PERU + ARGENTINA + BRAZIL - 3 COUNTRIES in Peru

Facilities available

Wheelchair access

Adapted transfer

Description

19 Nights

From £6995 per person sharing (Flights quoted separately)

Our wheelchair accessible holidays to South America can combine Peru, Argentina & Brazil - all of which can be tailor made to your needs. Visit Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu in Peru, then fly to the vibrant city of Burnos Aires, the glaciers of El Calafate in Patagonia & the mighty Iguazu Falls in Argentina. End your holiday in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Highlights:

• Wheelchair accessible holidays
• Cusco
• Iguazu falls
• South America
• Machu Picchu
• Rio De Janeiro
• Peru, Argentina, Brazil
• Buenos aires
• Lima
• El Calafte, Patagonia

Day 1

You will be met at Lima Airport and transferred to your hotel.

Check in and relax in this capital city - the largest in Peru and its gastronomical centre.

Day 2

Today enjoy a full day tour of Lima, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well preserved architecture. Founded in 1535, it was re-named the "City of Kings" when it was conquered by the Spanish and became the most important centre in the region.

Our tour starts in the Miraflores residential district, where we stop at Parque del Amor (Park of Love) with its magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean, before driving through the modern San Isidro business district, where we see the impressive Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid that was a sacred pre-Inca site.

We continue to the historic centre, where we visit the 17th century Santo Domingo Convent. The remains of the patron saint of Peru, Saint Rose of Lima, are interred here as well as the remains of Saint Martin of Porres, the patron saint of people of mixed race.

On the Plaza Mayor (the main square, also called the Plaza de Armas) you can see many imposing colonial buildings with their intricate balconies - including the Government Palace, where the changing of the guard takes place, the City Hall and beautiful Cathedral. Time permitting we can also visit the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco.

In the afternoon we visit the Larco Museum, a remarkable private collection of treasures from ancient Peru with more than 45,000 exhibits including ceramics, textiles and many exquisite gold and silver artefacts. It is well known for its gallery of erotic pottery.

At the end of your tour you will be dropped off at your hotel. This evening do try a Pisco Sour, the nation's favourite drink.

Note: Not all sites are wheelchair accessible, but your guide will do his best to give you good views of the important sights. Note: Lima Cathedral is closed on Sunday morning and all day Monday.

Day 3

You will be escorted to Lima Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Cusco Airport and transferred 2-hours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Check into your hotel in this region that is renowned for its many ancient Inca ruins, including the amazing citadel of Machu Picchu. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest and acclimatise to the altitude.

Note: Visits to Machu Picchu & Cusco are only possible if you have upper body strength & use a manual wheelchair, as you will need to transfer into a specially adapted off-road wheelchair when covering rough terrain. The chair has long handles at the front (similar to a rickshaw) as well as regular handles at the back. You will be assigned an assistant to pull your chair from the front, while your carer pushes from the back. As there is no lifting equipment at the airport, you will be carried off the aircraft.

Day 4

Today enjoy a full day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop is at the fortress at Ollantaytambo, built to protect the northern entrance to the Sacred Valley from invasion and later the centre of Incan resistance against the Spanish. The fortress and walled terraces of this town provide some of the finest examples of Incan architecture, with the six rose-coloured monoliths of the Temple of the Sun being particularly outstanding. The village itself is the best surviving example of Inca urban planning, with stone-paved streets that have been used since the 12th century.

We then visit the archaeological site at Moray. The Incas constructed enormous circular agricultural terraces on these steep hills by hauling topsoil up by hand from the lower land, thereby generating much higher crop yields than would have been possible at such high altitude. This site is believed to be a former agricultural laboratory, an astronomical observatory or a place of worship - or maybe all three.

After an included lunch in a local restaurant, we continue to the Maras Salt Pans, a complex network of nearly 3,000 pre-Inca salt pans hand-harvested by local families, that produce the finest salt in the world. The naturally pink salt gets its beautiful hue from trace elements in the spring water.

Note: The steep terraces at Ollantaytambo and similar Inca sites are not accessible, but your guide will do his best to give you good views and an appreciation of these magnificent ruins.

