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Activity note: Field trip starts after check in and lunch at the Hotel. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day including up and down hill. Standing up to an hour at a time.
Morning: Arrive to Rio’s Aeroporto International — Galeão Antônio Carlos Jobim (GIG), about 15 miles (24km) from the program hotel. After completing arrival procedures, exit the baggage claim area. Your Road Scholar Representative will be waiting for you to take you to the Hotel. Depending of you arrival time, rooms might not be ready but you can leave your luggage in storage and go to the roof top of the hotel to relax while looking at the Beach and sea across the street.
Lunch: Plated 2 courses lunch served at the hotel. It includes mineral water. Other beverages available for purchase, unless noted otherwise.
Afternoon: Board the private motor-coach to drive to Sugarloaf Mountain. Sugarloaf rises 1,300 feet above the city of Rio de Janeiro, presenting a bird’s eye view. It is named for its iconic shape, resembling the cones of sugar that were produced in the 16th century by the Portuguese during the heyday of the sugar cane trade in Brazil. We will ascend via large cable cars that each hold 75 people, over two legs of a journey that last a few minutes each. The first leg takes us to the top of Urca Mountain at 722 feet, with aerial views of Copacabana, the Christ statue, Niteroi Bridge, and Guanabara Bay. The second cable car travels to the top of Sugarloaf, where we have a thrilling 360-degree view of the region.
Dinner: Dinner will be served walking distance from the Hotel. We will have a main dish and a dessert with a non alcoholic beverage. Other beverages available to purchase.
Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Walking up to two miles throughout the day including up and down hill.Driving, with periodic stops and short walks of 15-30 minutes with some steps - mainly descending. Visits of the favelas are done by vans as the area is inaccessible to motor coaches.
Breakfast: Breakfast buffets generally feature a selection of international and traditional local foods as well as fresh juice, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Morning: We will depart the hotel in vans with our Study Leader and local experts to explore Rio’s favelas. Stopping in Rio's largest and smallest favelas, we learn about the architecture, urbanization projects, the public services, security and the local culture. We will walk through the commercial area of Rio's smallest favela, and the narrow alleyways that provide insight to daily life. We will learn how peaceful and community oriented each favela is, and how visits support community projects in education. We will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best views overlooking Rio.
Lunch: At a local restaurant, choose what you like from the buffet of delicious, traditional Brazilian dishes .Among the extensive and varied selections are tutu, made of black beans and manioc flour, roasted and stewed meats, vegetables, salads, as well as selection of desserts. Mineral water is included with other beverages available for purchase unless noted otherwise.
Afternoon: We will reconvene with our motor coach and local expert for a field trip to Corcovado, with the gigantic statue of Cristo Redentor — Christ the Redeemer — on the summit. Constructed from 1922-1931, it has become an iconic image of Rio and Brazil. We will board the Swiss-manufactured cogwheel train for a scenic ride through the Tijuca National Park to reach the 2,329 feet-high summit of Corcovado, whose name means “hunchback” in Portuguese. The view from the top provides a spectacular panorama of Rio and its bays. Afterwards, descend the hill via the cogwheel train and re-board our private motor coach to return to the hotel.
Dinner: Free to explore the local cuisine and
Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Walking approximately 2.5 miles, standing up to an hour at a time.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: Depart from the hotel with our local expert and private motorcoach to the historic center Rio de Janeiro. We examine architectural style, noting fine examples of Baroque construction as we drive by the São Bento and Santo Antonio monasteries, which recall the times when Brazil was a colony of Portugal. The French influence may be seen in the 19th century buildings such as the Municipal Theater and the Museum of Fine Arts. Leaving the coach, we walk along colonial avenues, squares and back streets. Discover the important historical, political and social events that have shaped Rio into one of South America’s most exciting cities. We continue strolling along the waterfront, through the newly renovated areas that feature beautiful murals by local artists. We will later board the local tram to return to the city center.
Lunch: At the world-famous Confeitaria Colombo, choose what you like from the extensive buffet. Founded in 1894, Confeitaria Colombo is an important part of Rio’s historical patrimony. The Art Nouveau architecture is enhanced by large mirrors, gold trim, and stained glass imported from Europe. The highlights of its extensive menu are hand-made pastries.
