Itinerary
- Day 1
Santiago
You'll arrive in Santiago and meet your group for a transfer to the hotel. This evening, there's a welcome dinner to kick things off and get to know everyone on the trip.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2
Santiago to Valparaíso to Santiago
Head to Valparaíso, the coastal city, and walk through its historic quarter with all those colorful buildings stacked on the cliffs. You'll ride the old funicular to get great views of the port and buildings, then have lunch at a local vineyard before heading back to Santiago.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local vineyard)
Included Activities
- Guided discovery of Valparaíso historic quarter
- Funicular ride with panoramic views
- Lunch at local vineyard
Landmarks/POIs Valparaíso Historic Quarter Valparaíso Funicular - Day 3
Santiago
This morning, a guide takes you through Santiago between the snow-capped Andes and the Pacific Ocean. The afternoon is free for your own exploration, and you can pick from a few dining options that evening.
Included Activities
- Guided discovery of Santiago
Optional Activities
- Dinner at Liguria Lastarria - Chilean cuisine featuring empanadas, tuna tartar, and Chilean-style pichanga with cocktails, wine and beer
- Dinner at Ambrosia - Chef Carolina Bazán's fusion of Chilean and French cuisine including ceviche in an elegant atmosphere
Landmarks/POIs Andes Mountains - Day 4
Santiago to Buenos Aires
You'll fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel in Recoleta, the leafy neighborhood with parks and grand old mansions. Tonight features a tango demonstration with authentic tapas so you get a real feel for Argentine culture.
- Meals
- Dinner (Tango demonstration with authentic tapas)
Included Activities
- Transfer to hotel in Recoleta district
- Tango demonstration with authentic tapas
Landmarks/POIs Recoleta District - Day 5
Buenos Aires
A guided tour of Buenos Aires covers La Boca's Italian-influenced streets painted bright colors, the bohemian Palermo area with its galleries and restaurants, and La Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Perón is buried. You'll have three dining options to choose from this evening.
Included Activities
- Guided discovery of Buenos Aires
- Visit to La Boca barrio
- Exploration of Palermo district
- Visit to La Recoleta Cemetery
Optional Activities
- Dinner at Fogon Asado - South American barbecued meats
- Dinner at Fervor - Old-world steakhouse with Argentine grilled meats and seafood
- Dinner and Tango Show - Argentine dishes with passionate tango performance
Landmarks/POIs La Boca Palermo La Recoleta Cemetery - Day 6
Buenos Aires
Today you pick what interests you most. Go on a river cruise through the Paraná Delta in Tigre, take a walking tour of Buenos Aires' plazas and neighborhoods for its Parisian feel, or check out Teatro Colón, one of the world's top opera houses.
Optional Activities
- Tigre Cruise - cruise over the rivers and canals of the Paraná Delta
- Parisian Walking Tour - discover Parisian character of Buenos Aires including Plaza San Martin and Plazoleta Pellegrini
- Teatro Colón Tour - tour of the iconic opera house with impeccable acoustics
Landmarks/POIs Tigre Paraná Delta Plaza San Martin Teatro Colón - Day 7
Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls
Fly to Iguazú Falls on the Argentina-Brazil border. On the Argentine side, the Rainforest Ecological Train brings you to viewing points including the 80-meter Devil's Throat. You'll stay at Gran Meliá Iguazú, the only hotel right inside the national park.
Included Activities
- Rainforest Ecological Train with walkways and viewing points
- Visit to Devil's Throat viewpoint
Landmarks/POIs Iguazú Falls Devil's Throat Iguazú National Park - Day 8
Iguazú Falls
From the Brazilian side, you get different views of Iguazú Falls with walks between the viewing platforms. Choose between a jet boat safari to get close to the water or a helicopter ride for aerial views. The day ends with wine and cheese pairings back at your hotel.
Included Activities
- Panoramic views of Iguazú Falls from Brazilian side
- Wine tasting with cheese pairings at Gran Melia Iguazú
Optional Activities
- Jet Boat Safari - get up close to the roaring cascades of Iguazú Falls
- Helicopter Ride - scenic helicopter ride with stunning panoramas of Iguazú Falls
Landmarks/POIs Iguazú Falls - Brazilian Side - Day 9
Iguazú Falls to Rio de Janeiro
You have free time in the morning to explore on your own. Later, fly to Rio de Janeiro nestled between forested mountains and beaches. Transfer to your art deco hotel across from Copacabana Beach and have dinner there this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Transfer to hotel opposite Copacabana Beach
- Dinner at hotel
Landmarks/POIs Copacabana Beach - Day 10
Rio de Janeiro
Head up Corcovado mountain to see Christ the Redeemer, the massive art deco statue, and get sweeping views of Rio. After lunch with Brazilian barbecue, take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain's top to watch the sunset with a drink in hand.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant with Brazilian barbecue)
Included Activities
- Visit to Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer statue
- Panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro
- Lunch at local restaurant with Brazilian barbecue
- Cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain summit
- Sunset drink at Sugarloaf Mountain
Landmarks/POIs Corcovado Christ the Redeemer Sugarloaf Mountain - Day 11
Rio de Janeiro
You can explore more of Rio with your choice of activities. Either take an open-top jeep through Tijuca Rainforest or spend half a day on a boat tour of Guanabara Bay and the coastline.
