MACHU PICCHU, IGUASSU FALLS AND PATAGONIA

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27 DAYS

Discover the highlights of Peru, Chile and Patagonia on a tailor made tour. South America Travel Centre will customise this itinerary to suit your travel needs. Below is a sample of what you might enjoy. Contact us to create your own personalised private tour.

ITINERARY SUMMARY MACHU PICCHU, IGUASSU FALLS AND PATAGONIA

Day Place Highlights
Day 1 Santiago Half day tour
Day 2 Valparaiso Full day Valparaiso tour and Viña del Mar
Day 3-4 Lima Half day tour
Day 5-6 The Sacred Valley
Full day tour of Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo
Day 7-8 Machu Picchu Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel, Aguas Calientes
Day 9-11 Cuzco Half Day Cuzco City and Ruins Tour
Day 12-13 Puno Full Day Uros and Taquile Island Tour
Day 14-16 Iguassu Falls Tour of Brazil and Argentine side of the Falls
Day 17-18 Buenos Aires Half Day Buenos Aires City Tour, Tango Show
Day 19-22 El Calafate Full Day Perito Moreno Glacier Tour with Nautical Cruise
Day 23-26 Torres del Paine Excursions in Torres del Paine National Park
Day 27 Santiago End Itinerary
MachuPicchu-Iguassu-Patagonia

Day 1 Santiago

Santiago and Andes
Overview:

Located in the Central Valley and framed by the majestic Andes mountain range, Santiago, the capital of Chile, was first settled in 1531.  The city has grown into a major metropolis where the many historic colonial buildings contrast with the gleaming new high-rise architecture and bustling shopping malls.

Enjoy a half-day tour around Santiago. Start at the Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins, the main avenue, visiting the President’s Palace (Casa de La Moneda). From here walk through the pedestrian streets of Huerfanos and Ahumada, where the main commercial activity of the city is concentrated. Continue to the Plaza de Armas, the main square, which is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and other historical buildings.

Afterwards visit Santa Lucia, the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. It is a lone steep rock rising above the city with stairways, gardens, fountains and a fortress. Then cross the river to Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighbourhood of Santiago. Bellavista lies at the foot of San Cristóbal Hill, topped with an amphitheatre, church and statue of Virgin Mary this is the highest hill in town. From the top (if the weather is clear) there are great views of the city and the Andes mountains to the east.

Finally visit the upmarket area of Providencia with its top restaurants, elegant shops and modern high-rise buildings

Featured Accommodation
Ladera
Ladera Hotel Santiago

Ladera Hotel is located in the beautiful Pedro de Valdivia Norte neighborhood which is a perfect mix between neighbourhood and city life. A stone’s throw away from the enormous Bicentenario Park, Ladera hotel has bicycles available for guests to borrow free of charge, and can prepare a picnic hamper for you to enjoy. The Rooftop pool is a perfect place to relax in the warmer months after a day of exploring.

Day 2 Valparaiso and Viña del Mar

Valparaiso Chile

Drive across the Curacavi Valley to the Pacific coast and Valparaiso, Chile’s most important seaport, bustling with activity. With its improvised urban design and unique architecture clinging to the hillsides, it is a labyrinth of winding narrow streets and cobblestone alleyways. Funicular cable-cars are still used as a popular means of transportation between the higher and lower levels.

Continue a short distance north around the bay to Viña del Mar, the most famous and visited seaside city of the area. It has many parks with huge trees and palms which has lead it to being known as the “Garden City”.

Day 3-4 Lima

Fly from Santiago to Lima and transfer to your accommodation.

 

Explore Lima on a half day tour.  Visit the old city and learn about the history of Peru at the Larco Museum. There are many choices of fabulous restaurants for lunch and dinner, which you may wish to book in advance to reserve a table. You may also like to take a walk along the promenade and watch the surfers try their luck.

Featured Accommodation
Atemporal
Atemporal Hotel Lima

Housed in a revamped 1940s mansion in the Miraflores district in Lima, Atemporal Hotel has an informal and relaxed atmosphere with friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Atemporal offers its guest 24 hour concierge service, house car and chauffeur for short excursions, 24/7 menu created with locally-sourced natural ingredients, and full connectivity.

Day 5-6 The Sacred Valley

Ollantaytambo
Overview:

Fly from Lima to Cuzco and transfer to your accommodation in the Sacred Valley.

 

Explore the Sacred Valley on a full day tour. This beautiful and fertile valley, just beyond Cuzco, features scattered villages, incredible ruins and stunning views of snow-capped mountains.

Featured Accommodation
explora Valle Segrado
explora Valle Segrado accommodation

Located in one of the Valley’s most remote haciendas, explora Valle Sagrado has spectacular views of the mountains that were once part of the Inca Empire. This 50 room luxury all inclusive property is surrounded by Inca terraces and the Casa de Baños Pumacahua bath house where the spa is located is a 17th century colonial mansion.

