Three Wonders | Machu Picchu, Easter Island, Iguassu Falls | Peru, Chile and Argentina with Gateways International Tailor-made Tours
South America is a land of breathtaking contrasts, offering visitors a wealth of natural beauty, ancient history, and vibrant cultures. On this 15-day journey, you'll explore the rich colonial charm of Lima, Buenos Aires, and Santiago, each city revealing its own unique story. Stand in awe at the lost citadel of Machu Picchu, nestled deep in the lush Andean jungle. Feel the raw power of Iguassu Falls as it thunders across the Brazilian-Argentinian border. Finally, travel to the remote Easter Island, where the enigmatic moai statues and ancient Polynesian culture create an unforgettable, mystical experience.
Photo: Awe-inspiring ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Peru
Highlights:
* Private city tours in Lima, Santiago, Cuzco, and Buenos Aires
* Visit the ruins in Cuzco and Machu Picchu in Peru with a private guide
* Tour the majestic Iguassu Falls
* 4 Days at Hotel Altiplanico with shared excursions on Easter Island, Chile
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
* Round-trip international and domestic airfare from Toronto*
* Welcome assistance upon arrival and departure at all airports
* Private transfers and porterage between the airport and the hotel
* 14 nights' accommodation
* 2 nights in Lima at Hotel Hilton Lima Miraflores, Deluxe Room ★★★★
* 2 nights in Novotel Cusco, Colonial Room ★★★★
* 4 nights in Buenos Aires at Sofitel Buenos Aries Recoleta , Superior Room ★★★★★
* 2 nights in Santiago at Hotel Cumbres Lastarria, Superior Room ★★★★
* 3 nights in Easter Island, Chile at Hotel Altiplanico, Standard Room ★★★★
* 1 night in Santiago at Holiday Inn Santiago Airport, Executive Room ★★★★
* Breakfast daily and 2 lunches
* Hotel taxes and service charges
* Airport & departure taxes**
NOT INCLUDED:
* International or domestic airfare; airport or departure taxes
* Gratuities to guides and drivers
* Items of a personal nature
* Travel insurance
* Reciprocity and/or local taxes if applicable
* Visas required for entry into the country as necessary. Please discuss this with your travel agent to determine your requirements prior to departure.
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1
TORONTO – LIMA
Depart from Toronto to Lima. Welcome and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
LIMA
After breakfast, enjoy a memorable day in the captivating capital of Peru. Lima was founded in 1535 and was once the capital of Spain’s South American Empire, also known as the City of Kings. Enjoy a private morning city tour featuring the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the 17th-century Baroque Cathedral and Church of San Francisco, and finally, the Palacio de Torre Tagle, Lima’s most elegant colonial mansion. Also visit the Larco Museum, featuring gold and silver treasures from Ancient Peru.
Day 3
LIMA – CUZCO
Fly to the beautiful city of Cuzco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Enjoy an afternoon excursion including a historic city tour and a visit to the sites of Sacsayhuamán, Puka Pukara, and Tambomacha,y located just outside the city.
Day 4
MACHU PICCHU
In the morning, journey by train to the fabled ‘Lost City of the Incas’, arguably the most important archaeological site in South America. The Machu Picchu Citadel was built by the Incas as a favoured retreat for Inca nobility, and remarkably, until 1911, it lay hidden from the world amongst dense jungle-covered mountains. Following a guided tour of the ruins, enjoy lunch, then return to Cuzco by evening.
Day 5 & 6
CUZCO – BUENOS AIRES
Depart Cuzco for Buenos Aires and enjoy a day at leisure in this cosmopolitan city. The next day, take a half-day private city tour accompanied by your own guide to discover Buenos Aires, including Plaza de Mayo, the historic Cabildo, Casa Rosada, Congress Palace, the quaint La Boca district, and La Recoleta Cemetery. Enjoy the rest of your day exploring the city at your own pace.
Day 7 & 8
BUENOS AIRES – IGUASSU FALLS – BUENOS AIRES
After an early breakfast, board your flight to Iguassu Falls. On your full-day private tour with a guide, explore the Argentine side of the falls from Iguassu National Park; visit the lower and upper paths to admire the awe-inspiring 275 cascades that span across a 2-mile gulf. See beautiful flora and fauna as you take a train to reach Devil’s Throat, the longest walkway over the cascading river. Explore many walkways to access different views of the falls. Return to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires. We suggest an authentic Tango Show with dinner at one of the city’s most renowned clubs, not included.
Photo: The spectacular Iguassu Falls waterfall system
Day 9 & 10
BUENOS AIRES – SANTIAGO
Late morning transfer to the airport to board your flight to Santiago de Chile. Your private city tour of Santiago features the Palacio de la Moneda, the nerve center of the Chilean government and a stunning example of neo-classical architecture. See the Plaza de Armas and the bustling Mercado Central. Ascend to the top of the city for dramatic panoramic views from the beautifully landscaped Cerro Santa Lucia.
Day 11 & 12
SANTIAGO – EASTER ISLAND
Board your flight to Easter Island and transfer to the beautiful Hotel Altiplanico for three nights. With luxurious gardens, a swimming pool overlooking the sea, and large open spaces to relax after encountering the seductive mysteries of the island, this is a stay you will not forget. Visit the Rano Kau Volcano, the ceremonial village of Orongo with the largest concentration of Petroglyphs with images of Tangata Manu, the birdman, gods MakeMake and Komari, fertility symbols and Vinapu and more.
Day 13
EASTER ISLAND
Your full-day shared tour of Anakena takes you by the south coast of the island, visiting Vaihu, Aka Hanga, and the Rano Raraku Volcano where moai were built; see more than 300 at this site. Continue on to the Tongariki Platform to see 15 restored moai standing. Travel to the north coast to reach Te Pito Kura to see the largest standing moai as well as the mysterious round stone. Continue to Anakena Beach with its white sand and palm trees to see Ahu Nau Nau, the best preserved platform.
Day 14
EASTER ISLAND – SANTIAGO
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight.
Day 15
SANTIAGO – TORONTO
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Make your way to the airport to board your homebound flight.
