South America: Top Five Travel Treats

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before you begin the day's adventures with a visit to the archeological site of Moray. Here you will see the ruins of an ancient Inca construction – a series of concentric terraces built of stone and compacted earth with a built-in irrigation system. Believed to have been used for agricultural research, it stands testimony to the Incas’ intelligence and talent for construction. The largest of the terraces descend to a depth of about 150 meters! From this hugely interesting site, proceed to the equally interesting salt ponds of Maras town. Still operational, these salt ponds are believed to have been in use since Inca times and were managed through an intricate system of water supply channels. Enjoy spectacular views of the salt pans and the surroundings as you trek up to the vantage viewpoint. They are a sight to behold, thanks to the patterns they form and their stark white color set against the green mountain slopes. Break for lunch before you move on to your last stop - Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Inca towns and that was once guarded by a fortress and served as a stopover point for royals during long journeys. Walk past the ruins of a civilization known for its brilliant craftsmanship and astounding masonry. Head back to your hotel for dinner after a day filled with learnings and discoveries. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch included; Please note that trekking and walking on the salt pans of Maras is prohibited in order to preserve the purity of the salt extracted.)

If you are physically fit and want a postcard view of the citadel of Machu Picchu, then be among the first in the morning at the gate of Machu Picchu as you explore on your own the mountain opposite the ruins, Wayna Picchu. The trail is steep but worthwhile with great birds-eye views of the lost city and the surrounding peaks of the Andes. Because of the narrow trail and popular demand, there are only two timings allowed for the climb which must be booked in advance. Please let your travel consultant know if you’d rather do the climb from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. We recommend rising early to get the best views before the heat and the crowds arrive! After the exertion of Wayna Picchu take a second day to explore the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Independently view the ruins again, deepening your impressions and gaining a richer understanding and appreciation for this amazing world wonder. (Self-exploring Activity; Machu Picchu opens at 0600 hrs; Please note that the maximum time permitted at the ruins is 4 hours)

Explore the San Telmo neighborhood in Buenos Aires and sample some of Argentina’s iconic dishes on this walking tour. Your expert guide will lead you through the cobbled streets of San Telmo and introduce you to the city’s food history and culture. Take a mini-masterclass on how to make Mate, the South American herbal tea, and learn what it takes to become a ‘cebador’ - the person who brews Mate. Pair your Mate with dulce de leche-filled alfajores, a traditional confection. Try empanadas, a picada of cheese and cured meats, and Argentine cocktails. Visit a neo-bodegon, where the city’s youth are reinventing grandma’s cuisine. The dishes change according to the seasons. Depending on when you visit, you may sample mushroom and chimichurri croquettes, blue cheese and pineapple palmerita, or milanesa. Along the way, stop to see the San Telmo Church and Dorrego Square. Then wander through Argentina’s most iconic market, the centennial San Telmo Market. Meet some of the locals behind the stalls and learn about their food histories and traditions. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 1100 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: tastings & drinks; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Immerse yourself in the flavors of an Argentinian asado, or barbecue, during this experience. From your hotel in Buenos Aires, make your way to your host’s house for lunch or dinner, depending on your preference. Your host will welcome you and will prepare your asado. As you watch the food being prepared, learn about the different grilling methods. Your meal might be made on the parrilla, or Argentinian grill. It might also be made al disco, which is fried and then stewed, or a las brasas using red hot embers. Pair your meal with wine or a non-alcoholic beverage. Save some room for dessert too. As the asado takes place in an open space around a fire, chat with your host and other guests and share your stories. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Shared group activity; No transfers; Meals included: lunch/dinner, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Enhance your visit to the Argentina side of the Iguazu Waterfalls with an exciting boat ride up the Iguazu River. Begin your adventure in the heart of the national park with a ride by truck through the subtropical rainforest to the launch point on the river. Embark on a thirty minute navigation up the Iguazu River. End this fun-filled adventure by going up under the waterfalls themselves, getting a stunning view, and also nice and wet. (Duration around 2:15 hours, Group Activity, Maximum 45 people in the boat, Combined with the Visit to the Argentine Side of Iguazu Waterfalls Activity. Important: you will get wet, please bring a rain poncho and/or extra clothes)

On this half day tour, take in the incredible panoramic view of Iguazu Waterfalls. From the amazing vantage points in Brazil, marvel at the sheer beauty and amazing magnitude of this natural wonder. (Duration 4 hours, if you have a preference for timing, please tell your travel consultant at the time of booking, otherwise our team will schedule the tour at the best available time. Private Activity)

Explore the bohemian hilltop locality of Santa Teresa and soak in its charm. Located on Morro do Desterro, the area is known for its artsy vibe, architecture and historic cable cars that ply the narrow streets. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven by private vehicle to the neighborhood of Cosme Velho on the slopes of Corcovado mountain. Head to the Castle of Valentim, the former residence of Commander Antonio Valentim, that lies in Santa Teresa. Stop at Parque das Ruinas to take in splendid views of the city before visiting the Chacara do Ceu Museu. Housed within the erstwhile residence of prominent industrialist Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya, the museum has a small but important collection of Brazilian and European art. Your knowledgeable guide will point out works by artists such as Portinari, Di Cavalcanti and Matisse. You can also see furniture and maps from the 17th and 18th centuries. Next, check out the beautiful Selaron Staircase by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron. Each step along the colorful staircase is made of ceramics, mirrors and tiles. After, visit the area of Largo do Guimaraes which is packed with bars and restaurants. You could buy yourself a meal here before driving back to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers)