inca water channels which are still used today, for the irrigation of the agricultural terraces.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay 3-4* (local category 3*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness 4-5* (local category 5*) or similar (deluxe room)
Day 05 – Tuesday Yucay – Machu Pichu – Cusco/ Approx. 150 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Full day tour to Machu Picchu
Transfer by bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo where the tour starts by train that goes through the fertile plain of the Urubamba valley and on to Aguas Calientes. From here board the small shuttle buses and drive up the steep mountain to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu called the Lost City of the Incas; this cultural heritage of mankind is a beautifully located impressive stone city constructed with a technique incredible for its era and even for present times. Stone upon stone, fitted together perfectly without any cement, with impressive delicacy, exquisite detail and discrimination worthy of the world’s greatest palaces. There are many theories about Machu Picchu, but one thing is for sure - it is one of the most impressive sites in the world.
Enjoy a guided visit of around 2 hours of the ruins, after return by shuttle bus to the small village of Aguas Calientes and board the train for the journey to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Xima Cusco 3-4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique 5* (local category 5*) or similar (deluxe room)
Day 06 – Wednesday Cusco/ Approx. 25 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Half day city tour and visit of the ruins.
- Afternoon at free leisure
Cusco – South America's archaeological capital and oldest continuously inhabited city, is now one of Peru’ s most important and most frequented tourist attractions. Nevertheless, it still remains a vivid legacy to what was the centre of the Inca Empire: Quechua-speaking Inca descendants are many in the streets of this century-old stone-walled city. Cusco has beautiful art from the colonial times – fine examples can be found in the Cathedral and Museum of Archaeology.
Today enjoy a half day city tour beginning at the exact centre of the Inca Empire, the main square, “Plaza de Armas “. Also located on the square is the cathedral, built on the ruins of the ancient Inca Palace. The cathedral borders on other churches on both sides. The Cathedral was formerly the site of the temple to the Inca creator deity Viracocha and today a treasure trove for religious art produced by native artisans in the years following the Spanish Conquest can be seen. Next continue to the Santo Domingo Monastery, which was also constructed on the site of an Inca temple, Coricancha or the Temple of the Sun. The building of the church atop the ruins, ironically preserved parts of the Inca structures which were revealed intact after a devastating earthquake in 1950, that crumbled the Spanish construction. Finally a visit to the Inca ruines 3km outside of Cusco, beginning at the fortress of Sacsayhuaman (site of an important battle between Inca and Spanish troops), and wrapping up the day with stops at Q’enko, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
**Remark: To protect the historic centre of Cusco, vehicles are no longer allowed in the main square.
The afternoon is free at leisure.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Xima Cusco 3-4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique 5* (local category 5*) or similar (deluxe room)
Day 07 – Thursday Cusco
- Meals: Breakfast
- Day at leisure
Day at leisure to keep discovering the city of Cusco at your own pace.
Alternatively, the following optional tour can be booked on site:
Optional: Excursion to the Rainbow Mountain (12h) – on shared basis
Early in the morning (5:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.) you will be picked you up at your hotel and driven 77km along a paved road towards the district of Cusipata. On arrival, breakfast, before continuing for a further 50 more minutes to the community of Wasi Pata which will be the starting point of the hike to the Rainbow Mountain. Walk for approximately 2 hours, appreciate the Red Valley, the Ausangate chain of mountains, the lakes, and the beautiful landscapes. On arrival take in the breathtaking scenery of the colourful Vinicunca/Rainbow Mountain before returning to Wasa Pata and then Cusipara, where we will have lunch. Later, drive back to the city of Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m. Overnight.
**Remarks:
The tour takes place together with other international travelers. Breakfast and lunch included.
Level: Difficult (you should already get used to the altitude for a few days)
Location: Ausangate
Hiking distance: 10km
Highest point: 5,040m
Best season: Dry season between April to November
Duration: ca. 12h (7h bus ride and 5h hike)
This tour is subject to weather conditions.
This excursion can also be booked on private basis against a surcharge.
Recommended packing list:
- Sun protection
- Warm clothes, gloves and hat
- Raincoat or rainwear
- Snacks (chocolate, sweets, nuts)
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Xima Cusco 3-4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique 5* (local category 5*) or similar (deluxe room)
Day 08 – Friday Cusco – Puno/ Approx. 390 km
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overland transfer Cusco/Puno – on shared basis
A full day bus tour from Cusco to Puno leads through the Peruvian highlands along snow-covered peaks of the Andes, small villages and reaches its highest point in La Raya at 4.300m above sea level. On route you will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi and the small town of Pucara. Lunch in a typical restaurant en route is included.
