Private Tour Highlights
- Discovering Cusco, where colonial architecture collides with Incan structures, and visiting the Temple of the Sun: “Korikancha”.
- Delighting in the colonial and pre-colonial architecture of Cusco on a private walking tour, with visits to the bustling markets.
- Soaking up the majesty of Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, with its polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style.
- Glimpsing historic Lima and relishing lip-smacking Peruvian cuisine.
- Getting up close to the imposing Iguazu Falls on a boat ride upriver, taking in its awe-inspiring beauty.
- Taking a ride on a cog train through the world’s largest urban woodland, Rio’s Tijuca Forest, up towards the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Tour Overview
You can combine two of the greatest wonders of South America while visiting the Must-see Peru and Iconic Brazil: From Machu Picchu to Iguazu and Rio. Yampu travelers will also visit Lima, the capital of Peru, Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, and Rio de Janeiro. Marvelous Rio is famous for its spectacular natural setting, Carnival celebrations, samba music and beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana.
Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.
Inclusions
The domestic flight from Lima to Iguazu Falls operates on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday making the best departure days for your trip Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday. These departure dates can be modified to suit your schedule by rearranging the itinerary.
Note:
*Cost includes Vistadome train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Vistadome is ideal for travelers who want a personalized immersion of Andean culture with traditional dances and music along the way. This train features panoramic windows, leather seats, new table design as well as heating and air conditioning.
*Deluxe service Hiram Bingham train features an observation wagon with a bar and two dining cars. In addition, this train includes a gourmet brunch on board, exclusive bus return to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu as well as a guided tour. Afternoon tea in the Sanctuary Lodge, pre-dinner cocktails and a 4-course, a la carte dinner is also included. The train does not operate on Sundays. Upgrades available from Vistadome to Hiram Bingham Deluxe; please ask your Yampu Tour Consultant for the cost of the upgrade.
Package Price: From £$ 8116
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Flight to Peru
Overnight flight to Lima
Overnight flight to Lima
Flight to Cusco-Acclimation
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Upon arrival, be met by staff to assist with the connecting flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, be greeted and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure to acclimate. Cusco’s elevation is approximately 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), so Yampu highly recommends resting upon arrival for a few hours and taking in some coca tea.
Note: Check-in is normally after 2 pm. Early check-in may be granted subject to availability (not confirmed). Also, if one is to take a day flight to Lima, Yampu can accommodate a night at the airport hotel (at extra cost). Please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant.
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City Tour of Cusco
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This morning, enjoy a private walking tour of Cusco where travelers will visit the Korikancha Temple, or Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. During this private tour today, there is the option to visit the Casa Concha museum or the San Pedro Market.
The Casa Concha museum was recently renovated and houses over 360 archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu, recently returned by Yale University.
San Pedro Market is a lively, local market where travelers will receive a briefing about the local Andean ingredients and have an opportunity to purchase them. This market visit is a great opportunity to interact with the locals either selling or purchasing items from the market.
This afternoon there will be time for lunch before continuing to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko and finally the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. This afternoon, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Note: For more adventurous travelers, Yampu suggests an optional sunset horseback riding tour through the Sacsayhuaman Ruins. Please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant for more information.
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Machu Picchu
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Early morning transfer to the train station. The train will take through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, board a bus to Machu Picchu and then have a guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca royal family and priests. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, at the entrance of the ruins, before returning to the hotel at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in the town of Aguas Calientes.
Note: Government regulations limit the number of visitors to Machu Picchu daily. Entrance is subject to availability. Please book with plenty of notice so Yampu may confirm entrance to the ruins. Machu Picchu entrance tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
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Day at Leisure
One may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, board the train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival, train station reception and transfer to the hotel.
Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Please contact a Yampu travel consultant to go back to the ruins or hike Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability).
One may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, board the train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival, train station reception and transfer to the hotel.
Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Please contact a Yampu travel consultant to go back to the ruins or hike Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability).
Cusco- Lima
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This morning, be met at the hotel in Cusco and transferred to the airport for a flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, be greeted and transferred to the hotel.
In the afternoon, enjoy a private city tour of Lima—one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. Journey through the historic center of the city, admire the beauty of San Martín and Major squares, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and visit San Francisco Convent, a religious building from the late 16th century, and its catacombs. This tour also includes a drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Please note the Cathedral is open daily except on Sundays.