Afternoon: We will walk from the Confeitaria Colombo to the Cathedral. Stepping inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, discover an astonishing modern construction made of concrete and stained glass windows that was designed to echo the ancient Mayan pyramids. We will re-board our motor coach to continue on. Drive through the Sambadrome, then head to the Academicos de Grande Rio – the Samba School. During our samba school field trip, we will learn about one of the most exciting events of the year, Carnival. Rio’s Carnival derives from pagan celebrations of Ancient Greece that continued through Europe in the Middle Ages, arriving in Brazil through Portuguese colonization. Enriched with rhythms that came with the African slaves, the beat has been ingrained into local culture and can be heard and felt in every street carnival all over the city. The highlight of Rio’s carnival is the parade of the “samba schools” in the “Sambódromo” stadium built expressly for the parade. At a non-profit samba school, we will meet with locals who use the art and cultural aspects of carnival to educate young people and their families from favelas. We will explore the samba school, learn about the history of samba and carnival parades. Later, we will return to the hotel, and take some time to prepare for tomorrow’s departure.
Dinner: We will head to the historic Garota de Ipanema where Antonio Carlos Jobim and poet Vinícius de Moraes co-wrote the song "The Girl from Ipanema." Then Enjoy a meal of roasted chicken, fries, salad, and vegetables, served family style including mineral water, coffee or tea (a vegetarian selection is available) at Vinicius while listening good Brazilian music.
Evening: At Leisure.
Activity note: Ascending and descending airplane steps with hand baggage. Walking about 1.5 miles and standing for approximately one hour in a humid and tropical climate. There are paved paths leading to Iguazu Falls and many sets of small steps; wet conditions at Falls.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: Check out of the hotel for an early morning transfer to the airport in Rio, and fly to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport. Upon arrival in Iguazu, transfer to Iguaçu Falls National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch: Buffet at a restaurant near Iguaçu Falls.
Afternoon: With your local expert, walk the long, paved path along the river bank to view the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls. The one-way walk culminates with a spectacular 360-degree view. Be prepared to be wowed and to get wet! Transfer to the hotel located in Argentina. We will later transfer to the hotel for check-in. After some time to freshen up, gather for a presentation by our expert naturalist on the Atlantic Rain Forest and the Iguaçu Biosphere.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking up to two miles; humid, tropical climate; paved and unpaved paths, steps. Walking about 0.6 miles (1km) each way to/from viewpoint at the Rescue Center and walking up to 2 miles at Iguazu Falls National Park.
Breakfast: At the hotel, choose what you like from the buffet, assorted breads and pastries, scrambled egss plus fresh juice, coffee, tea, and milk.
Morning: We will ride to the Local Fauna Rescue Center Guira Oga which in Guarani native tongue means “bird house" . At this rescue center you'll find all kind of local residents which are there for different reasons. The local host will teach us about the mission of the Center, how they work and which are the challenges they face to protect the local fauna. We will then ride across the border and go through passport control to explore the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls. The Argentine side makes up about three-fourths of the falls, with a completely different vantage point than from the Brazilian side.
Lunch: At a restaurant inside the park.
Afternoon: Continuing exploring the Argentine Side of the Falls and return to the hotel.
Dinner: Dinner at the Hotel.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out, transfer, and flight in the morning.
Activity note: Ascending and descending steps with hand baggage. Walking up to two miles on paved city streets. Opportunity to try tango dance steps.
Breakfast: At the hotel, choose what you like from the buffet, assorted breads and pastries, scrambled egss plus fresh juice, coffee, tea, and milk.
Morning: We will check out of the hotel,and transfer for our flight to Buenos Aires.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like at the airport prior to boarding the flight; light snack served on board.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel for check in.
Dinner: At a Local Tradicional Milonga ( a place where locals dance tango) we will enjoy a 3-course dinner with wine, non alcoholic drinks and coffee or tea while watching a tango performance.
Evening: Participate in a tango lesson.
