Signature South America Circle From Buenos Aires

On arrival into Buenos Aires you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Buenos Aires, Argentina’s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the “Paris of the South” due to its European atmosphere with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes.

Once you have left the airport and started your journey into the city, your Spanish speaking driver will hand you a phone where you will be greeted, welcomed to Buenos Aires and explained your itinerary for the following days by our local amigo in English. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and be given all the tips to help you enjoy your stay while visiting the Paris of South America.

Overnight in Buenos Aires

Morning at leisure.

This afternoon you will be collected from your hotel for a half day tour of the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Your tour has been specifically designed for our travellers and is based on our teams’ own experiences and expertise. Discover the history of the Plaza de Mayo Square, the site of Argentina’s most important historical events - see its surroundings and the most emblematic buildings and learn all about them. Continue onto San Telmo. Live and feel the original Tango in the neighbourhood of La Boca: walk along the famous Caminito Street. Here you will have the chance to wander around and soak up the atmosphere and if the timing is right, see a short tango demonstration. Pass by the Boca Juniors soccer stadium. Return to Recoleta. Here you will enter into the Recoleta cemetery with your guide. Experience shadowed walkways with towering marble mausoleums that are rich in Art Deco, Art Nouveau, baroque and neo-gothic architectural styles. You will find the final resting place of Eva Peron, "Evita", along with many other notable people.

Overnight in Buenos Aires

Today we transfer you to the airport for your flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls.

Upon arrival you will be met & transferred to your hotel
The spectacular Iguazu Falls that straddle the Argentine-Brazil border, are made up of 275 individual waterfalls lining a 2.7km wide horseshoe-shaped gorge. The Falls are located where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of the Paraná Plateau. The Falls can be viewed from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides, the Brazilian side offering a broader, panoramic view, with the Argentinian side offering a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls from close range.

Overnight in Iguazu, Argentina

Early morning pick up from your hotel for your full day of exploring the Argentine side of the falls. This tour always starts early in order to beat the crowds and get the first train to the Devil’s Throat. There are walkways over the islands which take you to a balcony over the falls and the most spectacular view of the entire Devil’s Gorge. You will then have plenty of time to walk the 800 metres of paths on the upper circuit. These new suspended walkways are detached from the jungle surface so as to protect the fauna by preventing disruption of the natural trails. From this circuit you have a higher sight of the falls, providing you with a magnificent panoramic view. It takes around one hour to cover the upper circuit. The lower circuit contains 600 metres of walkways, also detached from the jungle floor, and has great views from below and around the falls. Once you have finished all the circuits, return to the visitor centre where your vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel. Please note there is some degree of difficulty as the path includes many stairs, particularly on the lower circuit. On completion of the tour, you will be taken to your hotel. Please note this is small group tour and National Park Entrance Fee is included.

Overnight in Iguazu, Argentina

Today enjoy a half day tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. If you are staying on the Argentine side of the falls, you will be required to bring your passport as you will be crossing from Argentina into Brazil. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the Visitors Centre. From here board one of the Park Authority’s tourist buses and enter the National Park. Equipped with panoramic windows, the buses are designed to maximize your views of the falls, while the walkways and steps provide you with great panoramic views of the Argentinian side of the falls. Views of the Floriana Falls, the Devil’s Gorge Canyon and the Iguazu River are spectacular and are guaranteed to impress. Please note this is a small group tour and National Park Entrance Fee is included.

*Optional - Add on a visit to the Bird Park, or why not book an amazing helicopter flight over the falls. Additional costs apply. Please ask for more details.

At the end of the tour you will be taken to the airport for your onward flight to Rio.

Upon arrival into Rio, you will be met & transferred to your hotel.
Known as the ''Cidade Maravilhosa'', or Marvellous City, Rio never fails to amaze with its sandy beaches, carefree lifestyle and unparalleled natural beauty. As the capital of Brazil until 1960, Rio is today one of the most culturally and economically prominent cities in the country, receiving more tourists than any other part of Brazil.

Overnight in Rio

With an early start, today you will join a city tour exclusively designed for our guests for taking in all of Rio’s famous sights, including Corcovado, to get up close to the Christ the Redeemer statue. The next stop is Sugar Loaf Mountain, where you will board a cable car to the top of Urca Hill, with spectacular views of Rio’s famous beaches, bays, hills, and the city. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian BBQ for lunch and continue exploring more of the city including to Saint Benedict Monastery, Praça Maua, Duque de Caxias Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Pass by Flamengo and Botafogo beaches on your way back to your hotel.

