Itinerary
- Day 1
Cusco
You'll land in Cusco and spend the day getting oriented at your own pace. There's plenty to browse through artisan jewelry and woodworks if you're in the mood, or you can just wander the cobblestone streets. The San Pedro markets are worth checking out too, especially if you want to try something different like cacao buds or coca leaf tea.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Shopping for artisan jewellery and woodworks
- Exploring cobblestone streets
- Visiting San Pedro markets
- Sampling cacao buds and coca leaf tea
Landmarks/POIs San Pedro Markets - Day 2
Cusco to Sacred Valley
A private coach takes you out of Cusco toward the Sacred Valley. You'll stop at a llama farm to get up close with llamas, vicunas, and alpacas, then watch local artisans work with traditional Incan weaving techniques and farming terraces. After playing the traditional game of Sapo with locals, guided tours of the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins follow. You'll sample homemade Chicha de Jora and spend time in the charming town of Ollantaytambo exploring shops and cafes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit to llama farm to meet llamas, vicunas, and alpacas
- Guided tour of Incan weaving demonstrations by local artisans
- Observation of Incan farming terraces
- Playing traditional game of 'Sapo'
- Guided tour of Pisac ruins
- Guided tour of Ollantaytambo ruins
- Tasting of homemade Chicha de Jora brew
- Exploration of Ollantaytambo town
Landmarks/POIs Pisac Ruins Ollantaytambo Ruins Urubamba River - Day 3
Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
If you're not hiking the Inca Trail, the morning gives you free time to enjoy the lush mountains around Ollantaytambo. Later this afternoon, you'll hop on the train to Aguas Calientes, a gateway town with a roaring river and quaint bridges. You'll meet up with the one-day trekkers and spend the evening getting ready for tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train journey to Aguas Calientes
Optional Activities
- Morning exploration of Ollantaytambo mountains
Landmarks/POIs Aguas Calientes - Day 4
Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
Today's the big one at Machu Picchu, the UNESCO World Heritage Site built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire. A guided tour takes you through the Temple of the Three Windows and up Huayna Picchu peak, then you'll have solo time to explore. After boarding the train back to Cusco, you can check out the markets and cobbled streets or try local specialties like cuy.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu site
- Visit to Temple of the Three Windows
- Visit to Huayna Picchu peak
- Solo exploration time at Machu Picchu
- Train journey back to Cusco
Optional Activities
- Exploring Cusco markets
- Trying local cuisine including cuy
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu Temple of the Three Windows Huayna Picchu - Day 5
Cusco
After several intense days, this one's for rest and relaxation. You can sleep in at your hotel, then sip fresh mountain coffee in the Plaza de Armas or stroll around picking up souvenirs like alpaca sweaters. If you're still feeling up for adventure, there are optional activities available.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Sleeping in at hotel
- Visiting Plaza de Armas
- Shopping for alpaca sweaters and souvenirs
- Adventure activities
Landmarks/POIs Plaza de Armas - Day 6
Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
You'll say goodbye to Cusco with an included flight over the Andes to Puerto Maldonado. Welcome to the jungle. After exploring the city's colorful fruit stalls and open-air markets, a boat takes you to your rainforest lodge. You'll hike to the canopy tower to work up an appetite, have a home-cooked dinner, then head out to spot caimans by night. You'll fall asleep in your open-walled room to the sounds of the Amazon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Home-cooked dinner)
Included Activities
- Flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
- Tour of Puerto Maldonado city
- Boat transfer to rainforest lodge
- Hike to canopy tower
- Home-cooked dinner
- Caiman spotting excursion
Landmarks/POIs Puerto Maldonado Amazon Rainforest - Day 7
Sandoval Lake
You'll rise early to the sounds of jungle birds and head out on a morning canoe cruise at Sandoval Lake. Look for prehistoric hoatzin birds and giant river otters in their natural habitat. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax before returning to the lodge for dinner and a good night's sleep surrounded by jungle sounds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning canoe cruise at Sandoval Lake
- Wildlife spotting: hoatzin birds and giant river otters
Optional Activities
- Afternoon leisure activities
Landmarks/POIs Sandoval Lake - Day 8
Puerto Maldonado to Lima
It's your last day in Peru. A flight takes you back to Lima in the evening. You'll have time to venture to the trendy district of Miraflores, hang out in Parque Kennedy, or grab fresh ceviche at one of the city's best spots. Toast the Peruvian leg with a final pisco sour before Argentina's red wine takes over tomorrow.
