Best of South America with Amazon and Galápagos Cruises

Welcome to Santiago. We’ll meet and transfer you to your hotel. Tonight, join a welcome dinner.

Travel to the coastal city of Valparaíso, where you’ll find colourful cliffside houses sloping down to the sea. Known to Chileans as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’, the city offers an eclectic mix of art, culture and commerce. Embark on a Signature Experience before relaxing over lunch at a local vineyard. Afterwards, return to Santiago.

Signature Experience – Valparaíso Funicular Ride

Explore this World Heritage-listed city’s historic quarter, then enjoy a funicular ride and take in brilliant views of Valparaíso’s vibrant buildings and port. 

This morning, you’ll set off on a guided discovery of the bustling Chilean capital, which is wedged between the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before choosing where to dine this evening.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Liguria Lastarria

Dive into the rich Chilean flavours at Liguria Lastarria. With a wide array of dishes on the menu, including traditional empanadas, tuna tartar and Chilean-style pichanga, accompanied by cocktails, wine and beer, experience tantalising flavours.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Ambrosia

Chef Carolina Bazan brings dishes to life with a menu that combines the delectable flavours of Chilean and French cuisine, including a sumptuous ceviche. Enjoy the perfect fusion of elegant comfort food and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. 

Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in the city’s prominent Recoleta district. Home to some of Argentina’s wealthiest families, Recoleta is a leafy neighbourhood dotted with beautiful parks and grand mansions, located just north of the city centre. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.

This morning join a guided discovery of the city, which includes the Italian-influenced barrio La Boca, a neighbourhood known for its Latino vibe and brightly painted pedestrian streets. Explore the bohemian district of Palermo, filled with trendy eateries and galleries, before arriving at La Recoleta Cemetery. This is the resting place of key Argentinian figures, such as the nation’s former First Lady, Eva Peron. Following your city tour, delight in a Signature Experience. This evening, choose from three dining options.

Signature Experience – Tango Demonstration and Tapas Delve into the heart of Argentinean tradition and local culture as you witness a vivacious tango demonstration accompanied with a selection of authentic tapas.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Fogon Asado Cut off a slice of local culture with a visit to Fogon Asado and enjoy the intoxicating aroma and taste of South American barbecued meats.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Alvear Grill Enter through a private entrance at the Alvear Palace Hotel into a world of gastronomic delight that combines traditional grilling techniques with non-traditional cuts of premium meat in a relaxed, elegant setting.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Dinner & Tango Show Enjoy a taste of local culture in Buenos Aires with a passionate tango show and a selection of delicious Argentine dishes.

Decide how you’d like to spend today with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.

Freedom of Choice – Tigre Cruise

Head to the island town of Tigre and enjoy a cruise over the rivers and canals of the Paraná Delta.

Freedom of Choice – Parisian Walking Tour

Discover the Parisian character of Buenos Aires. Visit the Plaza San Martin, Plazoleta Pellegrini and more.

Freedom of Choice – Teatro Colón Tour 

Immerse yourself in Buenos Aires’ sophisticated high-arts scene on a fascinating tour of the iconic and majestic Teatro Colón, considered the one of world’s leading opera houses thanks to its impeccable acoustics. 

This morning, fly to Iguazú Falls. This natural wonder straddles the Argentina-Brazil border. Arriving on the Argentine side, set off on the Rainforest Ecological Train to a series of walkways and viewing points, including one to the 80-metre-deep Devil’s Throat. Then, continue to your hotel, where you will savour a sensational Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

As the only hotel in Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park, this Belmond property combines elegance and luxury with off-the-grid charm, ideally situated within sight and sound of the incredible Iguazú Falls. Enjoy a two-night stay in this opulent hotel and revel in the property’s unrivalled location. 

Spanning an impressive width of some 2.7 kilometres, Iguazú Falls is made up of 275 separate waterfalls. Soak up panoramic views of the Falls with a leisurely walk between each of the viewing platforms. Later, embark on your preferred Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity and see the Falls from a different perspective. At the day’s end, enjoy a quintessentially Brazilian Signature Experience at your hotel.

Freedom of Choice – Jet Boat Safari

Get up close to the roaring cascades of Iguazú Falls on a thrilling jet boat safari.