Activity note: Walking up to two miles and standing for about an hour at a time on paved cobblestone streets.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We will start our field trip walking Recoleta neighborhood with our local expert. High, historic, beautiful, and affluent, Recoleta is one of the city’s most distinguished neighborhoods. In addition to rich cultural history, neoclassical architecture, aristocratic homes, and elegant avenues, Recoleta is notable for its renowned Cementery (the one you can visit during the afternoon, in your free time). Then, we will continue exploring the South part of Buenos Aires by private motor coach. Explore San Telmo and La Boca neighborhoods.. La Boca was founded by European immigrants, many from Italy, and is known for its vibrantly colored houses. It offers a vivid contrast with San Telmo, the city’s oldest neighbourghood, with its Colonial buildings, cobbled stone streets, antiques boutiques and bohemian ambiance.
Lunch: At a local restaurant, we will be joined by local residents who will share our leisurely 3-course lunch with Argentine wines. They will tell us about their experiences and help us understand what life is like in this fascinating city.
Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to make your way a few blocks from the hotel to the famous open air Recoleta market, formally known as Feria de Artesanos de Plaza Francia.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: The drive into the countryside is about 50 miles, approximately 1.5 hours each way. Walking short distances and standing; unpaved ground at the ranch.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We will board a motorcoach for a full day field trip to experience La Pampa, the province of estancias (colonial ranches) and gauchos (Argentinian cowboys). We will visit an estancia to learn about the local culture and gaucho life as we watch their horse riding skills, listen to songs strummed on the guitar, and encounter the tradition of Yerba Mate. Brewed from dried leaves of an evergreen tree (Ilex paraguariensis), it has been used since ancient times and still today as both a stimulating beverage and in folk medicine. Yerba mate is sipped from a special gourd through a metal straw.
Lunch: At the estancia, enjoy a typical Argentine asado, a barbecue of meats and poultry with side salads and garnishes.
Afternoon: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning for our flight to Santiago.
Activity note: Transfer to the airport for the flight to Santiago. Walking up to one mile and standing for about an hour on city streets.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We will check out of the hotel and transfer to Ezeiza International Airport to board our flight to Santiago, Chile.
Lunch: On own.
Afternoon: After arrival in Santiago, meet your local expert and begin to explore. Chile's capital city is a sophisticated, sprawling metropolis wedged between the Andes and mountainous coastal range. It is home to 6 million Santiaguinos — a third of the country’s population. During our motorcoach field trip, we will see some of the city's most important landmarks including the La Moneda presidential palace. Originally a colonial mint, it was designed by Italian architect, Joaquín Toesca. We will take a walk through the Plaza de Armas main square, surrounded by beautiful buildings, then check in to the hotel. Before dinner enjoy an introductory lecture on Chile.
Dinner: At the hotel enjoy a 3-course dinner with one mineral water.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: The drive to Valparaiso is about 72 miles (116km), approximately 1.5 hours. Walking up to two miles and standing up to two hours up and downhill.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We will board a motorcoach with our local expert for field trip to Valparaiso. Valparaíso is Chile’s second-largest city. This historic port and university town is renowned for its more than 50 hills covered in quaint and colorful old houses. The hills are connected by an ingenious network of twisting streets, stairways, cable car lines, flower filled balconies and lookout platforms with spectacular views of the bay from which the city takes its name. Enjoy a walking field trip into the old Historic Quarter, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. We will also visit the “new” city including the Plaza de la Victoria with its lovely Neptune Fountain; the famous Turri Clock Tower; the docks and fisherman's wharf; and the Naval Academy.
Lunch: At local home hosted lunch, enjoy a typical Chilean lunch, plus a glass of local drink called "terremoto" (earthquake) and a bottled water and soft drinks.