Day 5

Today transfer to Ollantaytambo Station for the air-conditioned Vistadome or Inca Rail 360 train to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu - an amazing 1.5-hour journey to this magnificent mountain top city situated in a beautiful cloud forest, that was abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911.

This legendary Lost City of the Incas is without a doubt one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Built on the summit of Machu Picchu (meaning "Old Peak"), on a natural saddle between steep forested mountains, it overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River some 7,972 ft (2,430 m) above sea level. With its giant walls, terraces and ramps that appear to have been cut naturally out of the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu's history remains shrouded in mystery as the Incas did not leave any written records.

At the gateway town of Aguas Calientes, leave the train and board the bus for the 40-minute ride up to this 14th century citadel for a guided tour. Here we visit the Main Plaza, Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. We suggest you take a packed lunch (to avoid queues at the restaurant).

Afterwards return by bus to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo Station, where you will be met and transferred back to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Note: You must take your passport with you today, as this will be needed to gain entrance, which is restricted to 4-hours (based on either a morning or afternoon schedule). It is mandatory to enter with a guide and you cannot take selfie sticks, tripods, umbrellas, food or alcohol onto the site. You may not wear high heels or hard soled shoes and smoking is prohibited. If you leave the sanctuary for any reason (eg for lunch), re-entry will not be permitted. Only one bag not exceeding 11 lb (5 kg) is allowed as hand luggage on the train, so your main bags need to be left in luggage store at either your Cusco or Sacred Valley hotel, for later collection by yourself or our ground handler. From January to June parts of the rail track may be impassable at times due to mud slides, when a bus transfer will be substituted.

Logistics: You will need to be lifted into the train, which does not have an accessible toilet & your wheelchair will be stored in the baggage car. In Aguas Calientes you will need to be lifted into the bus, which is the hardest access of the day. Once you reach Machu Picchu you will transfer into an off-road wheelchair and today two assistants will help you get around the site.

Day 6

At leisure to relax independently at your hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Day 7

This morning we leave the Sacred Valley and travel 2-hours to Cusco.

Along the way we visit the town of Pisac, famous for its ruins that lie at the top of a hill at the entrance to the valley. These ruins are separated into four groups - P'isaqa, Inti Watana, Q'allaqasa, and Kinchiraqay. Enjoy panoramic views over the site, which includes the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and an inti watana - a volcanic ritual stone used as an astronomic clock or Inca calendar to define the change of seasons. The narrow rows of terraces beneath the citadel are thought to represent the wing of a partridge (pisaca), from which the village and ruins get their name.

We then visit the bustling Pisac Market (mostly accessible), where all the artisans of the region get together to buy and sell their products. This is an excellent opportunity to barter for goods and crafts typical of the area, including silver jewellery.

After an included lunch at a local restaurant, we visit a local Indigenous Community, who speak the Quechua language. Here you will see them hand weave and dye colourful textiles according to long held traditions. Afterwards we drive to Cusco.

Day 8

Today enjoy a half day tour of the magnificent colonial city of Cusco, built on Inca foundations and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comprising a fascinating mix of colonial churches, monasteries and extensive pre-Columbian ruins, almost every central street in this city has remnants of Inca walls.

We start with a visit to the impressive Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) whose walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. On the site of this ancient Inca palace and centre of worship of the Sun God, the Dominicans ordered a church to be built, which survives to this day.

We continue to the Plaza de Armas, the central plaza around which you will see many magnificent colonial buildings - including the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). In well-preserved Loreto Street you can see the remains of Incan palaces, as well as old colonial buildings.

We then leave the city and visit the impressive walled fortress of Sacsayhuaman (meaning 'speckled falcon') on the northern outskirts, believed to have been both a military and ceremonial centre. This enormous Inca structure has massive walls of hewn stone and is strategically located on a hill overlooking the city. We also visit Qenko (meaning 'zigzag') where the sun, moon and stars were worshipped and Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), which may have been a "tambo" or rest and lodgings for the Inca.

Afterwards savour the local cuisine (own account). If you are feeling adventurous you can try guinea pig - a local speciality.

