It was wonderful! We were a group of five, two grandparents in their seventies, two grand-daughters, ages 12 and 15, and their mother, our daughter in-law. The thre ... more Helen Jacobs
Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 12 nights (3 nights in Buenos Aires, 2 nights in Iguazu, 3 nights in Lima, 3 nights in Cusco, and 1 night in Machu Picchu), and 18 meals (13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners).
Elevations: Cusco is 10,912 feet (above sea level), the Sacred Valley of the Incas is 8,944 feet, and Machu Picchu is 7,900 feet.
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and Machu Picchu
Argentina's cosmopolitan capital city of Buenos Aires offers unique neighborhoods including San Telmo and Ricoleto, impressive historical architecture, and Tango dancing. The Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina, are one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world. They are formed by 275 different cascades, some as tall as 270 feet. In Peru, you will enjoy Machu Picchu, the spectacular mountaintop citadel, which was recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Activities: Cultural/historical sightseeing, jeep riding, zodiac boating, and hiking.
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Depart to Buenos Aires via overnight flight.
Day 2: Buenos Aires/Panoramic City Tour
After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will have a panoramic city tour of Buenos Aires. This tour will cover the most important sights in the city. You will visit the impressive National Congress (the Parliament), the Civic Centre, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the headquarters of the executive branch of the government, and the town Hall. You will also see one of the best Opera Houses in the world. The tour will continue with a visit to the neighborhood of San Telmo, and you will learn about its history. On Sundays, you will be able to enjoy a flea market. You will go next to La Boca, known for its colorful architecture and for being the first port in Buenos Aires. This neighborhood was originally settled by Italian immigrants. You will also visit the Palermo and Recoleta areas of the city and modern neighborhoods such as Puerto Madero, with big mansions and great parks. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B)
Note: Check in time in Buenos Aires is typically 2:00pm. We can request early check-in for you but cannot guarantee it.
Day 3: Buenos Aires/Fiesta Gaucha
In the morning, you will have an excursion to the Argentine countryside to enjoy a day on a ranch 'estancia' and discover its traditional dance and music, and experience a true 'Festival Gaucho'. Typical 'empanadas' (meat pies) and superb Argentinean wine will be offered. Later, you will enjoy a delicious Argentine-style barbecue. This will be followed by a folkloric show with singing and dancing, a demonstration of the gaucho (cowboy) skills of horseback riding and rodeo, a horse exhibition, and 'the sortija' (ring race). You may also ride a horse or typical carriage to have a better feel for the gaucho's way of life. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B,L)
Day 4: Buenos Aires/Tango Dinner Show
Free day at leisure or to enjoy an optional tour (not included). In the evening, you will enjoy a typical Argentine dinner and wine, and a Tango show with a re-creation of the original style and melancholic rhythms of the 1940's. The impressive lyrics will be interpreted by some of the best singers in the city. You will also hear some folk music from the Altiplano region of the country. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B,D)
Day 5: Buenos Aires/Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, you will have a 1 and ½ hour tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Located in Iguazu National Park, these spectacular falls are comprised of 275 individual cascades, and are more than 1.90 miles wide and 260 ft. high. You will walk along the main trail (one mile) on a catwalk above the lower Iguazu River to the series of falls that comprise the Devil's Throat. Then you will take an elevator to an observation deck for a spectacular panoramic view of the falls. At the end of this tour, you will be transferred to your hotel on the Argentinian side. Overnight in Puerto Iguazu. (B)
Note: U.S. Citizens need a visa to enter Brazil.
