South America

South America: history

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu was built in about 1450 and abandoned after the Spanish conquest. It became known to the world in 1911 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lima was founded by the Spanish in 1535.

Rio de Janeiro was founded by the Portuguese in 1565 and was the capital of Brazil until 1960. The statue of Christ the Redeemer was completed in 1931. Iguazu Falls, on the border of Argentina and Brazil, is a chain of about 275 waterfalls.

South America: tourist attractions

• Machu PicchuThe Inca city in the clouds, reached by train and bus. Entry tickets are timed and limited.
• CuscoThe main square, the Sun Temple and the fortress of Sacsayhuamán.
• Sacred ValleyThe markets of Pisac and the terraces of Ollantaytambo.
• LimaThe old centre and the clifftop district of Miraflores.
• Iguazu FallsWalkways to the Devil's Throat, on both sides of the border.
• Christ the RedeemerThe statue on Corcovado, above Rio.
• Sugarloaf MountainA cable car to a view of the bay and the beaches.
• Amazon lodgeTwo or three nights in the rainforest.

South America: excursions nearby

• Rainbow Mountain day trip from CuscoA striped mountain above 5,000 metres. A hard walk.
• Lake Titicaca about 390 km from CuscoFloating reed islands on a high lake.
• Paracas about 260 km from LimaSea lions and birds on the Ballestas Islands.
• Petrópolis about 70 km from RioThe summer palace of Brazil's emperors.
• Good to knowCusco is at about 3,400 metres, so take the first day slowly. US passport holders need an e-visa for Brazil, and we guide you through it.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.