During this tour, visit the Museo Larco. Founded in 1926 the Museo Larco chronologically showcases the past 3,000 years of Peruvian history and culture including its pre-Colombian history. The museum is located in a beautiful 18th century vice-royal mansion built atop a 7th century pre-Colombian tomb. After exploring the Museo Larco enjoy a complimentary cocktail and appetizer at the onsite Larco Cafe overlooking the beautiful, surrounding gardens.
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Iguazu Falls, Brazil
This morning, transfer to the airport for a direct flight to Iguazu Falls on the Brazil side. Upon arrival, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel. Note: The flight from Iguazu Falls to Lima only operates on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
This morning, transfer to the airport for a direct flight to Iguazu Falls on the Brazil side. Upon arrival, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel. Note: The flight from Iguazu Falls to Lima only operates on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
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This morning, enjoy a guided tour to the Argentinean side of the waterfalls. The guide will meet travelers at the hotel to transfer to the visitor center inside Iguazu National Park. To get from the visitor center at the beginning of Upper Path, board a train that runs from the center to the paths throughout the park at Lower Path and Devil's Throat. One may walk from the visitor center to upper and lower paths, but not to Devil's Throat because it is located more than 4 kilometers from the visitor center.
Great Adventure: This tour combines a jungle trip with a boat trip to the falls. The journey starts in the jungle of the National Park in roofless 4x4 trucks for optimal visibility of the trees and to take unobstructed photos. Then, Yampu travelers will take a zodiac boat to the lower Iguazu River and travel upstream to discover the falls. Be prepared to get wet under the falls! In the afternoon, return to the hotel.
Note: Not permitted, are: children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, people with spinal or cardiac conditions, or anyone who would be physically unable to respond in case of a nautical emergency. Please ask your travel consultant about this. ...read less
Iguazu Falls, Brazil- Rio de Janeiro
This morning, enjoy a tour of the Brazil side of the falls, famous for the beautiful panoramic views. The thunderous crash of tons of rushing water against basaltic rocks amidst the jungle of birds, butterflies and orchids will take one’s breath away. This afternoon, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival in Rio, reception at airport and transfer to the hotel.
Note: Check-in is normally after 2 pm. Early check-in may be granted subject to availability (not confirmed).
This morning, enjoy a tour of the Brazil side of the falls, famous for the beautiful panoramic views. The thunderous crash of tons of rushing water against basaltic rocks amidst the jungle of birds, butterflies and orchids will take one’s breath away. This afternoon, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival in Rio, reception at airport and transfer to the hotel.
Note: Check-in is normally after 2 pm. Early check-in may be granted subject to availability (not confirmed).
Sugar Loaf
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Today, enjoy a private Half Day Tour to the Sugar Loaf with private driver/guide.
This tour begins with a stroll through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, in pyramid form, with internal diameter of 96 meters and height of 80 meters. Get to know the traditional Cinelandia square with the historical buildings, the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. By taking the Aterro do Flamengo, one will be taken to the neighborhood of Urca to find one of the largest symbols of the city: The Sugar Loaf! This visit is made in two steps by cable car. The first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill which is 215 meters high and provides a beautiful view of the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niteroi bridge and Corcovado hill. From this stage, a second cable car will be taken up to the top with 395 meters to find a splendid view of Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress and some beaches of Niteroi.
Note: if one would like to experience a typical Brazilian lunch after their tour, please let Yampu know and it can be added.
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Corcovado
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Enjoy an afternoon private tour to Corcovado with a private driver and knowledgeable guide. The tour begins in Cosme Velho's neighborhood. The cog train rolls through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world and up to the statue. Once there, enjoy a panoramic and extraordinary view of Rio, including the Sugar Loaf, the Guanabara Bay, the beaches of Southern Zone and the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. At the peak of the hill is Christ the Redeemer, the art deco statue of Jesus Christ and icon of Rio. After the visit of the Corcovado, the tour continues to Sao Conrado area with a brief stop at the Pepino beach where travelers can appreciate hang gliders overhead. Transfer back to the hotel.
Tonight, experience a fantastic show at the Rio Scenarium (dinner not included). Located in the Lapa area, Rio Scenarium is one of the premier places to listen to the best of Brazilian music, and where the real carioca spirit of bohemian way of life can be felt. The venue is an antique shop during the day, and a live music bar during the night. The programming changes every month. The show ends around midnight.
Note: If one prefers a traditional samba performance on a stage, Yampu can include Rio Plataforma. After dinner, enjoy a Brazilian music presentation at the famous Rio Plataforma. Rio Plataforma is one of the premier places to listen to the best of Brazilian music. Please ask a Yampu travel consultant.
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Flight Home
Today, transfer to the airport to take the international flight back home.
