You fly to Lima and reach the Peruvian capital the same day or early the following morning. 2 nights in Lima. (Distance: approx. 20 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

If your plane reaches Lima this morning, you will be there in time to start today's programme together with your group. Peru welcomes you with a warm "Buenos días" and "Good morning"! After your arrival you meet your tour guide, who gives you a friendly welcome and gets you in the mood for the experiences ahead. On a discovery tour through the Peruvian metropolis you then explore the capital's historic centre with the cathedral, the town hall and the magnificent colonial buildings around the colourful Plaza de Armas. You will quickly understand why the old town is one of the most beautiful on the South American continent, and you won't forget your visit to the baroque San Francisco Monastery in a hurry. After these highlights, the beach-side districts of San Isidro and Miraflores offer a contrast with modern architecture and a pulsating big-city vibe. In the evening, you can see for yourself at the welcome dinner why Peruvian cuisine has such a good reputation. (B/D)

Today you leave the Pacific coast and fly to the Andean city of Cusco. To make it easier for you to adjust to the altitude, you take the bus directly from the airport into the Sacred Valley, following in the footsteps of the ancient civilisation. Your first stop is the colourful market in Pisac, the site of a former Inca fortress. The market has kept its charm, as local products are offered alongside the classic souvenirs. You have the opportunity to mingle with the locals and enjoy the hustle and bustle. You then continue to the important ruins of Ollantaytambo. The mighty fortress towers protectively over the village of the same name, although it was never completed. The visit offers a grandiose panoramic view of the impressive landscape. Here you end your first day at Andean altitude in peace. One night in the Sacred Valley. (B) (Distance: approx. 200 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

Today's excursion in the Sacred Valley first takes you to the Moray plateau at an altitude of 3,500 m, a terraced landscape from Inca times. These agricultural terraces were built in three large natural sinkholes up to 70 m deep. Near Moray, on the Urubamba River, lies the picturesque little village of Maras, which in Inca times was the trading centre for salt. Even today, salt is still extracted here in the traditional way from the salt pans, and the inhabitants of this poor mountain village run the salt works themselves. Impressive photo opportunities are guaranteed. Towards late afternoon you take the panoramic train to Aguas Calientes, the starting point for exploring the famous ruined city of Machu Picchu. In this small town you can spend the evening as you like. One night in Aguas Calientes (B) (Distance: approx. 160 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

Getting up early this morning is worth it – no doubt about it! Even before the many day visitors from Cusco reach the legendary rock city of Machu Picchu, you experience in the early morning hours the ruins, which are among the New Seven Wonders of the World and have been declared a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. With your tour guide you take time to visit the partly well-preserved buildings and sacred sites of Machu Picchu, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Tomb.* On this day we also offer you the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu, the highest mountain of the site (at its head). Tickets are limited to 200 per day and access times are also regulated. The climb up Huayna Picchu is via partly steep stairs and steps of varying height (approx. 1,600 steps to the summit!) and is demanding in any case, especially in difficult weather conditions. Good fitness and a head for heights are therefore essential. If you still want to take on this absolutely worthwhile climb, which rewards you at the end with an unforgettable view of the entire citadel and the surrounding mountains, please order your ticket in advance via SKR (optional, € 90 p.p., limited availability, please book with your registration; please note that Huayna Picchu is open all year round, but spontaneous closures may occur due to weather). To return to Ollantaytambo you take the panoramic train again and then continue by bus to Cusco. Two nights there. (B) (Distance: approx. 120 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs) *Please note that due to legal regulations, the time allowed inside Machu Picchu is limited to 2.5 hours. Visitors are distributed across different circuits, each with its own character. This serves to better coordinate visitor flows and protect the ruins.

A whole day in one of Peru's most beautiful cities awaits you today. In the morning you set off straight away on a discovery tour of this original city. You stroll across the main square with its cathedral, one of the largest churches in South America, visit the Temple of the Sun and wander past La Merced Monastery through the quaint artists' quarter of San Blas, whose church houses the finest woodcarving in the city. Strolling through the bustling San Pedro Market, you can mingle with the locals. Fancy a refreshment? Treat yourself to one of the famous fruit juices! In the afternoon you have the opportunity to explore Cusco on your own, for example by going in search of the twelve-angled stone, the prime example of seamless Inca masonry. (B)

Early in the morning you leave Cusco towards Lake Titicaca. Driving across the high plateau known as the Altiplano, you pass traditional Andean villages and see countless herds of llamas and alpacas grazing. During a stop in the village of Raqchi you explore the pre-Inca ruins of the same name, and then on the beautiful main square of Andahuaylillas you have the chance to marvel at the magnificent 17th-century colonial church with its sumptuous interior and remarkable frescoes by local artists. It is not for nothing that, because of its painted ceiling, the building is also called the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes". In the evening you reach the lively little town of Puno, where you spend one night. (B) (Distance: approx. 400 km; driving time: approx. 9 hrs)

