Explore South America: 16-Day Tour Adventure

Istanbul to Bogota

At 05:00, we meet tour representatives at counter K1 in the International Departures Terminal at Istanbul Airport. After baggage and ticket procedures, we depart for Bogotá on a direct flight with Turkish Airlines at 08:05. After a flight of approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes, we arrive at El Dorado Airport at 15:50 local time in Colombia. Our local guide welcomes us, and we travel by private vehicle to Monserrate Hill (3.150 m), one of the highest points in Bogotá. We take the funicular to the summit, visit the historic church at the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

In the evening, we transfer to the hotel and settle into our rooms. Accommodation is at the 4-star NH Collection Bogotá Terra 100 Royal or similar hotels.

The direct flight operated by Turkish Airlines departs from Istanbul (IST) and arrives in Bogotá (BOG). Departure is at 08:05, and arrival is at 15:50.

Zipaquira to Lima

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Zipaquirá, known as the salt capital, approximately 50 km north of Bogotá.

Visit Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, built entirely by carving into salt rock. Located 180 metres underground, the cathedral features a route with 13 stations representing the Passion of Jesus, along with lighting displays, which are viewed with commentary from the guide. A photo stop is provided during the visit.

After returning to Bogotá, begin the city tour. Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), which houses one of the world's most extensive gold collections. View pre-Columbian artefacts and learn about the legend of El Dorado. Then explore the Candelaria neighbourhood, the historic centre known for its colourful colonial buildings and lively streets.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

In the evening, transfer to the airport. Depart for Lima with Wingo Airlines at 21:38. Arrive at Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport at 00:56 the following day and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle.

The Wingo Airlines flight from Bogotá to Lima is scheduled to depart at 21:38 and arrive at 00:56 (+1). Accommodation is at the 4-star Casa Andina Standard Miraflores or similar hotels.

Lima, City of Kings

After an early breakfast, we begin our tour of Lima, known as the City of Kings. We stop for photos at Plaza San Martín, dedicated to the hero of independence, then walk along Unique Avenue. In the UNESCO-listed historic centre, we see Plaza de Armas and Lima Cathedral, built in 1536 in the Baroque style. We enjoy panoramic views of the Presidential Palace, City Hall and Government Palace.

Our tour continues with San Francisco Monastery and the Catacombs (Underground Tunnels), where saints and important historical figures are buried. In the Miraflores district, we see Lovers’ Park, the Pacific Ocean coast and Kennedy Park. During our visit to the Larco Museum (Museo Larco), we explore a collection of pre-Columbian artworks presenting Peru’s 5000-year history in chronological order.

We have lunch during the tour. At the end of the day, we return to the Miraflores district for free time. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Casa Andina Standard Miraflores or similar hotels.

Lima to Cusco

After an early breakfast, we transfer to the airport. We depart for Cusco with LATAM Airlines at 06:40 and arrive at 08:05.

Cusco, the former capital of the Incas, lies 3.400 metres above sea level. After leaving our luggage at the hotel where we will stay, we begin our city tour.

Our tour includes Korikancha (Golden Temple), the most important temple of the Inca Empire, which the Spanish converted into Santo Domingo Church. Walking along El Sol Avenue, we see the city's main square, Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral and the surrounding historic buildings. The local market, San Pedro Mercado, offers coca tea used for altitude adjustment and alpaca textiles.

After the tour, we return to the hotel and have dinner there. We allow time to adjust to the high altitude.

The Lima → Cusco flight is operated by LATAM Airlines from 06:40 → 08:05. Accommodation is at the 4-star Sonesta Hotel Cusco or similar hotels.

Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Cusco and begin the Sacred Valley tour along the Urubamba River.

Visit Pisac Town and Market. The market, where local goods were bartered during the Inca period, is now known for its colourful stalls and handicrafts. There is approximately 1-1,5 hours of free time here.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

The villages of Coya, Lamay, Calca, Yucay, Urubamba, Pachar and Pilcohuaci lie along the route. Ollantaytambo Town is known for its large structures built by the Incas on the edge of a cliff. Visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological site to explore its Inca stonework and strategic location.

At the end of the tour, check in at the hotel in Ollantaytambo. Accommodation is at the 4-star Pakaritampu Hotel Ollantaytambo or similar hotels.

Machu Picchu tour

Today we wake up very early and, after a quick breakfast, transfer to the train station to begin our Machu Picchu tour. We take a scheduled PeruRail train service and arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes after a journey of approximately 1,5 hours, with views of the Andes Mountains along the way. From here, we take shuttle vehicles up to the ancient city of Machu Picchu.

