10 DAYS – SOUTH AMERICA

Arrive Rio de Janeiro begin your memorable journey. Upon arrival, you will be transfer to the restaurant for lunch. HALF DAY HISTORIC & CULTURAL RIO -Rio de Janeiro is rich in cultural diversity, with numerous cultural centers, museums of diverse interests, many themed bookstores and excellent libraries. Many of these places are installed in secular buildings of great historical value, which have marked part of the country’s history. We will start our tour of the Cultural Heritage of Unesco, the church of São Bento, we will continue our tour through the XV square, Arcos do Teles, Banco do Brasil Cultural Center, post office, Fine Arts Museum
and finalize our tour in the newest Complex of the city, The Boulevard Olimpico, our guide will take you to explore the historic Mauá Square and its charms, strolling past the Mauá Pier, Rio Museum of Art. (Meals: L, D)

Today we enjoy the tour of Itaipu Dam which is one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant and a technological wonder. Stop at panoramic overlooks for photo opportunity. The spectacle of the spillway of the dam, with its huge flow of water is particularly impressive and then we proceed to enjoy the falls by touring the Brazilian side of Iguassu falls National Park. You will walk with the guide, descending a walkway, contemplating the ovely waterfalls in all of nature’s exuberance, with panoramic views of both sides- Brazilian and Argentinean. Reach the highest elevation then descent into the Brazilian side lookout, this provides magnificent photo. Opportunities and views. Overnight in Iguassu. (Meals: B, L, D)

Departure from the hotel to Iguazú National Park —a total of 55,500 hectares— bears the name of the river serving as northern border, which means ‘great waters’ in the guaraní language. Surrounded by a lush subtropical rainforest, we will find the majestic Iguazú Waterfalls. Its water volume and more than 275 falls places it among the most important and spectacular waterfalls in the world. On different footbridges, we will visit the heart of the waterfalls, appreciating them from different angles. We will visit the lower circuit, and feel part of nature, refreshing ourselves with waterfall drizzle. On the upper circuit, we will stop at different viewpoints,
and then reach the balcony at Gargantadel Diablo (Devil’s Throat). No doubt, this is the most amazing of all falls: water falls down from 80 meters. Lunch at local restaurant.

BIG ADVENTURE NAVIGATION TOUR (ARGENTINEAN SIDE – Optional )

After breakfast we fly to Buenos Aires and proceed for lunch after reaching. After lunch we go for city tour of Buenos Aires. This tour allows you to get a first-hand look at the historic architectural and demographic aspects of the city of Buenos Aires. On this tour we will visit “Plaza de Mayo”, the Pink House, the Buenos Aires Cathedral, the 9 of July Avenue, the Colon Theatre, the Obelisk, the National Congress, La Boca neighborhood with the traditional “Caminito Street”, “San Martin Plaza”, Recoleta Cemetery, and the Palermo Woods. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (Meals: B, L, D)

After breakfast, enjoy a full day Fiesta Gaucho Tour at Estancia Santa Susana and meet ‘gauchos’ in their own environment. Ride to the countryside, the ‘pampas’, cradle of the gauchos and their rich tradition. Visit typical Estancia in Buenos Aires Province who welcomes you with delicious ’empanadas.’ After dinner, proceed to enjoy the Tango Show. This is a superb show with the great tango orchestras of the forties. A group of master tango musicians invite you to listen to excellent music while the passion, fire and charm of the tango dance is expressed by dancing couples. Also included are a folklore show with dancers and musicians from the Altiplano. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (Meals: B, L, D)

Today we check out and transfer to airport and board flight for Lima. On arrival w e proceed for lunch and then to Lima city tour visiting Main Square (Plaza Mayor), Government Palace, City Hall, the Catherdral, the San Francisco Convent and its “Catacombs” ancient underground cemetery of Lima, El Oidor, Torre Tagle Palace, a beautiful mansion dating back to the 18th century and the Osambela House. Afterwards visit the Gold Museum and splendid collection of guns. The tour continues to the modern and high end side of Lima city, the Mira Flores. Overnight in Lima. (Meals: B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to airport to take an early morning flight to Cuzco. Arrive at the hotel. After acclimating to the altitude we continue to enjoy a city tour in the afternoon. Visit nearby Ruins “Cusco” of Tambo Achy, Kenki, Puca – Pucara, and finally the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Also visit the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. Overnight in Cuzco.(Meals: B, L, D)

Today, begin your day with a breathtaking train ride which goes through Urubamba Valley and mountain top ruins of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is eye tantalizing tribute to man in harmony with nature. It is located high above the clouds. The city’s streets, temples, and staircases spread across a jungle ridge that eventually plunges more than 300 meters into the treacherous waters of the Rio Urubamba below. High above the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu has become one of most popular destinations in South America. Take an afternoon train back to Cusco. Overnight in the hotel.(Meals: B, L, D)

Today we will check out from the hotel, transfer to airport and board the flight. Your memorable trip to South America ends here as you return back home .(Meals: B, L, D) OR

Optional Tour Extension of Peru Amazon 

Day 10

Cuzco – Lima – Arrive Iquitos (Peru Amazon)

Today we fly from Lima to Iquitos, reception at the airport, brief city orientation and transfer to the Lodge. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding the lodge which includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. We also go for open boat trip along the Amazon River in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river. After dinner your guide will take you on a short walk to a small lake where caiman can be spotted at night and where you can find some of the insects and frogs that produce the cacophony of sounds that begin after dark. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 11

Iquitos – Peru Amazon Meeting of the Waters

Go for tour of Meeting of the Waters and Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm. This river tour includes a visit to the main nearby attractions in Iquitos, Peru. You will navigate through the Amazon River, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. You can observe and interact with some of the species of flora and fauna best known of the Amazon rainforest: monkeys, turtles, caimans, piranhas and a jaguar. Observing river dolphins is possible on the Meeting of the Waters of the Amazon and Nanay Rivers. You will visit only formal places that take care of and heal captive wildlife. This 6-hour tour will include Iquitos, Itaya River, Nanay River, Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and wildlife rescue center, Amazon River, Viewpoint Tower, Farm for alligators, piranhas and the Amazon giant fish (Arapaima Gigas), Meeting of the waters of the Nanay and Amazon River. Walk along the “Bushmaster Trail”, where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found the world’s highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. Your guide will point out many plants used in medicine today and many that we may use in the future. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 12

Iquitos – Lima – Home

Today we will check out from the hotel, transfer to airport and board the flight. Your memorable trip to South America ends here as you return back home. (Meals: B)