On arrival at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport you are transferred to your hotel in the well-known coastal suburb of Miraflores. In the evening you meet your tour leader and the other members of your group for a pre-tour briefing. Please check the noticeboard near the hotel reception for confirmation of the exact time and place of the meeting (please note that if a significant number of group members are arriving late into Lima, this meeting may be held sometime on Day 2). This meeting is generally followed by an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant. Lima has some of the most superb cuisine in South America and is especially renowned for its exceptional seafood. During your time here, you may wish to try ceviche, Peru’s national dish, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice and often served with hot peppers. This culinary delight is a must for all seafood lovers!

On the morning of Day 2 we start our exploration of the Peruvian capital with a half-day city tour. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, it was from Lima that all Spanish territories in South America were governed. Few cities at that time could rival Lima’s power, wealth and opulence. However its glory days ended in 1746 when the city was virtually destroyed by an earthquake. Many of the colonial buildings were rebuilt and we get a first-hand look at several of them on our tour. The striking Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas), flanked by some of the most important buildings in town such as the cathedral, the huge Government Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace, constitutes the heart of the city. We visit the cathedral and the nearby San Francisco Monastery, with its catacombs containing some 70,000 human remains. We also visit the impressive National Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology and History of Peru, which is home to a wonderful collection of cultural exhibits tracing the history, arts and accomplishments of the people of Peru, ranging from the original inhabitants of the land through to the Inca Empire and the Spanish conquerors.

The afternoon is free to do your own exploration of Lima. You may wish to wander around Miraflores or perhaps catch a taxi to visit the Gold Museum or the Larco Museum, which is renowned for its ancient pottery collection. Please remember that you must agree on a fare with the driver before catching a taxi, as the taxis here do not have meters. (Miraflores-Downtown approximately 10-15 soles)

Today we fly to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, where we take an afternoon walking tour to explore this fascinating city. Please remember to walk slowly and take it reasonably easy upon arrival, as you will no doubt feel the effects of altitude as we have travelled from sea level up to 3350 metres. Cusco is a favourite destination of many visitors to Peru. Its main sites radiate outwards from the Plaza de Armas, which is dominated by the 17th century Baroque cathedral. It was in this very plaza that the Spanish conquistadors put to death the last Inca king, Tupac Amaru I. As we wander the streets and side alleys of the city we witness the perfect tapering Inca stonework that provided the foundations for many of Cusco’s colonial and modern buildings. Our comprehensive sightseeing tour of the city’s main sights includes the cathedral and Koricancha Temple. We then take to the surrounding hills and visit the impressive ceremonial ruins of Sacsayhuaman, where massive stone blocks that form the walls of this site give us an awesome picture of how highly developed Inca engineering was. In our free time, it is also possible to visit the Inca Museum, Religious Art Museum, Church of San Blas and Santa Catalina Museum.

The Sacred Valley, located between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, was greatly treasured because of its climate, fertile land and the presence of the Urubamba (Sacred) River. On our full day tour of the Sacred Valley, we will see evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams on the Urubamba River, imposing sets of terraces and centres of worship dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth). At the Sacred Valley we visit the Awana Kancha tourist centre where we see llama, alpaca, vicuna and guanaco all in the one place, the ruins at Qenko, the colourful market town of Pisac and the towering Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo. Built on a steep mountainside this grand citadel served as both a temple and fortress. A walk up to the top is rewarded by fine views over the village and out further into the valley.

We trek the ‘Classic’ and the ‘Lares’ routes, both of which include a visit to incredible Machu Picchu at the end of the trek. Although we normally trek the 'Classic' route, it is restricted by the number of trekkers permitted on the trail each day and unless you have booked early, it maybe difficult or impossible for us to secure the necessary group permits (especially during the peak season). It is also closed during the month of February for cleaning and rejuvenation. If we are unable to confirm your permit for the 'Classic' route we will use the ‘Lares’ trail. This is an exceptional alternative. Venturing further off the beaten path, this trek winds its way through remote rural villages and provides stunning views across the Andes. Along the way you can mingle with local families, llama herders and weavers, renowned for their brightly coloured hats and ponchos. The trek is of similar altitude and level of difficulty as the 'Classic' route and also includes a visit to the town of Aguas Calientes and the magnificent Machu Picchu, recently voted one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’.

The following description refers to the 'Classic' route. Please refer below to the 'Itinerary Variation' section of this trip note for details of the 'Lares' route. Inca Trail Km 82 - Wayllabamba (8km) This morning we set off for the Inca Trail by travelling from Cusco into the Sacred Valley before heading to Kilometre 82, where our trek begins. Today we hike past the ancient hilltop fort of Huillca Raccay and the beautiful archaeological site of Llactapata. It is a fairly leisurely hike and along the way there are stunning views of snow-capped Veronica Peak (5860m). Following the river we pass a tiny village and continue on to our camp at Wayllabamba, located at 3000 metres. Porters are provided on this trek, so during the day you need only to carry a daypack with your personal items. This need to be big enough to carry such items as water, camera and a warm jacket.