Sol y Luna

The Sol y Luna, meaning “Sun & Moon” in English, is named for its yellow Andean adobe casitas (little houses). This charming lodge lies in a tranquil setting 1km outside Urubamba in the Sacred Valley.  It is enclosed in a red-walled courtyard, encircled by eucalypts and green mountains, while gardens of white margaritas, purple salvia and red fuschias crowd around each bungalow.

The casitas feature high beamed ceilings, ceramic-tiled floors, and a rustic décor of colourful woven rugs, hand–painted frescoes and Peruvian folk art.  The lodge’s restaurant is the best in the valley, renowned for its Novo-Andino fusion cuisine.  Add a spa and massage centre and a small outdoor pool and you won’t want to leave!

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Located in the Sacred Valley between Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Peru, the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a modern, stylish contemporary hacienda that is the newest addition to the Inkaterra collection. The perfect sanctuary to acclimatise before heading to Machu Picchu guest can soak up the culture and history whilst being spoiled to incredible views, exquisite architecture and meals made from produce grown on the hotels’ 100 acres. All of the 12 rooms in the Casa Hacienda and 24 stand-alone luxury casitas feature incredible views of the Sacred Valley and Peruvian style architecture.

Day 7-8 Machu Picchu

Overview:

Catch the train from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, the fabled lost city of the Incas. For centuries Machu Picchu lay undiscovered in the jungle until, in 1911, the American historian Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it almost by accident.  Although little is known about the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, it is obvious by the quality of the stonework and the abundance of ornamental sites that Machu Picchu must have been an important ceremonial centre. Enjoy a guided tour of the incredible ruins. Stay overnight in nearby town of Aguas Calientes or alternatively you have the opportunity to stay at Sanctuary Lodge located next to Machu Picchu entrance gate.

 

In the morning you have the opportunity to return to Machu Picchu to further explore the ancient ruins or you can enjoy the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon return to Cuzco by train. You may wish to indulge and travel on board the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train.

Featured Accommodation
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel situated at the entrance to the historical citadel of Machu Picchu.

The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, and the hotel’s service is impeccable. There are two restaurants – one serving a daily lunch buffet to all comers, and the other with delicious à la carte fare and reserved for the exclusive use of hotel guests.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu:

The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is set among lush Andean cloudforest on a private 5-hectare mountainside reserve overlooking the Urubamba River.  It has been built as a pueblo (village) of cosy 1 and 2 storey, tile-roofed whitewashed cottages, and to reach their rooms, guests follow stone pathways meandering through gardens, past waterfalls and trees alive with birds and butterflies.

Many of the guestrooms have balconies and most have an open fireplace. All feature beamed ceilings, tiled floors with colourful rugs, decorative local crafts, alpaca blankets and handmade wool coverlets.

Day 9-11 Cuzco

Overview:

Enjoy a full day Cuzco city tour. Visit the Incan ruins of Kenko, Tambo Machay and the renowned fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Spend the following day at leisure. You may wish to relax, visit some local markets and shops or continue to explore this fascinating ancient city.

Featured Accommodation
Belmond Monestario
Belmond Monestario Cuzco

Belmond Monestario is a former monastery dating from 1592 and is located beside Cuzco central square. The luxurious rooms overlook the tranquil courtyards and combine century-old charm with modern amenities.

El Mercado Tunqui

The El Mercado Tunqui is named for the market on whose former site it is built. El Mercado is a warm and friendly, yet contemporary, boutique hotel that has embraced the market concept, with references displayed in the vibrant décor and lively atmosphere.  Its breakfast room serves typical Peruvian dishes freshly cooked on the spot, just like a street vendor, while a juice lady circulates.

Rooms are well-appointed and offer Wi-Fi, free use of tablet computers and complimentary hot drinks.  Suites have fireplaces and stand-alone bathtubs; some have a terrace or a private dining/living room.  And there’s a charming courtyard and a stylish bar/restaurant where you can enjoy Peruvian tapas.

Day 12-13 Puno, Lake Titicaca

Puno, Lake Titicaca
Overview:

Catch the Andean Explorer Train across the vast altiplano from Cuzco to Puno. This journey is considered by some to be one of the great train journeys of the world.  You will pass through starkly beautiful landscapes and many small villages before arriving at Juliaca where the train stops for a short time before continuing to Puno on the shore of Lake Titicaka.

Enjoy a full day tour of Uros, an archipelago of manmade floating reed islands & Taquile Island where you will find some of the highest-quality handicrafts in Peru.

Featured Accommodation
Titilaka Lodge

Luxury on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Situated on a secluded private peninsula overlooking Lake Titicaca, Titilaka Lodge is an all-inclusive retreat, relaxed yet elegant, its contemporary design created to harmonise with the stunning landscape.

Its 18 Dawn and Dusk suites feature heated floors and spa bathrooms, with large oversize tubs and massage showers and each has an exceptional view of either the sunrise or sunset over the lake.  And Titilaka offers its guests superb dining while wrap-around terraces provide the perfect vantage to enjoy sunset cocktails.

