Brazil, Peru & Argentina featuring Iguassu Falls and Machu Picchu

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the historic capital of Brazil where we will meet our Tour Director and transfer to our hotel. From the slopes of Corcovado Mountain to its white sand beaches, vibrant urban lifestyle, and shanty towns, Rio is a city of contrasts that offers something for everyone.

Rio is a city that conjures up images of colorful Carnival floats, soccer matches, sunsets on the beach, the bossa nova, beautiful people, and even the song, Rio by Duran Duran and, the classic, Girl from Ipanema. As one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere, it never disappoints. Today our tour with our local expert gives us an in-depth look at Rio’s highlights.

Our day begins with a short drive through the Tijuca Forest on our way to the 98-foot statue of Jesus perched atop Corcovado Mountain called Christ the Redeemer. This wonder of the world is the most iconic spot in the city. The statue was built over 100 years ago and has been the postcard image of Rio ever since. Keep an eye out for the little chapel carved into its base.

Our next stop is another scenic must-see destination, Sugarloaf Mountain. From the base of the mountain, we will take a cable car to reach the summit of Urca Hill and then, take another cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which is 1,295 feet above sea level. Reaching the summit there are shops and restaurants that offer 360 -degree views of the city, surrounding ocean, and lush forests. For the adventurous, there are several short trails that lead to magnificent vistas. (B)

Today is on your own to explore the city at your own pace. Unwind on Copacabana Beach or go shopping at the “Hippie Market” of Ipanema where you will find more than 700 stalls of folk and contemporary art, jewelry, clothing, and crafts. While you are in the neighborhood, make sure to stop at Ipanema Beach.

If you would rather see more of the city, we are offering three optional half-day tours.

Optional DISTINCT Tour Excursions - Hidden Gems of Downtown Rio

Our tour begins with a tram ride across Arocs de Lapa, a picturesque aqueduct to Santa Teresa, one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Rio known for its bohemian vibe. Strolling along the winding cobblestone streets you will be delighted by sidewalk mosaics, historic mansions, eclectic architecture, art galleries, shops, and traditional Brazilian restaurants. We will visit Ruins Park where we will see the mysterious ruins of an ancient mansion that has been turned into an art gallery. Next, we will walk down the Selarón Steps, created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón in honor of the Brazilian flag.  At the end of the stairs, we will be in Lapa, a district known for its traditional nightlife, lively bars, and street parties. We will stroll along the Passeio Público, the oldest public park in South America, to reach Cinelândia Square, an important cultural center. The most significant buildings that surround the square are the Municipal Theater, Biblioteca Nacional, and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Our final stop is at the opulently decorated Art Nouveau cafe Confeitaria Colombo where we will sample traditional Brazilian snacks.

Optional DISTINCT Tour Excursions - Aquariums and Museums

This we head to Porto Maravilha, Rio’s newly revitalized Port area where we will tour the Museum of Tomorrow whose mission is to show the world how to create an attractive cultural space in an urban setting. Museum exhibits address a number of issues such as population growth, life expectancy, climate change, technological advances, genetic engineering, and bioethics. There is also an Observatory and temporary exhibitions.

Our next stop is to view the mural that lined the 2016 Olympic Boulevard created by Brazilian artist, Eduardo Kobra. This mural, Las Etnias is one of the largest in the world stretching over 32,000 feet with five ethnic groups depicted on a colorful background of geometric shapes. 

Our final stop is at the Rio de Janeiro Aquarium, the largest marine aquarium in South America. Here we will come face to face with 5,000 animals and 350 different species from around the world in 28 saltwater tanks. 

Optional DISTINCT Tour Excursions - Gardens and Rainforests

This tour is perfect for nature lovers because you will discover the diversity of the flora and fauna found here and brought here. Our first stop is the Botanical Garden in Rio de Janeiro founded in 1808. It is considered to be one of the most important botanical research gardens in the world. Today, the garden is home to over 6,500 species of foreign fauna collected from all over the world set on 350 acres. Visit a greenhouse of more than 2,000 orchids, the Japanese Garden complete with cherry trees, garden houses, ponds filled with Koi, and bridges, and wander in the Sensory Garden of herbal and aromatic plants. Stroll down the magnificent Avenue of 134 Royal Palm Trees planted more than 200 years ago, and see excellent examples of Brazilwood, the tree that gives its name to this country. Marvel at giant water lilies at Turtle Lake and look for the many birds that make their home in this oasis.  Our next stop is at Tijuca National Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the world boasting 30 waterfalls. We will take a short walk to Taunay Waterfall to learn about this sprawling Atlantic Rainforest with its unique flora, fauna, birds, and wildlife. On our return trip to the hotel, we will pass São Conrado Beach a favorite haunt of hand gliders that soar over the cobalt-blue ocean. (B)