This morning we set off for the Inca Trail by travelling from Cusco into the Sacred Valley before heading to Kilometre 82, where our trek begins. Today we hike past the ancient hilltop fort of Huillca Raccay and the beautiful archaeological site of Llactapata. It is a fairly leisurely hike and along the way there are stunning views of snow-capped Veronica Peak (5860m). Following the river we pass a tiny village and continue on to our camp at Wayllabamba, located at 3000 metres. Porters are provided on this trek, so during the day you need only to carry a daypack with your personal items. This need to be big enough to carry such items as water, camera and a warm jacket.

Today is the most difficult part of the trek as we climb to Warminwanusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass (4200m). Along the way we trek through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery to be seen anywhere in the Andes. This is the first and highest of three Andean passes on the Inca Trail, with breathtaking views over the snow capped Vilcanota and Vilcabama mountain ranges. Ahead of us we can see the ruins of Runkuracay and in the valley below, Rio Pacamayo (Sunrise River). Here the trail changes from dirt to steps and stone pathways, our route takes us through a landscape dotted with rural hamlets, grazing llamas and well-preserved remnants of the Incan culture. Although not too arduous we still need to make a steep descent to the valley below, and our camp beneath the cliff tops at Pacamayo (3600m), overlooking the cloud forest.

We climb up to the oval shaped ruin of Runkurakay, which is believed to have once been an Inca tambo or post house. Pushing on up the Inca staircase and beside two tiny and fast diminishing mountain lakes, we are rewarded at the summit of our second pass (3900m) with spectacular views of Pumasillo (6245m) and the entire snow-capped Vilcabamba range. From here it is a steep descent and then ascent to our third pass and the ruins of Phullupatamarca, where we embark on a long descent into a beautiful orchid-filled cloud forest. The scenery will blow you away! Butterflies flutter across the trail and the air is pure and clean as we head to breathtaking Winaywayna (2650m).

On our final morning we make an early start to reach the Sun Gate for sunrise. Here we enjoy our first views of the complex of Machu Picchu, often referred to as the Lost City of the Incas. On a clear morning the view from the Sun Gate can be quite stunning and creates a lasting impression that will stay with you long after you return home. Built around 1450 the city was deserted less than a century later following the Spanish invasion and ‘lost’ for hundreds of years before it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. The architecture of Machu Picchu is quite extraordinary, with the mortar-free design particularly earthquake resistant and the stones so precisely cut that to this day not even a knife fits between them. We tour the site with our guide and then have some free time to explore by ourselves, before taking the bus down to the small town of Aguas Calientes. There are some small shops and restaurants in the town where we can while the time away. Alternatively you may choose to wash away the dust and grime of the trail in the hot thermal baths located on the edge of town. In the late afternoon we take the train back to Cusco.

Today is a free day to spend in Cusco. The oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, Cusco is a wonderful place in which to stroll aimlessly or participate in an outdoor activity. If you are feeling energetic there are a myriad of adventures available in and around town, such as cycling and horse riding. There are plenty of opportunities to shop for handicrafts or wander around the cobblestone streets and visit museums, churches and colonial sites. You may just wish to relax with a 'cerveza' or a 'pisco sour' in one of the restaurants and 'penas' (traditional local bars) surrounding Plaza de Armas.

After breakfast we are transferred to the airport, where we fly to Lima. Soon after, we take a second flight to Buenos Aires, and check into our hotel for our three night stay. In the evening it is also possible to arrange to see the Esquina Carlos Gardel Tango show. Please request this with your travel agent before departure, or tour leader in Argentina.

Buenos Aires is home to 11 million 'portenos', a name given to the inhabitants of Buenos Aires that literally means 'residents of the port'. It has been shaped by a history riddled with conflict and struggles. Even the achievement of independence in 1816 did not resolve ongoing disputes between local residents and conservative provincial landowners. However, following a succession of military juntas, Argentina now has a stable, democratic government. Our city tour of the Argentine capital combines bus transportation and walking and takes us to the district of Recoleta, famous for its cemetery and often referred to as a miniature 'city-within-a-city' because to its size. This place is also famous as the resting place for Argentina's favourite First Lady, Eva Peron. We also visit Palermo, Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Mayo and the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca, with its colourful wooden buildings.

The afternoon and following day are free to explore the city further at our leisure. It is possible to book on optional tours to the Costanera Sur Bird Sanctuary, Tigre Delta or Madero Harbour (please note that these additional tours will be at extra costs).

Today, we take a flight north to Puerto Iguazu, a frontier town in the province of Misiones, Argentina. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool, or stroll around the town, which is home to many talented artisans. The group may also venture to a local restaurant for an optional dinner, where river fish fresh from the Rios Parana and Iguazu, are in abundance and make for a very tasty seafood experience.