Freedom of Choice – Helicopter Ride

Experience the stunning panoramas of Iguazú Falls from the air during a thrilling scenic helicopter ride.

Signature Experience – Sommelier-Guided Cachaça Tasting

Indulge in a cachaça tasting this evening at your hotel, which boasts one of the largest cachaça collections in Brazil. In celebration of Brazil’s national spirit, which is well known as the key ingredient in the Caipirinha cocktail, a cachaça sommelier will lead you on a delightful journey of flavours. 

Begin your day with a visit to Parque das Aves bird park, where you’ll see colourful native South American birds. Later, fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s most visited city, set between lush, forested mountains and sandy shores. On arrival, we’ll meet and transfer you to your elegant art deco hotel, primely located opposite the golden sands of the iconic Copacabana Beach.

See Rio de Janeiro from above with a visit to Corcovado, the mountain famed for its Christ the Redeemer statue, thought to be the world’s largest art deco sculpture. From here, enjoy sweeping vistas of the sprawling city. Towards the evening, board a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain to toast the sunset and incredible views with a drink. Tonight, dine at a local restaurant and taste Brazil’s famously delicious barbeque fare. 

Today, enjoy an included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity and experience more of Rio de Janeiro.

Freedom of Choice – Colonial Walking Tour

Discover more about the history of Rio de Janeiro with an enthralling guided tour of some of the city’s most significant colonial sites.

Freedom of Choice – Guanabara Bay Boat Tour

Navigate your way through the tranquil waters of Guanabara Bay as you embark on a half-day boat tour of Rio de Janeiro’s beautiful coastline. 

After breakfast this morning, be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Lima, where we’ll meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Savour a delicious lunch at Café del Museo before enjoying a visit to the Larco Museum.

Discover the Peruvian capital’s World Heritage-listed historic centre with a guide today. Afterwards, enjoy a Signature Experience at a private hacienda before visiting the ruins of Pachacamac. 

Signature Experience – Peruvian Paso Horse Show

Pay a visit to a private hacienda, which showcases the nation’s regional traditions. Sit down to a lunch of traditional South American fare and enjoy a Peruvian Paso horse show. 

After breakfast today, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your included flight to Cusco, the pre-Columbian Inca capital of Peru. From here, be transferred to your hotel and then visit the working corn farm where you’ll enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch. 

Travel to a small community tucked away in the Sacred Valley hillside, where you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience. Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a guide, including another Signature Experience which takes you to the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray terraces. In the evening, savour a delectable dinner at your hotel.

Signature Experience – Traditional Weaving Demonstration

Be welcomed by the local Misminay community before watching a traditional weaving demonstration. Discover how Peru’s colourful textiles are created by hand as you learn about the craft, which has been passed down through generations. Then, enjoy a traditional lunch with views of the Andes mountains and surrounding valleys.

Signature Experience – Salt Mines of Maras and Moray Terraces

See the glistening salt pools spill over the terraced slopes at the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras. Afterwards, visit the fascinating Incan circular terraces at the Moray archaeological site. 

Today, embark on incredible rail journey to Aguas Calientes during your Signature Experience. Upon arrival, enjoy free time before dinner at the hotel.

Signature Experience – Inca Rail First Class Machu Picchu Train

Travel on Inca Rail’s First Class Machu Picchu Train and journey through forested landscapes to the township of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board while taking in the magnificent views that unfold before you.

This morning, you’ll enjoy a full immersion into the natural setting and incredible heritage of Machu Picchu as you set off on a locally guided exploration of the Lost City of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Later, board the Vistadome Machu Picchu Train for your return trip to the Sacred Valley. Here, transfer by coach to Cusco and settle into your hotel, primely located in the heart of this historic city.

A guided discovery of Cusco takes you to Plaza de Armas, situated in the historic centre of the city. This afternoon, delve into Peruvian culture with an included Freedom of Choice activity. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at MAP Café, located in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Freedom of Choice – Peruvian Cooking Class

Satiate your gustatory senses with a cooking class, discovering traditional Peruvian dishes and ingredients.

Freedom of Choice – Sacsayhuamán Fortress Visit

Explore the 15th-century dry stone archaeological site at the Incan Sacsayhuamán Fortress. 

