Journey from Peru to Brazil

Having been out of travel bounds for so long and as one of the last destinations to safely welcome visitors, South America offers travellers an incredible adventure.

We’ve been able to arrange some lovely itineraries recently for travellers wanting real adventure and to explore a little further afield – this one is fabulous.

Lima

This 21 day itinerary starts in the lovely city of Lima.  Lima may not wear its treasures on its sleeve but peel back the layers and you’ll find pre-Columbian temples sitting silently amid condominium high-rises and a lively beating heart. Vestiges of colonial mansions proudly display lavish, Moorish-style balconies. Here and there, graceful modernist structures channel architecture’s most hopeful era. What Lima lacks in attractiveness it makes up for with a huge array of downright literary experiences. Stately museums display sublime pottery and edgy art spaces host multimedia installations. Solemn religious processions date back to the 18th century and crowded nightclubs sway to tropical beats.

Stay at Hotel B, Barranco for one night. Lima’s only Relais & Chateaux hotel is a restored Belle Epoque mansion, with beautiful individually designed rooms and suites and perfectly located to explore Barranco.

Peruvian Amazon

The Amazon is a huge area of rainforest and waterways that covers large areas of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, amongst other countries. A fabulous way to experience the Amazon is by staying at one of the many eco lodges located along the river. They range from the simple and rustic to the luxurious and stylish, each offering a range of activities such as jungle safaris and canoeing as well as excellent guides. A cruise along the Amazon is the stuff of adventurers and the best way to access some of the deepest parts of the rainforest.

Stay at Refugio Amazonas for three nights.  The eco friendly lodge can only reached by taking a scenic boat ride along the Madre Dios River into the Amazon Basin. It sits in a 200 hectare private reserve in the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Park and works closely with local communities to help preserve the surrounding environment.

Cusco

Cusco in Quechua lies at an altitude of around 3,300 metres above sea level.  It is a fascinating city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. The city of Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its well preserved colonial architecture; evidence of a rich and complex history. By merely walking the streets you can admire the many layers of indigenous Quechua culture; Spanish colonial buildings erected atop Inca walls while the modern tourist nightlife flourishes in their midst. The city offers the perfect base to explore Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, as well as other Inca sites in the region.

Stay at Costa del Sol Ramada in Cusco for three nights.  The hotel is housed in a 17th-century Spanish Colonial mansion in the Centro Historico district of the city.  It is a two minute walk from the famed fountain of Plaza de Armas and just eleven minutes on foot to the Coricancha Inca temple ruins.

During your stay enjoy a private full day walking tour to Vinicunca.

Vinicunca, or the mountain of 7 colours, is a natural work of art which sits at 5,200 metres above sea level. Its ‘rainbow-like’ tonalities are due to the accumulation of minerals over time. Start the adventure by leaving your hotel in Cusco early in the morning and head towards Cusipata where you will have breakfast before continuing your journey to the starting point of the trek. The trail is surrounded by beautiful Andes landscapes and guarded by the majestic Ausangate Mountain, one of the most important mountains in the region and considered sacred by the Incas. Upon reaching the viewpoint, the full drama and natural beauty of the mountain is revealed.  This is the perfect time to take photographs and appreciate the views before resuming the hike back to Phullawasipata. From there, continue by car to Cusipata for lunch and then return to your hotel in Cusco.

Machu Picchu

Leave your hotel early and head to the Poroy Train Station in Cusco for the train to Aguas Calientes, or Machu Picchu Pueblo.  This is the last stop before the entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel.  This scenic train journey takes about 3 hours 45 minutes.

Meet a local guide on arrival into Aguas Calientes and take the bus journey to the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the marvellous citadel, an awe-inspiring experience where your guide will explain the different areas of and theories behind Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, take the bus back down to Machu Picchu Pueblo and enjoy a spot of lunch at one of the restaurants in town.

Stay at The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge for one night.  The hotel has an unrivalled location just a few steps away from the entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The hotel has some beautifully landscaped gardens which boast stunning views over the surrounding jungle-covered mountains and the valley below.

The next morning, return to the citadel and explore at your leisure or wander the streets of Aguas Calientes before taking the bus back to the station for your train back to Poroy.

Back in Cusco stay at Costa del Sol Ramada for one night.

Buenos Aires

Founded in 1580, Buenos Aires is one of the largest cities in South America today. Also known as the city that never sleeps, its many and varied around-the-clock attractions never fail to surprise and impress first-time visitors and are a source of ongoing pleasure for those returning to the city.

Stay at Carles Hotel for three nights. Carles Hotels is a smart, boutique hotel in the heart of the upmarket Retiro area of the city, just a short walk to the restaurants and boutiques of the famous Recoleta district. This is a great base from which to explore the city.

