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Map of Premium Highlights of South America including Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru

From the Amazon to the Andes, see the wonders of South America

Experience the diversity of wonders across Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil on a 24-day Premium journey. Be immersed in the ancient culture of the Incas, visit the Amazon Jungle and revel in the magnificent citadel ruins of Machu Picchu. Soak up the energy of Santiago and Buenos Aires’ lively neighbourhoods and sip some of the world’s best wine in Mendoza. At the border with Brazil, experience the magnificent might of Iguazu Falls, before finally arriving in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro. With the guidance of passionate local leaders, you’ll find out South America dances to the beat of its own drum.

Start
Lima, Peru
Finish
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Destinations
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
GGPRC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

intrepid premium

premium comfort

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Travel through South America with experienced local leaders and gain an unmatched understanding of local cultures through interactions with the Ese Eja, Chichubamba and Guarani communities.

  • Marvel at Machu Picchu, get up close with nature in the Amazon Jungle, taste the finest wines in Mendoza and admire Iguazu Falls from every angle.

  • Take your taste buds on a trip, from the market stalls of Lima and a traditional Andean lunch in the Sacred Valley, to an asado feast with locals in a Buenos Aires home and a sustainable lunch at Gastromotiva in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Experience the best of South America with three feature stays. Spend a night at a beautiful hotel on the Colca River, enjoy two nights in a historical house in downtown Santiago and sleep in Art Nouveau elegance in

  • Buenos Aires.

  • Appreciate unbeatable views of the Andes as you travel towards Machu Picchu on a 360 train, offering high domed windows and an open-air observation carriage to immerse yourself in the incredible landscape.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Due to the high altitude of the places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! Please see the 'Medical and health information' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

  • Visitors are not permitted to explore Machu Picchu without a Machu Picchu guide (not our trip leaders) and must follow set routes within the site. This trip includes two guided visits of Machu Picchu and each visit is approximately 1.5 - 2 hours long. Your leader will provide more information to ensure you get the most out of your visits to this incredible site.

  • During the colder months, usually between April and October, the border crossing between Chile and Argentina may be closed due to snowfalls. In that event, your emergency funds may be needed to purchase a flight between Santiago and Mendoza. Please see the 'Money matters' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Crowd of tourists on boardwalk beneath scenic Iguazu Falls, border of Argentina and Brazil
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Wander through Recoleta cemetery in Buenos Aires
GGPC - Group wine tasting in Santiago, Chile
GGPC - Santiago Feature Stay: Twin room interior
GGPC - Santiago Feature Stay: Lounge common area interior
GGPC - Plaza de las Armas, Santiago, Chile
GGPI - Traditional cuisine of Peru, Machu Picchu
GGPI - Group of travellers standing viewing Machu Picchu from a distance
GGPC - Female traveller posing with local artist in Valparaiso, Chile
GGPI - Group tour of Ollantaytambo with local guide
GGPI - Empty Plaza De Arma in the early morning, Cusco, Peru