Afternoon: We will drive along the coast a few minutes north of Valparaíso to reach Viña del Mar, founded in 1874 for an overview. The impressive and varied architecture of the Belle Epoque was influenced by French and Italianate styles of the period. Chile's premier coastal resort today is famous for its beaches and a bustling commercial sector. It is also known as the "Ciudad Jardín" (Garden City) thanks to lavish gardens that thrive in the subtropical atmosphere.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. There are numerous choices near the hotel to sample local cuisine.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: The drive to the wine estate is about 18 miles (28km), approximately 1/2 hour. Walking about one mile, standing indoors and out approximately one hour; unpaved ground in garden.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We will depart for a full day field trip into Chilean wine country. Riding south of Santiago to Maipo Province, explore an historic wine estate in the Alto Jahuel region at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Founded in 1880, the Santa Rita Winery has been declared a National Monument of Chile. There are more than 200 acres (800 hectares) dedicated to the production of high quality wines. The old family mansion is surrounded by beautiful parkland and ornamental gardens. The complex also includes a hotel, restaurant, and a museum. We will begin our exploration in the Andean Museum that displays the private collection of the late billionaire shipping magnate and former owner of Santa Rita, Ricardo Claro. There are more than 1,800 pre-Columbian gold artifacts, moais from Easter Island, Arica archaeological pieces, and ceramics, musical instruments, and wooden masks from the Diaguita, Mapuche, and San Pedro cultures. Next, stroll through the beautiful private gardens that surround the original colonial house that dates back to the early 1800s.
Lunch: In the winery's restaurant in one of the estate’s historic buildings, enjoy a 3-course lunch paired with wines.
Afternoon: We will continue our field trip, returning to Santiago in the late afternoon.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning for our flight to Cuzco.
Activity note: Early transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima. Early transfer for full day trip from Santiago to Cuzco. Cuzco elevation 11,000 feet.
Breakfast: Due to the early departure, juice, coffee, tea and breakfast pastries will be available in the hotel. There will be time to pick up additional items at the airport after check in.
Morning: We will have early check out and transfer to the airport for flight check, a mandatory three hours prior to departure. We will then fly to Lima and change planes for an onward connection to Cuzco.
Lunch: On your own in the airport between flights connections.
Afternoon: Arrival at Cuzco International Airport is expected late afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and check in. After some time to freshen up, join your expert for a presentation on the rise and fall of the Inca Empire.
Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a light dinner featuring Peruvian cuisine.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Cuzco is at an elevation of 11,000 feet. Walking up to .5 miles, standing up to an hour at a time; paved streets, unpaved ground.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: During a field trip by motorcoach and walking with our local expert, through the colorful San Pedro Market and also see remnants of Qorikancha, once the Inca Temple of the Sun. Following their conquest of Cuzco, the Spanish destroyed many Inca buildings and temples, using the Inca foundations and stone for new Spanish churches and public buildings. Qorikancha was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. The walls and floors were once covered in solid gold. We can see a small section of the Quorikancha foundation stones in the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, the oldest in South America.
Lunch: At a local restaurant, enjoy traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Afternoon: One of the most extraordinary highlights of Cuzco is Sacsayhuaman. Continuing our explorations with our local expert, see the remains of what was once a gigantic construction built with huge carved rocks. Most of what is left was too big and heavy to be moved and used for other purposes. This astounding example of engineering is undoubtedly one of the greatest building achievements of Tahuantinsuyo, the Inca Empire. Long thought to have been a fortress, references to ancient sources say Sacsayhuaman was a “Royal House of the Sun.”
