13-Day Trip: Machu Picchu, Buenos Aires, Iguazu & Rio de Janeiro

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco!

1. Cusco
   Pass by
   Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be warmly greeted and transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel in the serene Sacred Valley.

Day 2: Private Full Day Pisac market and ruins & Ollantaytambo - Ending in Sacred Valley

1. Pisac
   5h
   Today, you will be picked up from your hotel and begin your journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with a visit to the charming town of Pisac. On your way, you'll make a brief stop at the Taray viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Upon reaching Pisac, you'll explore the impressive archaeological site perched above the Vilcanota River, where the intricate Inca architecture will captivate you. Next, you’ll wander through the vibrant Pisac market, filled with local crafts, textiles, and other regional products.
2. Sacred Valley
   4h
   Continuing your journey, you'll head to a restaurant in Urubamba for a delightful lunch, savoring the flavors of the Sacred Valley. Afterward, you will visit the stunning Ollantaytambo fortress, an ancient Inca military, religious, and agricultural site built atop a mountain. Explore the town of Ollantaytambo itself, which preserves its original Inca urban layout, and stroll through its quaint streets, where you can shop for unique handicrafts at the local market.

Day 3: Cuzco: Full-day tour to the Sacred Valley with Lunch

1. Sacred Valley
   9h
   Today, depart from Cuzco on a full-day tour to discover the spectacular Sacred Valley (shared service). The Sacred Valley was a truly special place for the Inca civilization. Its many rivers and gorges, along with the fertility of their valleys, make this the most productive agricultural spot—the best grain corn in Peru grows here!
2. Pisac Market
   40m
   A few miles further along, you will get to Pisac, a historic town where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. We will take time exploring this quaint town and the Pisac Market, famous for its jewellery, ceramic and textile craftwork. Right after, visit the archaeological site of Pisaq, one of the jewels of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; an Inca settlement built row upon row of fine stone terraces, laid out on a natural balcony.
3. Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Next up, our last stop: Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Incan towns. Ollantaytambo was once guarded by a massive fortress. Here, discover the large archaeological complex which used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Additionally, admire some of the surviving structures; multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions. After having lunch, you will be driven to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 4: Sacred Valley: Full Day Machu Picchu by Vistadome Train

1. Aguas Calientes
   Pass by
   At the appropriate time, we will pick you up from your hotel and go to the train station. The comfortable train ride heading Aguas Calientes station is packed full of spectacular vistas (train ticket included). This town is also known as “Machu Picchu Pueblo” and it’s the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. On our arrival, we will take a bus that will drop us at the citadel of Machu Picchu itself (entrance fee included). **Keep in mind that in high season, in order to board the bus you may wait from half an hour to one hour in the line.
2. Machu Picchu
   2h 30m
   Discovered by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” and is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we take a tour of the magical citadel led by one of our guides. Afterwards, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy your leisure time during the rest of the afternoon and a night of restful sleep in the town of Aguas Calientes.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes / Cuzco

1. Aguas Calientes
   Pass by
   Today, you will have some time at leisure. We suggest that you return to Machu Picchu and continue exploring some of the many attractions of the citadel (not included) or, that you take the morning to visit the interesting town of Aguas Calientes, its historic Plaza de Armas, and the many local markets nearby, where you can find handicrafts, typical food, and souvenirs. In the midday/afternoon you will head to the train station in Aguas Calientes and take a train back to Cuzco. Upon arrival, you will be driven to your hotel.

Day 6: Cuzco / Buenos Aires

1. Pass by
   At the appropriate time, you’ll have a private transfer from your hotel in Cuzco to the airport.
2. Pass by
   Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you’ll be met at the airport by one of our Destination Hosts and have a private transfer to your hotel. Our Destination Host will check with you the details of your itinerary, and add any extra information you might need. They will be ready to answer your questions, give you tips about places to go, restaurants to eat and anything else you might be interested in. You’ll have the rest of the day free to relax at your hotel or go out and enjoy this vibrant city.