Itinerary
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Welcome to Peru! Your adventure begins in Lima, where you will be collected from the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Here you will meet your small group of fellow travellers and your local leader for a 2pm welcome meeting. Afterwards, head out to get to know the city on a walking tour of downtown Lima with your leader. Admire the colonial buildings of Plaza Mayor and visit the eerie catacombs of the Saint Francis Monastery, then head away from the tourist trail to Alameda de Chabuca Granda – an area popular with the locals. Stop off at the colourful street food stalls to sample some of Lima’s favourite sweet treats, like Peruvian donuts and mazamorra morada; porridge made from purple corn. But be sure to leave some room as tonight’s dinner is really something special. Lima has one of the world’s most revered culinary scenes, and this evening you’ll head to one of the city’s best restaurants, set in a historic house in the artistic Barranco neighbourhood. Inspired by the home-cooked food of his mother, the creative chef offers up traditional Peruvian dishes with the atmosphere of a welcoming family home.
Accommodation
  • Casa Republica Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lima - Downtown walking tour
  • Lima - Alameda Chabuca Granda tour and tastings
  • Lima - San Francisco Monastery and the Catacombs
  • Lima - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Today you will catch a flight to Puerto Maldonado. On arrival in the afternoon, take a bus to the community port of Infierno where you will board motorised canoes and head upstream into the Amazon rainforest. Keep an eye out for macaws, herons, alligators and capybaras along the way. Nestled on the banks of the Tambopata river you’ll find the Posada Amazonas, a rustic jungle lodge owned by the indigenous Ese Eja community, and your feature stay accommodation for the next two nights. A paradise for nature lovers, the lodge is in perfect unity with its wild surroundings and is enveloped by a swath of lush rainforest. Gorgeous rooms are built from traditional woods, adobe bricks and clay, and feature private bathrooms and an open wall, allowing you to make the most of the spectacular location and be totally immersed in nature. Profits from the lodge go back into the local indigenous community in the form of education and training. As dusk falls, set out for a night walk to discover the fascinating nocturnal activity in the surrounding areas, then retire to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Posada Amazonas (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Amazon Jungle - Night jungle walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 1.5 hours.

Due to today’s boat transfer to the jungle lodge, the maximum luggage weight limit for the Amazon is 12kg. Your main luggage will be left in the lodge office in Puerto Maldonado and you will be provided with a small duffel bag to pack for two nights. Walking boots are provided by the lodge, but we recommend you bring a raincoat, long sleeve shirts and trousers in neutral colours, insect repellent and a torch. Bio toiletries (soap, shampoo and conditioner) are provided by the lodge for minimal impact to the surrounding environment.

Posada Amazonas is owned by the indigenous Ese Eja community of Infierno. The lodge offers a 30-metre canopy tower that provides spectacular views of the vast expanses of forest, Tambopata River and endless opportunities to witness Amazonian wildlife. Rooms are built using local materials such as bamboo, adobe mud and palm trees and are connected by a raised boardwalk. This raising above the floor means the rainforest is left as unto

Embrace a very early start this morning and set off into the jungle after breakfast. Take a short walk and a short boat ride to the other side of the river, then begin a walk to the Oxbow Lake – this walk should take around an hour and a half over flat, shady terrain with plenty of stops along the way. Board an open topped catamaran to explore the lake in search of birds, monkeys and maybe some otters if you’re lucky. Return to the lodge via the same route, take some time to freshen up, then take a short walk to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick. As the name suggests, this clay wall attracts parrots in their hundreds who come to snack on the mineral rich clay each morning, offering visitors a close up look at these vibrant creatures. Return to the lodge for lunch and take some time to enjoy the views from your room or catch up on sleep, then in the afternoon, travel by boat to a medicinal garden where a local shaman will explain the properties of the plants and trees and offer you some local alcohol to try. This evening, enjoy a boat trip in search of caimans – with the engine turned off, you’ll be treated to the wild sounds of the jungle at night.
Accommodation
  • Posada Amazonas (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Amazon Jungle - Medicinal garden tour
  • Amazon Jungle - Macaw clay lick
  • Amazon Jungle - Night boat tour
  • Amazon Jungle - Oxbow Lake
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning you will travel back to Puerto Maldonado, then take a short flight to Cusco, the former centre of the Incan Empire. Arrive in the early afternoon and settle in to your hotel, then head out with your leader for an orientation walk to familiarise yourself with one of South America’s oldest city and get used to the high altitude. Stop by the stunning Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, flanked with colonial buildings and ornate churches. Visit the World Heritage-listed Cusco Cathedral, built on top of an Incan palace and one of the city's greatest repositories of art. Here you will meet with a local historian guide who will provide expert insight on the colonial art, architecture and history of this magnificent building and the city surrounding it. The evening is free for your own discoveries – Cusco offers no shortage of excellent restaurants, and as night falls the city is swept up in a flurry of live music and late-night street food stalls.
Accommodation
  • San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cusco - Cathedral tour with Specialist Historian Guide
  • Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 30 minutes.