We explore Machu Picchu, built in 1450 by the Inca Emperor Pachacutec, with our guide and hear stories about the lost city of the Incas. During the tour, we see the Temple of the Sun (Templo del Sol), the Royal Court, the Agricultural Terraces on the steep slopes and the Intihuatana Stone, which was used as a sundial. Afterwards, we have free time to explore the city.

We have lunch in Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco by train in the evening. We stay overnight at the 4-star Sonesta Hotel Cusco or similar hotels.

Cusco to Santiago

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. Depart for Santiago de Chile at 09:20 with LATAM Airlines. Arrive in Santiago at 14:40.

Travel to the city centre by private vehicle. Sample Chilean seafood over lunch at Centro Mercado.

The city tour then takes in the Parliament Building, Plaza de Armas, the capital's historic square, the City Cathedral, La Moneda Presidential Palace and the Atatürk Relief, a cultural connection for our Turkish guests. Transfer to the hotel after the tour.

The flight from Cusco to Santiago is operated by LATAM Airlines, departing at 09:20 and arriving at 14:40. Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Plaza San Francisco Santiago or similar hotels.

Valparaiso and Vina del Mar

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on a 115 km road journey west of Santiago towards the Pacific Ocean coast.

Our first stop is Valparaíso, where Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda lived. A port city known for its artists and bohemian community, Valparaíso was one of the Pacific's main trading centres until the late 19th century. We take a panoramic tour of this city, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city is known for its colourful houses, stepped streets, historic funiculars built on the hillsides and murals.

We then continue to Viña del Mar, one of Chile's most popular holiday resorts. It is known as one of the first areas where vineyards were established. We have lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying the seafood the region is known for. The sights we will see include the city's long coastline, white sandy beaches, Casino Viña del Mar, the famous flower clock and modern buildings along the oceanfront.

On the return journey, if time allows, we stop at Casablanca or Vitacura Valley. Here, there is an opportunity to see Chile's famous vineyards and taste wine. We return to Santiago in the evening and check in at the hotel.

Accommodation at the 4-star Hotel Plaza San Francisco Santiago or similar hotels.

Santiago to Buenos Aires

We transfer to the airport early in the morning. We depart from Santiago for Buenos Aires with LATAM Airlines at 08:25 and arrive at Jorge Newbery Airport at 10:30. Our local guide meets us, and we travel to the hotel by private vehicle.

If our rooms are ready, we check in. Otherwise, we leave our luggage in storage. We then begin our city tour.

On the tour, we see Plaza de Mayo, Argentina's most important square and the site where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed. Our itinerary also includes Buenos Aires Cathedral, a historic building that houses the mausoleum of San Martín.

In the La Boca neighbourhood, one of the centres of Argentina's football and tango culture, we see colourful streets, live artistic performances and Caminito Street. We view the historic Boca Juniors Stadium from the outside.

The modern port district of Puerto Madero features restaurants, wide walkways and Puente de la Mujer (Woman's Bridge). Our tour also takes in 9 July Avenue (Avenida 9 de Julio), one of the widest avenues in the world, Obelisco (Obelisk) and the steel flower sculpture Floralis Genérica.

After the tour, we return to the hotel, complete check-in and rest. We stay at the 4-star Dazzler by Wyndham Buenos Aires Recoleta or similar hotels.

A day trip to Colonia

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the port for a day trip to Uruguay, a third country. After passport exit formalities, depart from Puerto Madero Port by high-speed ferry. Arrive at Colonia Port in Uruguay after a journey of approximately 1 hour.

Colonia del Sacramento is a historic town that was the scene of ongoing wars between the Spanish and Portuguese from the 16th century onwards and retains traces of the colonial period. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this small town is known for its stone streets, colourful houses and historic buildings.

During the tour, explore squares and streets where Spanish and Portuguese architecture stand side by side. There is an opportunity to taste the region's well-known cheeses and handmade ice cream. After visiting the historic church and square in the old town centre, have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy free time for photography and shopping.

In the evening, return to Colonia Port. After passport formalities, take the ferry to Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation is at the 4-star Dazzler by Wyndham Buenos Aires Recoleta or similar hotels.

Tigre Delta tour

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on the Tigre Delta tour.

We visit the historic church in the San Isidro district, north of central Buenos Aires and approximately 45 minutes from the city center. We then continue to the Tigre Delta, formed by the Parana River.