Day 7: Buenos Aires: City Tour & Tango Show

1. Plaza De Mayo
   15m
   Today, get ready to explore the City Highlights on a 3-hour Buenos Aires Tour! After pick-up from your Buenos Aires hotel (shared service), set out to explore the city aboard an air-conditioned vehicle. First, you will see the grand Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada, where some of the most important events in Argentine history have played out.
2. La Boca
   15m
   Then, explore the cobblestone lanes and street markets of San Telmo, one of the city‘s oldest districts, then continue to waterfront La Boca to admire the colourful houses of Caminito Street and the famous Bombonera stadium.
3. Recoleta
   15m
   Continue through Puerto Madero with its modern high rise buildings, then head north to walk around the leafy parks and lively plazas. Finally, make a stop in Recoleta, where the star attraction is the Recoleta Cemetery, home to Evita’s grave.
   Your Buenos Aires city sightseeing bus tour ends with drop-off back at your hotel.
4. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Tonight, we’ll pick you up from your hotel (shared service) and drive you to a Tango House to enjoy an exclusive 3-course dinner and taste the best of Argentine gastronomy. Pair these delicacies with a selection of Argentine wines! Right after dinner, enjoy the performance of professional dancers that will marvel you with the most sensual movements, while the history of tango comes to life in front of your eyes! At the end of the show, you’ll be driven back to your hotel.

Day 8: Buenos Aires / Puerto Iguazú

1. Pass by
   At the appropriate time, you’ll have a private transfer from your hotel in Buenos Aires to the airport.
2. Pass by
   Welcome to Iguazu! Upon arrival, you will be met at the Airport or Bus Station and be provided with a semi-private transfer to your hotel.
3. Puerto Iguazu
   6h
   Puerto Iguazu is a little town, gateway to visit the impressive Iguazu Falls, which have been recently declared as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders, making it a must-see destination for any traveller visiting Argentina. Today, you’ll have the rest of the day free to do as you wish.

Day 9: Puerto Iguazú: Full-Day Iguazu National Park: Argentine Side

1. 6h · Admission ticket not included
   After breakfast, our driver and bilingual guide will pick you up at your lodging to enjoy a full-day tour (semi-private service) to the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls (entrance fee not included).
2. Garganta del Diablo
   1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
   After entering the park, you will go on an ecological train ride (shared transport) through the Iguazu rainforest to access the viewing platform that overlooks the impressive Devil’s Throat. The Devil’s Throat is the most important and most imposing waterfall of all 275 waterfalls since it rises to a height of 80 metres (262 ft). You will not cease to be amazed by the force of millions of litres of water falling at different heights!
3. Iguazu Falls
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   As the tour continues, your guide will show you the best views of this world-famous natural wonder as you walk the lower and upper circuit. Both of them are sure to impress you: The LOWER CIRCUIT features a more intimate experience with nature as you walk right into the forest to the heart of the falls, feeling the “spirit” of the jungle. The UPPER CIRCUIT provides magnificent panoramic views from the top of the falls. The elevated walkways will take you over the drop line of several of the main jumps. You will have some free time to have lunch (lunch not included) and at the end of this once-in-a-lifetime tour, you will be driven to your hotel.
   **OPTIONAL: We highly recommend upgrading this excursion to include a shared boat tour experience.

Day 10: Puerto Iguazu: Half-Day Iguazu National Park: Brazilian Side / Rio de Janeiro

1. Parque Nacional do Iguacu
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   At the appropriate time, we will pick you up at your hotel in Puerto Iguazú to enjoy a half-day tour (semi-private service) to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls (entrance fee not included). Bear in mind that you will cross the Brazilian border, so don’t forget your passport! At Parque Nacional do Iguaçu you will enjoy vast panoramic views that will allow you to take the waterfalls in their entirety. **Time spent at the international border can vary from half an hour to some hours.
2. Iguazu Falls
   Pass by
   Upon arrival at the National Park, you will board a bus to approach the viewing walkways (shared transport). After a short briefing about the park, you’ll begin to wander through the paths with spectacular panoramic views of the front of the falls. At the end of the circuit, you will approach Floriano Fall and get sprayed by its heavy mist. A day you will never forget!
3. Pass by
   After touring the park, you will have a semi-private transfer from the park to Foz de Iguaçu airport to take your next flight to Rio de Janeiro.
   **IMPORTANT: In order to visit the Brazilian side of the falls, passengers must book a departure flight with departure at 4:00 p.m. or later.
4. Pass by
   Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! An exotic mix of beach and mountains, filled with colourful colonial neighbourhoods and modernist big-city style. Upon arrival, you will be received by a Destination Host and have a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to explore the lively city or spend time relaxing by the beach.