Puerto Iguazu

Iguazú Falls are known throughout the world as one of the most beautiful and majestic natural waterfalls ever seen. The falls divide the waterway into the Upper and Lower Iguazu River. The northern bank of the falls is in the Brazilian State of Parana while the southern bank sits in the Argentinean Province of Misiones. The falls themselves actually consist of over 270 separate falls that stretch for more than one and a half miles and most of the individual waterfalls are about 200 feet in height. The most famous of them all is known as the Devil’s Throat which is a U-shaped waterfall, almost 500 feet across and well over 2,000 feet in length. When appearing in films, on postcards and elsewhere, the Devil’s Throat is usually the section of Iguazú Falls that is pictured the most.

Stay at LOI Suites Iguazu Hotel for three nights. The hotel is set in the heart of the sub-tropical jungle deeply in touch with nature and only fifteen minutes from the Iguazu Falls. One of the best spaces in the hotel has to be the pool area that consists of a series of pools in amongst the trees with infinity edges and great views into the surrounding jungle and over the Iguazu River.

Of course, you are here to see the majestic Iguazu Falls.  On a full day excursion, escorted by an English speaking guide, stroll along the lower circuit of the Argentine Falls, just over a kilometre long.  The circuit consists of paths running along the basin of the Devil’s Gorge that take you under small splashing waterfalls or hopping over small streams into the heart of the cascades. The walkways are only a few metres from the edge of the main falls and you will be enveloped in the clouds overlooking the raging torrent. Continue on the small ecological train which chugs cheerfully through the rainforest, under the thick foliage inhabited by languid butterflies and lizards, while the sounds of birds and monkeys fill the air. At Estacion Garganta there is another pathway rising above the other end of the Devil’s Gorge which leads to a panoramic point with stunning views of the broad upper lip of the Falls. The 90-metre Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Gorge) and the sight of vast curtains of white froth that seem to hang suspended in mid-air before plunging far down into distant spray, instil you with a strong sense of vertigo, a terrifying attraction that draws you ever closer to the fragile rails of the balcony overhanging the main falls.

During your visit, enjoy a thrilling ride on the river taking you as close as possible to the waterfalls themselves. The boats are equipped with two 150 HP engines, powerful enough to drive a yacht but necessary to beat the current of the Iguazu River. It is a great fun addition to your visit to the falls and do expect to get wet!

On a half day tour, discover the Brazilian side of the Falls for a more panoramic view, compared to the more close up views that you get on the Argentine side.  Take the walkway that descends past several overhangs to a catwalk over the falls, allowing guests to really get a sense of the power of the rushing water (prepare for a soaking if you choose to go all the way out). From the end of the main walkway an elevator whisks guests back up to street level at the top of the cliff (there is also a trail up to the street for those who prefer not to wait in line for the lift).

Rio de Janeiro

The last stop on this epic tour of South America is Rio de Janeiro, or River of January in English.  Rio de Janeiro was the capital of the Portuguese empire and Brazil until 1960. Nicknamed A Cidade Maravilhosa (The Marvellous City) Rio de Janeiro is world renowned for its breath-taking landscapes and location nestled between steep, green mountains and crystal clear seas. Rio is one of the most important cultural and economic cities in Brazil and features some of the country’s most famous attractions such as Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado), Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. The city is full of energy and Cariocas, the locals of Rio, are known for their carefree spirit and charm. Whether you are looking to experience Carnival, relax in a natural environment or enjoy all the luxuries of a cosmopolitan city, Rio de Janeiro has it all!

Stay at the Miramar Hotel for three nights. Part of the Windsor Hotel group, this stylish hotel enjoys a great location opposite Copacabana beach so is the perfect spot to enjoy Rio. It has a fantastic rooftop pool where you can take advantage of the fabulous views as well as a beach area.

Take a full day jeep tour to see Rio de Janeiro’s 4 wonders; 4 unique landmarks that make up the identity of the city. Start with the beautiful Botanical Gardens followed by the Tijuca Forest, stopping at the Chinese View belvedere to admire incredible landscapes of Rio. Visit the Emperor’s Table and Pepino Beach. Founded in 1808, the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most important global research centres in the conservation of biodiversity. Huge trees decked with orchids contrasting with giant water lilies, bromeliads and tropical foliage make this place a favourite hideaway for nature lovers or for anyone seeking peace and tranquillity. Tijuca Forest is the largest urban forest in the world. Many trails are available within the forest providing a route to lookouts with stunning natural landscapes of Rio and an intense connection to nature. Corcovado Mountain is where you’ll find the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Corcovado, along with the D.Marta Tower, offers one of the most spectacular views of the city and is a must do for tourists visiting Rio de Janeiro. Sugar Loaf Mountain is located in Guanabara Bay and is a visual reference for sailors and pilots. Due to its curved shape, its location, its significance in the city’s history and the unique way of getting to the top, Sugarloaf is touristic hallmark of Rio de Janeiro.

Enjoy the last day of your trip at leisure in this amazing city.

We tailormade this bespoke 21 day tour for a family of seven through Latin Routes.  There are plenty of different options when touring South America so ring us or pop in for  a chat through the best options for you.