Upon arrival to Puno transfer to your hotel.
**Remark: The full day transfer is shared with international travellers and accompanied by a bilingual English/Spanish speaking guide.
Puno – The beauty and charm of Puno town comes from the personalities of its habitants’ and its mix of typical Andean architecture, found all way down the sides of the hills, until the banks of Lake Titicaca. The richness of its archaeological, its culture and its architecture, comes from the three different civilizations, Aymara, Quechua, and Spanish, that have lived here. This multicultural origin has created a mestizo race, that can be seen in their artistic and cultural expression and especially in an incomparable folklore, which is second to none and has made Puno the “Folkloric Capital of Peru”. But the main attraction of Puno is the Titicaca Lake, a must for any visitor. The Sacred Lake of the Incas is one of the most enigmatic places in the world. It is the highest navigable lake in the world and combines beautiful sights, culture, and history.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Xima Puno 3* (local category 3*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel GHL Lago Titicaca 4* (local category 5*) or similar (superior room)
Day 09 – Saturday Puno - Lima/ Approx. 60 km
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Box dinner
- Full day excursion Uros & Taquile including lunch – On shared basis
- Transfer to Juliaca airport
- Flight Juliaca – Lima (not included)
- Transfer airport - hotel
In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Puno’s dock where you will depart towards the Uros Islands on Titicaca Lake. The Uros are 40 small floating islands made of packed totora (reed), located within the Titicaca National Reserve. Here the inhabitants of the lake, the Uros, live just as their ancestors did, maintaining their customs and idiosyncrasies.
After visiting the Uros Islands, we will continue by boat to Taquile Island. There are no roads or electricity in Taquile and the locals have maintained their traditions and culture and many still wear traditional dresses. The Taquileños are known for their high-quality handicrafts, especially for the knitting, which is exclusively performed by males. In the main square there is a cooperative shop, selling woolen goods and hand-woven items, as well as a small church.
A typical lunch at Taquile Island is included.
**Remark: The excursion is shared with international travellers and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Transfer from the hotel to Juliaca airport. A box dinner will be provided during the transfer.
Flight to Lima and upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores 4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Casa Andina Premium Miraflores 4* (local category 5*) or similar (superior room)
Day 10 – Sunday Lima – Iguassu/ Approx. 35,5 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transfer hotel – airport
- Flight Lima – Iguassu (not included)
- Transfer airport – hotel
Transfer from the hotel to Lima airport. Flight to Iguassu and transfer to the hotel.
Iguassu - one of the biggest wonders of nature in South America: located amidst a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, a gigantic row of waterfalls goes down into the river Iguassu.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Viale Cataratas 3-4*(local category 4*) or similar (deluxe room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Bourbon das Cataratas 4-5* (local category 5*) or similar (superior room)
Or (upgrade-extra charge)
Overnight at Hotel Belmond Das Cataratas 5* (local category 5*) (superior room)
Day 11 – Monday Iguassu/ Approx. 22 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Visit the Brazilian and Argentinean side of the falls
In the morning visit the Brazilian side of the falls. Walk along paths following cascades and then along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat to enjoy magnificent views. After take the elevator which brings you up to the roadside, where you board our coach to the Argentinian side of the falls. On arrival at the Visitors’ Centre, we alight and walk the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades to the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls and then the Ecological Jungle Train which leads you to the most impressive observation point of the falls – The Devil's Throat. Finally transfer to our hotel on the Brazilian side.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Viale Cataratas 3-4*(local category 4*) or similar (deluxe room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Bourbon das Cataratas 4-5* (local category 5*) or similar (superior room)
Or (upgrade-extra charge)
Overnight at Hotel Belmond Das Cataratas 5* (local category 5*) (superior room)
Day 12 – Tuesday Iguassu – Buenos Aires/ Approx. 37 km
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Transfer hotel – airport
- Flight Iguassu – Buenos Aires (not included)
- Transfer airport – hotel
- Tango Show at Viejo Almacén & dinner – On shared basis without guide
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival in Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel.
Buenos Aires – is not only the capital of Argentina; it is also one of the 10 most important metropolises in the world and the centre of the political, economic, and intellectual life of the country. This cosmopolitan city - with great European cultural influence - displays a refined taste in its cooking, in its” boutiques” and in the elegance of its inhabitants. Almost 12 million people live here, and you can enjoy the plentiful night life visiting” tango” bars, cabarets, discotheques, restaurants, or eternally open bars. During the day, a wide variety of attractions are offered: museums, art galleries, tasteful shops, fascinating antiques, large green areas, parks, wide tree lined boulevards, clubs, and sporting events. The Italian-Spanish descent of the inhabitants has formed this modern metropolis. Feel the flair, above all in the Italian old quarter La Boca and in the wide streets with cafes from the turn of the century. At the Plaza de Mayo, in the political centre of town, is the starting point of this tour through this exciting capital. The widest street of the world, the very famous opera house and the shopping street Florida make Buenos Aires unforgettable.