Board an early flight via Lima to Iquitos, a city located on the banks of the Peruvian Amazon. Here, you’ll step aboard your boutique vessel and set off to discover the spectacular flora and fauna as you explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Naturalist guides will reveal the secrets of the rainforest and its inhabitants; taking skiff boats to hidden corners of the river, trail walks through the lush vegetation, or on a gentle kayak in calm creeks. This afternoon, embark on a skiff exploration along the Maranon River and listen to the rhythmic sounds of the jungle as you settle in.

Spend the morning on the waters of the Samiria River on a skiff exploration. Travel on a stable and safe boat accompanied by an expert naturalist guide and learn about this part of the river. After lunch, relax back on board before the afternoon’s excursions. During the low water season (June – October), ascend to the rainforest canopy on a suspended walkway, one of the longest treetop walks in the world, and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Amazon and its elevated ecosystem. In the high water season (November – May), embark on another fascinating skiff excursion or try your luck at piranha fishing.

Get even closer to the water on a kayaking trip in the calm waters of the Reserve at Yanayacu-Pucate. Then, search for more amazing creatures and vegetation, as your naturalist guide takes you deep into the rainforest on a jungle walk at Fundo Casual. Get an intimate view of the Amazon’s ecosystem and wildlife inhabiting this unique environment including frogs, snakes and insects.

Today you have the chance to fish for piranhas on the Yarapa River and discover other exotic animals who call the river home. As you cruise, watch for scarlet macaws, Amazonian parrotlets, iguanas and squirrel monkeys.

Your cruise ends with a transfer to Iquitos. On the way, stop off for a visit to the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals. Learn about the rescue work achieved by volunteers at the centre, then hear about manatees and feed these majestic, endangered animals. Finally, board your flight to Lima.

This morning, fly from Lima to Guayaquil, the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. On arrival to Guayaquil, embark on a scenic tour of Ecuador’s largest city, taking in its flagship sights. Guayaquil Heritage Cemetery is an infinite sea of opulent white marble statues and heavenly adornment, while Barrio Las Penas is a vivacious rainbow of colourfully decorated buildings. Parque Seminario is best known for its thriving population of friendly iguanas, who roam free-range and happily coexist with human visitors. Other key sights you will visit today include the neo-Gothic Metropolitan Cathedral, the expansive Malecon 2000 esplanade, majestic Administration Square and more.

This morning, fly to Baltra Island, in the heart of the Galápagos National Park. Take a small ferry ride across the channel to Santa Cruz Island. Explore the island’s highlands and learn about its unique ecosystems and biodiversity before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, marvel at the archipelago’s famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat at a special reserve, which also features several lava tunnels. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering about, eating grass and leaves, and wallowing in small pools. The final stop for the day is Puerto Ayora, where you will board your floating home for the next four nights, La Pinta.

Explore Eden Islet off the coast of Santa Cruz this morning, where you will observe blue-footed boobies and reef sharks, and have the opportunity to snorkel and ride in a glass-bottom boat. Later in the day, discover the beautiful Sombrero Chino Islet and its resident white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins. The island’s crescent-shaped white sand beach offers excellent swimming and snorkelling.

This morning, visit the stunning and otherworldly Bartolome Island. A steep but rewarding climb up the Summit Trail offers panoramic vistas from the top. Following this, you may choose to enjoy a magical dinghy ride around the colossal Pinnacle Rock before relaxing on the beach, snorkelling in the paradisiacal waters or taking in the underwater ecosystem from a glass-bottom boat. After your included lunch on board, you have the option to travel by pangas to Sullivan Bay, and discover the remnants of a lava field that flowed to the bay less than a century ago. This is the perfect place to appreciate the volcanic origins of the Galápagos Islands and their unique ecosystems.

Enjoy another day exploring the islands by yacht on La Pinta. Today’s highlights include visits to Darwin Bay and Prince Philip’s Steps at Genovesa Island. Observe the fascinating marine and land birds at Darwin Bay and explore the bay’s volcanic geology. You will also have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the beautiful and tranquil waters. This afternoon, on Genovesa Island, you might opt to ascend Prince Philip’s Steps and enjoy a captivating walk across the island to marvel at colonies of Nazca boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl.

This morning, bid farewell to La Pinta and make your way to Baltra Island airport for your return flight to Guayaquil. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. 

After breakfast, your South American adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.