Peru - Brazil
A Tale of Two Halves: From Peru to Brazil
A 14-night luxury South America vacation.
Best time to travel
Year-Round
Recommended for
Groups & Friends, Couples & Honeymoon
Duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
Price from
$16800
per person
This journey celebrates contrast, two vibrant nations, two distinct rhythms, and one seamlessly curated adventure. Begin in Peru, where Lima’s layered history and globally celebrated cuisine set the tone. Wander markets with a culinary insider, dine at Central, and then fly into the Andes for days steeped in Inca legacy. In the Sacred Valley, private haciendas, traditional weaving masters, and remote archaeological sites offer a deep connection to ancient and modern Andean life. From here, hike the one-day Inca Trail and watch Machu Picchu reveal itself through the Sun Gate, before exploring the cobbled streets of Cusco.
Then shift tone entirely: Brazil awaits with its tropical pulse, golden beaches, and irresistible energy. In Rio, hike forested peaks, stretch out on Copacabana, learn the city through its samba bars, Afro-Brazilian history, and street art, and retreat each night to exquisite boutique hotels. The journey continues to serene Paraty, an island-dotted bay framed by jungle and colonial charm before returning to Rio for one final immersion in its infectious spirit.
Two countries, two moods, and one unforgettable luxury South America vacation.
Highlights
- Savour Lima’s vibrant food scene, from market tastings to an unforgettable dinner at Central.
- Hike the one-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, arriving through the Sun Gate with an expert guide.
- Experience Andean traditions in the Sacred Valley, from private hacienda lunches to master weavers at work.
- Explore Cusco’s temples, markets, and hidden historic interiors with a specialist guide.
- Shift gears in Rio, hiking forested peaks, relaxing on Copacabana, and dancing to authentic samba.
- Dive into Rio’s Afro-Brazilian heritage, creative districts, and thriving street-art culture.
- Unwind in Paraty, sailing its island-studded bay and exploring its charming colonial streets.
Daily Summary
A Tale of Two Halves: From Peru to Brazil
A 14-night luxury South America vacation.
15 Days / 14 Nights
All elements of these journey will be tailormade to your interests and travel style.
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Day 1
Arrival in Lima & Dinner at Central
Lima
Arrive in Peru’s coastal capital and settle into your hotel. Depending on your timing, enjoy dinner at Central, one of the world’s leading restaurants, where a boundary-pushing tasting menu celebrates Peru’s extraordinary biodiversity.
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Day 2
Lima’s History & Immersive Food Experience
Lima
Explore Lima’s ancient huacas, colonial landmarks, and Casa Aliaga before diving into the city’s vibrant food culture. Visit Mendiburu Market with a local foodie expert, sample fruits and classics loved by Limeños, and enjoy a relaxed lunch and dessert in Barranco.
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Day 3
Into the Sacred Valley: Hacienda Lunch & Weaving Traditions
Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and travel into the Sacred Valley for a private visit and farm-to-table lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari. Continue to meet master weaver Nilda Callañaupa for an intimate look at ancestral textile traditions, before settling into your eco-retreat in Ollantaytambo.
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Day 4
Ollantaytambo Ruins & Pachamanca Lunch
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Discover the Inca terraces and temples of Ollantaytambo, one of the few sites where the Incas triumphed over the Spanish. Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca, meats and vegetables cooked beneath hot stones, served at a scenic organic farm in the Sacred Valley.
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Day 5
Hidden Sacred Valley: Pumamarca & Conservation Hike
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Hike among the ancient ruins of Pumamarca and take in sweeping Andean views. Continue through forests of native Queuña trees with a representative from Valle Sagrado Verde, joining a hands-on reforestation effort that supports local conservation.
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Day 6
Vistadome to Aguas Calientes & One-Day Inca Trail
Inca Trail – Machu Picchu
Board the Vistadome train to begin the one-day Inca Trail, hiking a scenic route to the Sun Gate for your first view of Machu Picchu. Visit the site with your expert guide before spending the night beside the ruins at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
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Day 7
Machu Picchu at Dawn & Sky-High Suites
Machu Picchu – Sacred Valley
Return early to explore Machu Picchu and hike Huayna Picchu for panoramic views. Descend to Aguas Calientes, travel back to the Sacred Valley by train, and continue to the dramatic Vertical Sky Luxury Suites perched on a mountainside high above the valley floor.
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Day 8
Cusco’s Icons & Hidden Corners
Sacred Valley – Cusco – Lima
Travel to Cusco for a guided walk through its temples, markets, plazas, and hillside fortress of Sacsayhuaman. After lunch, explore lesser-known museums and historic interiors. Fly to Lima in the evening and stay at the airport hotel before tomorrow’s journey to Brazil.
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Day 9
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Lima - Rio De Janeiro
Fly from Lima to Rio and settle into your oceanfront suite at the Emiliano, perfectly positioned between Copacabana and Ipanema. Spend the afternoon unwinding on the sand, relaxing by the rooftop pool, or strolling the vibrant beachfront promenade.
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Day 10
Tijuca Forest Hike & Night of Samba
Rio De Janeiro
Hike to one of Rio’s best viewpoints in Tijuca National Park, taking in rainforest scenery and sweeping coastal panoramas. Return to Copacabana for beach time or a guided bike ride. In the evening, dive into Rio’s samba spirit at one of the city’s authentic music venues.
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Day 11
Journey to Paraty via Sitio Burle Marx
Rio De Janeiro - Paraty
Depart Rio for the lush coastline, stopping at Sitio Burle Marx home and garden of Brazil’s legendary landscape architect. Continue to Paraty, a charming colonial town set beside an island-filled bay, and settle into your historic pousada for a relaxed evening.
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Day 12
Island-Hopping in Paraty & Return to Rio
Paraty - Rio De Janeiro
Set out by private boat to explore Paraty’s beautiful islands and calm turquoise waters, with stops for swimming and beach time. Later, travel back to Rio and check into Chez Georges, a stunning artistic retreat with panoramic views over the city.
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Day 13
Rio Icons & Artistic Santa Teresa
Rio De Janeiro
Ride the Sugarloaf cable car, visit Christ the Redeemer by tram, and return to Santa Teresa for a deeper look at Rio’s creative heart. Explore street art, historic stairways, and leafy hilltop streets before a relaxed evening at your boutique hideaway.
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Day 14
African Heritage & Downtown Flavors
Rio De Janeiro - Departure
Trace Rio’s powerful Afro-Brazilian history through its markets, neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks. Enjoy lunch at Lilia, a local favorite for contemporary Brazilian cuisine. Spend the afternoon unwinding by the pool for your final night in Rio.
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Day 15
Departure from Rio
Rio De Janeiro - Departure
Your driver will transfer you to Rio’s international airport. An Aracari representative will assist with check-in as you prepare for your onward flight home.
Travel designer
Cécile Fabre
My name is Cécile Fabre, a Franco-Spanish nomad splitting my time between Peru, Spain, France and Sri Lanka, where my kiddos go to school. I'm obsessed with diving, outdoor exploration, archaeology, and history, all what South America can offer. As a travel designer, I turned my passion into my job 20 years ago! I loved diving in the Galapagos. I also enjoy spending time in the Colca Valley, Ollantaytambo town or wandering Arequipa. When it...
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