This morning we say goodbye to Rio as we fly to the fabled Iguassu Falls in Brazil. Iguassu has earned the title of being the largest waterfall system in the world and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After checking into our hotel, we head to Brazil’s Iguassu National Park Visitor’s Center where we will learn about the 275 waterfalls that make up this incredible ecosystem and what trails to hike for the best views. Trilha das Cataratas trail is easy, paved, flat, and, should not be missed. Hikers on this trail are rewarded with several lookouts offering specular views as well as an excellent view of the Devil’s Throat waterfall. For people that don’t want to walk that far head to Porto Canoas Station to get the best view of the Devil’s Throat, the largest of the 275 waterfalls of Iguazú Falls. There are elevators to take up to a walkway, restaurants, and souvenir shops here. (B) 

Optional DISTINCT Tour Excursions - Birding Adventure

Take this tour if you love birds and want to become acquainted with the birds of the Iguassu Falls National Bird Park. Stroll along walkways that make their way through lush foliage in huge aviaries to spot more than 1,000 birds. A highlight is the bird nursery where baby birds are raised and fledged. Keep your eyes peeled for parrots, toucans, emus, harpy eagles, king vultures, and many others. Additional attractions include a butterfly nursery and an area where you can see 25 species of reptiles, including snakes and alligators. 

Today’s excursion will take us to the Argentinian side of Iguazú Falls. We will cross into Argentina on the Tancredo Neves Bridge that spans the Iguazú River, separating the border between Argentina and Brazil. Once in Argentina, we will take the scenic highway up to the Argentine Iguazú National Park where we will have a spectacular view of the Argentinean Falls. Highlights of the Argentinian side of the falls include a walk on the Upper Circuit to the awe-inspiring view of Devil’s Throat, the largest of the Argentinean Falls.  On the way back from the falls we will make a stop at the “Three Borders” where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet. (B)

Optional DISTINCT Tour Excursions - The Great Adventure 

This optional tour includes driving through the rainforest, navigating river rapids on rafts, and seeing waterfalls up close making it perfect for thrill seekers. Our adventure begins as we board large trucks and head into the rainforest to the pier where we will board a raft for an adventure on the Iguazú Inferior River Canyon. Along the way, our guide will point out exotic plants and animals while sharing facts about the park. Boarding our raft, we will traverse river rapids to view the falls from San Martín Island. Our on-the-water adventure continues with a visit to Tres Mosqueteros (Three Musketeers) falls, and Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), the highlight of the tour. The grand finale is rafting right up to the San Martín falls, for their powerhouse display.

IMPORTANT: We recommend bringing an extra set of clothes and shoes and a rain poncho because everyone will get wet on this excursion. 

Today, we leave Iguassu Falls and transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arriving in Lima, we transfer to our hotel and check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Believe it or not, Peru is a food lovers’ paradise and is the only capital in South America that faces the Pacific Ocean. Dinner is on your own.

After breakfast, we will meet our local guide for a tour of the modern areas and colonial parts of Lima, once known as “the City of Kings.”  Our tour begins in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, and, then continues to Lima’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its spectacular array of historic monuments, churches, mansions, buildings, and palaces. There, we will walk along some of the most historically important streets of the city, leading to the Plaza de Armas, where you will be transported to the past when this city was Spain’s capital in South America. To the east of the Plaza is Palacio Arzobispal with its ornate Moorish balconies, and to the northeast is Palacio de Gobierno, a baroque-styled building that is the residence of Peru’s president. The impressive Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, dating to the 1530s houses the relics of Rose of Lima, the patron saint of the city, and San Martin de Porres. Our last stop of this guided tour is the Larco Museum which displays the finest gold and silver collection from ancient Peru and showcases more than 5,000 years of Peruvian and pre-Columbian history in its galleries.

After breakfast, we depart for the airport for our flight to Cusco, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the gateway city to Machu Picchu. Arriving in Cusco, we transfer to our hotel and check in. Located in a fertile valley surrounded by the Andean Mountains, this city is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and Inca ruins. Cusco is home to some of Peru’s most iconic sights including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, the colorful San Blas artisan’s neighborhood, the San Pedro Market, the Choco Museum, and the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. 

Optional DISTINCT Tour Excursions - Markets and the Sacred Valley of Inca Ruins

Our tour today begins at the colorful San Pedro market, a hub for people from surrounding villages who come to sell their products which range from vegetables, fruits, and flowers, to intricately woven textiles and unique souvenirs. Our tour continues with a stop at the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God. Our tour continues with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is an impressive example of Inca military architecture composed of gigantic stone walls that fit perfectly together without the need for mortar. Next, we will explore the vast archaeological complex of natural and manmade caves, galleries, and canals, including a semi-circular amphitheater of Q’enqo, a site that poses more questions than answers. Our last stop is the Plaza de Armas (main square), where we will visit the 16th-century Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, which contains major archeological relics, artifacts, and hundreds of statues and colonial paintings.

