Your Peruvian discoveries begin as you depart on an overnight flight from the U.S., headed for Lima, then on to Cusco.

When you arrive, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This evening, kick off your South America travel itinerary with a Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

Today, we’ll visit the town of Chinchero, where we’ll pay a visit to the local Huila School and spend time with local children before enjoying a farmer’s lunch. Next, we’ll visit an adobe church, built on the remains of an Incan palace, before continuing onward.

We’ll board the luxury Vistadome train to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll visit the traditional Inka House and catch a mototaxi for some freewheeling fun on the way to a chichería — often a rustic, family-owned establishment reminiscent of the speakeasy. Typically marked by a red flag or bag hanging from the door, the chichería is where we’ll sample chicha – a homemade Peruvian beer made from maiz.

After, we’ll return to our hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure, with dinner on your own.

Included Feature:

• Full-day Sacred Valley tour

Cultural Discoveries:

• Mototaxi ride in the Sacred Valley
• Inka House visit in Ollantaytambo
• Try chicha at a chichería

Re-board the Vistadome train this morning for a scenic journey to our hotel right outside Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes. This afternoon, we’ll arrive at Machu Picchu, the famous archaeological site of the New World and a true highlight of South America travel, where we'll enjoy a guided walking tour of the mysterious Inca ruins after most of the crowds have departed. This evening, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes via motorcoach for dinner at the hotel.

Included Features:

• Guided walking tour of Machu Picchu’s ruins 

This morning, we’ll transfer by motorcoach to Cusco, delving further into Inca history during a visit to the fortress-temple of Sacsayhuamán — a remarkable example of Inca stonemasonry. Your South America adventure continues in Cusco, the city that was the first capital of the Inca Empire, then, after the arrival of the conquistadors, became a stronghold of the Spanish-colonial Empire. You’ll explore the highlights during a city walking tour, including a visit to the Koricancha Temple of the Sun, the Main Square, the markets, and the cathedral. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

Included Features:

• Sacsayhuamán visit
• Walking tour of Cusco

After breakfast, you’ll fly to Lima to join Day 2 of the base program

Today, you’ll board an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro, arriving on Day 2.

Upon arrival in Rio, you’ll be met by a Vantage representative and transferred to check in to your hotel in the heart of renowned Copacabana Beach. After getting situated, get to know this A Cidade Maravilhosa, or The Marvelous City. You’ll be swept away by its tropical flavors, striking landscapes, and ever-present alegria when you ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf, or Pão de Açúcar, Mountain. The sweeping views of the bay, the curve of Copacabana, and the peak of Corcovado provide excellent photography opportunities. Tonight, we’ll gather together at a local Brazilian steakhouse to savor churrasco.

Included Feature:

• Sugarloaf Mountain excursion

Cultural Discovery:

• Dinner in a churrascaria

Today, we’ll board a cog rail train for a scenic ride through the Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This is where you’ll witness the towering statue of Cristo Rendedor, or Christ the Redeemer. This is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which offers the perfect opportunity to photograph Rio’s panoramic views (or yourself with the statue). 

Then, venture behind the scenes of one of Rio’s top samba schools. Here, we’ll learn about the history and culture of Brazil’s Carnival, marveling at the elaborately vibrant costumes and pageantry. Back at the hotel, dinner is on your own tonight.

Included Feature:

• Cog rail train to Corcovado Mountain

Cultural Discovery:

• Learn about Brazil’s Carnival, its history, and pageantry during a Samba Behind the Scenes excursion

After breakfast, head to the airport for a flight to Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon, to join the base tour.

This morning, you’ll fly from Lima to Cusco, the city that was the first capital of the Inca Empire, then, after the arrival of the conquistadors, became a stronghold of the Spanish-colonial Empire. After we land, we’ll transfer by motorcoach across land and stop in the city of Pisac for lunch on our own. After, we’ll check into the hotel and enjoy an included dinner.

Today, we’ll visit the town of Chinchero, where we’ll pay a visit to the local Huila School and spend time with local children before enjoying a farmer’s lunch. Next, we’ll visit an adobe church, built on the remains of an Incan palace, before continuing onward.

We’ll board the luxury Vistadome train to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll visit the traditional Inka House and catch a mototaxi for some freewheeling fun on the way to a chichería — often a rustic, family-owned establishment reminiscent of the speakeasy. Typically marked by a red flag or bag hanging from the door, the chichería is where we’ll sample chicha – a homemade Peruvian beer made from maiz.

After, we’ll return to our hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure, with dinner on your own.

Included Feature:

• Full-day Sacred Valley tour

Cultural Discoveries:

• Mototaxi ride in the Sacred Valley
• Inka House visit in Ollantaytambo
• Try chicha at a chichería

Re-board the Vistadome train this morning for a scenic journey to our hotel right outside Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes. This afternoon, we’ll arrive at Machu Picchu, the famous archaeological site of the New World and a true highlight of South America travel, where we'll enjoy a guided walking tour of the mysterious Inca ruins after most of the crowds have departed. This evening, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes via motorcoach for dinner at the hotel.

Included Features:

• Guided walking tour of Machu Picchu’s ruins 

This morning, we’ll transfer by motorcoach to Cusco, delving further into Inca history during a visit to the fortress-temple of Sacsayhuamán — a remarkable example of Inca stonemasonry. Your South America adventure continues in Cusco, the city that was the first capital of the Inca Empire, then, after the arrival of the conquistadors, became a stronghold of the Spanish-colonial Empire. You’ll explore the highlights during a city walking tour, including a visit to the Koricancha Temple of the Sun, the Main Square, the markets, and the cathedral. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

Included Features:

• Sacsayhuamán visit
• Walking tour of Cusco

Enjoy a morning at leisure before checking out of the hotel and flying to Lima to connect with your return flight home.

Fly to Rio de Janeiro today and check into your hotel. After getting situated, get to know this A Cidade Maravilhosa, or The Marvelous City. You’ll be swept away by its tropical flavors, striking landscapes, and ever-present alegria when you ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf, or Pão de Açúcar, Mountain. The sweeping views of the bay, the curve of Copacabana, and the peak of Corcovado provide excellent photography opportunities. Tonight, we’ll gather together at a local Brazilian steakhouse to savor churrasco.

Included Feature:

• Sugarloaf Mountain excursion

Cultural Discovery:

• Dinner in a churrascaria

Today, we’ll board a cog rail train for a scenic ride through the Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This is where you’ll witness the towering statue of Cristo Rendedor, or Christ the Redeemer. This is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which offers the perfect opportunity to photograph Rio’s panoramic views (or yourself with the statue). 

Then, venture behind the scenes of one of Rio’s top samba schools. Here, we’ll learn about the history and culture of Brazil’s Carnival, marveling at the elaborately vibrant costumes and pageantry. Back at the hotel, dinner is on your own tonight.

Included Feature:

• Cog rail train to Corcovado Mountain

Cultural Discovery:

• Learn about Brazil’s Carnival, its history, and pageantry during a Samba Behind the Scenes excursion

After breakfast, head to Rio’s airport your return flight home, arriving on Day 17.