Best of South America with Amazon and Galápagos Cruises

• Day 1 Arrive Santiago

  Welcome to Santiago. We’ll meet and transfer you to your hotel. Tonight, join a welcome dinner.

  Stay: Three Nights, Santiago, W Hotel or similar

  (Dinner)

• Day 2 Santiago, Valparaíso

  Travel to the coastal city of Valparaíso, where you’ll find colourful cliffside houses sloping down to the sea. Known to Chileans as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’, the city offers an eclectic mix of art, culture and commerce. Embark on a Signature Experience before relaxing over lunch at a local vineyard. Afterwards, return to Santiago.

  Signature Experience – Valparaíso Funicular Ride
  Explore this World Heritage-listed city’s historic quarter, then enjoy a funicular ride and take in brilliant views of Valparaíso’s vibrant buildings and port.

  (Breakfast, Lunch)

• Day 3 Santiago

  This morning, you’ll set off on a guided discovery of the bustling Chilean capital, which is wedged between the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before choosing where to dine this evening.

  Freedom of Choice Dining – Liguria Lastarria
  Dive into rich Chilean flavours at Liguria Lastarria. With a wide array of dishes on the menu, including traditional empanadas, tuna tartar and Chilean-style pichanga, accompanied by cocktails, wine and beer, experience tantalising flavours.

  Freedom of Choice Dining – Ambrosia
  Chef Carolina Bazan brings dishes to life with a menu that combines the delectable flavours of Chilean and French cuisine, including a sumptuous ceviche. Enjoy the perfect fusion of elegant comfort food and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. 

  (Breakfast, Dinner)

• Day 4 Santiago, Buenos Aires

  Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in the city’s prominent Recoleta district. Home to some of Argentina’s wealthiest families, Recoleta is a leafy neighbourhood dotted with beautiful parks and grand mansions, located just north of the city centre. Later, immerse yourself in the local culture with a Signature Experience.

  Signature Experience – Tango Demonstration and Tapas
  Delve into the heart of Argentinean tradition and local culture as you enjoy a vivacious tango demonstration accompanied with a selection of authentic tapas.

  Stay: Three Nights, Buenos Aires, Hotel Casa Lucia

  (Breakfast)

• Day 5 Buenos Aires

  This morning join a guided discovery of the city, which includes the Italian-influenced barrio La Boca, a neighbourhood known for its Latino vibe and brightly painted pedestrian streets. Explore the bohemian district of Palermo, filled with trendy eateries and galleries, before arriving at La Recoleta Cemetery. This is the resting place of key Argentinian figures, such as the nation’s former First Lady, Eva Perón. This evening, choose from three dining options.

  Freedom of Choice Dining – Fogon Asado
  Cut off a slice of local culture with a visit to Fogon Asado and enjoy the intoxicating aroma and taste of South American barbecued meats.

  Freedom of Choice Dining – Fervor
  Dine at an old-world steakhouse as you delve into Argentine cuisine featuring grilled meats and seafood.

  Freedom of Choice Dining – Dinner & Tango Show
  Enjoy a taste of local culture in Buenos Aires with a passionate tango show and a selection of delicious Argentine dishes.

  (Breakfast, Dinner)

• Day 6 Buenos Aires

  Decide how you’d like to spend today with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.

  Freedom of Choice – Tigre Cruise
  Head to the island town of Tigre and enjoy a cruise over the rivers and canals of the Paraná Delta.

  Freedom of Choice – Parisian Walking Tour
  Discover the Parisian character of Buenos Aires. Visit the Plaza San Martin, Plazoleta Pellegrini and more.

  Freedom of Choice – Teatro Colón Tour
  Immerse yourself in Buenos Aires’ sophisticated high-arts scene on a fascinating tour of the iconic and majestic Teatro Colón, considered the one of world’s leading opera houses thanks to its impeccable acoustics.