In the evening, you will be taken to the tango house Viejo Almacén, because visiting a Tango Show is a MUST when you are in Buenos Aires!
El Viejo Almacén became a unique place thanks to its historic location and an authentic style nourished by popularity built through the years. Every night its doors are open to enjoy an impressive tango show performed by prominent interpreters of the tango scene, a demonstration of Andean music, as well as exquisite cuisine.
The Tango tradition started at the end of the 19th century, and developed out of a mixture of various rhythms, which were originally danced in the poorer neighborhoods. Tango is reflection of the nostalgia and melancholy of the European immigrants and from here came some great musicians, such as Astor Piazzolla and Anibal Troilo.You will enjoy a show with music, singing and dancing. The dinner includes entrée, main course, dessert & drinks.
After the tango show return to the hotel, arrival around midnight.
**Remarks: The excursion is shared with international travelers. The transfers hotel-tango house and vv. take place with other international travelers from different hotels and Spanish speaking driver.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Loi Suites Esmeralda 3* (local category 3*) or similar (1 room apartment)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Grand Brizo Buenos Aires 4* (local category 5*) or similar (comfort room)
Day 13 – Wednesday Buenos Aires/ Approx. 47 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Half day city tour (4h)
During the city tour you will see the Plaza de Mayo, with the Casa Rosada (the pink house), seat of the government, the Cabildo (town hall) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, home of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. The tour goes then onto the district San Telmo. Until 1888 this part of the city was a river port, today San Telmo is one of the most modern and desired places to live in Buenos Aires. The worker district La Boca is famous for its colourful tin-houses and its history as a living district of Italian seamen and dock workers in the 19th century. The Barrio Norte, also called Recoleta, is the quarter of the rich of Buenos Aires. In the cemetery of Recoleta one will find the grave of Eva Duarte who became famous as Evita Perón. Continue along the widest avenue in the world, the Avenida 9 de Julio, and continue to the Plaza Lavalle with the Federal Court of Justice and the Teatro Colón. Return to the hotel.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Loi Suites Esmeralda 3* (local category 3*) or similar (1 room apartment)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Grand Brizo Buenos Aires 4* (local category 5*) or similar (comfort room)
Day 14 – Thursday Buenos Aires – Rio de Janeiro/ Approx. 28 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transfer hotel – airport
- Flight Buenos Aires – Rio de Janeiro (not included)
- Transfer airport – hotel
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Arrival in Rio and transfer to the hotel.
Rio de Janeiro founded in 1556, the city of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Brazilian Colony in 1776. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and settled in Rio. This brought a surge of progress, and the city became the main cultural, political, and economic centre of the Portuguese empire. In 1889, when the republic was proclaimed, Rio was confirmed as the country's capital, which it remained until 1960, when the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, was founded. Rio is situated on a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colourful state of mind called CARIOCA, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way through life, relaxed and high-spirited. That is just the way it should be in Rio, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, with Christ the Redeemer perched on top of Corcovado blessing the city and Sugar Loaf, one of the most famous postcards of our country.
Optional: Rio by night – Show in the evening
Enjoy a very nice show representing the culture diversity within Brazil. Watch the Northeast, the Amazon, the Pampas with its folklore, Bahia with its capoeira and mystical rituals. Then lastly Rio de Janeiro with its bohemian culture, dance halls and its legendary Lapa tricksters, represented by the drummers and beautiful dancers all dressed in carnival costumes.
**Remarks: Dinner and drinks are not included. Show starts at 21:30h (1h30min). The use of any electronic devices or cell phone s to take pictures during show is not permitted.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Mirador Rio Copacabana 3-4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Windsor Excelsior 4* (local category 4*) or similar (superior room)
Day 15 – Friday Rio de Janeiro/ Approx. 55 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Full Day City Tour including Sugar Loaf & Corcovado (approx. 8 hours)
To begin the tour, leave the hotel and proceeding as far as Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train for the ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain at 748m (2.454ft) high. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado proceed up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. After appreciating the breathtaking views unfolding below, descend by train. The tour proceeds passing by Rio’s world-famous beaches as far as Urca District to board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up Sugar Loaf Mountain at 390m (1.280ft.) high. After descend and proceed along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park as far as downtown. Visit the downtown area, the financial and business centre and further attractions, such as the Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theatre, National Library, Fine Arts Museum. Pass by the Sambadrome, site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade.
