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Sunrise on Machu Picchu<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n A striking geological marvel, Peru\u2019s picturesque Lake Titicaca is the world\u2019s highest lake. Steeped in local myth and legend, it\u2019s said that the founding god of the Inca people, Wiracoha, rose from Lake Titicaca before creating the city of Cusco. The Uros people have lived on the lake for centuries on their reed-built islands. There are still more than 100 authentic reed islands on the lake where you can meet the water-bound communities and learn about their way of life.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also possible to cross the lake by catamaran to Bolivia\u2019s Sun Island and where you can learn about the indigenous culture of the area and explore the ruins of Inca temples. The oldest sanctuary in South America is also located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, just on the Peru-Bolivia border. The sanctuary was founded in 1550 by Dominican monks and is one of the most important religious centres in Bolivia.<\/p>\n Woman in traditional dress on Lake Titicaca’s Sun Island<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n Stretching south and west from Buenos Aires, this region of fertile soil is the country\u2019s economic powerhouse. The grasslands here have historically played an important part in Argentina\u2019s prosperity and still produce most of the country\u2019s famous beef.<\/p>\n Although the history and cultural significance of Las Pampas is undoubtedly fascinating, the main draw here is the infamous gauchos. These resilient and nomadic farmhands are thought to be descendants of European gypsies. Although the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the gaucho is mostly a thing of the past, the horsemanship that gauchos became famous for lives on. Visit a traditional ranch and learn about modern gaucho life over a delicious beef barbeque.<\/p>\n Las Pampas goucho in traditional dress<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n No tour of South America is complete without a visit to wine county \u2013 and few do it better than Argentina. Lively Mendoza is at the heart of Argentina\u2019s wine production and is everything you would expect from a city synonymous with world-renowned wineries: vibrant and laid back with fantastic nightlife.\u00a0<\/p>\n Over 70% of Argentina\u2019s wine comes from the Mendoza province thanks to its favourable climate and the snowmelt from the Andes. The region is particularly famous for its Malbecs, but you\u2019ll also find Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay here. One of the oldest wine-producing parts of Mendoza is the Maipu Valley, a traditional wine region with a long history. Some of Argentina\u2019s most renowned vineyards are in the Maipu including Familia di Tommaso, Tempus and Trapiche.<\/p>\n Mendoza Valley vineyard<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, South America\u2019s iconic Iguazu Falls never fail to astonish even the most travelled visitor. The three-kilometre chain of thundering falls cascade off a horseshoe-shaped chasm, demonstrating a level of power and noise that isn\u2019t easily forgotten. Remarkably well hidden in the midst of the surrounding lush subtropical rainforest, the only hint of the falls on approach is the ethereal mist that sits on the treetops.<\/p>\n The surrounding national park is home to vast numbers of unique flora and fauna, with many walkways meandering around the fall viewpoints and through the forest. The region is also home to many indigenous tribes, including the Guarani, who tell of the wrathful Serpent God, M\u2019Boi, who split the earth in pursuit of two runaway lovers, creating the mighty falls.<\/p>\n View of Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian National Park<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n The Rio locals (Cariocas) say that God built the world in seven days, and on the eighth he made Rio. With its golden beaches, stunning mountain backdrop and world-famous nightlife, you can see where they got the idea.<\/p>\n Also known as Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City), the Cariocas are definitely keen to entice those yet to experience this alluring city. And Rio has been captivating visitors for decades, from Copacabana\u2019s status as a Hollywood starlet getaway in the 1940s to the timeless beat of the samba that continues to permeate the city.<\/p>\n And then there\u2019s Carnival. The ultimate manifestation of this celebratory spirit. Taking place in February, and ending on Ash Wednesday, a trip timed to coincide with this most flamboyant of festivals will be something special indeed.<\/p>\n Christ the Redeemer looks over Rio de Janeiro<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n A spectacular and haunting sight, this evocative expanse of nothingness will take your breath away. Originally part of the prehistoric Lake Minchin, which covered most of southwest Bolivia, the flats are left over from salt water that evaporated long ago. The seemingly endless thick crust of salt is punctuated by polygonal patterns of salt rising from the ground, creating a landscape that\u2019s reminiscent of a fantastical dream world.<\/p>\n Exploring Salar de Uyuni, you\u2019re likely to come across rusting 19th-century trains, giant cacti that can grow up to 10 metres tall, glimmering salt lakes and boiling mud pools. You might even stumble upon some 3,000-year-old freeze-dried mummies \u2013 the Coquesa mummies are located in a cave at the base of the Tunupa Volcano, impeccably preserved thanks to the arid, salty air. For a truly immersive experience, spend the night at a salt hotel \u2013 where everything from the beds to the walls and floors are constructed from salt blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Salar de Uyuni’s glimmering surface<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n 29<\/strong> days from \u00a313290pp<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n Fully Inclusive of Tour & Flights<\/p>\n Discover Lima - Admire Machu Picchu - Salt flats of Uyuni - Vibrant Buenos Aires - Gaucho life in the Pampas - Iguazu Falls - Rio de Janeiro<\/p>\n <\/div>\n Sail Lake Titicaca<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Las Pampas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Mendoza and the Maipu Valley<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Iguazu Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Rio de Janeiro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Salar de Uyuni<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n Ultimate South America<\/h3>\n
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