  (Breakfast)

• Day 7 Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls

  This morning, fly to Iguazú Falls. This natural wonder straddles the Argentina-Brazil border. Arriving on the Argentine side, set off on the Rainforest Ecological Train to a series of walkways and viewing points, including one to the 80-metre-deep Devil’s Throat. Then, continue to your hotel, where you will enjoy a sensational Signature Experience.

  Signature Experience - Gran Meliá Iguazú
  Stay close to Iguazú Falls at the Gran Meliá Iguazú, the only hotel within Iguazú National Park, Argentina.

  Stay: Two Nights, Iguazú Falls, Gran Meliá Iguazú

  (Breakfast, Dinner)

• Day 8 Iguazú Falls

  Spanning an impressive width of some 2.7 kilometres, Iguazú Falls is made up of 275 separate waterfalls. Soak up panoramic views of the Brazilian side of the Falls with a leisurely walk between each of the viewing platforms. Later, embark on your preferred Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity and see the Falls from a different perspective. At the day’s end, enjoy a Signature Experience at your hotel.

  Freedom of Choice – Jet Boat Safari
  Get up close to the roaring cascades of Iguazú Falls on a thrilling jet boat safari.

  Freedom of Choice – Helicopter Ride
  Experience stunning panoramas of Iguazú Falls from the air during a thrilling scenic helicopter ride. 

  Signature Experience – Wine Tasting
  At Gran Meliá Iguazú, enjoy a sommelier-led wine tasting, sampling wines from different Argentine regions alongside delicious cheese pairings. 

  (Breakfast, Lunch)

• Day 9 Iguazú Falls, Rio de Janeiro

  Begin your day with free time to explore at your leisure. Later, fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s most visited city, set between lush, forested mountains and sandy shores. On arrival, we’ll meet and transfer you to your elegant art deco hotel, primely located opposite the golden sands of the iconic Copacabana Beach. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

  Stay: Three Nights, Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel

  (Breakfast, Dinner)

• Day 10 Rio de Janeiro

  See Rio de Janeiro from above with a visit to Corcovado, the mountain famed for its Christ the Redeemer statue, thought to be the world’s largest art deco sculpture. From here, enjoy sweeping vistas of the sprawling city. After enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and taste Brazil’s famously delicious barbecue fare. Towards the evening, board a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain to toast the sunset and incredible views with a drink.

  (Breakfast, Lunch)

• Day 11 Rio de Janeiro

  Today, enjoy an included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity and experience more of Rio de Janeiro.

  Freedom of Choice – Jeep Tour
  Discover the beauty of the Tijuca Rainforest skirting the city as you explore by open-top jeep.

  Freedom of Choice – Guanabara Bay Boat Tour
  Navigate your way through the tranquil waters of Guanabara Bay as you embark on a half-day boat tour of Rio de Janeiro’s beautiful coastline.

  (Breakfast)

• Day 12 Rio de Janeiro, Lima

  Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, where we’ll meet you. Savour a delicious lunch at Café del Museo before enjoying a visit to the Larco Museum. Later, be transferred to your hotel.

  Stay: Two Nights, Country Club Lima Hotel

  (Breakfast, Lunch)

• Day 13 Lima

  Discover the Peruvian capital’s World Heritage-listed historic centre with a guide today. Afterwards, enjoy a Signature Experience at a private hacienda before visiting the ruins of Pachacamac.

  Signature Experience – Peruvian Paso Horse Show
  Pay a visit to a private hacienda, which showcases the nation’s regional traditions. Sit down to a lunch of traditional South American fare and enjoy a Peruvian Paso horse show.

  (Breakfast, Lunch)

• Day 14 Lima, Sacred Valley

  After breakfast today, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your included flight to Cusco, the pre-Columbian Inca capital of Peru. From here, travel to the heart of the Sacred Valley for your Signature Experience before arriving at your hotel.

  Signature Experience – Hacienda Sarapampa Lunch
  Visit a working corn farm where you’ll enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch. Experience the essence of local life and rich traditions of regional cuisine.

