Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls & Rio

Today you arrive in Lima! Tonight you will cozy up and unwind at the hotel, before your departure flight to Cusco the following day.

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Time to head out again! Make your way to Cusco today. We’ll transfer you to the Lima airport at the appropriate time to catch your flight.

Your Peruvian adventure kicks off with a full-day introduction to the incredible Sacred Valley of the Incas. As soon as you land at Cusco airport, we’ll whisk you straight into the heart of this stunning region.

Nestled along the winding Vilcanota River, the Sacred Valley is a lush, vibrant corridor famous for its terraced hillsides, ancient Incan ruins, and traditional Andean communities that beautifully preserve the soul of Incan heritage.

If there’s time, your first stop will be Awanakancha farm, a cultural project dedicated to preserving traditional weaving techniques. Here, you’ll get a hands-on look at the centuries-old process of turning alpaca and llama wool into vibrant textiles, gaining insight into the symbolism and skill woven into every handmade piece.

From there, we’ll continue to the Pisac Indian Market, one of the region’s most colorful and lively artisan markets. Feel free to wander past stalls overflowing with handwoven garments, ceramics, musical instruments, and local jewelry. The market is especially significant on Sundays, when local leaders in traditional dress attend a Quechua-language mass, making it a richer cultural experience.

The adventure continues at the Pisac archaeological site, dramatically perched high above the valley floor. Once a key defensive and agricultural center, this impressive citadel offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and the terraced slopes below.

After a scenic lunch break, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo. This is a truly ‘living’ Incan town where the original architecture, narrow stone alleys, and the towering fortress above tell a powerful story of the past. Your immersive excursion will conclude with a transfer to your hotel, leaving you with a lasting, beautiful impression of the Sacred Valley.

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Get ready for an amazing full-day trip that dives deep into the incredible Inca heritage of Maras, Moray, and Chinchero.

We kick things off at the mind-blowing Salineras de Maras, a natural basin filled with intricate salt terraces. It’s a stunning sight, almost like an abstract painting carved into the landscape. The Incas might have used these as a cool agricultural lab—not just for harvesting salt, but also for experimenting with different crops, thanks to the unique microclimates created by each terrace layer.

Perched dramatically on a cliff edge, the salt pans give you spectacular views of the majestic Andes and the Urubamba River snaking through the valley below. It’s the perfect spot for some seriously breathtaking photos, especially when the extraordinary salt formations—which look like they’re holding water in some seasons—pop against the vibrant green hills.

Next up is Moray, where you’ll check out its mysterious amphitheater-shaped terraces. These are a true testament to the Incas’ genius for farming. This unique site still fascinates everyone with its impressive design, which likely served as an experimental hub to figure out the best growing conditions.

Finally, we’ll visit the charming village of Chinchero. Time really feels like it slows down here. You’ll see locals in traditional dress, impressive Inca ruins dominating the main square, and a beautiful colonial church built from white sillar stone. Strolling through these historic streets, you’ll instantly fall for the magical vibe of this town and feel like you’ve stepped back into the past.

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After breakfast, private transfer your  Sacred Valley hotel and to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Boarding the train here to Aguas Calientes is a great choice, as it cuts two hours off the normal four-hour journey from Cusco and begins the trip at the most scenic part of the route.

Perched high above the Urubamba River canyon, Machu Picchu is the absolute crown jewel of the Sacred Valley and one of Peru’s most famous landmarks. This breathtaking citadel, hidden for centuries until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, is a stunning display of the Incas’ incredible architectural skill and spiritual legacy. Believed to have been a royal retreat for Inca nobility, this sanctuary now welcomes travelers to walk in the footsteps of the chosen few, surrounded by misty peaks and dramatic, beautiful landscapes.

Your final leg of the journey begins in Aguas Calientes with a quick 20-minute, scenic bus ride up the winding mountain road to the sanctuary entrance. Once you arrive, your private guide will lead you through the temples, plazas, agricultural terraces, and the finely crafted stone structures that show off the ingenuity of Inca engineering. Along the way, you’ll learn all about the history, myths, and significance of this World Heritage Site. After your guided tour, you’ll have some free time to snap unforgettable photos or simply soak in the serene atmosphere before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for your train ride back to Cusco.

