Best of South America

Today, proceed on a guided city tour of Buenos Aires – which has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. Visit Avenida de Mayo the avenue that runs into the Plaza De Mayo (main square), which is surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Cabildo (City Hall) and the Congress building. Later stop at La Boca, a colourful area with a cluster of attractions near the Riachuelo River. At Caminito Street we meet painters offering their Tango pictures and we pass Colon Theatre, the cultural pride of the ’porteños’ (as the inhabitants of Buenos Aires are known). In the evening, enjoy a Tango lesson and then go for the Tango Show at Tango Porteño, complete with a delicious local dinner. Overnight in Buenos Aires

Today, we fly to Lima, the capital of Peru. On a guided tour, exploring both the old and the new Lima – the Plaza de Armas with the beautiful buildings of the Government Palace, the Town Hall, the Palace of the Archbishop and the Cathedral. Thanks to its magnificent colonial architecture, the historic centre of Lima has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Later we visit the Larco Herrera Museum with its collection of 3,000 years of ceramic, precious metal artifacts and archaeological treasures.

Today, the day is free to explore Lima own your own, OR we suggest a full-day excursion to view the Nazca Lines, a group of pre-Columbian geoglyphs ranging from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds and animals, spiders, monkeys,sharks and lizards. If you opt for this tour you will be picked up from your hotel in Lima and driven to the Pisco airport (almost four hours) to board a 12-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft for a 90-minute flight over the Nazca Lines. After your excursion you will be dropped back to hotel in Lima by evening. Overnight in Lima

Today, you fly to Cuzco. On arrival proceed to your hotel. Since Cuzco is at a high altitude, there could be respiratory problems, but hotels here supply free ’special tea’ and oxygen cylinders to take care of such problems. Take a guided city tour of Cuzco in the afternoon to see the archaeological sites that date from Inca times and colonial art treasures from Spanish times. Visit the famous Temple of the Sun and the Korikancha – the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Overnight in Cuzco

Today, proceed on a full-day tour to Machu Picchu – also called the Lost City of the Incas. Take a train till Aguas Calientes and then a small bus up the steep mountain to the ruins of Machu Picchu, high in the Andes mountains. This wonderful stone city was constructed with a technique incredible for its era and even for present times. The ’Cultural Heritage of Mankind’ is another of its names. Overnight in Cuzco

Today, fly to Iguassu via Lima. Iguassu is famous for its stunning Falls, located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. A total of 275 waterfalls make up the Iguassu Falls, which are the widest and most imposing waterfalls on Earth and a highlight of the Argentine/Brazilian rainforest. Overnight in Iguassu

Today, visit the Argentinean side of the thundering Iguassu Falls, taking a boat ride that goes almost to the foot of the falls. The impressive falls, surrounded by sub-tropical flora and fauna, provide an image that is etched forever in one’s mind. A train takes visitors to and from the most impressive observation point of the falls – The Devil’s Throat. Overnight in Iguassu.

Today, take a trip to the Brazilian side of the falls. We walk along a narrow 1,500m. path and along with the catwalk that goes very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat, from where you will enjoy breathtaking views over the Brazilian side of the falls. In the evening we take a flight to Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil’s most important cities, which was the capital of the Portuguese empire and of the country up until 1960. Also known as `The Marvelous City’ Rio is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and for its location – nestled between steep, green mountains and crystal clear seas. Overnight in Rio De Janeiro

Today, we go to Cosme Velho Train station to board the interesting cogwheel train to Corcovado Mountain, to view the colossal statue of Christ The Redeemer, at the summit of this mountain. We take the train back and then go for a drive along the beaches to reach the Red Beach, with its beautiful cable car station. Here we board a cable car to Urca Hill and Sugar Loaf Mountain, from where we admire Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. We also visit the famous Copacabana Beach and the downtown area. In the evening we go for a colourful Samba Show at the Plataforma. Overnight in Rio De Janeiro

Today, we drive to the airport for your flight home. It’s time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hope you take back many wonderful memories of your holiday