Note: Cusco is situated at high altitude (11,150 ft / 3,400 m), so walk slowly. The Temple of the Sun is not open on Sunday mornings & religious holidays. You will need to carry your passport to gain access to the site at Sacsayhuaman. Many of the streets in Cusco are cobbled and not all sites are accessible, but your guide will do his best to give you good views.

Day 9

Transfer to Cusco Airport for your onward flight.

Note: As there is no lifting equipment at the airport, you will be carried onto the aircraft.

You will be met at Lima Airport and escorted to your hotel situated in the airport complex.

Day 10

You will be escorted to Lima Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Buenos Aires Airport and transferred to your hotel in this exciting city, situated on the estuary of the Río de la Plata - the 'River of Silver'.

Check in and relax in this capital of Argentina, known for its wonderful architecture, tango dancing and rich culture, including the highest concentration of theatres in the world.

Day 11

This morning enjoy a half day tour of Buenos Aires - a cosmopolitan city that has been influenced by the many immigrants who helped form it and offering beautiful architecture, history and culture.

Our tour starts at the Plaza de Mayo - the historical, political and cultural centre of the city. Here you can see the Pink House (Presidential Palace), the Pyramid de Mayo and Metropolitan Cathedral. We continue down Avenida de Mayo, with its wide avenues and spacious green areas, past the Obelisk to the neighbourhood of San Telmo, one of the oldest in the city with cobbled streets and colonial houses. Every Sunday an antiques fair takes place here around the Plaza Dorrego. The vibrant area is the centre for most of the tango parlours, restaurants and bars of the city.

Going further south, we visit the Italian port neighbourhood of La Boca, with its colourful houses in Caminito Street and many 'cantinas' (small restaurants). Also the trendy modern neighbourhood of Puerto Madero, where the old piers have been converted into upmarket offices, apartments and restaurants with views of the Rio de la Plata.

We visit the residential neighbourhood of Palermo with its elegant mansions surrounded by spacious parks, before arriving in glamorous Recoleta. Here we visit the famous cemetery where Eva Peron is buried, with its rich architecture. Next to the cemetery is the church of Our Lady of Pilar, the Recoleta Cultural Centre (originally a convent) and the Palais de Glace exhibition centre.

In the evening you will be collected for a Tango Show. Born in the brothels of the city amongst a racial mix of Gauchos, Italian, Spanish and African immigrants, this dance and its music originated as a combination of Cuban and Spanish rhythms, with some polka and African beat. Enjoy the show and dinner, including mouth-watering Argentinian beef and Malbec wine.

Day 12

Today enjoy a half day excursion to Tigre on the Parana Delta, situated 18 miles (30 km) north of Buenos Aires.

Leaving the city, we drive along the Rio de la Plata until we reach San Isidro, with its magnificent neo-gothic cathedral. We continue to Tigre, named after the jaguars that once roamed free here. At Tigre Pier we embarck on a 1-hour boat ride on this vast delta that is unique because its waters flow into another river, rather than into the sea, forming thousands of small islands covered with subtropical forests. Originally a haven for smugglers, today it is a place of recreation for the citizens of Buenos Aires where you can see yachting and rowing clubs, older mansions and modern wooden houses raised on stilts to avoid the flooding.

We disembark in Tigre before returning to Buenos Aires, with afternoon at leisure.

Note: The only part of the boat that can accommodate a wheelchair is at the back, which is open to the elements, so if you do not want to transfer into a seat do bring an umbrella to protect yourself from sun and rain. There is no accessible toilet on the boat.

Day 13

Transfer to Aeroparque Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at El Calafate Airport and transferred to your hotel in this small town, situated on Lake Argentino in Santa Cruz Province and the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.

Check in and relax surrounded by the scenery of the spectacular Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Note: You need upper body strength & a manual wheelchair to visit El Calafate, as all transfers will be in normal sedan car.

Day 14

Today enjoy a full day private tour to Los Glaciares National Park, the largest national park in Argentina covering an area of over 725,000 hectares and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This is an area of exceptional natural beauty, with towering mountains and many glacial lakes. The giant ice cap in the Austral Andes that feeds these 47 glaciers is the largest outside Antarctica and Greenland, with over half the park covered with enormous glaciers. You can make your way along walkways in front of the famous Perito Moreno Glacier to get closer views. With luck you may see it "calving", when huge chunks of ice break off the glacier and splash into the lake below.

