Grand South America

Make your way to the International Airport to board your flight to Colombia. Enjoy in-flight meals and services. Upon arrival in Cartagena, you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. Later in the day, you will head on a city tour. This fascinating half-day tour will take you through the most significant monuments in Cartagena. Start at the Convent of La Popa* (the highest point in the city) and make your way to the Castillo de San Felipe, a striking fort filled with history and mysteries hidden in its stonewalled tunnels. Leaving the castle, visit the monument of Zapatos Viejos — the “Old Shoes”. Certainly, the most impressive monument is the gigantic defensive wall that surrounds the old city and overlooks the sea and its well-preserved colonial architecture. During the rest of the visit, you will see the citys churches, museums, plazas, restaurants, shops, and jewelry stores. This combination of treasures makes Cartagena deserving of the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site: You will never forget this wonderful destination. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.




Overnight in Cartagena



*Note: in case La Popa is closed, the visit will be replaced with the San Pedro Claver Convent.

You start your fascinating half-day tour to the sights of Cartagena at the convent of La Popa (the highest point of the city – around 140 m high) and the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, the biggest military construction ever built by the Spanish in their colonies. During the visit of approx. 1 hour we can appreciate this masterpiece of military architecture in coral stone and get a good idea about the defense strategy of the city in front of pirate attacks in the 17th and 18th century. Afterwards, we are heading to the historical center and walk approx. 2 hours to the most beautiful squares, churches and streets. The eclectic mix of colonial architecture, gastronomy and culture make Cartagena deserve the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and an unforgettable destination.




Overnight in Cartagena

This morning, at the arranged time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Pereira. Upon arrival in Pereira, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in  the Coffee Triangle. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Colombia is famous for its coffee, but nowhere is the prized bean more important than in the departments of Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío, which together make up the heart of the Zona Cafetera, also called the Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis). Here you'll find jeeps packed with mustachioed coffee pickers; poncho-wearing senior citizens gossiping in cafes; and, of course, endless cups of piping hot arabica. Many working fincas (coffee farms) have embraced tourism and welcome visitors onto their plantations to learn all about the coffee-growing process. It is particularly interesting to visit during the harvests (April to May, October to December) when the farms are a hive of activity. The “Coffee Cultural Landscape”, inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 2011.




Overnight in the Coffee Triangle

Get ready for a full-day tour around the Cocora Valley and Salento. This mystical valley is considered one of Colombia's most stunning valleys and often listed among the country's must-sees. Certainly unique are the up to 60 metre-tall wax palms of the region, which are towering into the eerie cloud forest. We can explore the valley on foot before our trip to nearby Salento, one of the coffee region's most picturesque villages. Browsing its cafés and boutiques we find ourselves among merry colours, textures and artesanal crafts. Just outside of Salento and nestled into fertile hillsides we reach Finca El Ocaso, a traditonal coffee finca. Here we learn all about the coffee production process from seed to cup.​



Note: Lunch (payable locally) is taken at a typical comedor in the Salento area.




Overnight in the Coffee Triangle

At the arranged time you will be transferred to the Armenia airport for your flight to Bogotá. Upon arrival in Bogotá, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. The Colombian capital is in the very center of the country at approx. 2650 meters above sea level in an area known as the Savanna of Bogotá (Sabana de Bogotá). The east side of the city is flanked by the Cordillera Oriental, which are foothills of the Andes Mountains. In terms of area, Bogotá is Colombias largest city: It extends more than 40 km from north to south and 20km from east to west. It is not only the main economic and industrial center but also the political heart of the country. The National Legislature, the Supreme Court of Justice, and the residence of the President of the Republic (Casa de Nariño) reside here. With its 8 million inhabitants, the city is Colombias most populous, and the huge cultural offer is among the best and largest in the country. Bogotá is home to plenty of museums such as the famous Gold Museum or the Botero Museum, along with theatres and libraries.




Overnight in Bogota

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and head on a guided tour of the city. Your tour will start in the Plaza de Bolívar (the citys main square), surrounded by federal government buildings. It will continue into the old colonial part of the city better known as “La Candelaria”, the San Francisco Church, and the Gold Museum. The tour will end with a trip in a cable car to the top of Monserrate Hill, which offers spectacular views of the city.




Overnight in Bogota

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At the arranged time, you will be transferred to the Bogota Airport for your departure flight to Cusco, the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, with an elevation of 11,440 feet. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Urubamba in the Sacred Valley.




Overnight in Urubamba

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have a full day at leisure to explore the valley on your own or take an optional tour.




Overnight in Urubamba

In the morning you will travel on the Expedition train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, where you will board a shuttle up to Machu Picchu — the \"Lost City of the Incas\". Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, the city of Machu Picchu was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until it was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. A knowledgeable tour guide will share the history of this magical place with you. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo Rail Station, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cusco.




Overnight in Cusco

After breakfast, you will head on a tour of Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, and its nearby ruins. You will get the opportunity to see how the Andean and Spanish cultures co-existed and influenced the city. The tour will begin at the Santo Domingo Convent, built on the site of Koricancha, a significant Inca palace and a center of worship to the Sun God. You will continue your tour to discover the Main Square, the site of the Cathedral, and La Compañía Church. Later, visit the imposing Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a perfect example of the military Incan architecture in the area. Finally, the tour will take you to the archaeological sites of Qenko, Puca-Pucara, and Tambomachay, situated northeast of the city.