Today, transfer to the airport to take the international flight back home.
Lima, Peru
Cusco, Peru
Machu Picchu, Urubamba Province, Cusco, Peru
Iguazu Falls, Misiones Province, Argentina
Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Places You'll See
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Lima
Bursting with architectural history and culture, Lima has an eclectic array of attractions. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, a religious and artistic staple of the city’s historic center. Take a walk along the cliffs of the Miraflores district, showcasing the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and after, enjoy some shopping at the Larcomar Mall.
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Cusco
Once a powerful Incan city, Cusco is filled to the brim with relics of its grand history. Visit the ruins of the ancient Incan Koricancha Temple, where the Church of Santo Domingo now stands atop. Behold the many beautiful, colonial buildings in the Main Square, including the Cathedral and Church of La Compania de Jesus (Society of Christ).
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Machu Picchu
Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.
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Puerto Iguazu
Just a short distance away from the Iguazu Falls, the beautiful city of Puerto Iguazu is full of wonderful sites and attractions. View the Museum of Images of the Jungle, a beautiful collection of woodcarvings. Look around at Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay all at the same time, at the Three Frontiers Landmark where the three countries meet.
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Rio de Janeiro
The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, welcomes travelers to the famous city, Rio de Janeiro. Let the local music, art, and food capture your sense as you visit its sandy beaches or watch an enchanting samba show. Try your hand at trekking up Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) for beautiful views of the bay and beyond.
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Testimonials
Ed
Traveled August, 2006
We had a great trip and were happy with the service provided by Yampu
We had a great trip and were happy with the service provided by Yampu. You can use my name as a reference. I have traveled to over 30 countries and your travel company made our trip to Peru, Argentina and Brazil one of the best and hassle free.
Traveled To
Williana P.
Traveled November, 2013
Yampu Tours made our south-america trip back in Nov 2013 a wonderful experience
Yampu Tours made our south-america trip back in Nov 2013 a wonderful experience. They have been very responsive since the time we inquired about their service. Even when our rep was out of the office, her manager answered our questions, so we never had to wait and wonder. We visited Peru, Argentina, and Brazil (Iguazu) with Yampu and everything went smoothly. All the specific particulars that we had asked for (like the penguin tour) were all booked and set up nicely. The hotels we stayed at were located in prime locations, making it easy for us to walk around the cities and find good restaurants, and not to mention the staff there were helpful and friendly. The local guides that Yampu had arranged for us were punctual and knowledgeable. We learned so many fascinating things that we probably wouldn’t have had we gone on our own. On the second day of our Machu Picchu visit, we ended our hike early and we called to see if we could just travel back to Cusco on an earlier train. Yampu was able to work that out for us. We wouldn’t hesitate traveling with Yampu again!
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Repeat Client
Traveled November, 2012
We know who we will call when we are ready to go again
Our first trip with Yampu Tours was in 2003 when it was Kon-Tiki Tours and Travel. We contacted Jose Irauzqui and his team to create a special trip for us to Chile. (We travel by ourselves on a customized tour with a driver and an English speaking guide). We told Jose what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go, our time limits and anything else he needed to know and he and his staff went from there creating a wonderful trip with lots of memories for us. We were so impressed by the service we got that when we were ready to return to south-america to visit Peru in 2006, we immediately contacted Jose, who again came through for us. Most of our trips are ecological in nature. My daughter is an exotic animal veterinarian and we travel to see animals in the wild. All of our trips through Yampu have comprised an ecological component, which we have built our vacations around. Many of the ecological lodges we stayed in were small in size, so we start making our plans at the beginning of the year for a trip in the fall because of availability. We traveled with Yampu to southern Brazil in 2004, Peru in 2006, Argentina in 2007 and again to Peru in 2012. Some parts of our trips were done with groups, but on the most part, we had private customized tours. Yampu has a terrific network system of tour providers in all these countries and through five trips we have only had one complaint, which Yampu took care of when we returned. The problem was with a tour guide and therefore was beyond Yampu’s control until we got back as we did not complain at the time to the local agency. Next time we will handle it locally as Yampu provides you with a list of people to contact along the way. The number of fabulous, well-informed tour guides far outweighed that one incident. The above trips are just the ones my husband and I have gone on with our daughter through Yampu. My daughter has used Yampu for many trips throughout Central and south-america with her friends. We just returned from our second trip to Peru in November and she is off to Ecuador in January. We still have places in south-america we wish to visit, it is a big continent and very diverse. We know who we will call when we are ready to go again. We were very fortunate to find Yampu. And now Yampu has expanded to other parts of the world!
Traveled To