Day 6: Iguazu Falls (Argentine Side)/Great Adventure Tour
In the morning, you will return to Iguazu Falls to view the falls from the Argentine side and for the Great Adventure Tour. On the Argentine side of the falls, you will visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the biodiversity of the jungle and the culture and history of the surrounding area. You can also take the Ecological Forest Train to the Garganta del Diable (Devil's Throat) Station and the Cataratas Station, which will take you to the upper and lower circuits, and other walking trails. In the afternoon, you will have the Great Adventure Tour. First, you will ride semi-rigid zodiac boats to reach the bottom of San Martin, Bosetty, Tres Mosqueteros and Canon de Garganta del Diablo falls and down the river rapids up to Puerto Macuco (two miles from the falls). Then, you will ride in an open jeep along the rainforest, observing the local flora and fauna with the aid of specialized guides. Overnight in Puerto Iguazu. (B)
Day 7: Iguazu Falls/Lima
Transfer the airport for your flight Lima. After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Lima. (B)
Day 8: Lima/City Tour
In the afternoon, you will have a city tour of Lima. You will visit downtown Lima and see several examples of the Spanish architecture of the colonial period including the Plaza de Armas, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Church of San Francisco and Catacombs. After that, you will see Huaca Huallamarca, a restored adobe pyramid dating from the pre-Inca period located in San Isidro. You will tour the upscale residential and commercial district of Miraflores and see the Parque del Amor, a seaside park with a huge statue of a kissing couple, before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Lima. (B)
Day 9: Lima/Cusco/City Tour
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Because of the high altitude (10,912 feet above sea level), we recommend that you rest for a short period. In the afternoon, you will have a city tour that includes a walk through of the Cathedral, the Koricancha ('site of gold'), typical streets, and the four ruins that surround the city: the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Kenko, Puca Pucara, and Tampumachay. Overnight in Cusco. (B)
Day 10: Cusco/Sacred Valley/Awanakancha/Pisac Market/Ollantaytambo
Today you will have a full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour begins at Awanakancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes, where you can observe traditional textile dyeing and weaving techniques and the four types of camelids that are native to the region. You will also visit the Indian artisan market in Pisac and have lunch at a local restaurant (included). The last stop is the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo that served as both a fortress and ceremonial center, and is the site of a short-lived victory by the Incas over the Spanish. Overnight in Cusco. (B,L)
Note: The Indian market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from October to March, and daily from April to September. On the days of the week that the market is not open, you will be taken to the Inca ruins above the village.
Day 11: Cusco/Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer to the train station for the ride to Machu Picchu, 'the Lost City of the Incas' (7,900 ft.). This mountaintop citadel, which served as both a center of worship and an astronomic observatory, is located in the middle of the cloud forest overlooking the Urubamba River. There are both agricultural and urban areas constructed with the precision stonework that the Incas are known for. The agricultural area consists of terraces and food storehouses, and the urban area contains temples, squares, and royal tombs. Guided tour followed by lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
Day 12: Machu Picchu/Cusco
This is a free day to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You may want to hike Huayna Picchu or enjoy another activity. Mid-afternoon, you will depart from Machu Picchu by train to Poroy Station in the Sacred Valley, and then be taken to your hotel in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco. (B)
Day 13: Cusco/Lima/Folkloric Dinner Show
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will enjoy a Folkloric Dinner Show at Junius Restaurant. Overnight in Lima. (B,D)
Day 14: Lima
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and Machu Picchu
Single
Double
Triple
3 Star
$3,609
$2,379
$2,199
4 Star
$3,979
$3,089
$2,749
5 Star
$6,039
$4,199
$3,639
Deluxe
$9,159
$5,829
$5,729
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
NOTES:
The above prices are valid until December 15, 2013.
Room upgrades and additional nights in each destination are available upon request.
Machu Picchu Pueblo, Hatuchay Tower, and Sanctuary Lodge accommodations include breakfast and dinner.
Upgrade to the Hiram Bingham train, which operates every day except Sunday, is available for $450 per person.
Oxygenated rooms are available at the Monasterio for an additional $50 per room per day.
Christmas Season and High Season (from June to August) surcharges may apply.
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and Machu Picchu
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
Excursion to Machu Picchu via Vistadome train.
Other excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
Local, English-speaking tour guides.
The Price of This Tour Does Not Include
International airfare.
Domestic airfare within Argentina and Peru.
International airport departure tax in Argentina ($28).
Argentine reciprocity tax ($131).
Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
Gratuities to tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
Gifts and personal items.
Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.
