Essence Of South America

Our Escorted Escape begins today as we fly from Australia to Buenos Aires. On arrival we’ll be met by our tour leader and transferred to our hotel. This evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Boca

Our day begins with a tour of local neighbourhoods, including the colourful La Boca. Visit the city’s second oldest church and the celebrated Recoleta Cemetary. In the evening, discover the beauty and passion of Argentine culture at a traditional tango show and dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Boca

Venture beyond the city on a tour to the Paraná Delta, the world’s third largest river delta. Enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of city life on a relaxing boat ride, viewing landmarks that line the waterways, including Sarmiento’s historic home and museum.

Accommodation: Hotel Boca

Transfer to Buenos Aires airport for our flight to Lima. This afternoon includes a short city tour, followed by dinner and a guided walk of the magical circuit of water at the Parque de la Reserva.

Accommodation: Wyndham Hotel Lima Airport

Rise early for our flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. A short boat ride takes us into the rainforest and our base for experiencing this unique region.

Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion

Explore the surroundings with a morning excursion to Lake Sandoval. After lunch, discover breathtaking vistas from the 30m high Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. Later in the evening you can take a guided rainforest-by-night excursion, listening out for the melodies of the nocturnal species.

Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion

Today we learn about local cultivation techniques on a farm excursion. Relax in the afternoon or head out on a canoe to try your hand at traditional catch-and-release fishing.

Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion

This morning we transfer back to Puerto Maldonado airport for our flight to Cusco. On arrival, we will be met by a local guide and transferred to the Sacred Valley in the Andean highlands. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy at your leisure and acclimatise to the altitude.

Accommodation: Hacienda del Valle

Discover the charming Incan city of Pisac – an ancient site perched high above the present day Pisac town – and its magnificent views over the Vilcanota River. We also visit the Pisac markets and admire the local handicrafts.

Accommodation: Hacienda del Valle

Explore the Incan ruins at Ollantaytambo before taking an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery through the valley from the comfort of the Vistadome train.

Accommodation: El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra

Today is an early start as we travel up from town to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu. Learn about the rich history of this awe-inspiring ancient city and enjoy time to explore on your own before returning to the hotel and regrouping for a relaxed dinner.

Accommodation: El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra

Take a morning train back to Ollantaytambo before a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to Cusco. En-route we’ll visit salt mines in the mountains and enjoy a weaving demonstration by local artisans. Tonight is free to enjoy at your leisure in Cusco.

Accommodation: Novotel Cusco

Embark on a guided tour of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site borne from the blending of Incan and European culture and architecture. Visit the Koricancha (Golden Temple) and San Christobal Church, fortress of Saksaywaman and the archaeological sites Qenko and Puca-Pucara.

Accommodation: Novotel Cusco

Today is a travel day as we fly across the continent to the town of Iguazú. Our hotel is located on the Argentinean side of the falls and here we enjoy our first night in this tropical paradise.

Accommodation: Mercure Iru Hotel

Your first views of the magnificent Iguazú Falls will be from the Argentinean side today. There are three main walking trails, each offering unique perspectives of the thundering waterfalls.

Accommodation: Mercure Iru Hotel

Today is a free day to relax and enjoy the facilities and activities your hotel has to offer, or venture further afield to explore the local area.

Accommodation: Mercure Iru Hotel

This morning explore the Brazilian side of the falls, following an impressive walking trail that takes you virtually under the falls. There is also time for an optional helicopter flight. In the afternoon, we head to the airport for our flight to Rio De Janeiro.

Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Hotel

Today we head through the city to Corcovado and the impressive Christ the Redeemer statue. Later we take the cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf mountain to take in the famous views across the entire city. Relax and refresh at the hotel before a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Hotel

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore, shop or perhaps relax on Copacabana or Ipanema beach before an afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight home

Today is spent travelling.

Our Escorted Escape ends. On arrival, farewell your new friends and tour host as you head home.