Today you will discover more of Cusco’s charms on a walking tour with your leader. Visit the Coricancha Temple, once the most important temple in the Incan Empire. Formerly plated in thick gold, the Spanish built a Dominican church atop its walls. Meet with a local guide to uncover the secrets of the temple and the ancient civilization that first built it. Stop of at the Manos Unidas cafe – no ordinary eatery, this Intrepid Foundation supported project provides those with intellectual disabilities vocational training and practical work experience to help with future employment. Enjoy a snack and one of the best coffees in Cusco while learning about the important work of this enterprise. Afterwards, head to the San Pedro market, where you can practice your bargaining skills and take some colourful pictures, then swing by the Plaza de Armas for another look at the marvellous cathedral. The afternoon is free for further explorations – speak to your leader about the option to arrange a cooking class at a local restaurant using fair trade products, or the half-day Inkilltambo trek, exploring an archaeologic site on the city’s outskirts.
Accommodation
  • San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee)
  • Cusco - Walking tour
  • Cusco - Manos Unidas Cafe visit
Optional Activities
  • Cusco - Inca Museum (entrance fee) - PEN10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, travel through the Sacred Valley towards Ollantaytambo, passing maize crops and fertile terraces carved high into the valley walls. Stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where the massive stone blocks that form the walls of this site provide an impressive picture of how greatly developed Inca engineering was. Visit the Chichubamba community to gain a greater insight into the local lifestyle with a traditional Andean lunch and a visit to some local workshops making pottery, chocolate and corn beer. Continue on to Ollantaytambo, a magnificent example of Incan urban planning and the perfect warm up for Machu Picchu. Explore Ollantaytambo's archaeological site with an expert local guide who will discuss the evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams on the Urubamba River, imposing sets of terraces and centres of worship dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Late afternoon head to the hotel in Ollantaytambo and settle in for night.
Accommodation
  • Pakaritampu Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site
  • Sacred Valley - Community workshops visit
  • Sacred Valley - Sacsayhuaman
  • Sacred Valley - Home-cooked lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours.

Due to luggage restrictions on the train to Machu Picchu you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next two days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in your Cusco hotel.

Today, travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in style, boarding the 360 Machu Picchu Train. High, domed windows offer up unbelievable views of the Andes, allowing you to sit back in comfort and take it all in. The train also features an open air observation carriage so you can completely immerse yourself in the remarkable landscape – have your camera ready as this scenic journey will be one worth remembering. Disembark the train in Aguas Calientes then take a short bus ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you will be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history and the ancestral people of the region. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu may always be a mystery, since no historical records of the complex exist. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of Emperor Pachacuti. Due to visiting restrictions at Machu Picchu, we recommend exploring the Sun Gate and Inka Bridge before your guided tour starts. Your leader can advise how to get the most out of your visit. Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night before heading back up to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning for your second visit.
Accommodation
  • Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Machu Picchu - Guided visit
  • Ollantaytambo - 360 degree train to Aguas Calientes
Optional Activities
  • 1 Day Inca Trail - Add-on (Must pre-book) - USD380
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s train journey will take approximately 1.5 hours, plus a 30-minute bus transfer each way.

The 1-day Inca Trail hike is a great option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru, without committing to the full four days. This trek starts from the train station known as 'KM 104' and after a steep ascent it follows the last portion of the Classic Inca Trail. Trekkers enter Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate in the afternoon, where there will be some time to take a few photos before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and rejoin the rest of the group. This trek is subject to permit availability and must be pre-booked (at a surcharge). Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book this activity.

Rise before the sun and take the winding road back up to incredible Machu Picchu. On your second visit, join a local Machu Picchu guide once again to explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the many temples, palaces and living quarters. Looking at Machu Picchu as it sits against a backdrop of forested mountains is a truly breathtaking experience. Its mortar-free design is particularly earthquake resistant and the stones are so precisely cut that, to this day, not even a knife fits between them. You'll have time along the way to take any photos you may have missed yesterday. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then catch a standard train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you will make the drive back to Cusco for the evening.
Accommodation
  • San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Machu Picchu - Second guided visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time including bus transfers is approximately 3 hours, plus a 1.5-hour train journey.

