- 4.9/5 354 Latest reviews
- Destination: Brazil, Peru
- Duration: 16 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
From Brazil to Peru, embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the world’s most extraordinary wonders. Visit two of the New Seven Wonders of the World — Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro and the legendary Machu Picchu in Peru. Stand in awe of the impressive Itaipu Dam on the Brazil–Paraguay border, celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Industrial World, and witness the sheer power of Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system on the planet. Beyond these iconic landmarks, venture deep into the Amazon rainforest, explore the historic city of Cusco, and uncover the ancient archaeological treasures of the Sacred Valley.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 -10
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Escadaria Selarón, Arcos da Lapa
Manaus: Amazon Canoe Safari, Meeting of the Waters, Monkey Forest, Caboclo Family Visit
Foz do Iguacu: Iguacu Falls, Itaipu Dam
11 - 17
Peru
Cusco: Coricancha, Cusco Cathedral
Sacred Valley: Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo
Machu Picchu
Lima: Main Plazas, Huaca Huallamarca
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second-largest city, where a friendly local representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax at your own pace.
- Rio de Janeiro
- Day 2: Highlights of Rio de Janeiro
Start the morning with a picturesque drive past the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon as you make your way to Corcovado Mountain. From there, hop aboard a classic train that climbs through the lush Tijuca Rainforest to the summit, home to the legendary Christ the Redeemer statue. Rising 30 meters high, this iconic monument rewards you with sweeping views across Rio de Janeiro.
Next, enjoy an exciting cable car ascent to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar). The ride unfolds in two stages, each offering broader vistas over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach, and Rio’s dramatic coastline.
In the evening, you may choose to end the day with an optional Samba dinner show, where lively music, vibrant costumes, and energetic performances bring the spirit of Carnival to life.
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- Rio de Janeiro
- Day 3: Exploring Rio’s Historic Heart
Today is dedicated to a fascinating full-day experience that reveals Rio de Janeiro’s rich heritage, local life, and cultural character.
Ride the traditional Santa Teresa tram as it glides through narrow, stone-paved streets framed by charming colonial homes. After disembarking, visit Parque das Ruínas, a unique blend of art, history, and panoramic city views, then continue to the iconic Escadaria Selarón, famous for its vivid tiles and artistic flair.
Following a leisurely lunch at the historic Confeitaria Colombo, admire the impressive Catedral Metropolitana with its bold contemporary design, and stroll beneath the elegant Arcos da Lapa, an 18th-century aqueduct that remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
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- Rio de Janeiro
- Day 4: Rio de Janeiro – Manaus & Amazon Introduction
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas region and one of the most isolated major cities in the world.
After landing, you will be welcomed and taken to your jungle lodge. Visit the fascinating Monkey Jungle, where you can observe a variety of New World monkeys such as capuchins, marmosets, howler monkeys, and the rare pied tamarin. Later, enjoy a canoe excursion for caiman spotting, offering a thrilling encounter with these impressive reptiles, often regarded as the true rulers of the Amazon waterways.
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- Manaus
- Day 5: Manaus – Rainforest Life & Local Encounters
Begin the day with a guided walk through the rainforest, one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth and home to countless species of wildlife, birds, and insects. The immersive experience leaves visitors truly captivated by the richness and beauty of the Amazon. After the hike, return to the lodge to enjoy a traditional regional lunch, followed by some time to relax.
In the afternoon, visit the home of a local Amazonian family known as caboclos—a term from the Tupi language describing people of mixed Indigenous and European heritage, reflecting Brazil’s cultural diversity. The adventure continues with an optional and exciting piranha fishing experience. During the rainy season, these fish feed more on plants and insects, making them surprisingly easy to catch—so there’s no need to be intimidated by their fierce reputation.
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- Manaus
- Day 6: Manaus – Meeting of the Waters Experience
Get ready for a full-day journey to witness the famous Meeting of the Waters, one of Manaus’s most fascinating natural phenomena. Here, the warm, dark waters of the Rio Negro flow alongside the cooler, pale waters of the Rio Solimões—one of the main tributaries of the Amazon—without immediately mixing. The striking contrast between the two rivers, clearly visible as they run side by side, creates an unforgettable visual spectacle caused by differences in temperature, speed, and density. It is one of the region’s most iconic sights.
Later in the day, you may choose to join an optional canoe excursion for piranha fishing, adding a fun and adventurous element to the experience. Return to the lodge around 5:30 pm, where dinner will be served and you will spend the night immersed in the Amazon atmosphere.
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- Manaus
- Day 7: Manaus – Journey to Foz do Iguaçu
Spend some leisure time relaxing in the lodge’s natural pools before checking out and transferring to Manaus Airport. From here, fly to São Paulo, where you will connect onward to Foz do Iguaçu.
On arrival, your local guide will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in and rest.
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- Foz do Iguacu
- Day 8: Exploring the Wonders of Foz do Iguaçu
This morning, set off for Iguaçu National Park, located near the border shared with Argentina. Along the way, admire the lush subtropical scenery that surrounds the region. Once inside the park, take a glass elevator up to the cliffside platform for sweeping views from above. You may also descend through a canyon offering breathtaking perspectives of more than 240 cascading waterfalls. Together, the Brazilian and Argentine parks protect one of the largest and best-preserved rainforest areas in southern South America. Later, enjoy the Macuco Safari on the Brazilian side—an unforgettable 2 km open-vehicle ride through the park, guided by experts who will point out exotic wildlife, birds, and native plants.