Day 11: Rio de Janeiro: Full-Day Corcovado, Tijuca Forest, Sugar Loaf & Botanical Gd. with Lunch

1. Rio de Janeiro
   9h
   Today you’re going to explore the 4 major highlights of Rio (shared service).
2. Sugarloaf Mountain
   Pass by
   The famous “Pão de Açúcar” is an official World Heritage Site by UNESCO! After a morning pick-up at your hotel, you will begin the tour by riding the cable car up to Corcovado Mountain to reach the spectacular view at the top from where you will get panoramic views of sea, mountains, colonial-style houses and the surrounding nature.
3. Botanical Garden
   Pass by
   Visit the beautiful botanical gardens to gain perspective of the immense tropical rainforest that sits in the middle of Rio city. The area was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1992 and hosts more than 6,000 different species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees — and 900 varieties of palm trees alone. It also has a collection of photographs, water fountains & lagoons, and unique rock formations.
4. Santuario Cristo Redentor
   1h · Admission ticket included
   By far the most iconic visual of Rio de Janeiro. Not only will you marvel at this jaw-dropping 38-meter Christianity symbol but also at the incredible panoramic views that showcase the glittering waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful beaches below.
5. Floresta da Tijuca
   Pass by
   Christ The Redeemer is located inside the Tijuca Forest National Park. This stretch of forest covers a significant part of the area yet feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, iguanas, sloths, crazy looking spiders and more! You will get to experience the forest on our Jeep, will visit Taunay waterfall, a hidden old chapel, the visitors centre and may even go on a short walk through the jungle. At the end of this experience, you will be taken back to your hotel. **Notes: the order of the activities may change depending on weather and traffic conditions. Lunch is at a local Churrascaria (Brazilian BBQ)**Entrance fees are included on today’s tour.

Day 12: Sugar Loaf Mountain Experience

1. Sugarloaf Mountain
   4h · Admission ticket included
   We will pick you up from your hotel and head to the charming neighborhood of Urca, home to the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain. The experience includes two cable car rides. The first takes us up to Urca Hill, standing at 705 feet, where you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, its surrounding islands, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, and Corcovado Mountain.
   From there, we’ll hop on a second cable car that climbs to the summit of Sugar Loaf, reaching 1,296 feet. At the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress, and several beaches across the bay in Niterói.
   Once the tour concludes, we will return you to your hotel.

Day 13: Goodbye Rio de Janeiro!

1. Pass by
   Enjoy your last few hours in Rio! At the appropriate time, you will have a private transfer to the international airport for your flight back home.**NOTES: Our itinerary is pretty flexible, so if you need to add extra nights or want to add extra tours to the itinerary, we can quote them for you. Just make sure to let us know in advance using the “Special Requirements” box while booking.** Schedules are approximate. The order of the visited attractions is subject to change.

Pickup details

We will schedule your transfer into Cusco city according to your flight arrival time. We pick-up all travellers at Cusco International Airport (CUZ).

PUERTO IGUAZU: If your arrival flight lands and/or departs between 10 pm and 6 am, the transfer service will have to be private, incurring additional charges. Otherwise, you can take a taxi to your hotel, but there will be no refund for it.

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• IMPORTANT: Passport name, number, nationality and date of birth are required at the time of booking for all participants
• IMPORTANT: Your arrival flight should get to Cuzco at 11:00 a.m. or EARLIER so that you can go on our guided city tour in the afternoon
• IMPORTANT: Your departure flight from Foz do Iguaçu to Rio should depart at 3:30 p.m. or LATER, so that you can tour the Brazilian side of the falls in the morning
• Hotel accommodation categories are based on service and comfort standards, not star ratings
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements/allergies at the time of booking
• Please, make sure to meet Peru, Argentina and Brazil’s entry and travel requirements. It is the traveller's responsibility to have all their necessary travel documents
• Baby/Child seats: In some cases it is mandatory for children under 12 to use a booster seat/ baby seat and in some excursions it is not provided. Please request in advance
• Strollers: Not all excursions are stroller-accessible. We recommend taking a child carrier backpack instead
• In some excursions minors must sit on a parent's lap
• To travel to Brazil, a Visa is required for citizens of Australia, Canada, the United States, and Japan.
• To enter Argentina, travellers must present a valid medical insurance that provides comprehensive coverage for the entire duration of your stay; a return ticket or proof of onward travel out of Argentina; and accommodation booking or the address of the place where you will be staying.
• Tourist tax for Misiones not included. It must be paid in cash at the accommodation.
• Altitude Sickness: Visitors should be prepared for the lightness of head and shortness of breath that is typical upon arrival in Cuzco. It is recommendable to drink lots of water and to avoid hearty meals
• Back or Heart problems: Only with a medical authorization