Enjoy a morning at leisure to relax, shop or explore more of Cusco's sights. You may like to head to a cafe on the Plaza de Armas and watch the locals go about their day. In the afternoon, board a flight bound for Lima in preparation for the next leg of your adventure.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 1.5 hours.

Today you will catch a flight to Santiago, Chile. Set within a circle of snow-capped mountains, Santiago is vibrant, artistic and gourmet. On arrival, take an included transfer to the hotel where a meeting will take place at 6pm to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your journey. Your feature stay accommodation for the next two evenings is the fabulous Altiplanico Bellas Artes. Converted from a historical house built in 1909, the hotel focuses on stylish architecture and creative interior design while retaining the welcoming spirit of the home it once was. The hotel’s enviable location serves as a perfect base for your first explorations of Santiago. After your meeting, it’s time to get acquainted with Santiago’s fantastic food scene during a welcome dinner with your leader and group. From baked casserole to razor clams cooked in parmesan cheese, Chilean food is hearty, fresh and most of all, delicious.
Accommodation
  • Altiplanico Bellas Artes Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santiago - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s flight time is approximately 3.5 hours.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Get to know the city on a tour with a local guide who’s an expert on all things Santiago. Your guide will peel back the many layers of the city’s history, beginning at the main square of Plaza de Armas where you’ll hear the tales of the foundation of Santiago and its turbulent past. Continue to La Moneda Palace, the home of Chile’s presidential office, where your guide will fill you in on the country’s complicated political history. From here take the short drive to Parque Bicentenario, created in 2011 to commemorate 200 years of independence. Walk through the gorgeous grounds and discuss the cultural identity of Chileans today. Today’s lunch will be a celebration of Santiago’s finest produce. Stop by a local eatery and sample some excellent cheese, ham and wine – a taste of which will take you straight to the heart of Chilean culture. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations.
Accommodation
  • Altiplanico Bellas Artes Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santiago - City tour
  • Santiago - Gourmet bodega lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Enjoy a free morning in Santiago. Perhaps make a visit to the Mercado Central, Santiago’s celebrated fish market. Begin the journey to Valparaiso, stopping off for a wine tasting on the way in the Casablanca Valley. Sitting on a coastal plain between the capital and Valparaiso, Casablanca Valley is Chile’s fastest growing wine region, with rich soil and a perfect climate for chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Visit a vineyard that is focused on sustainable and organic viticulture, as well as producing outstanding wines. Continue to the colourful Valparaiso, notable for its brightly hued houses spread across a series of hills overlooking the ocean. Your hotel for the next two nights has been delighting guests since 1885 and sits in the historic heart of the city. Enjoy an introduction to pisco atop its marvellous rooftop and take in unbeatable views of Valparaiso. Afterwards, perhaps head out and find yourself a place to sip some ancho reyes alongside locals for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Casa Galos or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Casablanca Valley - Winery tour and tasting
  • Valparaiso - Rooftop pisco sours