Overnight in Rio

Spend a half day today on a great historical tour of Rio de Janeiro in the company of a professional guide and transportation. This tour will take you through the colonial avenues, squares and back streets of the city, and your guide will explain the important historical, political and social events that shaped Rio into South America's most exciting city. Focusing on the period or architectural style, fine examples of Baroque constructions would be the 'São Bento' and 'Santo Antonio' Monasteries, which recall the times when Brazil was a colony of Portugal. The French influence can be seen from buildings that were built as early as the 19th century and examples include the Municipal Theatre and the Fine Art museum. The city's cultural and artistic diversity is showcased on various cultural institutions such as the Cultural Centre Bank of Brasil and the Brazil-France House. Some other features of this tour are the Selaron Stairs, Lapa Arches, Metropolitan Cathedral, Candelária Church, 'Praça XV', 'Arco do Teles', Olympic Boulevard and finally the Museum of Tomorrow. Please note this is a private tour of approximately 6 hours duration.

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight in Rio

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight from Rio to Lima.

On arrival into Lima, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Lima, the capital of Peru, sits on the country's arid Pacific coast. Founded in 1535, its colonial centre is well preserved, but today Lima is a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. The city is home to the various museums including the Museo Larco that houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museo de la Nación, tracing the history of Peru’s ancient civilizations. Lima is known as the “gastronomical capital of the Americas”, encompassing specialties from ceviche and traditional coastal cooking to refined global fare. It even boasts several of the top restaurants in the world.

Overnight in Lima

Join your local guide will take you on an exclusive half-day tour of Lima’s culinary and historical highlights, designed by us to help you get the most out of the city, starting with a visit to a local market to sample some local fruit and a scenic stroll through the city’s historic downtown with some tastings of famous local bites along the way. Enjoy a stop at the San Francisco catacombs, a tour of Casa de Aliaga, a stunning colonial style mansion. End your tour with a Chilcano or Pisco Sour cocktail - both are made with the local brandy, Pisco.

You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

On arrival in Cusco, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where your representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel located in the Sacred Valley. Please note this service is with a driver only.

You have arrived to 3400m. Please walk slowly and take it easy, allow porters to assist with luggage if required. You will descend to 2700m on the 90 minute drive to the Sacred Valley Enjoy the spectacular local scenery and views of the Andes.

(NB Average altitudes - Cusco 3400m, Sacred Valley 2700m , Aguas Calientes 2050m, Machu Picchu 2400m)

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region in Peru's Andean highlands which, along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, formed the heart of the Inca Empire. Stretching roughly 60 kilometres from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, it’s an area of fertile farmland irrigated by the Urubamba River and Spanish colonial villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley

You will be collected from your hotel for a day of exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious. The first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market and Inca Ruins. There is free time to wander the colourful market stalls before heading uphill to the Pisac, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiracay ruins. Enjoy a fine buffet lunch in gardens overlooking the Valley.

Continue your journey along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo. The town, which is dominated by a giant Inca fortress, is perhaps the best surviving example of Inca town planning and was the scene of a rare Inca victory over the invading Spanish. Transfer to your hotel for the night.

Full Tourist Ticket included in your programme
Full BTG: Valid for 10 days. It grants you entry into the following sites in and around Cusco & the Sacred Valley:
Cusco cathedral, Religious Art Museum, Church of San Blas, Regional History Museum, Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero,Pachacutec Monument, Performance of Andean dance and live music.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley

Today will be transferred from your hotel to Ollantaytambo train station.

You will travel by train from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes.

*Due to limited space for luggage storage on trains, luggage restrictions apply: one bag or backpack (carry-on luggage) with a maximum weight of 5.0 kg/11 lb, measuring no more than 62 linear inches/157 linear cm (height + length + width)

Private Machu Picchu Guided Tour:
You will be astonished by your first view of Machu Picchu, a stunning display of ancient architecture with incredible surroundings. Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca site, located 2,430 metres above sea level on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley. It is the most famous of all Inca sites, but it was not until 1911 that it was brought to the world’s attention by the American historian Hiram Bingham. The Incas abandoned the city just prior to Spanish colonisation, the city was never pillaged and as a result the ruins are still in fantastic condition. With its location on a dramatic ridgeline surrounded by sheer cliffs and the Urubamba River on three sides, the city of Machu Picchu is a remarkable place to visit. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and in 2007 it was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Enjoy a tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries.

