U.S.A. to Peru

We will depart Salt Lake City in the morning with a late evening arrival in Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel.  Overnight in Lima.

Lima

Morning city tour through Lima’s Historic Center, where you can admire and learn about the numerous architectural relics that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin in the magnificent Santo Domingo Convent, which was built during Lima’s foundation, and originally housed the San Marcos University – the oldest university in the Americas. Stepping into the convent is like stepping into the past. The oldest chairs in the country sit in the chorus area, while the library – with its 25,000 books from the Dominicans, some of which were printed in the XV Century – is of incredible historic value. The Santo Domingo Convent was transited by all the major Saints of Lima, and currently houses the remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías y Santa Rosa de Lima. From here, cross through Lima’s Main Plaza – which contains the Government and Municipal Palaces – as you make your way towards the Lima Cathedral. The Cathedral is containing numerous religious art gems, and is considered an integral part of Lima’s history. The paintings housed within it take us on a visual tour through moments of Lima’s past. Then, make your way to the Larco Museum, located 30 minutes from Lima’s city center. The museum, named one of the Worlds 25 Best Museums by Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards, has many different displays that offer visitors a journey through the beauty and history of Peru’s ancient cultures. Meanwhile, the warehouse contains an impressive number of ceramic pieces that depict faces, objects, fruits, birds, and many other aspects of day-to-day life in ancient Peru. Lunch at Cafe del Museo located at the Larco Herrera Museum.  Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Lima.

Lima to Cuzco

Morning transfer to the Lima airport for our flight to Cuzco. In the afternoon, we will visit the Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman. Our excursion starts visiting the magnificent fortress, a beautiful place that radiates peace and quiet. We will be able to admire the rocks measuring up to 4 meters high that were used in its construction. Then, we will continue to Q'enqo, and ancient temple of the cougar, that has inside an altar for sacrifices in the inner part of the rock.  Tambomachay, the sacred fountains of life and health.  On the way we will have a panoramic view from Puca Pucara, a watch tower that controlled the entrance to the city.  After that, we will visit the Temple of the Sun "Korikancha", on top of which the Santo Domingo Convent was built.  A legend tells that his temple was entirely lined in gold sheets that marveled the Conquistadors upon their arrival. Finally, we will end our tour visiting the Cathedral, located in front of the main square, and keeps colonial invaluable paintings and other works of religious art such as the Cross that arrived with the first conquerors. Overnight in Cuzco.

Cuzco to Machu Picchu

Early morning transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station. A train trip away to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We arrive at the Aguas Calientes station where our staff will assist us on boarding the bus to go up the winding road to Machu Picchu, amid a spectacular view of the Urubamba River and its canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will astonish us with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps and urban areas. Energy is all around us. At the arranged time, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the town before check-in in our hotel where we will spend the night. Dinner included at the hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

NOTE: This evening we will pack a small overnight bag for our train journey to Machu Picchu. For all train journeys, each passenger is allowed 1 bag or backpack which must not exceed 5kg/11lbs and/or 157cm/62 inches (length + height + width). Baggage exceeding these measurements is not allowed. We ask that only the absolute necessities are packed for the next 2 days. Your big luggage will stay at the hotel in Cusco, where you will be returning on Friday, May 17th. Also, prepare a day bag to take with you during the tour of the ruins.  Your overnight bag will be taken to the hotel in Machu Picchu from the train station. 

Machu Picchu to Sacred Valley

Second visit to Machu Picchu citadel (entrance fee included). At arranged time, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo station from where we will be transferred to our hotel. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Sacred Valley to Cuzco

Today we will visit the most outstanding sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will leave for the town of Chinchero, the most typical and picturesque of the Sacred Valley. This town is also famous for its women weavers, we will make a brief stop in a textile center to appreciate its beautiful fabrics and where they will teach us the ancient Inca techniques for dyeing and spinning with Alpaca wool. In the town of Chinchero we will visit its Inca archaeological complex and its beautiful colonial church enjoying the impressive natural images that surround the town. We will continue to Moray, beautiful and curious Inca archaeological complex composed of colossal concentric terraces simulating a large amphitheater. In Incas times, it served as an agricultural laboratory where diverse microclimates were recreated. Lunch at one of the restaurants in the area. Finally, we end our tour visiting the fabulous archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo important for the Incas as a military, religious and agricultural center. We will visit the Temple of the ten windows, the bathrooms of the ñusta, the Temple of the Sun among other places of interest. The postcards from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Overnight in Cuzco.