Tigre is located where the Parana River spreads into a wide delta. Residents use waterways and boats instead of roads to get around. Shopping from market boats is also a local tradition. The first settlers arrived in the 1920s, and the area was initially known for its wild landscape. Jaguars seen here were mistakenly identified as tigers, giving the area its lasting name, Tigre (Tiger).

During a 1-hour boat tour of the delta, we observe residential areas, nature and floating markets.

After returning to central Buenos Aires, you have free time in the afternoon. You can go shopping, attend a tango show (optional) or spend time in cafés.

We stay at the 4-star Dazzler by Wyndham Buenos Aires Recoleta or similar hotels.

Buenos Aires to Iguazu

Early in the morning, a packed breakfast is provided before checking out of the hotel with your luggage. Depart for Iguazu Falls at 06:25 on a scheduled Aerolíneas Argentinas flight. Arrive at Cataratas del Iguazú Airport on the Argentine side at 08:20.

After meeting the local guide, head to the border area. Located at the confluence of the Parana River and the Iguazu River, Iguazu Falls forms a natural border separating three countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay).

After completing border formalities, cross into Brazil and visit Iguassu National Park. Explore the system of approximately 275 waterfalls. Follow the walkways to Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) to observe the flowing water up close.

You need to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for the walk. Please do not carry food during the walk, as the coatis in the forest can detect food smells from a distance and may bother you.

After the tour, transfer to the hotel and rest. Accommodation is at the 4-star Bourbon Cataratas do Iguaçu Resort or similar properties.

The Aerolíneas Argentinas flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazú departs at 06:25 and arrives at 08:20.

Iguazu to Rio

After an early breakfast, we depart for Rio de Janeiro at 04:45 on a scheduled Azul Airlines flight. We arrive at Rio Galeão International Airport at 06:40. After meeting our local guide, we begin the city tour without delay.

In the Cinelândia area, we see the Opera House, the modern pyramid-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral and the Sambadrome, where Rio Carnival performances take place. We stop outside Maracanã Stadium, an important venue in Brazilian football, to take photos. We follow the coastal road along Guanabara, Botafogo and Flamengo bays. We make photo stops at Rio's well-known beaches: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Arpoador.

In the evening, we check in at the hotel and rest. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Windsor Excelsior Hotel Rio or similar hotels.

The Azul Airlines flight from Iguassu to Rio de Janeiro departs at 04:45 and arrives at 06:40.

Corcovado hill tour

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Corcovado Hill, one of Rio's most famous landmarks. We first reach Tijuca Forest, the world's largest urban forest, protected as a national park. From here, we take the historic train up Corcovado Hill, passing natural scenery and tropical trees along the way.

At the summit stands Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), the world's largest and tallest statue of Jesus. The 39-metre statue stands at an altitude of 710 metres and is considered one of Rio de Janeiro's most recognisable landmarks. It is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

From the summit, we enjoy 360-degree panoramic views. Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugar Loaf and Guanabara Bay can all be seen in a single view. Plenty of time is allowed for photographs.

After descending by train, we head to the Copacabana area. Lunch is served at a traditional Brazilian Churrascaria meat restaurant. The restaurant is known for its meat service, one of the best-known traditions of Brazilian cuisine. Salads and desserts are available from the buffet, followed by Brazilian meats carved at the table and served hot.

After the tour, we return to the hotel. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Windsor Excelsior Hotel Rio or similar hotels.

Sugar Loaf and the journey home

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a tour of Sugar Loaf (Pão de Açúcar / Sugar Hill), one of Rio de Janeiro's best-known hills.

The cable car journey has two stages, starting with an ascent to Urca Hill. After a short stop to take in panoramic views of Rio, take the second cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf. This granite rock, 420 metres high, offers views of the city and its natural surroundings.

From this spot, where many well-known films have been shot, you can see Rio's beaches, Botafogo and Flamengo bays, and Guanabara Bay.

After free time at the summit, descend by cable car. Take a short walk through Rio's port area to observe daily life in the city centre. Guests who wish can stop for a quick cocktail.

After the tour, transfer to the airport. Fly from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo with GOL Airlines at 21:40, arriving at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport at 22:55. After completing baggage and ticket formalities, proceed through passport control.

The return flight from São Paulo to Istanbul departs at 04:05 on a scheduled Turkish Airlines service. Arrival in Istanbul is scheduled for 22:35 (+1). Overnight on board.

Arrival in Istanbul

After a flight of approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes, we arrive at Istanbul Airport at 22:35. Our tour ends once passport control and baggage collection are complete.

Our 16-day journey through South America ends here. Goodbye, and see you on your next trip.