After the wagon-style ride, continue on foot toward the Iguaçu River, where an exhilarating motorboat adventure brings you thrillingly close to the roaring falls. Feel the immense force of nature as the spray surrounds you—expect to get wet! To conclude the day, visit the Bird Park, a sanctuary for Brazil’s rich birdlife, including several endangered species. Return to your hotel afterward to relax.
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- Foz do Iguacu
- Day 9: Foz do Iguaçu – Itaipu Dam Exploration
Today’s highlight is a visit to the remarkable Itaipu Dam, straddling the Brazil-Paraguay border. Built on the Paraná River, this hydroelectric marvel generates more electricity than any other dam in the world—an astonishing 103 million megawatts! Recognized as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World,” the site’s visitor center offers insights into the construction project that began in 1966. A guided one-hour bus tour takes you around the dam complex, leading up to the spillway where the immense power of the water is truly impressive. Another stop is made at the upper section of the dam to capture additional views.
After exploring the dam, return to your hotel for some free time to relax. In the evening, experience a lively musical performance that blends traditional local rhythms with Broadway flair. The show highlights the musical heritage of three countries—Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay—celebrating their folklore and cultural expressions.
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- Foz do Iguacu
- Day 10: Foz do Iguaçu – Arrival in Lima
Spend the morning at your own pace, enjoying some leisure time before your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, Peru. Upon landing, a local guide will welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in and a comfortable stay.
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- Lima
- Day 11: Lima – Cusco, City Exploration
In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, a local guide will greet you and assist with hotel check-in. Take a moment to acclimatize to the high altitude—Cusco sits at 3,400 meters above sea level, making it one of the world’s highest cities.
After some time to rest and enjoy the mountain air, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for an afternoon exploring Cusco. The city dates back to around 1100 AD as a significant pre-Columbian settlement and later became the capital of the Inca Empire. Key highlights include the ancient Incan temple of Qurikancha, now incorporated into a Dominican monastery, and the grand Cusco Cathedral, constructed in 1539, which houses a remarkable art collection known as the Cusco School of Painting. You will also see the remnants of Incan and Killke architecture across the city, including the massive stone foundations of Sacsaywaman, built without mortar and dating back to 900 AD.
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- Cusco
- Day 12: Cusco – Aguas Calientes, Sacred Valley Journey
Start your day with a visit to the Awanacancha weaving center, a fascinating spot to observe traditional Andean textiles and see llamas, alpacas, and other native animals. These resilient mountain mammals are highly valued for their fine wool, which plays a key role in the Peruvian textile craft.
Next, explore the Pisaq Archaeological Park, a significant Incan site perched above the village of Pisaq. The area is renowned not only for its ancient ruins but also for spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Before leaving, take time to browse the vibrant Pisaq Market, filled with local crafts and souvenirs.
Continue to the impressive Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, notable for its diverse architectural styles and well-preserved Incan constructions. From there, board the Peru Rail train for a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, hotel staff will welcome you and assist with check-in for your overnight stay.
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- Aguas Calientes
- Day 13: Aguas Calientes – Cusco, Machu Picchu Exploration
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and board a shuttle bus (included, approximately 30 minutes) to reach the world-renowned Machu Picchu. Perched at around 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level, this ancient Incan citadel is a symbol of the Inca Empire. Thought to have been built between 1450 and 1460 as a royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti, it remained hidden from the outside world until Hiram Bingham III brought it to global attention in 1911. Key features of the site include the ritual baths, Palace of the Princess, main Fountain, Intihuatana stone, and Temple of the Sun, believed to align with astronomical events. You will also have free time to wander, soak in the scenery, and capture stunning photographs.
Later, the shuttle bus returns you to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch or a refreshing drink at a local café. Afterward, board the train back to Poroy Station. Upon arrival, your local guide will transfer you to Cusco for an overnight stay.
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- Cusco
- Day 14: Leisure Day in Cusco
Enjoy a full day at your own pace in Cusco, the historic Incan capital of Peru. Use this time to unwind, take scenic photos, or browse the local markets for souvenirs and crafts.
You may wish to explore the heart of Cusco, starting at the Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the stunning surrounding architecture. Visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo and the iconic Cristo Blanco statue, which offers panoramic views of the city. A stroll through the San Blas neighborhood, famous for its artisans and craft shops, is also highly recommended—even if shopping isn’t your priority, the steep cobblestone streets and charming atmosphere are worth experiencing.
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- Cusco
- Day 15: Cusco – Lima Exploration
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru. This bustling city is full of cultural and historical attractions, including its lively downtown, the Main Plaza, and the Presidential Palace. One of the city’s highlights is the Convent of San Francisco, built between 1673 and 1674 in the baroque style, featuring a striking yellow brick façade. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, the convent also houses fascinating catacombs, where hundreds of skulls and bones are arranged in intricate geometric patterns.
Next, visit the upscale San Isidro District, home to numerous embassies and a hub for the Peruvian art scene. A key site here is Huaca Huallamarca, a pre-Columbian pyramid with a flat top. The on-site museum showcases archaeological finds, including pottery, textiles, and even well-preserved mummies. Conclude your day with a visit to the Miraflores District, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
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- Lima
- Day 16: Lima – Departure
Spend the morning at your own pace, enjoying some final moments in Lima before your private transfer to the airport. Depart for your onward journey and bid farewell to Peru!
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