  Stay: Two Nights, Explora Sacred Valley

  (Breakfast, Lunch)

• Day 15 Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray

  Travel to a small community tucked away in the Sacred Valley hillside, where you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience. Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a guide, including another Signature Experience which takes you to the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray terraces. In the evening, savour a delectable dinner at your hotel.

  Signature Experience – Traditional Weaving Demonstration 
  Be welcomed by the local Misminay community before watching a traditional weaving demonstration. Discover how Peru’s colourful textiles are created by hand as you learn about the craft, which has been passed down through generations. Then, enjoy a traditional lunch with views of the Andes mountains and surrounding valleys.

  Signature Experience – Salt Mines of Maras and Moray Terraces
  See the glistening salt pools spill over the terraced slopes at the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras. Afterwards, visit the fascinating Incan circular terraces at the Moray archaeological site. 

  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 16 Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

  Today, embark on incredible rail journey to Aguas Calientes during your Signature Experience. Upon arrival, enjoy free time before dinner at the hotel.

  Signature Experience – Inca Rail First Class Machu Picchu Train
  Travel on Inca Rail’s First Class Machu Picchu Train and journey through forested landscapes to the township of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board while taking in the magnificent views that unfold before you.

  Stay: Aguas Calientes, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 17 Machu Picchu, Cusco

  This morning, you’ll enjoy a full immersion into the natural setting and incredible heritage of Machu Picchu as you set off on a locally guided exploration of the Lost City of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Later, board the PeruRail Vistadome Machu Picchu Train for your return trip to Sacred Valley. Here, transfer by coach to Cusco and settle into your hotel, primely located in the heart of this historic city.

  Stay: Two Nights, Cusco, JW Marriott or similar 

  (Breakfast, Lunch)

• Day 18 Cusco

  A guided discovery of Cusco takes you to Plaza de Armas, situated in the historic centre of the city. This afternoon, delve into Peruvian culture with an included Freedom of Choice activity. In the evening, enjoy a delectable dinner at MAP Café, located in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

  Freedom of Choice – Peruvian Cooking Class
  Satiate your gustatory senses with a cooking class, discovering traditional Peruvian dishes and ingredients.

  Freedom of Choice – Sacsayhuamán Citadel Visit
  Explore the 15th-century dry stone archaeological site at the Incan Sacsayhuamán citadel.

  (Breakfast, Dinner)

• Day 19 Iquitos, Amazon Cruise

  Board an early flight via Lima to Iquitos, a city located within the Peruvian Amazon. You will be met on arrival by some of the crew from Delfin III and then travel by coach from Iquitos, deeper into the rainforest region towards the river. En route, enjoy some commentary of the area as well as a boxed lunch. Reaching Nauta, a small tender boat will take you to your boutique vessel - the Delfin III. Once on board, meet the rest of your crew including the experienced Naturalist Guides who will reveal the secrets of the rainforest and its inhabitants during your daily activities. After some time to settle into your cabin, late this afternoon join a skiff exploration along the Marañón River, looking out for the forest inhabitants as dusk falls. Once back on board, be treated to a delicious three course dinner, expertly prepared by the ship's chefs.

  Stay: Three Nights, Amazon River, Delfin III

  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 20 Amazon Cruise

  This morning’s plan is to learn more about life in the rainforest and how communities use the local plants for medicine, as you meet a local Shaman. Learn about the process to become a Shaman and how they develop their knowledge and experience of the rainforest. After lunch, relax on board before taking to the water by kayak, paddling along one of the calmer tributaries to experience the river and surrounds from a different perspective. As you paddle by small communities on the riverbank, nestled in the forest, keep an eye out for birds overhead, monkeys in the tree canopies and of course perhaps the elusive pink river dolphin in the nearby waters.