**Remark: (*) In the unusual case that the train does not operate, the drive will instead take place with vans certified by the city’s administration from/to the Largo do Machado parking.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Mirador Rio Copacabana 3-4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Windsor Excelsior 4* (local category 4*) or similar (superior room)
Day 16 – Saturday Rio de Janeiro/ Approx. 25 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transfer hotel – airport
Transfer to the airport for your international flight back home.
Alternatively, an extension programme can be arranged by TRAVEL PERU.
End of our services
For a more intense travel experience TRAVEL PERU offers individual extensions to different regions. Please request program and price information.
General Conditions
- Departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 02 participants. The operation of the tour can only be guaranteed by the end of the free cancellation deadline of the land services, which is 40 days prior to departure (release).
- The transfers on arrival and departure day are included in the roundtrip rate from 02 persons on; in case 01 pax arrives/departs separately, surcharges for extra transfers will apply.
- All transfers and excursions are on TRAVEL PERU-seat-in-service and include local English-speaking guides (changing in each area), except of the following non-TRAVEL PERU-exclusive services:
- Day 08: Transfer Cusco/Puno is on regular seat-in basis.
- Day 09: Excursion Uros & Taquile on regular seat-in basis.
- Day 12: Tango Show at Viejo Almacén on regular seat-in basis. Transfers with Spanish speaking driver.
Transfers and excursions are provided together for passengers of both hotel categories: standard and superior.
- The small group guarantee of max. 12 participants cannot be ensured for services on regular seat-in-basis (non-TRAVEL PERU-exclusive services).
- Full payment of program 60 days prior to departure, please note any internal flights booked to be paid in full once confirmation of flights given.
- Cancellation Policy:
- Until 40 days prior departure no cancellation fee
- From 39 until 20 days prior departure maximum 50% cancellation fee
- From 19 - 1 days prior departure maximum 80% cancellation fee
- On arrival day 95% cancellation fee
Cancellation fees for flights are subject to separate cancellation conditions depending on the airline. For some airlines cancellation fees will apply already 60 days before arrival.
- Covid19:
TRAVEL PERU is not responsible for any Health Protocols and other requirements inflicted for both entry and departure ex/to any country within South America. Guests shall contact the corresponding embassies in their countries to check about any limitations or required Health controls when entering or departing each destination.
In case your booking is suffering changes due to protocols implemented by the government, TRAVEL PERU contact will advise you latest at the time of reconfirmation of the booking.
In case a guest tests positive while traveling in South America, he/she will be obliged to follow each country's and hotel's protocol regarding quarantine and follow-up testing. As some hotels refuse to host guests who tested positive for Covid19, hotel changes might be necessary. Any extra costs resulting from Covid19 related quarantine or re-routing of the guest need to be paid directly by the guest or her/his insurance. Travel Peru will assist throughout the stay.
In the unlikely event that traveling will be made impossible due to government regulations such as closed borders in either the country of origin of the guest or the destination, Travel Peru will be refunding the cost of the trip.
In case a guest tests positive for Covid19 before traveling to South America and provides a copy of the positive test results, TRAVEL PERU will be refunding the cost of the trip.
Exceptions might apply for air tickets issued through TRAVEL PERU, as this will depend on the airline policy with regard to refunds.
Refunds will be done once suppliers refunded any advance payments to our bank account.
We strongly suggest all guests planning to come to South America purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering Covid19 related costs.
- In case of early transfers breakfast in the hotel cannot be guaranteed. If a dinner is included in the program, it cannot be guaranteed in case of unforeseen late arrivals.
- The mentioned kilometers do not include the distances covered by airplane, boat or on trekking excursions.
- TRAVEL PERU is not responsible for any belongings of the passengers carried during any services rendered by TRAVEL PERU, such as transfers or tours.
- Bordering the train to/from Machu Picchu /Aguas Calientes the passport or copy has to be shown.
- For the train ride to/from Machu Picchu /Aguas Calientes only one 5 kg piece of hand luggage is allowed. For the visit of Machu Picchu, we recommend good shoes, the trail is without handrail and could be slippery. Walking sticks need to have a rubbery end in order to be permitted inside the Sanctuary.
- For entering Machu Picchu Sanctuary, it is not allowed to bring glass, plastic bottles or food. Large backpacks (more than 20-liter volume) have to be stored at an extra cost at the storage by the entrance.
- Entrance Fees to Machu Picchu:
Please note that to protect the ruins, the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are restricted. The number of entrance fees available is usually sufficient if bought in advance; however, note that for a possible second day at Machu Picchu we always recommend buying the entrance ticket in advance to avoid disappointment, if not already included in the offer.