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. At high elevation, it is recommended to eat lightly in the evening and avoid alcohol.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Motorcoach travel over winding roads. Walking (distance at personal discretion) at Maras Salt Mine; narrow, paved and unpaved paths. Not recommended for people with vertigo, who may remain at the entry viewing area. Walking up to one mile at Ollantaytambo, climbing many steps (optional), standing up to 1.5 hours at a time; unpaved, cobblestone streets. The elevation in the Sacred Valley is approximately 8,000 feet.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: Check out of the hotel, board the motor-coach and depart Cuzco. Our first stop is at a weaving cooperative that has brought back the traditional craft of preparing wool and weaving textiles, which has provided a skilled trade to local women. Weaving provides more than an economic benefit. It strengthens social organization, maintains ties to ancient Inca ancestors, and produces garments and blankets of complexity and beauty. As the weavers work with no patterns other than those in their minds, each piece is unique. Moving on, we will reach Maras, where people have been “mining” or harvesting salt for perhaps 2,000 years. The source of the salt is a natural spring at the top of the mountain. Long ago, local people figured out a way to direct the stream of water downhill into a series of many shallow, walled pools that are then closed. Evaporation leaves salt that is scraped off the pool surfaces and the process is repeated. We will walk along ancient paths next to the salt pools to understand and appreciate the simplicity and genius of this ancient method of producing an essential natural resource.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue the journey into the Sacred Valley and the town of Ollantaytambo. As it was built on the foundations of earlier Inca structures, this is the best representation we have of how an Inca community might have been arranged. For those with stamina, our local expert will lead the way up the many steps to Ollantaytambo fortress, that was never fully completed. The stones used to build the fortress came from a quarry far on the other side of the Urubamba River, an amazing feat of Inca engineering. The views from the summit reveal the strategic importance of its position, commanding access to Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and the jungle. Many mysteries surround this unfinished construction and the carvings on its temple walls. We will then walk through the streets of Ollantaytambo town, the only Inca town in all of South America with streets virtually unchanged since the 1500s. Our local expert will reveal the architectural details of Inca construction. We will also step inside one of the houses, virtually unchanged for generations, to get a sense of traditional life. Arrive at the hotel for check in late afternoon.
Dinner: Dinner at the Hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking about 2.5 miles and standing up to two hours.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: Pisac was founded in the 1570s by Spanish conquistadors where an Inca village once stood. It’s now a rustic Andean village that attracts many visitors, thanks in part to its market that takes place every day and Sunday is the largest, when locals come dressed in their finery. There are typically more than 100 vendors selling textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and much more. Bargaining (a.k.a. haggling) is expected. Since few items have price tags, the first question is usually “Cuanto cuesta” — how much does it cost?—and that’s where it begins.
Lunch: At Local restaurant.
Afternoon: The Pisac ruins are located high (3,300 m.a.s.l) above the valley floor and its modern colonial town. The Inca archeological site is considered one of the best-preserved in Peru, so it is not surprising to be one of the tours in the region most demanded. All the site is spread over a vast green area of the entire mountain, so exploring the complex can take some time (usually a whole day). Within the site, you can find a residential settlement, ceremonial baths, and the largest Inca cemetery in South America. Also, the entire archaeological site is surrounded by numerous agricultural terraces that blend harmoniously with the landscape. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. Light meals are available in the hotel lounge with a full range of dining selections in the hotel restaurant.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer following our full day Machu Picchu field trip tomorrow.
Activity note: The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is approximately 1.5 hours. From Aguas Calientes to Cuzco is approximately 3.5 hours. Access to/from Machu Picchu by public bus, 1/2 hour each way, extremely winding mountain road. Walking approximately 2.5 hours. Entrance and introduction to site mostly flat, no steps, then many steps up/down. Option to remain at introduction point. Elevation 7,972 feet.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We will depart our hotel and take the train to Aguas Calientas, gateway to Machu Picchu. En route, our local expert will provide an introduction to Machu Picchu including the history of the community and the ruins. Arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will walk from the train station to local buses that transport visitors to the entrance of the citadel. Explore the astonishing ruins of Machu Picchu on foot with our Study Leader and learn about its construction during Spanish conquest in the 16th century, agricultural and urban aspects, and possible reasons why the Inca abandoned it. Hiram Bingham of Yale “discovered” the lost city in 1911, though in fact it was never lost to local people. It was the biggest archaeological news in the world until the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922.
Lunch: At the Santuary Lodge.
Afternoon: Returning to Aguas Calientes, enjoy some free time for personal independent exploration (depending on train schedules). Later on, board the train to Cuzco and upon arrival, transfer by motor-coach to the hotel for our final night.
Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner and share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Activity note: Transfers to the airport for flights home.
Breakfast: Hotel Buffet
Morning: Enjoy free time this morning.
Afternoon: Transfer to Aeropuerto Internacional Alejandro Velasco Astete — Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport of Cuzco (CUZ). Refer to your personal air itinerary for specific flight information. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!