22 day Grand Tour of South America – June 2027

Day 1 - HOME/SANTIAGO

This morning, we board our LATAM airways flight bound for Santiago (Chile). Upon arrival into Santiago, meet and greet with your local tour guide followed lunch and afterwards, take a cable car up San Cristobel hill for a beautiful panoramic view of the city. We then check into our hotel for a quick rest and freshen up before dinner.

Meals -As per flight / Lunch / Dinner

Overnight - Le Meridien Santiago Hotel or similar

Day 2 - SANTIAGO FULL DAY

This morning, enjoy a city tour that begins with a visit to the emblematic Main Square (Plaza de Armas), surrounded by architectural wonders such as the Cathedral and the Municipality. Next, we will move to Constitution Square (Plaza Constitución), home to the famous Palacio de la Moneda (Palace of the Mint), which is the presidential seat of the government. As we explore the city’s most charming streets and neighbourhoods which are rich in history and modernity, we will taste one of its typical flavours, such as “mote con huesillo,” a sweet and refreshing drink. In the afternoon, we will drive through the Paris-Londres area and enjoy the views of its streets and churches. Along the way, we will also observe Santiago's eastern part, where the exclusive neighbourhoods of Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura are located.

Meals -Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Overnight - Le Meridien Santiago Hotel or similar

Day 3 - SANTIAGO / LIMA

This morning we head to airport for our flight to Lima. Upon arrival head to hotel for check in and dinner. Since your hotel should be located in the heart of the Miraflores area enjoy a bit of free time to shop and explore this area.

Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Jose Antonio Deluxe Hotel or similar

Day 4 - LIMA

Today we will learn about the two characters of Lima: the modern one, reflected in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro; and the historic one, encapsulated in its historic center declared a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Along the tour through different districts of the city, we will see how the old and the modern coexist in buildings such as the Museum of Italian Art, Palace of Justice, Museum of Lima, Plaza San Martín, among others. We will discover the center of Lima on foot, having the Main Square as the focal point: a beautiful colonial square worthy of photography, surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. We will have the opportunity to enter one of the most iconic ecclesiastical spaces in Lima, the Convent of Santo Domingo, also declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity and where the relics of three Peruvian saints are found: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Macías. Leaving the historic center, we will return to modern Lima, meeting the Pacific Ocean for a fascinating view that we can enjoy from the iconic Park of Love and its famous sculpture created by national artist Víctor Delfín.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Jose Antonio Deluxe Hotel or similar

Day 5 - LIMA/CUZCO

This morning, take a flight to Cuzco, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich Incan history and vibrant culture. Our vibrant local guide will be on hand to greet you. Then off to our hotel for check-in and allow time to rest and acclimatise. Following some time to settle in, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine, giving you a taste of the region’s culinary delights.

Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Novotel Cusco or similar

Day 6 - CUZCO CITY TOUR/SACRED VALLEY

This charming day of Cusco offers us history, living culture and art. We will be able to appreciate how the Andean and Spanish cultures, as well as the past and the present, coexist in harmony in the Imperial City. We will arrive at the center to walk the halls of the San Pedro market, the oldest in the city. We will also visit the Koricancha temple, which during the Inca empire was a center of worship of the Sun and on which the Santo Domingo convent was later built as part of the evangelization process. To appreciate the greatness of the Incas, we will ascend to the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which with its enormous carved stone walls constitutes one of the best examples of Inca military architecture. We will tour the archaeological center of Kenko, a ceremonial place where the sun, the moon and the stars were worshiped. We couldn’t take a tour of the city without visiting the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city. It was built by the Spanish on top of the palace of the Inca Huiracoha. Its interior houses a wonderful collection of colonial art composed of goldsmith pieces and representative canvases of the Cusco School of Art. In the afternoon we drive to Sacred Valley region for overnight stay.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel or similar

Day 7 - SACRED VALLEY/MACHU PICCHU

This morning we will explore Ollantaytambo, a key site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where Manco Inca famously defeated the Spanish in 1537. Our walk will take us through cobblestone streets lined with adobe houses before we visit the archaeological complex, a centre for military, religious, and agricultural activities. Climbing the steep stone steps, we will admire the Temple of the Sun and learn about Inca astronomy and the impressive architecture that showcases their extraordinary construction skills. After lunch, we get ready to board the Vistadome train enroute for our Machu Picchu hotel for overnight and dinner. The hotel is walking distance from the train station.

