Best of South America with Amazon & Galápagos Cruises

Welcome 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 iconic Copacabana Beach. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers during a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Admire Rio de Janeiro from above during a visit to Corcovado, the iconic mountain crowned by Christ the Redeemer, widely recognised as the world’s largest art deco sculpture. From here, enjoy sweeping vistas of the sprawling city before savouring Brazil’s delicious barbecue fare for lunch at a local restaurant. Later, board a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain to toast the sunset and incredible views with a drink.

Today, discover more of Rio de Janeiro on your included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity.

Freedom of Choice – Jeep Tour

Experience the beauty of Tijuca National Park on the fringes of the city as you explore by open-top jeep.

Freedom of Choice – Guanabara Bay Boat Tour

Glide along the tranquil waters of Guanabara Bay on a half-day boat tour, soaking up Rio de Janeiro’s spectacular coastline.

This morning, fly to Iguazú Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder straddling the Argentina-Brazil border. Arrive on the Brazilian side and soak up panoramic views 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 above on a scenic helicopter ride.

Signature Experience – Gran Meliá Iguazú

Stay close to Iguazú Falls at Gran Meliá Iguazú, the only hotel within Argentina's Iguazú National Park.

Spanning an impressive width of around 2.7 kilometres, Iguazú Falls is made up of 275 separate waterfalls. Today, discover the Argentinian side of the Falls as you set off on the Rainforest Ecological Train to a series of walkways and viewpoints, including a walkway to the 82-metre-high Devil’s Throat. This evening, you will enjoy a sensational Signature Experience at your hotel.

Signature Experience – Wine Tasting

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

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 local culture with a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Tango Demonstration and Tapas

Delve into the heart of Argentinean tradition and local culture as you delight in a vivacious tango demonstration, accompanied by a selection of authentic tapas.

This morning, join a guided discovery of the city, which includes the Italian-influenced 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 – Fogón Asado

Immerse yourself in Argentine tradition with a visit to Fogón Asado and enjoy the intoxicating flavours 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 and Tango Show

Delight in an authentic Buenos Aires experience as you enjoy a passionate tango show and a selection of delicious Argentine dishes.

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 along the rivers and canals of the Paraná Delta.

Freedom of Choice – Parisian Walking Tour

Discover the Parisian character of Buenos Aires, visiting Plaza San Martín, 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 one of world’s leading opera houses thanks to its impeccable acoustics.

Fly to Santiago, wedged between the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. On arrival, we'll transfer you to your hotel. Tonight, delight in a delicious dinner.

This morning, you’ll set off on a guided discovery of the bustling Chilean capital. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before choosing where to dine this evening.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Liguria Lastarria

Dive into rich Chilean flavours at Liguria Lastarria. Experience tantalising flavours with a wide array of dishes on the menu, including traditional empanadas, Chilean-style tuna tartare, and pichanga, accompanied by cocktails, wine and beer.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Ambrosia

Chef Carolina Bazán brings dishes to life with a menu that blends 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.

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.

Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. On arrival, be transferred to your hotel, where you'll enjoy dinner and meet the fellow travellers joining your tour this evening.

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 and experience the nation’s time-honoured regional traditions. Sit down to a lunch of traditional fare and enjoy a captivating Peruvian Paso horse show. 

After breakfast today, be transferred 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 and savour a delicious farm-to-table lunch, immersing yourself in the heart of local life and the rich traditions of Andean cuisine.

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. 

Today, embark on an incredible rail journey to Aguas Calientes during your Signature Experience. Upon arrival, 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. This evening, enjoy 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. Savour a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board while taking in the magnificent views that unfold before you.

This morning, enjoy free time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes. Later, board the PeruRail Vistadome train for your return trip to the Sacred Valley, where you'll savour lunch at a local restaurant on arrival. Afterwards, transfer by coach to Cusco and settle into your hotel, primely located in the heart of this historic city.