Included Activities
- Choice of: Jeep tour of Tijuca Rainforest OR Guanabara Bay boat tour
Landmarks/POIs Tijuca Rainforest Guanabara Bay - Day 12
Rio de Janeiro to Lima
Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Once you arrive, grab lunch at Café del Museo, then visit the Larco Museum before heading to your hotel.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Café del Museo)
Included Activities
- Lunch at Café del Museo
- Visit to Larco Museum
- Transfer to hotel
Landmarks/POIs Larco Museum - Day 13
Lima
A guide walks you through Lima's historic centre, which is a World Heritage site. You'll visit a private hacienda for traditional South American lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show, then check out the Pachacamac ruins.
- Meals
- Lunch (Traditional lunch at private hacienda)
Included Activities
- Guided discovery of Lima's historic centre
- Traditional lunch at private hacienda
- Peruvian Paso horse show
- Visit to Pachacamac ruins
Landmarks/POIs Lima Historic Centre Pachacamac - Day 14
Lima to Cusco to Sacred Valley
After breakfast, fly to Cusco, the old Inca capital. From there, travel into the Sacred Valley and stop at a working corn farm where you'll have lunch made from what they grow there, learning about local traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Farm-to-table lunch at working corn farm)
Included Activities
- Transfer to airport
- Flight to Cusco
- Travel to Sacred Valley
- Farm-to-table lunch at working corn farm
Landmarks/POIs Cusco Sacred Valley - Day 15
Sacred Valley
Visit a small hillside community in the Sacred Valley where the Misminay people show you traditional weaving, then you'll have lunch with views of the Andes. Later, your guide takes you to the Salt Mines of Maras and the circular terraces at Moray. Dinner is back at your hotel.
- Meals
- Lunch (Traditional lunch with Andes mountain views), Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit to Misminay community
- Traditional weaving demonstration
- Traditional lunch with Andes views
- Guided exploration of Sacred Valley
- Visit to Salt Mines of Maras
- Visit to Moray terraces
- Dinner at hotel
Landmarks/POIs Misminay Community Salt Mines of Maras Moray - Day 16
Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
Get on Inca Rail's First Class train through forests to Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu. You'll have a gourmet lunch on board while watching the landscape pass by. You'll have free time before dinner at your hotel.
- Meals
- Lunch (Gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board Inca Rail First Class Train), Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Inca Rail First Class Train journey to Aguas Calientes
- Gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board train
- Dinner at hotel
Landmarks/POIs Aguas Calientes - Day 17
Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Cusco
A local guide takes you through Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. After exploring, you'll return via PeruRail Vistadome train to the Sacred Valley, then travel by coach back to Cusco and settle into your hotel in the historic center.
Included Activities
- Locally guided exploration of Machu Picchu
- PeruRail Vistadome Train return journey
- Coach transfer to Cusco
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu - Day 18
Cusco
A guided discovery of Cusco takes you to Plaza de Armas in the historic area. Spend the afternoon at your own pace, then choose from cultural activities before dinner at MAP Café in the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at MAP Café, Museum of Pre-Columbian Art)
Included Activities
- Guided discovery of Cusco
- Visit to Plaza de Armas
- Choice of: Peruvian Cooking Class OR Sacsayhuamán Citadel Visit
- Dinner at MAP Café
Landmarks/POIs Plaza de Armas Sacsayhuamán Museum of Pre-Columbian Art - Day 19
Cusco to Iquitos to Amazon River
Fly early via Lima to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon. Meet your Delfin III crew and travel by coach into the rainforest toward the river with lunch along the way. Board your boutique vessel, settle in, meet your naturalist guides, then explore the Marañón River by skiff as evening falls. A three-course dinner is prepared on board.
