The Wonders of South America
This 12-day trip trip takes you to some of South America’s most famous sights, from Peru’s ancient citadels and sweeping valleys to Brazil's most magical city. Your adventure starts in Peru’s beautiful Sacred Valley before you head on to Machu Picchu and Cusco. In Brazil, you'll visit the mighty Iguassu falls before an immersion in Rio de Janeiro's incredible engery.
Trip highlights
- Delve deep into the secrets and scenery of Peru's Sacred Valley
- Enjoy a private tour of magnificent Machu Picchu
- Board a luxury train from Machu Picchu to Cusco
- Head upriver by boat to the base of Iguassu Falls
- Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro
- Ride the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–4
Discover Inca heritage in the Sacred Valley
Your adventure starts in Peru’s beautiful Sacred Valley, one of the most historically important parts of Peru. The Valley was one of the bases of Inca civilisation, the river that winds its way through believed to be aligned with the cosmos. Today, the valley is home to many indigenous communities living the same way they have been for centuries.
You’ll visit Ollantaytambo Fortress, clinging to the sides of the mountains, as well as the salt terraces of Maras and the Inca ruins of Moray.
Where you could stay
Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa
Ollantaytambo
The Inca fortress town of Ollantaytambo was built just as the Spaniards arrived and is one of the most important if not visible vestiges of how the Incas inhabited and functioned in their cities making it a fascinating place to explore. There is a fortress at the top of the hill (and quite a few steps) which is particularly interesting to investigate for the techniques the Incas used in its construction.
Maras and Moray
Explore the fascinating and beautiful sites of Maras and Moray. Maras is an open system of terraces that has been used for centuries to harvest salt from a stream of mineral rich water that comes from within the mountain. Moray is an ancient system of Inca terraces which they used to acclimatise new plants to the high altitude environment.
Take a luxury train to Machu Picchu
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Days 4–5
Discover Peru’s Lost Incan City
Explore Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Lost Incan City is one of South America’s most evocative sights and your private guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, really bringing it to life by detailing the history, significance and myths surrounding it as well as taking you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints. After spending a night in your luxury lodge, the next morning take some time to explore the ruins by yourself – you could even climb Huayna Picchu for an alternative view.
Where you could stay
Take a luxury train to Cusco
Days 5–7
Explore the UNESCO city of Cusco
Capital of the Incan Empire from the early 14th century until its Spanish conquest, Cusco is South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Your local expert guide will collect you from your hotel for a private tour of the city, starting out at the Santo Domingo convent monastery. This former colonial monastery was previously the Koricancha Temple, one of the most important temples devoted to the worship of the sun. Your next stop will be the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, before heading to the countryside just outside Cusco to visit some of the remarkable Inca ruins in the area such as the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.
Where you could stay
La Casona Inkaterra
Days 7–9
Feel the spray of Iguassu Falls
It’s then onto Brazil, starting with two days exploring the mighty Iguassu Falls. With 275 falls cascading over almost three kilometres of the Parana River, this is an incredible sight made all the more impressive by its setting in the lush tropical rainforest. You’ll have the chance to explore both the Brazilian and Argentinian side.
Where you could stay
Get up close
On foot
On the water
A private tour to the Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and bring you by private vehicle to the entrance of the park on the Argentinian side. You’ll then be taking the rest of the tour mainly on foot, exploring the various wooden walkways and trails that lead through the national park and close to the many chutes of the falls.
A Gran Aventura by boat
Head up the river in a specially-prepared boat that brings you to the base of Iguassu Falls.
Your guide will bring you to the starting point where large trucks specially adapted to this tour will take you and other visitors to explore six kilometres of subtropical forest. From here you will board special high-powered Zodiac boats that will take you, at high speed, to enjoy one of the most unforgettable experiences in the region: direct contact with the mighty Falls. After this incredible trip, you will get off the boat at the base of the Falls, onto a catwalk that connects to the lower visitation circuit of the Falls.
Days 9–12
See Rio de Janeiro in luxury
The final stop of your epic adventure is one of the greatest cities of them all, Rio de Janeiro. Set in amongst emerald-green rainforests, mountains, lagoons and miles and miles of white-sanded beaches, there are few cities that can match Rio de Janeiro for location, but perhaps its greatest attribute is its people, the Cariocas with their relaxed, easy-going spirit and style.
Be sure to explore the historic centre of Rio, with its narrow 19th century streets, magnificent Baroque churches and the ruins of the old port from where most of Brazil’s gold left for its long journey to Europe. Your concierge can arrange a private guided tour.
Where you could stay
See the sights
Christ the Redeemer
Santa Teresa
Sugarloaf
At the summit of Corcovado
Christ the Redeemer statue is Rio’s most famous attraction with his arms stretched out, he looks to be blessing the entire city. At 710 metres above the centre on the Corcovado Hill, the statue is surrounded by wide, open terraces from where you get unbeatable vistas of the city’s impressive littoral, the southern neighbourhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema, the Lagoon, the Sugar Loaf and the town of Niterói.
Explore the bohemian district of Santa Teresa
The faded grandeur of this part of the city, often referred to as the Montmartre of Rio, set into the hills close to the centre of town, still retains a rich cultural atmosphere of art, music and history. The mansions that line the narrow streets are home to many cafes, artist studios and charming restaurants, bistros and cafes. Your guide will also take you to the Ruins Park, a cultural centre in the remains of a 19th century house which has a Belvedere that commands some of the best views over Rio.
The cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain
This massive granite rock, 396 metres tall, is one of the city’s most emblematic landmarks, adorning many a postcard. You will take the cable car with your guide from the Guanabara Bay entrance in the Urca district. At the zenith the view of Rio and its neighbourhoods sprawled over bays, coves, and appearing from dense green hillsides is unrivalled and quite spectacular.
Our planner Delfina handled our first, second and now our third trip to South America — this time to Ecuador. She is fantastic at listening to our needs and preferences and she beautifully curated our stays at Napo, a Galopagos cruise, and the Cloud Forest. We were provided outstanding personal guides throughout the trip and enjoyed lifetime experiences. Jacada, and…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
