Treasures of South America

Fly to Peru's historic and sophisticated capital Lima, arriving the same day. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner.

Originally named the City of the Kings, Lima is rich in heritage, which you'll see for yourself today. Start at the archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana before discovering the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre and admire its colonial magnificence. Enjoy lunch and then explore the bohemian district of Barranco, home to Peru and Latin American artists. Conclude the day with a Pisco Sour tasting experience followed by dinner.

Fly to Cusco before transferring to the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to hillside citadels and striking foothills. Stop at Manos de la comunidad, a local community who will share their rich heritage and traditions with you. Your last stop will be the archaeological site of a Pisac.

Today, journey to Moray, the Inca agricultural laboratory that boasts impressive circular terraces. Continue to Maras, where you will witness the marvelous salt evaporation ponds most famous for producing the pink table salt we all recognise today. Next, a stop at Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca town built by Emperor Pachacuti, to explore the remarkable ruins, before proceeding to Aguas Calientes.

This morning you will ascend to the magnificent ancient city of Machu Picchu. Long abandoned by the Inca, Machu Picchu came to international attention when it was stumbled upon by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and is considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Take the train back to Poroy and transfer to Cusco.

After breakfast, you’ll begin a full tour of Cusco, starting at Koricancha and Santo Domingo Church, once the most sacred Inca site with walls covered in gold. Next, visit Cusco Cathedral to admire its stunning artwork and gold-silver details. You’ll then explore the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, famous for its massive stone walls. Take part in a traditional Quechua ritual led by a Shaman, offering a spiritual connection to Andean traditions and Inca heritage.

This morning, board your train to Puno. Travel through the spectacular Peruvian highlands in comfort and style. Enjoy a gourmet lunch, prepared with delicious Andean ingredients. There will also be music and dance shows on board.

Journey by boat across Lake Titicaca to the floating islands of Uros, which are constructed entirely from reeds. Spend time exploring and meeting the local Uros people before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taquile. Once a stronghold of the Inca, you'll find wonderful textiles here. After your tour of the island, head back to Puno.

Enroute to the airport visit the archaeological site of Sillustani which is located on a protected island reserve. Spend time around the site and also enjoy a typical Andean lunch. Fly to Lima and stay overnight.

Bid farewell to Peru and fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina's flamboyant capital city.

An irresistible combination of Latin flair and European elegance, Buenos Aires is a delight to explore and that's exactly what you'll do today on a city tour, discovering the vibrant districts of La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo and Puerto Madero. Today, you will also experience a quintessential part of Argentinian culture, the Tango. Take a Tango class before enjoying dinner with a dance show in the evening.

Enjoy a day trip to Uruguay, taking a ferry across the Rio de La Plata to Colonia del Sacramento. A picture-perfect colonial town, Colonia was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful Barrio Historico, which occupies a small peninsula that juts out into the river, is a maze of old cobbled streets that are a delight to wander. Admire the main square, see the ruins of San Francisco Church and visit the lighthouse amongst much more.

Spend the day just outside the city on the vast, fertile grasslands known as the pampas, on a traditional estancia (ranch). Here you'll get some insight into the life of a gaucho, and after a typical Argentinian asado lunch, there will be a fun folklore show.

Say farewell to Buenos Aires and board a plane over to Puerto Iguazu, the town closest to the incredible natural wonder that is Iguazu Falls. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

On the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu is the largest waterfall system in the world, with hundreds of cascades pouring off the edge of the Parana Plateau. Today you will wander along the Argentinian side of Iguazu, which offers a fantastic overview of the whole of the falls and showcases its power and magnificence. This afternoon, learn about the indigenous culture of the Mbororé Aldea people, who open the doors of their community and share fascinating stories of their ancestors, rituals, myths and legends.

Enjoy your morning on the Brazilian side of the falls - this side offers a completely different experience with paths and boardwalks to wander. These will lead you to some of the numerous smaller cascades that dance their way along gullies and through lush greenery. In the afternoon, hop on a plane to Brazil's 'Cidade Maravilhosa', Rio de Janeiro, where you can enjoy the last rays of sun on the world-famous Copacabana Beach.

Set off in a jeep to discover the very best of Rio. Your adventure includes a visit to the historic Santa Teresa neighbourhood, a stop at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Hill, before a refreshing stroll in the Tijuca Forest. After lunch enjoy a Carnival Experience, taking you to the vibrant heart of Brazil's Carnival traditions. As the night descends, join the Rio by Night tour in Lapa, the epicenter of Rio's nightlife, where you'll experience traditional Brazilian jazz and samba while enjoying dinner.

Your journey starts with a cable car ride to Urca Hill, offering captivating views of Guanabara Bay, while the second cable car ride takes you to the summit of Sugar Loaf, named for its resemblance to moulded masses of sugar, to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. In the afternoon, the tour explores downtown Rio, with stops at the impressive Candelaria Church and Maracana, Brazil's largest and most famous stadium. Your day ends with a drive through the renowned Sambodromo on the way back to your hotel.

Fly to New Zealand, arriving home two days later.