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Listed as a World Heritage centre in 2003, Valparaiso used to be South America’s busiest port before the opening of the Panama Canal. It has since transformed itself into Chile’s most creative city which you'll learn more about on the walking tour today with a local guide. The ramshackle streets have long been home to artists, writers and musicians so there is no shortage on visual inspiration to prompt some questions about its background. The hills of Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre are dotted with kaleidoscopically coloured houses, with cobbled streets weaving sharply uphill and concealing all manner of galleries, restaurants and shops. Later on, visit the Lukas Museum which houses the collection of original works by the cartoonist, illustrator and chronicler Renzo Pecchenino, Lukas. Dinner this evening will be at an iconic local restaurant credited with the invention of chorrillana. This legendary Chilean dish is made up of french fries topped with beef, eggs and fried onions, and there’s no better spot to try it than at its birthplace.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Casa Galos or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Valparaiso - Walking tour
  • Valparaiso - Lukas Museum (entrance fee)
  • Valparaiso - Chorrillana dinner
Optional Activities
  • Valparaiso - La Sebastiana Museo de Pablo Neruda (entrance fee) - CLP7000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Travel through the Andes and across the Argentinean border by private vehicle to Mendoza. Along the way, stop and take in views of Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas at 6962 meters above sea level and see the so-called Inca Bridge, a naturally-formed structure that appears to melt into a river amid the mountainous landscape of Mendoza. Once in Mendoza, get a first taste of the city on a gentle stroll around its tree-lined streets with your leader.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Huentala or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mendoza - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours, excluding border crossing. Please note that crossing the border can take up to three hours depending on local traffic so it’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the trip may incur delays. During the colder months, usually between April and October, the border crossing between Chile and Argentina may be closed due to snowfalls. In that event, your emergency funds may be needed to purchase a flight between Santiago and Mendoza. Please see the 'Money matters' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Mendoza is Argentina's most prolific and significant grape-growing region, producing nearly three-quarters of the country's wine. The climate produces an excellent variety of grapes, with the region's signature being Malbec. Today you will get to experience this internationally renowned wine at its source during tours and tastings at three world-class and innovative wineries, each with its own distinct style and flavour. Meet with an expert oenologist and gain inside knowledge on the varieties of grapes and different production methods used at each winery, and sample award winning bottles just as spectacular as the surrounding Andes mountain landscape. After the tastings, settle in for a special closed-door gourmet lunch at one of the wineries. Enjoy several courses paired with wines carefully selected to bring out the flavours in the wonderful food. In the evening, perhaps test your palate by attempting to pair the perfect wine with an authentic Argentine asado (barbecue-style food). A visit to Aristides Villanueva Street after dark is a must if you enjoy a bit of nightlife.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Huentala or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mendoza - Tour of three wineries
  • Mendoza - Gourmet winery lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning fly from Mendoza to Buenos Aires, then transfer to your impressive boutique accommodation. Built in 1913, the historic hotel is located in the centre of the city with a spectacular dome rooftop bar. In the afternoon, soak up the Argentinean capital’s irrepressible mix of European and Latin culture on an orientation walk with your leader. Visit Florida Street, National Congress and the presidential palace of the Casa Rosada (Pink House) in the Plaza de Mayo. If there is time, your group may get to visit the Obelisk as well. The evening is free to explore. Be seduced by the world's most passionate dance at a tango bar, attend a raucous football match, or gorge yourself on the city's sophisticated culture and food.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Tango de Mayo or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 1.5 hours. This flight has a strict luggage allowance of 15kg (one piece) for check in luggage.