Inside the ruin site, 4 different routes (upper and lower circuits, short and long version) are available which our guides will point out, depending on the time of day, fitness level, and personal interest of the guests.
Note that there are no bathrooms inside the citadel and tickets do not allow leaving the citadel and re-entering.
The 3 main sites within the Machu Picchu ruins are limited to the following visiting hours:
- Intihuatana Sundial: 07:00-10:00am
- Temple of the Condor: 10:00am-01:00pm
- Temple of the Sun: 01:00pm-04:00pm
Please note that to purchase entrance tickets; we need the full name, passport number, and date of birth of each passenger.
- For groups travelling through Cusco please note that due to regulations in order to protect the historic buildings and streets, certain larger vehicle sizes are not allowed in some central areas of the city. This implies that that various parts of the city tour will be done walking, and in order to approach hotels groups will be split up temporarily in smaller vehicles, and some vehicles will be travelling for a short period of time without an assistant (driver only).
- For the internal flights as shown in this program, TRAVEL PERU can offer this service and book/ reserve all your flights. If you require this service, TRAVEL PERU will book/reserve your flights and invoice you for the total amount. If you wish to book and reserve your flights directly yourselves, TRAVEL PERU will provide all the carriers and flight information necessary, so you can book. This will ensure that hopefully the whole group will travel together on the same flights.
- Our prices include taxes, entrance fees, tax & service charge in the hotels and the obligatory luggage fees at the airports and in the hotels. Meals are included as and when mentioned in our program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Room Tax at the hotel in Brazil is not included in our quotes. This tax is an optional payment and passengers will be instructed locally that its payment is not mandatory.
- Our prices do not include airport taxes, airfares, personal expenses, extras in the hotels and tips.
- Travel Peru has the right to sell this tour to other clients without any exception.
- The above-mentioned rates for pre- and post-nights at the group hotels are subject to availability and valid for max. 3 nights. From the 4th night on, a higher rate could apply.
- Optional tours can only be booked through our local TRAVEL PERU-office or TRAVEL PERU-guides. TRAVEL PERU cannot be held responsible for tours booked via any other supplier. Tours have to be paid on the spot. Payment by credit card is not always accepted.
- Flights not booked via TRAVEL PERU can only be reconfirmed by TRAVEL PERU with the correct bookings/ reservations.
- For group flight reservations in general, no seat assignments can be made in advance so that preferred seating cannot be guaranteed. Groups are checked in at the airport and this is when the seats are distributed by the airlin
- 8 weeks prior to arrival complete passenger details including full name, passport number and validity date, Nationality, date of birth and international ticket number is required.
- Our quoted hotel rates in Peru do not include 18% local VAT tax. Peruvian law exonerates all foreigners visiting Peru for periods of sixty days or less, of the 18% local VAT tax. This will be verified by means of presenting their passport when checking into the hotel, a copy will be taken.
Important: Cancellation charges for hotel services may increase to 118% of the sales rate in case of no-show or last-minute cancellation. In case the requirements are not met by the guests, the 18% local VAT tax will be charged directly to them.
- Rates for accommodation services in Argentina are based on bookings made by non-resident foreign visitors. For nationals or foreign residents in Argentina, rates are not valid and a surcharge of 21% local tax applies on all hotel services. Travel Peru requires the complete information (name and surname, nationality, country of residence, passport number) on behalf of each passenger at the time of placing a firm booking (FITs) or at the time of confirming the final allotment of a group booking or series (“final rooming list”). In some cases, we may require you to send us a copy of the passports of each passenger.
Important: Cancellation charges for hotel services may increase to 121% of the sales rate in case of no-show or last-minute cancellation. In such cases the 21% local tax (IVA), which are refunded to tourists with foreign residency, will be charged in addition to our quoted hotel rates.
- Please inquire at the competent authorities about the actual entry permit, validity of passports and the vaccination regulations.
- TRAVEL PERU liability will be limited to the reimbursement of services supplied for failure of services contracted by us. TRAVEL PERU cannot be held liable for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity occasioned by air-carriers or third-party suppliers and by natural phenomena, sickness, war, quarantine, strike, or any other kind of force major or by attendance to Federal Police, customs and Health Authorities regulations.
Conditions of Payment:
Unless otherwise agreed, the full payment is due 60 days prior to arrival.
Best of Peru Incan World: 09 Days
Best of South America: 15 Days
Best of Peru and Brazil: 15 Days
Best of Argentina and Chile: 12 Days
Best of Argentina and Brazil: 8 Days