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Prepare for an incredible tour exploring the best of Cusco City, the former Inca capital, with an expert guide! You’ll dive deep into centuries of history, from the grand Colonial era right up to the spiritual and architectural wonders of the Inca Empire. Your adventure starts downtown at the Colonial Cathedral, a stunning example of old Spanish architecture packed with beautiful sacred art. Next, you’ll head to the revered Koricancha, or “Golden Courtyard.” This was once the Incas’ most important temple, dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, and even without its original gold, you can still feel its spiritual significance.

Then, it’s a climb up to the outskirts of Cusco to check out some amazing Inca ruins. You’ll be absolutely amazed by the massive stone walls at Sacsayhuaman, which totally show off the Incas’ next-level engineering skills. After that, you’ll explore Qenqo, a sacred ceremonial site that’s dramatically carved right into the rock, and visit Tambomachay, a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to water, which is thought to have been a retreat for Inca royalty. You’ll also pass by Puka Pukara, a former military outpost known for its reddish stones.

As an amazing add-on, you’ll get immersed in the rich culture of Pucará with a fun, hands-on workshop! You’ll meet a skilled local artisan who will guide you as you paint your very own ‘Torito de Pucará’ ceramic bull. These iconic bulls are super important in ancestral Pucará culture, symbolizing protection, family unity, abundance, and strength. As you paint, you’ll learn the stories behind this cherished tradition, which is still very much alive today (you’ll see these bulls on many local rooftops as guardians of prosperity). You’ll leave the workshop with your beautiful hand-painted bull—a perfect keepsake that connects you to Pucará’s enduring legacy.

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At the scheduled time, we’ll meet you and transfer you to the Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima. In Lima, we’ll assist you with your connection to your next destination: Iguazu.

Once you arrive in Iguazu, our local representative will be waiting to take you straight to your hotel. You have the rest of the day free to relax and do whatever you please. If your hotel is a bit outside of town, you might just want to chill and enjoy the facilities. Otherwise, feel free to grab a taxi into the center of Foz do Iguazu, where you can stroll along the main street and check out the local shops and cafes.

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After breakfast, you’ll be heading out again to explore the Natural Wonder of the World: Iguazu Falls! This incredible site borders Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Today, you’ll get a private guided tour of the Brazilian side.

Located inside the Iguazu National Park, these waterfalls are absolutely mesmerizing to visitors from all over the world. This massive series of falls plunges dramatically through a gorge and onto the Iguazu River. They are over three kilometers wide and 80 meters high—which makes them wider than Victoria Falls, higher than Niagara Falls, and arguably more beautiful than both. The falls create a constant, never-ending spray of water that keeps the sky decorated with rainbows.

Walking along a 1.2-km trail, you’ll be treated to an amazing panoramic view of the over 275 waterfalls. This side offers the best overall views of the world’s most beautiful waterfall, especially the head-on perspective of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). At over 80 meters high, it’s the most powerful and spectacular section of the falls—it’s the one that famously made Eleanor Roosevelt exclaim, “Poor Niagara…”

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Today is the day you’ve been waiting for! We’ll travel about 18.6 miles (30km) from Foz do Iguaçu, crossing the Iguaçu River at the Tancredo Neves Bridge, and arrive at Argentina’s National Park of Iguazu. You’ll hop aboard a small train to reach your first stop: the powerfully-named Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo). Standing at over 262 feet, it’s the biggest waterfall of Iguazu. Once you’ve taken in the sheer enormity of it, your guide will lead you along the wooden walkways and trails of both the upper and lower circuits. With over 270 separate waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle, exploring this Natural World Wonder is a truly unforgettable experience. You’ll notice the trails are built a few feet above the jungle floor—this not only protects the wildlife’s natural habitat but also gives you secluded viewpoints with unimaginable views across the entire National Park. When the walking tour is done, get ready to dive straight into the jungle and under the falls! This is an adrenaline-packed tour that captures the essence of Iguazu National Park. You’ll start with an 8-km ride in a 4-wheel drive to the Puerto Macuco forestry base. From the suspended platform, the second part of the trip begins: you’ll reach the Iguazu Waterfalls by boat. With glowing rainbows guaranteed, the pilot will maneuver the boat right up to the falls so you can get close enough to enjoy a full waterfall shower!