* Note on this day you will pack a small overnight bag for Machu Picchu and your main luggage will be transported to the next hotel in Cuzco upon returning.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - El Mapi Hotel Machu Picchu by Inkaterra or similar

Day 8 - MACHU PICCHU/CUZCO

After a short bus ride from the bus station nearby our hotel we will find ourselves in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World – an unforgettable sight! From there, we will explore the ancient ruins, learning all about the history and mysteries that this mystical and impressive place holds. Surrounded by incomparable landscapes, there will be no shortage of spectacular photo opportunities! Once we have recharged ourselves with the magical energy of Machu Picchu, we will have free time to have lunch and explore the streets a bit before boarding our return train.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Novotel Cuzco or similar

Day 9 - CUZCO/RAINBOW VALLEY (PALCCOYO)/CUZCO

Why look for a mountain of colors when we can see an entire mountain range? Palccoyo is a set of three mountains painted by nature, in an impressive surreal landscape worth appreciating. We will head towards the Southern Valley of Cusco to the town of Combapata. Here, after receiving a safety briefing from our guide, we will begin an approximately one hour and a half hike to Palccoyo. We will be dazzled by the multicolored beauty of this mountain where a geological process has caused the different strata of the earth to align, dyeing its reddish slopes with green, blue, and white stripes. Our hike will also include a visit to the stone forest, where erosion has given way to curious and imposing formations. To obtain a panoramic view of all these wonders, we will ascend to the viewpoint of the majestic Ausangate, the highest snow-capped mountain in all of Cusco. On the way back we will enjoy a snack with an unparalleled view. This will be a day to remember!

We have changed to Palccoyo for this year because the hike is a much easier walk since it is mainly flat/gently slope compared to Vinicunca, which is much steeper and also slightly higher in altitude.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Novotel Cuzco or similar

Day 10 - CUZCO/PUERTO MALDONADO

Our adventure continues with our group taking a flight to Puerto Maldonado -Peru’s capital of biodiversity and gateway to the Amazon. Upon arrival, we will have a brief tour around the small city and then off to the port where our riverboat will be waiting for us. We will sail across the Madre de Dios River till our lodge (30 km away from Puerto Maldonado).
During the trip, you will see rural lands destined to agricultural and livestock activities. If the weather is good, you will see colourful plants such as the heliconias and even animals (caimans, water turtles, herons, cormorants, scavengers and birds of prey). Arriving at the Ecoamazonia Lodge, you will enjoy delicious Amazon tropical fruit nectars with lunch. After settling into your bungalow, the specialised tour guides take you on a trail of Caimán Cocha, a small lagoon where you can see the black caiman and the white caiman - these animals are similar in looks to alligators.

** Please note order of activities for in Puerto Maldonado may be subject to change

** Large suitcases can be stored securely at the tour company's local office in the city. You can then bring a small suitcase or backpack up to 12kg to Ecoamazonia

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - EcoAmazonia Lodge hotel or similar (standard bungalow)

Day 11 - PUERTO MALDONADO

Wake up to the sounds of Amazonian birdsongs before enjoying a hearty breakfast to fuel your day's adventures. Begin with a riverboat trip to Sandoval Lake, followed by a guided 90-minute hike through exuberant tropical flora where you can spot diverse wildlife and huge trees. After a lovely boat ride on the lake to observe species like parrots, toucans, caimans, and potentially the giant otter, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Monkey Island in the heart of the Madre de Dios River to see various primate species, sloths, and birds, concluding the day with a breathtaking jungle sunset and a farewell dinner back at the lodge.

** Please note order of activities for in Puerto Maldonado may be subject to change

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - EcoAmazonia Lodge hotel or similar (standard bungalow)

Day 12 - PUERTO MALDONADO / BUENOS AIRES (TRANSIT IN LIMA)

Today after breakfast, we board our flight to Buenos Aires. This journey will involve one transit stopover at Lima airport and we anticipate to arrive in the evening. Once we land, your local guide will be on hand to greet you and then take you to your hotel for check in and dinner.