After breakfast, we will begin our day with a scenic stop at the Raqchi for a picture-perfect view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our next stop is at the Maras Salt Mines, a dream-like place with thousands of salt pans created by a hot spring at the top of the valley. This area produces Maras salt, one of the finest in the world.  The next leg of our journey will introduce us to the Misminay, an indigenous community where we will enjoy a glimpse into their way of life. We will enjoy traditional dances, and food, and learn about the Andean families’ lifestyle, by sharing some of their daily activities with them. The culmination of the experience is to enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with local products. Afterward, we will continue on to  Moray, a fascinating archeological site characterized by deep amphitheater-style terraces. It was created centuries ago as an Incan agricultural research center, where crop experiments were carried out at different heights. The site is very easy to walk around and as you do, you will soak up the energy of this enigmatic place. 

The day we have been waiting for has arrived! This morning, we head to the Ollantaytambo station and board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu where we begin our visit to one of the most important UNESCO destinations in the world: Machu Picchu. This is one of the most amazing architectural and engineering marvels in the world - that was built into a mountainside of staggering immensity. Your excursion starts aboard a train towards the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, and follows a beautiful route through the Urubamba River Valley. The natural beauty of the surroundings makes the train ride the best way to start your visit, and one of the most scenic in the world. 

Once you arrive, you will begin the ascent to the ruins. This visit will, without a doubt, be one of your most memorable experiences. After you reach the top, you will take a tour of Machu Picchu and learn the history of this mysterious civilization. And, with amazing scenery all around, you will surely have more than one spectacular photo op. Then, it’s back to Aguas Calientes to have lunch at a local restaurant. At the end of the day, we will board the train for our return journey to Cusco. (B, L)

Today is a free day to experience Cusco. Explore the markets, walk the ancient streets, tour the colonial-era Cusco Cathedral, and visit Plaza de Armas, the beautiful main square of the city that was built on the remains of an Inca gathering place. Cusco is a treasure trove of things to see and do at your own pace.

Optional DISTINCT Tour Excursions - Somewhere Over the Rainbow

After breakfast, meet your local guide for an adventure that will take you through South Valley, towards Cusipata, the gateway city to one of Peru’s most amazing natural sites, Rainbow Mountain. This instagrammable mountain is where turquoise, scarlet, creme, and mustard-colored sediments cascade down the mountain like an ancient waterfall. 

After breakfast, we transfer to the Cusco airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, we check into our hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure.

After breakfast, we will explore the exciting metropolis of Buenos Aires. Known as the Paris of South America with its tree-lined streets, parks, and grand buildings, our tour will hit all the highlights. We will discover the charm of Argentina’s capital, from the chic districts of Recoleta and Palermo to historic Plaza de Mayo, and see architectural icons such as the Colon Opera House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Palace of Congress. We will visit the colorful barrios (districts) of San Telmo, home of the city’s aristocracy until the late 19th century; Caminito Street, in La Boca, the colorful living quarter for Italian immigrants by the Riachuelo River, and see the thriving restaurant scene at the Puerto Madero Waterfront. 

This evening it is time to Tango! Buenos Aires is the capital of the tango made famous by Carlos Gardel, an Argentine singer and actor celebrated throughout Latin America for his backing of tango music. Tonight we will experience an unforgettable night at the most acclaimed tango show in Buenos Aires at the Aljibe Tango Theater. This exciting show takes place in a historic tango theater in the heart of the San Telmo neighborhood. In addition to the music and dancers, we will enjoy a traditional three-course dinner. (B,L,D)

Today you have a day to explore Buenos Aires on your own. You may want to visit the San Telmo Market to get the perfect original souvenir that dates back to the golden age of Buenos Aires or check out some of the up-and-coming designers in Palermo. Another option might be to relax in the Botanical Gardens or visit the Museum of Latin American Art. If you prefer a tour, we are offering two options. (B)

Optional DISTINCT Tour Excursions - A Day in the Pampas

This option is perfect for people that want to experience the beauty of the countryside and the gaucho (cowboy) culture. On this tour, we will visit the quaint town of San Antonio de Areco, deep in the heart of Argentina’s Pampas. This city is best known for its gaucho culture. We will have a guided tour of this compact town established in 1730. Colonial and turn of the century buildings line cobblestone streets that radiate out from the town’s main square, Plaza Ruiz de Arellano. After exploring the town and its most famous site, the Museo Gauchesco Ricardo Guiraldes, we will head to a famous ranch or estancia called El Ombu de Areco. This ranch consists of a magnificent 1880 farmhouse that has been in the Boelcke family since 1934. We are welcomed with a traditional snack of empanadas and beverages.

Today we say goodbye to Argentina, Peru, and Brazil and our unforgettable South American adventure. We transfer to the airport where our time in South America comes to a finish as we go home with so many colorful memories.