- Meals
- Lunch (Boxed lunch en route to river), Dinner (Three-course dinner on board Delfin III)
Included Activities
- Flight to Iquitos
- Coach transfer through rainforest
- Boxed lunch
- Skiff exploration of Marañón River
- Three-course dinner on board
Landmarks/POIs Iquitos Nauta Marañón River - Day 20
Amazon River
Learn about rainforest medicine and plants from a Shaman who explains how they develop their knowledge and practice. After lunch, relax on the ship before taking out a kayak along a calm tributary. You'll paddle past small forest communities and watch for birds, monkeys, and pink river dolphins.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Meeting with local Shaman
- Shaman knowledge sharing session
- Kayaking on tributary
Landmarks/POIs Amazon Rainforest - Day 21
Amazon River
Go out on a skiff with your naturalist guide in Nauta Caño for fishing and to spot wildlife. Learn about piranhas and visit a local community to see how people live and use forest resources. In the afternoon, walk a rainforest trail to experience the Amazon up close, then visit where the Marañón and Ucayali rivers meet, considered the start of the Amazon.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Skiff fishing expedition in Nauta Caño
- Wildlife discovery including piranha viewing
- Visit to local community
- Rainforest trail walk
- Visit to Marañón and Ucayali rivers confluence
Landmarks/POIs Nauta Caño Marañón River Ucayali River Amazon River - Day 22
Amazon River to Iquitos to Lima
Leave Delfin III and visit the Amazon Forever rescue center on the way to Iquitos. You'll see biologists and volunteers caring for endangered animals like manatees, sloths, macaws, and toucans. After learning about their conservation work, fly back to Lima.
Included Activities
- Visit to Rescue and Rehabilitation Center for River Mammals (Amazon Forever)
- Wildlife viewing and conservation education
- Flight to Lima
Landmarks/POIs Amazon Forever - Rescue and Rehabilitation Center - Day 23
Lima to Guayaquil
Fly from Lima to Guayaquil, your gateway to the Galápagos Islands. You have free time to explore Ecuador's largest city. Check out the Heritage Cemetery with white marble statues, the colorful Barrio Las Peñas with rainbow buildings, and Parque Seminario where friendly iguanas roam freely.
Included Activities
- Flight to Guayaquil
Optional Activities
- Visit to Guayaquil Heritage Cemetery
- Exploration of Barrio Las Peñas
- Visit to Parque Seminario
Landmarks/POIs Guayaquil Heritage Cemetery Barrio Las Peñas Parque Seminario - Day 24
Guayaquil to Galápagos Islands
Transfer to MC Hermes to meet your guide and get settled into your suite. Later, head to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Visit a tortoise ranch to see Galápagos giant tortoises and explore volcanic tubes and underground lava channels.
Included Activities
- Transfer to MC Hermes
- Excursion to Santa Cruz Island highlands
- Visit to tortoise ranch
- Galápagos giant tortoise viewing
- Exploration of volcanic tubes and lava channels
Landmarks/POIs Santa Cruz Island - Day 25
Galápagos Islands
Travel to Rábida Island and walk trails at the red sand beach past saltwater lagoons and palo santo trees. You'll see pelicans and various birds. In the afternoon, climb to Bartolomé Island's summit for views of volcanic formations and Pinnacle Rock. If you're up for it, swim and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock.
Included Activities
- Excursion to Rábida Island
- Red sand beach trail navigation
- Saltwater lagoon viewing
- Wildlife viewing including pelicans and birdlife
- Ascent to Bartolomé Island summit
- Panoramic views of volcanic formations
Optional Activities
- Swimming and snorkeling around Pinnacle Rock
Landmarks/POIs Rábida Island Bartolomé Island Pinnacle Rock - Day 26
Galápagos Islands
Explore South Plaza, one of the Galápagos' smallest islands, walking through a cactus forest and watching for red-billed tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls. You'll see one of the largest populations of Galápagos land iguanas and sea lions. Later, check out the rugged northern shore covered with giant prickly pear cacti.
Included Activities
- Excursion to South Plaza Island
- Cactus forest walk
- Birdlife observation including red-billed tropicbirds
- Galápagos land iguana viewing
- Sea lion viewing
- Northern shore exploration
Landmarks/POIs South Plaza Island - Day 27
Galápagos Islands
Arrive at a quiet cove on San Cristóbal Island and discover Pitt Point, a volcanic tuff site with unique bird species. Look for three types of boobies, two frigatebird species, and sea lions on shore. Snorkel around the island to see marine life, then visit Witch Hill's lively coast for swimming and a short walk to see flamingos at a freshwater lagoon.
Included Activities
- Visit to Pitt Point on San Cristóbal Island
- Boobies and frigatebirds viewing
- Sea lion viewing
- Snorkeling
- Visit to Witch Hill
- Swimming at Witch Hill
- Flamingo viewing at freshwater lagoon
Landmarks/POIs San Cristóbal Island Pitt Point Witch Hill - Day 28
Galápagos Islands
Visit Isla Lobos by foot and boat. Take a panga ride to spot blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and seabirds. Snorkel with playful sea lion pups in clear water. After exploring, leave MC Hermes and transfer to San Cristóbal airport for your flight back to Guayaquil.
Included Activities
- Visit to Isla Lobos
- Foot and boat exploration
- Panga ride
- Blue-footed boobies viewing
- Sea lion viewing
- Snorkeling with sea lion pups
- Transfer to San Cristóbal airport
Landmarks/POIs Isla Lobos - Day 29
Guayaquil
After breakfast, your South American journey wraps up with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
- Transfer to airport