  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 21 Amazon Cruise

  Join your naturalist guide on a skiff in Nauta Caño, for an opportunity to fish. Discover wildlife including piranha inhabiting the river before visiting a local community. Meet some of the residents as they show you how they live and make use of the various species in the forest for food and household items; from bananas used to make a sweet and nutritious drink, to the stems of palms used to weave baskets and bags. This afternoon, take a trail walk through the rainforest at Nauta Caño. Get an intimate view of the Amazon’s ecosystem and wildlife inhabiting this unique environment including frogs, snakes and insects. Close by is the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers. On your skiff, take a moment to appreciate this natural merger of waters, regarded as the point at which the Amazon River begins.

  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 22 Iquitos, Lima

  This morning, disembark the Delfin III and en route to Iquitos, visit the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center for River Mammals (Amazon Forever). Here see where biologists and volunteers have cared for some of the endangered Amazon wildlife from juvenile manatees to the enigmatic sloths, macaws and toucans. Learn about the work the team is doing here to help preserve these valuable species. Finally, board your flight to Lima.

  Stay: Country Club Lima Hotel

  (Breakfast)

• Day 23 Lima, Guayaquil

  This morning, fly from Lima to Guayaquil, the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. On arrival to Guayaquil, spend time at leisure exploring Ecuador’s largest city and taking in its flagship sights. Guayaquil Heritage Cemetery is an infinite sea of opulent white marble statues and heavenly adornment, while Barrio Las Peñas is a vivacious rainbow of colourfully decorated buildings. Parque Seminario is best known for its thriving population of friendly iguanas, who roam free-range and happily coexist with human visitors.

  Stay: Guayaquil, Hotel del Parque

  (Breakfast)

• Day 24 Galápagos Islands

  This morning, transfer to the MC Hermes where you will meet your guide and settle in to your suite. Later, embark on an excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Visit a tortoise ranch and witness the striking Galápagos giant tortoise. The natural surrounding landscape boasts unique volcanic tubes and underground lava channels.

  Stay: Four nights, Galápagos Islands, MC Hermes

  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 25 Galápagos Islands

  Today, you'll travel to Rábida Island and navigate through trails at a red sand beach. Marvel at scenes of saltwater lagoons, and majestic palo santo trees. Come across wildlife including pelicans and a myriad of birdlife. This afternoon, ascend to the summit of Bartolomé Island and soak in panoramic views of volcanic formations, Pinnacle Rock and other Galápagos islands in the distance. If you're feeling active, there's an opportunity to experience Pinnacle Rock from a closer perspective through swimming and snorkelling around the perimeter.

  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 26 Galápagos Islands

  Immerse yourself in the diverse flora and fauna of South Plaza, one of the smallest islands of the Galápagos. Walk through a captivating cactus forest and be awed by an abundance of birds such as red-billed tropicbirds and near-endemic swallow-tailed gulls. Witness one of the largest populations of Galápagos land iguanas and sea lions. Afterwards, delve into the wilderness of the rugged northern shore, peppered with giant prickly pear cacti (Opuntia).

  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 27 Galápagos Islands

  Arrive in a quiet cove on San Cristóbal Island and discover Pitt Point, a remarkable location comprised of volcanic tuff substrate and known for its unique species of birds. You may be able to spot three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds as well as sea lions sunbathing on the shore. Take the opportunity to snorkel around the island and encounter marine life. Later this afternoon, see Witch Hill's lively coastline and explore on foot. Enjoy a swim and take a short stroll to see impressive flamingos at a freshwater lagoon.

  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 28 Galápagos Islands, Guayaquil

  This morning, you'll visit Isla Lobos, where you’ll explore by foot and boat. Join a panga ride and spot the wildlife including a colony of blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds. Snorkel among playful sea lion pups in crystal-clear waters. Later, bid farewell to MC Hermes and make your way to San Cristóbal airport for your return flight to Guayaquil.

  Stay: Guayaquil, Hotel del Parque

  (Breakfast, Dinner)

• Day 29 Depart Guayaquil

  After breakfast, your South American adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

  (Breakfast)

Best of South America with Amazon and Galápagos Cruises