Overnight in Cusco

Today you will head on one of the most extraordinary overland trips in South America. Prepare for a bus ride from Cusco to Puno as you pass through the striking highlands and the scenic Andean villages. There will be an en-route stop in Andahuaylillas, a beautiful town where the church was founded in 1580. This is the perfect showcase of colonial art in Peru — sometimes referred to as \"the Sistine Chapel of the Americas” due to its rich interior. You will also stop at Raqchi to see the remains of the temple of Viracocha, considered by historians to be a particularly significant Inca construction, and at La Raya, the highest pass on the route. Along with the breathtaking views of the countryside, you will discover llamas, alpacas, and vicunas roaming the wild. The last stop before Puno will be in Pucara, a historic ceremonial site where evidence of a pre-Inca civilization remains. You will arrive at your hotel in Puno later in the afternoon/evening. 




Overnight in Puno

Head on an exhilarating boat excursion to Lake Titicaca — the highest navigable lake in the world. See the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island. The floating islands of the Uros developed from tying totora reeds together and are a must-see for any traveler. The Uros people consider themselves to be the Lords of the Lake. They hunt wild birds and maintain traditional fishing methods. Taquile is a very important site known for its archaeological remains, sacred sites, and ceremonial festivals. The island is characterized by its friendly inhabitants, who maintain the customs and traditional clothing of their ancestors. Many fine, woollen hand-made goods can be found on sale here. You will return to Puno later in the day.




Overnight in Puno

Today you will be transferred to the Juliaca Airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or perhaps take an optional tour to explore the capital city of Peru.




Overnight in Lima

Today you will be transferred to Lima International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentinas delightful capital. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met by our company representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to enjoy at leisure.




Overnight in Buenos Aires

Today you will head on a guided half-day city tour of Buenos Aires. Begin your tour with a drive to the Plaza de Mayo — you will see the “Casa Rosada” (the pink house, home to the government), the Cabildo (town hall), and the Metropolitan Cathedral, home to the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. The tour will take you to the district of San Telmo, one of the most fashionable and desirable places to live in the city, and the famous La Boca neighborhood. Here, colorful tin houses and lively street life provide ample opportunities for photographs. Next, the tour will take you to Recoleta, the quarter of the rich in Buenos Aires. In Recoletas cemetery, you can see the grave of Evita Perón, Argentinas former First Lady and the beloved heroine of the working class. Finally, you will head to Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world, the Federal Court of Justice in Plaza Lavalle, and Teatro Colón, before stopping at leafy Palermo where you can wander around the beautiful parks and gardens. From there you will return to the hotel.




Overnight in Buenos Aires

In the morning you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Iguazu. Upon arrival in Iguazu, you will be met and transferred to the Iguassu National Park and discover the Brazilian side of the falls. Upon arrival, we will take a descending trail of the canyon, from where we can enjoy panoramic views of more than 240 falls. We will board a glass elevator, which takes us to a platform where more exquisite views will be revealed. Along with its “sister” park in Argentina, The Iguassu National Park forms the most significant remaining rainforest in the southern cone of South America, which along with the waterfalls has been declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterwards, you can take an elevator back up to the road where you will meet your coach for your journey to the hotel for check in.




Overnight in Iguassu on the Brazilian side

After breakfast, departure from the Hotel, Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge with its lovely view of the Iguassu Canyon heading towards the Iguaçu National Park in Argentina. At the entrance, a small train takes visitors on a tour through the park, making 2 stops: upper and lower circuit. Follow the walkways to the top of the waterfalls that provide spectacularly unique views of the ‘Cataratas, amidst the abundant nature filled with orchids, colorful birds and other wildlife. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the suspended platform at the very brink of the Devils Throat – largest of the waterfalls.




Overnight in Iguassu on the Brazilian side

Prepare to be transferred to the airport in Iguassu for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival at the airport in Rio, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.


Overnight in Rio de Janeiro

In the morning you will head on a tour of Rio. Downtown is the business heart of Rio; it is a part of the city where colonial meets modern skyscrapers. Passing along Rio Branco Avenue, you will see the Candelaria Church, which was built in the late 18th century and only completed in 1898. The headquarters of the major Brazilian banks and commercial enterprises can also be found on this avenue. You will see the Opera House (Teatro Municipal) and Carioca Square, the Church of Santo Antonio built in the 17th century as well as the contrast of the modern buildings such as Petrobras and the Cathedral. You will see Rio's aqueduct, built in the 18th century, which nowadays connects downtown to the Santa Teresa district, an old residential area. Afterwards, you will drive through Flamengo Park to discover one of the highlights of Rio. From the park, you can see the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, which can be reached with a cable car ride at 1,200 feet high (not included). From the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, you can look down on Rio and discover one of the most breathtaking views in the world. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure — the following optional tour can be booked.




Overnight in Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy your day at leisure or book an optional tour. In the evening you will be transferred to the Rio International Airport for your flight back home.