The tour includes guided tour with local English speaking guide and return bus from Aguas Calientes village. Please be aware that your tour of Machu Picchu does not include an entry permit to Huayna Picchu (the iconic hill behind the Machu Picchu ruins). If you want to climb Huayna Picchu then you need to pre-book your permit at least 3 months in advance and an extra day in your itinerary due to new site visit regulations. Please contact your Destination Specialist if you would like to do this.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Travel from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo in this comfortable train, and let your feet have a rest. Enjoy an authentic Andean experience, while relaxing in modern and comfortable interior design illuminated by Latin American music. Comfortable seats with tables in front to share the journey with friends.

Private Maras and Moray Tour
Today we will pick you up from Ollantaytambo train station for your Maras and Moray tour. Upon collection we will make a brief stop at your Sacred Valley hotel to collect your main luggage. The first stop will be Maras Salt ponds, believed to pre-date the Inca period, these shallow pools were dug into the mountainside which are filled with salt water from an underground spring from an adjacent mountain. Once the water evaporates, the salt is carefully collected and packaged up for sale. Witness locals harvest salt in the traditional way that has been practiced for well over 500 years. Situated roughly 7 km to the southwest of Maras, continue to Moray, which boasts an impressive Inca ruin of giant circular terraces that are believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation due to their exceptional irrigation system. On completion of this tour, you will be taken to your hotel in Cusco.

Cusco
Cusco, set at an altitude of 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes, was once the capital of the Inca Empire. It is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and Incan remains. Narrow, cobble-stoned streets lined by Inca walls stretch out from the main plaza in every direction. Many of the colonial buildings were built on top of Incan foundations and the stonework is unparalleled in its precision and beauty.

Overnight in Cusco

Today, explore the city’s fascinating history, from the Inca times to colonial rule to the present day. Wind through narrow cobble-stoned streets and visit the market of Cusco. Along the way, get the chance to see the colonial buildings. Visit the fascinating Koricancha Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral, built on the ruins of an Inca Palace. From here, head to Sacsayhuaman, a former Inca fortress perched atop the hill above Cusco, it presents a work of impeccable engineering (gigantic carved rocks that fit with absolute precision).

Overnight in Cucso

Free day in Cusco
Today is at leisure allowing you to spend time wandering the cobble-stoned streets of the ancient Inca capital. With treasures around every corner, Cusco is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Vibrant markets and stores give the traveller a plethora of shopping opportunities set amongst fine Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage city is lined with history and ancient monuments, a truly enthralling city to spend time in.


Late this afternoon transfer from your hotel to Cusco Airport for your flight(s) to Buenos Aires. (Or elsewhere depending on your needs)

This is usually an overnight flight, arriving in the morning in Buenos Aires where a hotel room will be awaiting your arrival for you to relax for awhile before taking a walking tour of Buenos Aires with a local.

This afternoon your guide will meet you at your hotel or a central meeting point in Recoleta and take you on a tour to see the city on foot. You will start by exploring the streets of the upscale and exclusive neighbourhood of Recoleta through a local’s eyes. Marvel at some of the classical architecture of the area while your guide points out hidden gems and must visit bars and coffee shops. Continue on through the beating heart of the city, Retiro. This suburb is home to many government buildings and you can learn more about the fascinating history of Buenos Aires, which was once one of the wealthiest and most prosperous cities in the world. Chat with your guide over a local Patagonian Ice Cream or a coffee and then jump in a taxi (or if you are feeling adventurous take a local bus!) and head over to the bohemian barrio of San Telmo. This is the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires and has a fascinating past, starting as an industrial area, becoming a settlement, then home to Jesuits and inhabited by African slaves and eventually becoming one of the most multicultural parts of the city. The areas eclectic air began attracting local artists. You will explore the San Telmo market, feasting on a tasty empanada while learning about the rich history. Wander the cobblestone streets and perhaps pop into a local antique shop or visit an artisan and learn more about their expert craftsmanship. You’ll also visit an old Conventillo and the quaint Plaza Dorrego, which hosts an authentic antiques market on certain days of the week.

End your tour with a taxi ride back to Recoleta for a demonstration and tasting of yerba mate – a traditional tea that is drunk in Argentina and other parts of South America before wandering back to your hotel. If you prefer your guide can drop you off at a speakeasy bar that is hidden inside a flower shop.

Your evening will be free for dinner, before your final transfer back to Buenos Aires late this evening for your flights back home to New Zealand.

**Please note this itinerary is based around return flights from Auckland to Buenos Aires.
However if you are coming from a different destination we can tailor the itinerary to suit your international flights.