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Cap off your Amazonian adventure with a deep dive into Peru’s Sacred Valley, where you’ll discover South America’s richest heritage at Machu Picchu and in the citified Inca capital of Cusco. Under the shadow of the Andes, you’ll explore ancient, indigenous, and contemporary culture in the towns and archaeological sites of Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuamán, Machu Picchu, and Cusco. You’ll also join a local family in their home for an unforgettable dining experience, explore a centuries-long weaving tradition in Chinchero, catch a mototaxi to a chichería, and ride the Vistadome train up to Machu Picchu for extraordinary views and a true bucket-list experience.
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Fly overnight to Peru
Your Peruvian discoveries begin as you depart on an overnight flight from the U.S., headed for Lima, then on to Cusco.
Arrive in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
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.
Included meals:
Farmer’s lunch in Chinchero, and tour of charming Cusco
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:
Cultural Discoveries:
Walking tour of Machu Picchu and guided tour of Incan ruins
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:
Visit Cusco and the fortress-temple of Sacsayhuamán
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.
Fly to Lima and join the base tour
After breakfast, you’ll fly to Lima to join Day 2 of the base program
Over the course of three days, get to know the spectacular city of Rio de Janeiro. Take an afternoon tour of Sugarloaf Mountain, then savor a unique local dinner, trying various kinds of churrascaria. Visit Corcovado to witness one of the wonders of the world: Christ the Redeemer. Experience the local dance of samba behind the scenes, then head to downtown Rio for lunch at the iconic Confeitaria Colombo. This compact extension is just the ticket for a comprehensive exploration of Rio, at the best value and in true Vantage style!
Fly overnight to Brazil
Today, you’ll board an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro, arriving on Day 2.
Land in Rio de Janeiro and ride a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain
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.
Cultural Discovery:
Visit Christ the Redeemer statue by cog rail train, then learn about samba
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.
Fly to Manaus
After breakfast, head to the airport for a flight to Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon, to join the base tour.
Fly to Cusco
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.
Fly home
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 and ride a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain
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.
Return home
After breakfast, head to Rio’s airport your return flight home, arriving on Day 17.