Along the shore of majestic, shimmering blue Lake Titicaca, you drive to the Copacabana peninsula (3,810 m), which already lies on the Bolivian side of the highest navigable body of water in the world. You visit the well-known pilgrimage church of the Black Madonna and the Plaza de Armas. After a stroll through the tranquil village, you can climb Cerro Calvario and enjoy the unique atmosphere with a view over Copacabana Bay. The terrace of your wonderfully located hotel invites you to linger, and the view of the lake and village will impress you. One night in Copacabana. (B) (Distance: approx. 150 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs)

Enjoy the morning calm before taking a boat to the sacred Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun). In addition to three small traditional villages that blend idyllically into the Andean landscape, there are of course Inca ruins to visit here. You then continue along the snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Real to La Paz, the highest seat of government in the world. You check in at your hotel and can spend the rest of the evening as you wish. How about an evening in the San Miguel district, where you can have dinner at the Boulevard El Bosque food court, for example? Two nights in La Paz. (B) (Distance: approx. 150 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

On today's tour you experience the Andean metropolis of La Paz, starting with a stroll through the famous Witches' Market. Let yourself be carried away into the magical world of medicinal herbs, mysterious tinctures and all kinds of curiosities meant to drive away evil spirits or bring good luck. You should also try a salteña this morning. These typical pastries, usually filled with meat, are only available until 12 noon and make a delicious snack. On a cable car ride up from La Paz to El Alto at 4,100 m, you experience the contrast between the modern city and the working-class suburb. Then how about a walk on the moon? In the legendary "Valle de la Luna" (Valley of the Moon) on the edge of the city, bizarre rock formations created by nature over thousands of years make for a spectacular photo opportunity. (B)

Today you leave the Andes and fly to Buenos Aires. On arrival in the Argentinian capital, your tour guide for this section of the trip welcomes you and accompanies you to the hotel. After check-in and a short overview of the next day's programme, you take a walk by the Río de la Plata in the area around the centrally located hotel. One of the city's landmarks, the Obelisk, is just around the corner. In the many small squares you can then let yourself drift in the evening atmosphere of the metropolis, which always seems to be on the move. Over dinner in an original steakhouse, you end your first day in Argentina and can see the quality of Argentinian beef for yourself. Two nights in Buenos Aires. (B/D)

Today Buenos Aires awaits you with everything it has to offer: on foot, you set off in the footsteps of Maradona, Evita and Carlos Gardel at the presidential palace, the Casa Rosada, on Avenida de Mayo. Argentina's moving recent history will captivate you, especially on the Plaza de Mayo. From there you continue to the Obelisk and the gigantic Avenida 9 de Julio. In your minibus you move on and explore the well-known districts of Recoleta and San Telmo as well as La Boca by the harbour, where tango is still danced in the street today. After the city tour, your tour guide says goodbye and gives you a few tips on how to spend your free evening in the Argentinian capital just as you like. If the street tango has particularly caught your fancy, you can attend a tango show in the evening, have dinner and let yourself be infected by the passion and energy of the dance (optional, approx. USD 100 p.p., incl. dinner, bookable locally). (B)

Today you leave the big city and fly to the famous Iguazú Falls on the Argentinian–Brazilian border. On arrival, your next tour guide awaits you and accompanies you to your hotel. In the afternoon you set off together to explore the Brazilian side of the imposing falls. Along a 1,500 m path you have a dreamlike panoramic view, and the shutter of your camera will hardly ever stop. At the Devil's Throat, the roaring water and spray will impress you as much as the green of the jungle and the many rainbows. After the experience at the falls, in the late afternoon you visit the bird park in Foz do Iguaçu. Here you can see exotic bird species up close. Walk through the aviaries and enjoy the colours and song of the birds. Two nights in Iguazú. (B)

You start as early as possible to be among the first in Argentina's Iguazú National Park and enjoy the morning calm in nature. While you enjoyed the panoramic view of the falls on the Brazilian side, on the Argentinian side you get really close. You walk to the individual viewpoints and can take unique souvenir photos. If you like, you can take an inflatable boat tour on site (optional, approx. USD 90 p.p., bookable locally). (B)

You leave this natural spectacle behind and today fly to the last stop of your South America trip: Rio de Janeiro. At the airport your tour guide welcomes you and takes you to your hotel, which is very close to Copacabana. To the sound of samba, you can enjoy your first caipirinha or mojito on the beach and perhaps take a dip in the Atlantic. You're sure to love the unique atmosphere here. Two nights in Rio de Janeiro. (B)

Today's city tour begins in the city centre, the economic heart of Rio, where skyscrapers meet colonial buildings. You see the cathedral, the opera house and Carioca Square and witness the contrast with the modern buildings. In Flamengo Park you can catch a first glimpse of Sugarloaf Mountain. This world-famous mountain is reached by a 1,200-metre cable car ride: an unforgettable experience! The view of Rio from Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most spectacular in the world. Another highlight awaits you: the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado. You ride up on the rack railway and enjoy a dreamlike view of the city's beaches. On one of these beaches, over a last dinner together, you look back on the trip and its countless impressions. (B/D)

In due course, transfer to the airport, where your flight home awaits you. (B)

You land back in Europe.