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 farewell dinner at MAP Café, located in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Freedom of Choice – Peruvian Cooking Class

Indulge in the vibrant flavours of Peru with a hands-on cooking class, discovering traditional dishes and ingredients.

Freedom of Choice – Sacsayhuamán Citadel Visit

Explore the 15th‑century Incan citadel of Sacsayhuamán, famed for its dry‑stone walls.

Board an early flight via Lima to Iquitos, gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. On arrival, you’ll be met by crew from Delfin III and travel by coach deeper into the rainforest towards the river. Along the way, enjoy insightful commentary on the region, accompanied by a boxed lunch. Reaching Nauta, a small tender boat will take you to your boutique vessel. 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 time to settle into your cabin, set out late this afternoon on a skiff exploration along the Marañón River, keeping watch for forest wildlife as dusk descends. Back on board, savour a delicious three-course dinner, expertly prepared by the ship’s chefs.

This morning, gain insight into life in the rainforest as you meet a local shaman and discover how communities use native plants for traditional medicine. Learn about the path to becoming a shaman and how they draw their knowledge from the rainforest.

After lunch, unwind on board before setting out by kayak along a calmer tributary, offering a different perspective of the river and its lush surrounds. As you paddle past small riverside communities nestled within the forest, keep watch for birdlife overhead, monkeys in the canopy, and perhaps even the elusive pink river dolphin gliding through nearby waters.

Join your naturalist guide for a skiff excursion along Nauta Caño, with the chance to fish and spot wildlife, including piranhas. Later, visit a local community and meet residents who will share insights into daily life, demonstrating how forest resources are used for food and household items — from bananas transformed into a sweet, nourishing drink to palm stems woven into baskets and bags.

This afternoon, set out on a rainforest trail walk at Nauta Caño, gaining a closer understanding of the Amazon’s intricate ecosystem. Keep watch for frogs, snakes and a fascinating array of insects that thrive in this unique environment. Nearby lies the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers. On your skiff, pause to take in this remarkable meeting of waters, widely regarded as the birthplace of the mighty Amazon River.

This morning, disembark Delfin III and visit the Tropical Amazon Aquarium en route to Iquitos. This thoughtfully curated aquarium showcases the Amazon’s rich aquatic biodiversity, featuring over 60 species of tropical fish, offering a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the natural wealth of the Amazon River. Afterwards, board your flight to Lima.

This morning, fly from Lima to Guayaquil, the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. On arrival, embark on a scenic tour. The Guayaquil Heritage Cemetery is a sea of opulent white marble statues, Barrio Las Peñas bursts with colourful buildings, and Parque Seminario is home to a thriving population of friendly, free-roaming iguanas.

This morning, fly to Baltra Island in the heart of the Galápagos Islands National Park. Take a short ferry ride across the channel to Santa Cruz Island. Explore the island’s highlands and learn about its unique ecosystems and biodiversity before enjoying lunch. Afterwards, marvel at the archipelago’s famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat at a special reserve, which also features several lava tunnels. The final stop for the day is Puerto Ayora, where you will board your floating home for the next four nights, Yacht La Pinta.

Explore Eden Islet off the coast of Santa Cruz Island this morning, where you may spot blue-footed boobies and reef sharks. Take the opportunity to snorkel or glide over the waters in a glass-bottom boat. Later in the day, discover the striking Sombrero Chino Islet, home to resident white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins.

This morning, visit the otherworldly Bartolomé Island, an extinct volcanic islet known for its dramatic red, orange and black rock formations. A steep but rewarding climb up the summit trail offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanic landscape. Afterwards, set out on a scenic dinghy ride, then choose to relax on the beach, snorkel in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, or discover the underwater ecosystem from a glass-bottom boat. Following lunch on board, you have the option to travel by pangas to Sullivan Bay.

Explore Darwin Bay and Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa Island, known as Bird Island for its remarkable diversity of bird species. Enjoy the chance to observe an array of marine and land birds, with time to swim and snorkel.

This morning, bid farewell to Yacht La Pinta and head to Baltra Island airport for your return flight to Guayaquil.

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