The following morning we head out to view the falls close up, from the Argentinean side. One of the main attractions is the incredible "Devils Throat" balcony, which provides a sensational view of the horse-shoe shaped waterfall 150 metres long. The water is so powerful, it creates dense clouds of vapour as it falls into the Iguazú River below. Later in the day we are able to witness the awesome power of the falls even closer, as we take a boat ride up to the falls thunderous base. (wet weather clothing - highly recommended). In the evening we return to our hotel in Puerto Iguazu.

This morning we bid farewell to our Argentine guide, and meet our Brazilian tour leader who will stay with us until the end of the tour. There's time for breakfast before we travel by private van to the Brazilian side - Foz do Iguacu, where we are immediately confronted by fantastic panoramic views. Twenty metres higher than Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls are without doubt one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. Located at the confluence of the Rio Iguazu and the Rio Alto Parana, the water cascades over the edge of a 2.5 kilometre-wide plateau in 275 separate falls.

In the afternoon we travel by overnight deluxe bus to the city of Curitiba, which was once the capital of Brazil for a very short period - 24 to 27 March 1969. The buses have full reclining seats and leg rest, which makes for a comfortable journey throughout the night.

On arrival in Curitiba, we make our way to the train station, where we board Brazil’s oldest train, the Serra Verde Express, for our ride through rainforest to the Marumbi State Park station. Lush rainforest dissected by rivers and superb mountain scenery make for an exciting and spectacular journey along this magnificent old railway line that has linked Curitiba to the town of Paranagua since 1885. We disembark at Marumbi Station and enjoy an easy four to five hour walk along the Itupava Colonial Trail, which descends through the rainforest. During our walk we hope to spot the incredible Blue Morpho butterfly, found mostly in South & Central America. They are coloured gorgeous, shimmering shades of blue and green, but be warned, they are very tricky to capture on film!

Please note: If you do not wish to hike the Itupava Trail it is possible to continue on the train to Morretes, where you are met and transferred to the rainforest lodge to await the arrival of those members in our group doing the walk.

After our walk, we arrive at our pousada (rainforest lodge), located in the small village of Porto de Cima. There’s time to wander around the village, relax or further explore the surrounding rainforest and its flora and fauna. Otherwise, why not take a swim in the cool waters of the Nhundiaquara River or swimming pool? In the evening, we enjoy a cozy dinner together in the pousadas dining area.

The following day we travel by van to the colourful towns of Antonina and Morretes, founded in 1733 and 1714 respectively. Tranquil and charming, Antonina is a small but quaint coastal town, that slowly slipped into decadence as it lost pride of place as the region's main port. Morretes is a delightful little place with cobbled streets lined by old colonial houses, a winding river and a great view of the mountains. There are also many lovely handicraft shops. Next, we return to the pousada for our second night in Port de Cima.

A short drive takes us to the major port city of Paranagua, built on the shores of a large bay 29 kilometres inland from the sea. Paranagua is a colourful city and its old section at the waterfront is lined with shops and houses from the Portuguese colonial era. The whole area has an ambience of tropical decadence. The city, founded in 1585, is one of the chief ports for the export of coffee beans.

From here we take a boat trip to Ilha do Mel (Honey Island), where we spend the night at a rustic beach lodge. The island is very popular because of its excellent beaches, scenic walks and relative isolation. During the afternoon or following morning, we can take one of the walks to the lighthouse for the best views of the island or perhaps visit the historical fortress area. Those wanting to relax can head to one of the many beautiful beaches to be found on the island. In the evening, it may be possible to listen to some live music, and enjoy the local seafood.

Around 3pm, we take the boat back to Paranagua and are transferred to Curitiba airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Copacabana for the next two nights, and enjoy an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Rio is a beautiful city with so many things to see and do. The Portuguese established a small, fortified settlement on the western side of Rio de Janeiro Bay in 1560. The name means 'River of January', a reference to the month when it was founded. The sugar boom and resulting slave trade saw the settlement grow so rapidly that by the 18th century, the population had reached 50,000 and the city had also become the chief port for a thriving gold industry. Rio is today regarded as the holiday capital of Brazil and its inhabitants, known as 'Cariocas', pursue life with a zest. The city is characterised by beautiful white sandy beaches and rolling surf, with towering mountains forming a spectacular backdrop.

During our time here we visit Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands on top of a peak known as Corcovado 704 metres above sea level. Clear visibility, allows for spectacular views of the southern districts of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana and of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas close to the Botanical Garden. We also drive through downtown Rio, with its fine colonial-style Portuguese buildings and visit the Catedral Metropolitana and view the huge stained-glass windows.

Rio is divided into two zones. The upper and middle classes reside in the zona sul (South) and the lower classes in the zona norte (North). Favelas (slums) cover steep hillsides on both sides of town, and on your final day, it is possible to organise an optional tour to Rocinha, Brazil's largest favela in Gavea, one of Rio's richest neighbourhoods. Please ask your tour leader for details. <>br/> The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the colourful and vibrant nightlife and the laid-back and friendly nature of Brazilians will help make your visit to Rio a memorable one. Our tour ends after breakfast on Day 21.

If you wish to extend your stay in Rio, additional nights can be arranged for you. Please ask your travel agent at the time of booking your holiday.