Today you will head north of Buenos Aires to explore the city of Tigre and its surrounding delta region. First, do as the locals do and catch the subway to San Martin square, then set off on a bicycle tour around Puerto Maldero and the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve – where inhabitants of the city come for a peaceful escape and fresh air. Hop on a train to Tigre and get to know the city during a walking tour. Visit the local fruit market, follow the river along the stunning Paseo Victorica street and stop by the Tigre Art Museum to admire the European inspired building. Next, take a public boat through the third-largest river delta in the world, watching local life play out on the water as you go, then stop off on an island to enjoy a delightful homemade lunch. Take some time to swim, kayak or just sit back and soak in the beautiful island surroundings. Transfer back to Buenos Aires and spend an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Tango de Mayo or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Tigre Delta day trip
  • Buenos Aires - Home-cooked lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
If the weather is not suitable for cycling, the group will take the train to explore San Isidro instead.

Enjoy a free day for your own explorations of Buenos Aires. You may like to head to your hotel’s rooftop bar and enjoy sweeping views of Buenos Aires with a cocktail in hand. At 6pm tonight, a meeting will take place in your hotel to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure. After the meeting, learn what local life looks like in Buenos Aires and head to the home of a porteno (inhabitant of Buenos Aires) for a traditional Asado feast. Chat to your friendly host about all things Argentina while enjoying a fantastic spread of barbecued meats, provoleta cheese and plenty of local wine. If you’ve been swept up in the frenetic rhythm of Buenos Aires, perhaps keep the evening going with a post-dinner tango show.
Accommodation
  • Tango de Mayo Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
  • Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) ticket prices from - USD80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning you’ll discover Buenos Aires’s history, cultural influences and iconic sites during a walking tour with your leader. First stop is the Plaza de Mayo to visit the original town hall, as well as the presidential palace known as the Pink House. Walk around La Boca and its ‘Caminito’ district, before moving on to the lesser-known Barracas neighbourhood and stop in at a local NGO to learn about their agroecological model of food production and community collaboration. Help prepare a meal – much of the ingredients for which are grown in the co-op garden – and then dine on the results, including alfajores (classic South American cookies) for dessert. Continue the tour in Recoleta Cemetery, a labyrinth of ornate mausoleums. After a stop at the grave of Eva Peron, head to Palermo to see beautiful parks and the Floralis Generica – a huge metal flower. The afternoon is free for further explorations. Regroup in the evening for a true taste of Argentine culture. Head to a traditional conventillo, an urban house with a large patio, and enjoy an exclusive tango performance by two professional dancers who have been working together for more than 15 years. The dancers are passionate about preserving and sharing the art of tango, and the performance will be followed by a fantastic beginner’s class so you can experience part of Argentina’s cultural heritage first-hand. Learn about the style and history of the dance and pick up a few moves you can take home with you.
Accommodation
  • Tango de Mayo Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Tango demonstration by professional dancers
  • Buenos Aires - Tango lesson
  • Buenos Aires - City tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning, transfer to the airport and board a flight to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina. Powerful, captivating and completely beautiful – coming face to face with the Iguazu Falls is sure to leave you awe-struck. You will spend the next two days exploring the falls in depth, seeing them from both the Argentinian and Brazilian side. While you are flying into Argentina, today will be spent exploring the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. At over two kilometres in length, and made up of 275 waterfalls in total, Iguazu is higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls. The Brazilian side of the falls offers unforgettable panoramic views, which you’ll get to spend time taking in today. For an eagle-eye view of the falls, you can also opt to take on an optional helicopter flight.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Saint George or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
Optional Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Bird park - BRL60
  • Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride (min 3 people) - BRL430
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
You will be visiting the Brazilian side of the falls today and the Argentinean side of the falls tomorrow. However, your accommodation tonight is in Argentina.

Today’s flight is approximately 2 hours. The flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu has a strict luggage allowance of 15 kilograms (one piece) for checked luggage.

Rise and shine for an early departure to the Argentinian side of the falls today, where you will be able to get up close to this incredible feat of nature. There is a system of boardwalks on the Argentinian side of the falls that allow you to access some incredible viewing points, or you could choose to take an optional zodiac ride beneath the cascades for an even more exhilarating perspective. This afternoon you will have the special opportunity to join your leader for a visit to a Guarani community, one of the few remaining original inhabitants of the region. Meet with a member of the community and visit an interpretation centre to learn about the native tools used for daily activities. Your host will show you around the community and provide insight on the Guarani way of life while explaining how they have preserved their traditions on the edge of one of the world’s most popular attractions. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Saint George or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
  • Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit
Optional Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls - USD70
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Cross the border into Brazil this morning and take an included flight from Foz do Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro. A glorious raid on the senses, Rio delights with glittering beaches, a sultry samba beat and an irresistible energy. Once you have transferred to your hotel and settled in, join your leader on an orientation walk to get a feel for this lively city and learn a little about its layered history. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. You may like to head down to the famous white sands of Cobacapana and Ipanema beaches for an interesting snapshot of local life. If you would like to listen to some live music, head to Lapa and join the locals for some dancing. Be sure to speak to your leader for tips on how to get the most out of this dynamic city that’s bursting with possibilities.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Arena Copacabana or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rio de Janeiro - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 2 hours.