Casa Andina Private Collection

The Casa Andina Private Collection Puno is a reflection of its altiplano location, built with rustic local materials of stone, wood and clay tiles, while large stone fireplaces warm the lobby lounge and restaurant.

The glass-walled restaurant, the sunny terrace/bar, and many of the guestrooms take full advantage of the hotel’s privileged location at water’s edge, enjoying the panoramic lake views.  Although rustic in appearance, decorated in an unpretentious Andean style, rooms are a good size and feature modern amenities including Wi-Fi while suites have also have a separate living room and spa baths.

Day 14-16 Iguassu Falls

Iguassu Falls Brazil

Situated in the southwest of Brazil, the Iguazu River joins the Parana River creating a natural border with Brazil and Paraguay.  It is here you will find the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, the ‘Cataratas del Iguazu’, that plunge into a massive gorge.  There are 275 falls along a 3km front, with an average height of 70m.  Completely surrounded by a dense tropical forest, this is home to many small native mammals and over 400 different species of birds and butterflies.

 

Visit both the Brazil and Argentinian sides of the falls giving you a complete overview of the park. Walk on the lower and upper trails in Iguazu National Park  and take a boat ride to get up close to the falls(Argentina). On the Brazilian side enjoy panoramic views of the falls and if you like you can take a helicopter rider over the falls.

Featured Accommodation
Belmond Das Cataratas
Belmond das Cataratas

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is a graceful Portuguese-colonial residence, set in lush tropical gardens. It is the only hotel inside Brazil’s Iguassu National Park and just a short stroll from the sensational falls – giving guests exclusive access when the park is closed to other visitors. The elegant property has a classic décor that beautifully reflects its colonial era, with polished hardwood floors, traditional blue-tiled bathrooms, dark-wood furnishings and colourful accents.
Guestrooms are distributed across three buildings – the Garden and Forest Wings and the main building that also houses the lobby, lounges, main bar and fine-dining restaurant. The expansive grounds include tennis courts and a beautiful swimming pool bordered by palm trees.

Day 17-18 Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a charming, sophisticated city with a strong European influence and culture.  With its blend of Spanish, French and Italian architectural styles, its great variety of nightspots, and its cultural life, it is often referred to as the ‘South American Paris’.

 

Explore Buenos Aires on a half-day city sightseeing tour visiting Plaza de Mayo (May Square) around which are El Cabildo (City Hall), the Cathedral and Casa Rosada (Government House).  Also visit the colourful district of La Boca, Recoleta Cemetery, Plaza San Martin, Avenida Santa Fe and the Colon Opera House.

 

In the evening enjoy dinner and a night of music and tango at Esquina Carlos Gardel, one of the excellent venues where typical songs and dances are performed.

Featured Accommodation
Dazzler Hotel
Dazzler Hotel Buenos Aires

The Dazzler Recoleta Hotel is a modern, upscale hotel with amenities including a swimming pool, sauna and gym. Located in teh Recoleta neighbourhood you are surrounded by cultural attractions and great restaurants.

Day 19-22 – El Calafate

El Calafate, situated on the shores of Lago Argentino, is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.  This is one of the largest parks in the country and offers you the opportunity to see the huge ice sheet of the Continental Ice Cap, origin of the area’s 47 ice flows and some of the world’s most spectacular glaciers. If you like you can also visit El Chalten, a small hiking town 2 hours drive from El Calafate. Here you have many hiking options including Mt Fitzroy and Cerro Torre.

Featured Accommodation
Casa Los Sauces
Las Torres

Casa Los Sauces is located on a pristine 10 acre Patagonian farm overlooking Lago Argentina. Open fire places and picturesque views of Mount Calafate are what you can expect. Enjoy dining at the relaxed and homely restaurant and enjoy the amenities such as the indoor swimming pool.

Day 23-26 – Torres del Paine

Torres Del Paine Patagonia Chile

Torres del Paine National Park is considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world. It is home to 15 peaks over 2,000m, the most famous being the vertical granite spires that give the park its name, the ‘Towers of Paine’.  And Torres is not just for trekkers but for anyone with a sense of adventure who likes to experience the outdoors – there are walks suitable for people of all ages and all levels of fitness.

Featured Accommodation
Las Torres Patagonia
Las Torres

Hotel Las Torres is located within Torres del Paine National Park. Formerly a cattle farm the hotel exudes rustic charm. Many excursions are available to suit all fitness levels and interests.

Day 27 – Punta Arenas to Santiago

Santiago

Transfer from your hotel to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight to Santiago where your itinerary ends.

 

This itinerary can be altered and changed to suit your travel needs and interests. You may wish to add a trip to the Atacama Desert in Chile to your itinerary or perhaps incorporate an Antarctic voyage. Speak to one of our experienced travel consultants to start planning your perfect South America holiday.

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.