Take an included 1-hour boat ride to view this spectacular glacier up-close, before returning to El Calafate in the late afternoon. Lunch is for your own account today.

Note: You will need to be lifted into the boat.

Day 15

Transfer to El Calafate Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Puerto Iguazu Airport and transferred to your hotel near one of the greatest waterfalls in the world, regarded as one of Latin America's most awe-inspiring sights.

The mighty Iguazu Falls, whose name means "Great Waters", straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil - although almost 80% of the falls are on the Argentinian side. It is situated in a huge tropical rainforest that has been declared a World Heritage Site, with countless flora and fauna species.

Day 16

Today enjoy a half day tour of the Argentinian side of the incredible Iguazu Falls.

Comprising approximately 275 separate cascades, the falls form a curtain of foaming water that crashes over a vast granite amphitheatre and into the jungle below. Resembling a reversed letter "J", most of the Iguazu River plunges down through an area known as The Devil’s Throat, with the rest spreading out over a wide shelf that splits into hundreds of different waterfalls.

There are a series of walkways that lead above, below and behind the falls, with breathtaking views. You can also hope to see monkeys, toucans, parakeets and other wildlife in the rainforest. Lunch is for your own account today.

Note: The Devill's throat and Upper Walk are both accessible, but not the other trails. Take rain gear, as you will get wet visiting the Argentinian side of the falls.

Day 17

After checking out of your hotel, this morning we cross the border to the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls, for panoramic views of the nearly 2-mile (3 km) cliff edge.

The volume of water flowing over the falls varies greatly depending on seasonal rainfall, but the falls are a spectacular sight at any time of year. The waterflow is highest between October and March, with the heaviest rains from December to February, when many trails are closed.

Afterwards transfer to Foz do Iguassu Airport for your onward flight.

Note: On the Brazilian side of the falls, the first balcony in front of the Belmond Hotel is partly accessible, as well as the last balcony where the panoramic lift is located, which has accessible walkways with ramps. The other walkways have many steps.

You will be met at Rio de Janeiro Airport and transferred to your hotel  in this iconic city - famous for its magnificent setting and enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer looking down from Corcovado Mountain - one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Rio is also home to the magnificent Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Barra da Tijuca beaches and known for its samba and bossa nova dancing, carnivals and music festivals.

Day 18

Today enjoy a full day tour of Rio de Janeiro, known locally as Cidade Maravilhosa (the Marvellous City').

After a tour of the downtown area, we stop at the huge Metropolitan Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Sebastian), built in the form of an ancient Mayan pyramid. We also view the historical buildings around Cinelândia Square - including the Municipal Theatre, the National Library and Museum of Fine Arts.

We then visit the vast Sambadrome exhibition space, where the famous Rio Carnival is held. We also drive past the enormous Maracana, one of the largest football stadiums in the world and the venue for the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

After lunch (own account) we drive past Flamengo Park, the largest public park in Rio, to one of the most famous symbols of the city - Sugarloaf Mountain. Here we travel all the way to the top, in two cable cars. The first cable car takes us to Urca Hill, a vantage point with beautiful views of Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. The second cable car takes us all the way to the top, with wonderful views over Copacabana beach, Santa Cruz fortress and the beaches of Niterói.

Note: It is essential that your manual wheelchair is a standard size, as larger chairs will not fit into the cable car.

Day 19

Today enjoy a half day tour to one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

We start by boarding the cog train from Cosme Velho Station to Corcovado Mountain. Enjoy the steep 20-minutes train journey through the dense Atlantic rainforest of Tijuca, with wonderful views of the lush tropical vegetation, and scenic landscapes of the city and its beaches below. Disembark and take the escalator to the base of the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer - one of the 7 wonders of the modern world - and enjoy its spectacular 360 degree panoramas.

Afterwards we descend by cog train and drive back past some of Rio most famous beaches - Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana - before returning to your hotel with afternoon at leisure.

Note: It is essential that your manual wheelchair is a standard size, as larger chairs will not fit into the cog  train.

Day 20

Transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport for your flight home.

Information last updated: 04/12/2023 13:54:58