Today you’ll get to know the sights and sounds of Rio during a full-day tour with your leader. Visit Corcovado Mountain for expansive views over the city from the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Next, head to Santa Teresa and discover the eclectic architecture, restaurants and art galleries. Continue to the famous Selaron Steps to see Chilean artist Jorge Selaron’s famous artwork. Give your feet a break during a lunch stop at an incredible NGO called Gastromotiva, where dishes are made by marginalised members of the community who receive free culinary training. Finish the day with a walking tour of the Port area, which is recognized for its historical significance to the African slave trade in Brazil. You’ll be joined by a local guide from the Pretos Novos Institute (Institute of Research and New Black Memory) during your walk who will illuminate the history of slavery and resistance in the area. This evening you may like to round off your adventure with a final dinner with your group.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Arena Copacabana or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rio de Janeiro - Gastromotiva lunch
  • Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer
  • Rio de Janeiro - City tour
  • Rio de Janeiro - Walking tour of the Port with a specialist guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to extend your stay in Rio de Janeiro, please speak to your booking agent about arranging additional accommodation in advance (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Bike Tour: Beaches, Bays & Carioca Sunset Urban Adventure - USD119
  • Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain (entrance fee) - BRL110
  • Rio de Janeiro - Football game tickets from - USD50
  • Rio de Janeiro - Carnival rehearsal (June to Carnival only) - BRL90
  • Rio de Janeiro - Samba show - BRL200
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

23 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Plane, Train, Private vehicle, Boat, Bicycle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (17 nights), Feature Stay (6 nights)

Included activities

  • Lima - Downtown walking tour
  • Lima - Alameda Chabuca Granda tour and tastings
  • Lima - San Francisco Monastery and the Catacombs
  • Lima - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Amazon Jungle - Night jungle walk
  • Amazon Jungle - Medicinal garden tour
  • Amazon Jungle - Macaw clay lick
  • Amazon Jungle - Night boat tour
  • Amazon Jungle - Oxbow Lake
  • Cusco - Cathedral tour with Specialist Historian Guide
  • Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee)
  • Cusco - Walking tour
  • Cusco - Manos Unidas Cafe visit
  • Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site
  • Sacred Valley - Community workshops visit
  • Sacred Valley - Sacsayhuaman
  • Sacred Valley - Home-cooked lunch
  • Machu Picchu - Guided visit
  • Ollantaytambo - 360 degree train to Aguas Calientes
  • Machu Picchu - Second guided visit
  • Santiago - Welcome Dinner
  • Santiago - City tour
  • Santiago - Gourmet bodega lunch
  • Casablanca Valley - Winery tour and tasting
  • Valparaiso - Rooftop pisco sours
  • Valparaiso - Walking tour
  • Valparaiso - Lukas Museum (entrance fee)
  • Valparaiso - Chorrillana dinner
  • Mendoza - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Mendoza - Tour of three wineries
  • Mendoza - Gourmet winery lunch
  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Buenos Aires - Tigre Delta day trip
  • Buenos Aires - Home-cooked lunch
  • Buenos Aires - Welcome Dinner
  • Buenos Aires - Tango demonstration by professional dancers
  • Buenos Aires - Tango lesson
  • Buenos Aires - City tour
  • Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
  • Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
  • Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit
  • Rio de Janeiro - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Rio de Janeiro - Gastromotiva lunch
  • Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer
  • Rio de Janeiro - City tour
  • Rio de Janeiro - Walking tour of the Port with a specialist guide

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The flights from Lima through to Santiago have a luggage allowance of 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. The flights from Mendoza through to Rio de Janeiro have a luggage allowance of 15kg for check in luggage and 5kg for carry on.
4. This trip starts at 2pm on Day 1 in Lima. This allows time after the joining meeting to explore the city with your leader.
5. Full name exactly as per passport is required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on the passport), for activity and transport bookings. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
6. This trip includes two visits to Machu Picchu. According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the itinerary for details.
7. Your trip includes taking the train to Machu Picchu, however you may choose to book the 1-day Inca Trail hike on Day 7 (additional surcharge required). This optional activity is subject to permit availability. Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book this activity. Please refer to Day 7 of the itinerary for details of the hike.

Essential trip information

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