Meals - Boxed breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Grand Brizzo hotel or similar

Day 13 - BUENOS AIRES

Experience the magic of Buenos Aires on a comprehensive city tour of the "Paris of South America," featuring highlights such as the elegant neighborhoods of Recoleta and Palermo, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral, trendy Puerto Madero, and vibrant Caminito Street in La Boca. In the evening, our group will enjoy an unforgettable dinner and tango show featuring many local artists on stage, including tango orchestras, a folk music ensemble, dancers, and singers performing amidst a historic, fully restored conventillo setting.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Grand Brizzo hotel or similar

Day 14 - BUENOS AIRES RANCH DAY

Today, we tour one of the famous Gauchos Ranch enjoy their native dance shows. We also get the unique opportunity to experience horseback and carriage rides. For lunch, we try the famous Argentine wine together with their famous barbecued meats – their beef is one of the best in the world!

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Grand Brizzo hotel or similar

Day 15 - BUENOS AIRES/IGUAZU FALLS

After breakfast this morning, we will drive to the airport for our flight to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, meet and greet and then check into our hotel and explore the resort. At night we enjoy dinner together.

Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Mercure Iguazu or similar

Day 16 - IGUAZU FALLS (ARGENTINA SIDE) / IGUASSU (BRAZILIAN SIDE)

After breakfast, enjoy a tour to the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls; where you’ll be able to witness the jungle’s beauty and have close views of this unforgettable section of the Iguazu River. At the park, an ecological train ride will take you to the impressive Devil’s Throat, the most important of all 275 waterfalls that comprise the Iguazu falls system. In the afternoon we cross over to the Brazilian side to check into our hotel with dinner.

**Please bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, insect repellent, sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses, small towel, pilot or raincoat and a light backpack for tours.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Sanma Hotel or similar

Day 17 - IGUASSU (BRAZIL SIDE)

Early morning pick up this morning as we make our way to Itaipu Dam for a tour of this hydroelectric plant which was a joint project built between Brazil and Paraguay. Later, we make our way to the Brazilian side of the falls. Enjoy a day with an escorted walking tour to the Brazilian side of the falls through path footbridges and belvederes. 275 cascades from a mile and a half long crescent where torrents of water plunge down to the basin 230 feet high all strategically placed to give the tourist the best view allowing you to see each and every fall. After a bit of rest in the afternoon, we regroup in the evening in which you will be amazed by the colour and rhythm of Brazil at a lively Samba show (Rafain Traditional Brazillian dinner and show).

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Sanma Hotel or similar

Day 18 - IGUASSU / RIO DE JANIERO

This morning, our group bids farewell to the region of Iguazu/Iguassu and boards a flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—a vibrant coastal metropolis renowned for its iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, world-famous beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema, and stunning mountain backdrops. Upon arrival, we will have a meet and greet with our local guide who will assist us with check-in and then dinner at the hotel.

Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Arena Leme Hotel or similar

Day 19 - RIO DE JANIERO

Today’s highlight is a visit to see Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain! The statue sits 700-metres above the city of Rio and has fascinated visitors and historians for nearly a hundred years. After lunch we will have a chance to pass by Rio's world famous beaches. Late afternoon, continue to Sugarloaf Mountain, ascending by cable car to a vantage where you can enjoy amazing views including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Arena Leme Hotel or similar

Day 20 - RIO DE JANEIRO/SANTIAGO

This morning after breakfast, our group will visit Tijuca Forest and Botanical Garden - one of the largest urban rainforests in the world, set on mountain slopes just west of Rio de Janeiro. With this tour, discover two of the city’s nature sites, starting with a guided walk through the Rio Botanical Gardens, including the Turtle Lake and Sensory Garden. Then, hike through Tijuca, learn more about the native plants and wildlife, and admire Taunay Waterfall. After lunch we head to the airport to check in for our onward flights home. We will first have a transit stop in Santiago.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Own Dinner

Accommodation - N/A

Day 21 - SANTIAGO/HOME

A few hours transit in Santiago and then we board our connecting midnight flight with LATAM bound for home.

Meals - As per flight

Day 22- ARRIVE HOME

Your overnight flight arrives back home early this morning and from all of us at Friendly Travel, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed your time in South America!

Meals - As per flight