Included Activities
- Flight from Puerto Maldonado to Lima
Optional Activities
- Visiting Miraflores district
- Exploring Parque Kennedy
- Trying ceviche at local restaurants
- Enjoying pisco sour at local bars
Landmarks/POIs Miraflores Parque Kennedy - Day 9
Lima to Buenos Aires
This morning you'll fly to Argentina, the Country of Seven Continents. After a 4.5-hour flight, you'll land in Buenos Aires, South America's most cosmopolitan city. If the flight tired you out, keep things chilled in the afternoon. If you're full of energy, there's plenty to explore. Tonight you'll meet fellow travelers joining for the next 10 days.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight from Lima to Buenos Aires
Optional Activities
- Afternoon exploration of Buenos Aires
Landmarks/POIs Buenos Aires - Day 10
Buenos Aires
Get the full local Buenos Aires experience today by checking out the colorful La Boca neighbourhood this morning. Tonight, you'll head to a tango show where you can try tango yourself, enjoy Argentine food, and then watch the professionals show you how it's done.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Argentine food at tango show)
Included Activities
- Visit to La Boca neighbourhood
- Tango show with participation and Argentine food
Landmarks/POIs La Boca - Day 11
Buenos Aires
You've got options today. Take a day trip to Tigre to learn about the history and culture of the local inhabitants, or opt for a boat ride through Tigre Delta, a short bike ride, or stay in Buenos Aires at your own pace. Everyone meets up for a regional lunch, and weather permitting, you can swim and kayak.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Delicious regional lunch)
Included Activities
- Regional lunch
Optional Activities
- Day trip to Tigre with history and culture learning
- Boat ride through Tigre Delta
- Bike ride around Tigre areas
- Swimming and kayaking (weather permitting)
- Exploring Buenos Aires independently
Landmarks/POIs Tigre Delta - Day 12
Buenos Aires
Now that you know Buenos Aires like a local, the day is yours. Interested in polo? Join a day at the polo to learn and even participate. Prefer city life? Spend time exploring museums and shops in Palermo. There's something for everyone.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Polo day with instruction and participation
- Museum exploration in Palermo
- Shopping in Palermo
Landmarks/POIs Palermo - Day 13
Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú
Landing in Puerto Iguazu, you'll cross the border and experience Brazil for the first time. Iguassu Falls spreads out before you, a collection of 275 waterfalls spanning both Brazil and Argentina. Today focuses on the Brazilian side. You can take an optional helicopter ride for a bird's eye view or explore Parque Nacional do Iguacu at your own pace. Tonight brings an authentic Brazilian BBQ dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Authentic Brazilian BBQ dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit to Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
- Brazilian BBQ dinner
Optional Activities
- Optional helicopter ride over Iguassu Falls
Landmarks/POIs Iguassu Falls Parque Nacional do Iguaçu - Day 14
Argentina Side
Iguassu Falls has more to reveal today as you head back to Argentina to see the falls from that side. You'll hike to the very edge of Devil's Throat, the highest of the 275 waterfalls. For the adventurous, an optional speedboat ride through the spray offers a refreshing way to experience the power of the falls. Spend the full day exploring and comparing which side impresses more.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Devil's Throat (highest waterfall)
Optional Activities
- Speed boat ride through Iguassu Falls spray
Landmarks/POIs Devil's Throat Iguassu Falls - Day 15
Puerto Iguazú to Rio de Janeiro
You're heading to Rio, a city that knows how to have fun. After a quick orientation tour to get your bearings, the afternoon is yours. With your hotel's beachfront location, the beach is probably calling.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Rio de Janeiro
Optional Activities
- Beach exploration
- Exploring city independently
Landmarks/POIs Rio de Janeiro - Day 16
Rio de Janeiro
See Rio from above with hang gliding and take in the city in all its scenic glory. Spend the afternoon on Copacabana Beach, or if a football match is happening, watch the masters of football play while soaking in the wild atmosphere surrounding this national sport.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hang gliding over Rio
- Visiting Copacabana Beach
- Watching live football match
Landmarks/POIs Copacabana Beach - Day 17
Rio de Janeiro
This is your last full day, so you'll make it count Rio style. Start with a visit to Christ the Redeemer, standing 30 metres high and casting its shadow over the city. This afternoon, a boat cruise features cocktails, music, and good times along Guanabara Bay. Tonight brings an included farewell dinner with the whole crew.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner with Contiki crew)
Included Activities
- Visit to Christ the Redeemer
- Boat cruise with cocktails and music on Guanabara Bay
- Included farewell dinner
Landmarks/POIs Christ the Redeemer Guanabara Bay - Day 18
Rio de Janeiro
This morning marks the end of your 18-day adventure. You'll hug it out with your new friends who now feel like family, and you're probably already making plans for a reunion tour.
- Meals
- Breakfast