Cusco to Lima to Rio de Janeiro

Today we will have a free morning in Cuzco for some last minute shopping and exploring the area on your own. Afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro with connection in Lima.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Early morning arrival in Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for early check-in and some free time to rest from the long flight. Afternoon tour of Sugar Loaf & Selaron Steps. Rio is blessed with a wonderful natural setting, wedged between the sea and the mountains, with contrasting peaks including Sugar Loaf and Corcovado - topped by the famous statue of Christ. Experience its beauty and the colorful state of mind of its almost 8 million locals who samba their way, relaxed and high-spirited, through life. Enjoy a visit to Sugarloaf, a worldwide symbol and trademark of Rio de Janeiro. From the top of the hill, you will enjoy the most beautiful views of the city. The two mountains are connected and reached by way of cable car: the first one is Morro da Urca, which is 220 meters high and offers a beautiful view of the Guanabara Bay, the beaches of Botafogo and Flamengo, the local airport and the Rio-Niteroi Bridge. From this stage, a second cable car will take you up to the top of the second mountain, 395 meters above the sea level, where you will find a splendid view of Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress, and some of the beaches of Niteroi. We will visit the Escadaria Selarón too. Dinner at a local Churrascaria. The restaurant offers an all you can eat buffet (Rodízio) with the finest and tastiest meats. You will be able to try more than 20 cuts among beef, pork, poultry, lamb and seafood – all prepared to suit the most demanding tastes. Buffet with More than 35 varieties of delicious hot dishes, garnishes, salads, cold cuts fine cheeses, gravy and dressings. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls

Morning at leisure to enjoy Rio on your own.  Departure transfer to the airport for our flight to one of the Natural Wonders of the World, Iguazu Falls!  Evening at leisure. Overnight in Iguazu Falls.

Rio de Iguazu Falls

Today we will enjoy a full day tour of the Argentine side of the Falls, visiting the 3 main circuits that will bring you face-to-face with the native wildlife: the Lower and Upper circuits and - most impressive - the Devil’s Throat. The Iguazú River plunges into a gorge of over 275 falls spread along 4 km and completely surrounded by a dense, tropical forest. The Upper Circuit guarantees spectacular panoramic views of the falls. The Lower Circuit will give you closer contact with the falls and the surrounding vegetation. Finally, you will arrive at the Devil’s Throat, the most impressive waterfall in Iguazú. Lunch included. 

Iguazu Falls to Rio de Janeiro

The fact that 80% of the falls are in Argentina actually means the best views of Iguazu Falls are from Brazil! From the start of the walkway, you are treated to an extensive panorama with amazing views around every curve of the path. At the end is an amazing viewing platform. Be prepared to take plenty of photos and videos!

Later, visit the Bird's Park, just outside the main entrance of the National Park. This 12-acre sanctuary features 160 species of local birds, including wondrous toucans, flamingos, and more. It enables an up-close-and-personal, educational experience that is not to be missed. There is something special about this place. We marvel at the parrots swooshing overhead and just have to take some slow-motion video to capture them in flight. Late afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight back to Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro to USA

Today, we will visit Corcovado, one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Located in the Tijuca Forest National Park and standing 30 m tall, this is one of the world's largest statues of Christ. Unveiled in 1931, it was completely restored in 2010. The Christ the Redeemer statue soars 700 m high above the city, creating an unforgettable backdrop to Rio de Janeiro spectacular mountainous landscape. Riding through the forest in the train is already a wonderful experience itself, with beautiful views of the lagoon. Is a must-see landmark for anyone visiting the city of Rio. Lunch at Cais d'Oriente Restaurant. The charming mansion from 1878, built with stones, bricks and whale oil, was an old warehouse for spices and products from the East. Indicated by the 2015 Michelin Guide, Cais gastronomy created its menu thinking about health, flavor and beauty, and always focusing on Brazilian ingredients. Evening departure to the airport for your flight home.

Houston to Salt Lake City

Morning arrival in the U.S. to connect with your flight to your home cities.

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TOUR ID#9224H04

To Book This Tour, Contact:

Carol Alegre, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6165
Email Carol

CASH DISCOUNT of $75.00 for final payment by check