The rugged stones of an Incan fortress tower over the mountainside of Machu Picchu as the melodic rhythms of a tango emanate from hidden dance studios in Buenos Aires. Your custom-tailored South America tour immerses you in Incan history and Argentinian culture on a luxurious exploration across mountain slopes and cobblestone streets. Toucans hide in the jungle canopy and staggering waterfalls cause the mist to rise across the sky. From verdant valleys to agricultural terraces, you will discover...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima – In the Image of Colonial Spain
The city of Lima shimmers with a mixture of colonial facades and high rises, traditional cevicherias (seafood restaurants) and remarkable cliffs ascending above the Pacific Ocean. Remnants of Pre-Columbian temples rise along the sands near chic cafes and 18th-century plazas. Your flight lands at Jorge Chavez International Airport, where your private transfer greets you upon arrival. The remarkable mixture of historic streets and contemporary life spread from the gold-sand beaches to the mesmeric hills rising along the edges of the urban sprawl. You embrace the welcoming semi-sweet aroma of the ocean as you settle into a luxurious hotel in the bohemian neighborhood of Miraflores.
Your introduction to the vibrant city takes you beyond the hints of lemon emanating from the restaurants, dressing the celebrated ceviche. Your guide leads you to the marvelous cathedral in the neighborhood of San Isidro. The structure was first erected in the 1530s upon Spanish arrival to the city. The main portal at the center of the tripartite doorway contains Lima’s coat-of-arms and two slate spires of neoclassical design. The interior contains hints of myrrh drifting through the 14 chapels, connecting to the Square of the Orange Trees. Your guide brings your attention to the sleeping lion statue, demarcating the tomb of Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lima – The Vibrant Life of Lima, Past, and Present
Day 3
Cusco – Colonial Vision of an Incan City
Day 4
Cusco – Taking Heart in the Sacred Valley
Day 5
Aguas Calientes – Touching the Hidden Stones
Day 6
Cusco – Hidden Wonder in the Hidden City
Day 7
Iguazu – From Hidden Charm to Visible Power
Day 8
Iguazu – Above and Below the Billowing Waters
Day 9
Buenos Aires – Brazilian View to Colonial Facades
Day 10
Buenos Aires – Before the Tango
Day 11
Buenos Aires – In the Liberty of Buenos Aires
Day 12
Buenos Aires – Morning of Medialunas
Trip Highlights
- Discover the treasured temples and homes hidden on a high-altitude plateau in the Andes at Machu Picchu
- Witness the preserved Incan architecture and Andean culture in the town of Pisac
- Traverse the remarkable walkways of Iguazu National Park for different perspectives of the stunning magnificence of Iguazu Falls
- Delight in the marvelous neighborhoods of Buenos Aires for an in-depth experience of antique architecture, contemporary life, and timeless tango
- Step beneath the colorful façade of San Francisco Monastery in Lima to view the unique catacombs of the city’s Spanish colonial history
- Stroll along the antique walls of Coricancha, the former Incan Temple of the Sun in the remarkable high-altitude city of Cuzco
- Visit the hidden Temple of the Moon at Machu Picchu, connected to the secluded city by a narrow trail hugging a steep cliff
- Cruise the canal of the Tigre Delta for a relaxing and refreshing view of the Argentine pampas
- See the tomb of the legendary Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro, located in the Lima
Detailed Description
South America offers endless cultural exploration for immersive experiences amidst Andean heritage and life on the pampas, colorful textiles, and enthusiastic dances. Your 12-day tour of South American takes you from Peru to Argentina, emphasizing the unique characteristic of Incan history and the contemporary lifestyle of Buenos Aires. The distinctive properties of the landscape help shape tradition, and the exciting scenery captivates and inspires. Your South American tour begins with your arrival in Lima. Contemporary life meets tradition along the streets of Peru’s capital city. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to a luxurious hotel in the chic seaside neighborhood of Miraflores. You have an introductory tour of the city that highlights how the past and present blend to form a consolidated representation of the country.
The following day, your guide leads you on a full day tour of the city’s marvelous colonial architecture and into the depths of the catacombs beneath San Francisco Convent. Then, you depart Lima for Cuzco, located in the high-altitude hills of the Andes Mountains. After leaving the airport, you settle into a comfortable hotel near Plaza de Armas and take a tour of the preserved Incan architecture and traditions filling the city. You venture outside the former Incan capital to visit the vibrant town of Pisac, which sits at the center of Andean culture. Visit the thriving market and the surrounding Incan ruins before continuing to the fortress and preserved Incan homes at Ollantaytambo. Next, you board a scenic train through the Sacred Valley to reach the base of Machu Picchu. Relish a guided tour of the once hidden city for spectacular insight into the captivating past of the life lived on the plateau.
Return to the summit of Machu Picchu for a morning amongst the ruins, ascending to the peak of Huayna Picchu or traversing the hidden trails leading to the Temple of the Moon. You return to Cuzco in the afternoon and have the remainder the day at your leisure to stroll along the cobblestone streets or visit the art galleries and museums. Afterward, you have a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguazu in Argentina. Rainforest encircles the town known for its proximity to Iguazu Falls. You have the day at leisure to relish the luxury of your secluded jungle hotel or visit one of the bird sanctuaries or botanic gardens around town.
Then, you venture into Iguazu National Park to wander the trails. Each walkway leads to a marvelous view of the cliffs encompassing nearly 300 distinct cascades. Cross the border into Brazil to view the falls from the Brazilian side of the river before taking your flight from Iguazu to Buenos Aires. Your private transfer meets you at the airport in Buenos Aires and escorts you to an elegant hotel in the lush neighborhood of Recoleta. Enjoy an introductory walking tour of the city to gain your bearings of a city often referred to as the “Paris of South America.”
Your guide leads you on a spectacular tour of the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires to view the unique qualities that create the city’s vibrant amalgamation. In the afternoon, you meet a tango instructor to partake in a private dance lesson for which the city is famous. Spend a day at your leisure to relish the rhythm of the city at your desired pace. Continue to bask in the café culture or visit the various art museums and boutique shops. You could also explore the outer reaches of the region by venturing to the Tigre Delta to delight in a canal cruise. On your final day, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to the hotel for your flight home, leaving the splendors of Buenos Aires behind.
Starting Price
$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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