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You’ve earned a break, so this entire day is yours to enjoy at your own pace! It’s completely dedicated to leisure, giving you the flexibility to relax or head out for some truly impressive local sights.

If you’re looking for an amazing experience, we highly recommend two fantastic options. First, there’s the colossal Itaipu Dam. Imagine visiting the third-largest hydroelectric dam on the entire planet! It’s a mind-boggling feat of modern engineering and absolutely massive to see in person, giving you a real sense of scale and power.

Alternatively, if you’re a nature lover, you have to check out the beautiful Bird Park (Parque das Aves). This is much more than just a park—it’s a vibrant, immersive sanctuary. You’ll walk through huge aviaries, getting up close and personal with hundreds of native and exotic bird species, surrounded by lush, tropical foliage. It’s a truly peaceful and colorful escape where you can connect with the incredible biodiversity of the region.

Enjoy the freedom to choose your perfect day!

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At the designated time, we’ll transfer you to the Foz do Iguaçu airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro.

When you land in Rio, our local representative will be waiting right at the airport to greet you and take you to your hotel. Once you’re all settled into your accommodation, the rest of the day is free for you to explore some of our favorite local spots.

We suggest strolling along the long boulevards next to the famous beaches of Ipanema, Leblon, and of course, Copacabana, maybe even humming “The Girl from Ipanema” as you go. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of little huts selling delicious, freshly squeezed juices and refreshing coconuts. This is the perfect way to cool down while you soak up the breathtaking cityscape of Rio and quickly realize why everyone calls it, “The Marvelous City”!

Be sure to relax and watch the sunset at the beach before heading out for dinner at one of the great restaurants along the promenade. We highly recommend trying feijoada carioca—one of Brazil’s most famous traditional dishes (it’s a hearty stew of beans with beef and pork, served with white rice and farofa). Wash it down with a refreshing caipirinha cocktail or a local beer; Brahma and Skol are our favorites! After dinner, you can head back to your hotel to chill out or go to one of the local samba bars to dance the night away.

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Get ready for an awesome half-day private tour that takes you into the Tijuca National Park, the biggest urban forest in the entire world! We’ll head all the way up Corcovado Mountain to see the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Since it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, this place is a must-see. Standing at the base of the 124-foot-tall statue, you’ll be treated to some truly incredible, jaw-dropping views over the city. You’ll get eye-catching vistas of the lush forest below and the spots where Rio de Janeiro’s mountains seem to dive straight into the clear blue water. After visiting the statue and exploring Tijuca National Park, we’ll drive you back to your hotel, passing by the golden beaches of Ipanema and Leblon on the way.

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To really get a feel for authentic Carioca life, you absolutely have to take this immersive tour. You’ll start by riding the metro to experience the city’s daily rhythm before visiting the impressive Theatro Municipal, an architectural masterpiece inspired by the Paris Opera House. From there, you’ll hop on the iconic yellow Bondinho tram to reach the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, known for its cobbled streets and elegant mansions.

As you explore, you’ll visit the vibrant, mosaic-covered Selarón Steps, one of Rio’s most photographed landmarks. Finally, you’ll be treated to a break at the stunning Confeitaria Colombo, a historic Art Nouveau café that is ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world—the perfect place to taste Rio’s tradition.

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All good things must come to an end, and today is the day we say goodbye. At the designated time, we will personally pick you up from your hotel and provide a smooth, comfortable transfer to the airport. From there, you will take your international flight back home, filled with wonderful memories and stories from your incredible journey. We hope to welcome you back again soon!

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