Days 1-2
Depart on an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival transfer to hotel where we spend 4 nights. Full day tour visiting the statue of Christ the Redeemer, perched on top of Corcovado mountain, which grants us fabulous views over Rio, the lagoon, the bay and the beaches. Continue to the old centre with its colonial heritage monuments and architecture, which reminds us that Rio was once the capital city of Brazil. (B)

Day 3
A scenic mountain drive to Petrópolis, the old Imperial Family's summer resort.
Our tour takes us round this historic town, with its cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages, including visits to the Emperor's Palace and the Cathedral. We return to Rio in the late afternoon. (B) 

Day 4-5
A scenic coastal ride leads us to the charming fishing village of Itacurussa, where we board our schooner for a day's relaxing cruise around the tropical islands in Sepetiba Bay, stopping off at the islands to have lunch and swim, returning to Rio in the evening. (B,L) The next day is free to explore on your own. 

Days 6
Fly to La Paz where we stay for 2 nights. Spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatising to the altitude. (B)

Day 7
Our full day city tour takes us round this bustling city, with its maze of streets and alleyways. We visit the witches' market, stalls full of a colourful array of potions, and continue on to the Moon Valley. (B) 

Day 8
Travel onwards to the magical Lake Titicaca, with its air of serene tranquillity, framed by snow-covered peaks. We skirt the lake, lunch at the pretty village of Copacabana, and continue on to Puno for the night. (B,L) 

Day 9
Depart on the luxurious Andean Explorer train, passing Andean landscapes of barren land, hot springs, towering mountains, and tiny railway stations. On arrival in Cusco we transfer to our hotel, where we stay for three nights. (B) 

Day 10
Day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Urubamba valley. We visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, and Pisac with its colourful Sunday market. Return to Cusco late in the afternoon. (B,L)

Day 11
Afternoon city tour of Cusco including the mighty fortress and religious site of Sacsayhuamán. (B) 

Days 12-13
Train out of Cusco following the beautiful Urubamba River leading us to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Stay overnight returning by train to our Cusco hotel in the afternoon of the following day. (B)

Days 14
Fly to Lima, and transfer to our hotel. Our afternoon city tour will show us the delights of this colonial capital, its main squares, the Presidential Palace and ornate churches. (B)

Day 15
A visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, housing fine collections of pre-Colombian artefacts. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, arriving , Day 16. (B)