South America Revealed
South America Revealed
$6700
South America Revealed
16 Days Starting in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Iguassu National Park, Buenos Aires, San Antonio de Areco, Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "South America Revealed" tour, a captivating journey through Argentina, Peru, and Brazil. Discover the vibrant cities of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Cusco with expert local specialists. Marvel at the breathtaking Iguassu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides, and explore iconic landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Experience the rich cultural tapestry of South America with immersive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences, including a visit to a Guarani community and a traditional weaving center in the Sacred Valley. Delight in the flavors of local cuisine, from a tango dinner show in Buenos Aires to a cooking class in Lima. Travel in comfort with luxury accommodations and seamless intra-air flights, ensuring a memorable adventure through the heart of South America.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals Included: Dinner
Immerse yourself in the tropical allure of Rio de Janeiro - your launch pad to a South American exploration of capital cities and ancient cultures. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel offering superb views of Copacabana Beach. This evening, we’ll join our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a festive dinner.
Day 2: Enjoy Rio De Janeiro And Sugarloaf Mountain
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ease into your morning Rio-style before joining your Travel Director to delve into the captivating contrasts of Brazil’s cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city). See the 18th-century Carioca Aqueduct, the colonial Candelaria church and the home of the Rio Carnival, the Sanbodromo. Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for a 'pinch me moment' of inspiring bay and city views. Enjoy a free evening.
Day 3: Uncover The Sights And Flavours Of Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
The iconic Christ the Redeemer beckons this morning as we journey by cogwheel train to the summit of Corcovado for impressive panoramic views. Returning to the city, we visit the shores of Copacabana and Ipanema, spending the rest of the day at leisure to watch Rio’s beautiful people living life to the fullest. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect caipirinha, then indulge in a sizzling Regional Dinner barbecue at a local churrascaria.
Day 4: Experience The Rhythms Of Rio De Janeiro And Off To Iguassu Falls Dive Into Culture
Location: Iguassu Falls
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey into some of South America’s most beautiful natural landscapes taking a flight from Rio to Iguassu Falls, the UNESCO-listed magnificent falls that straddle the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, 'Big Waters', in Iguassu National Park with a Local Specialist. Hike to the cascading falls through giant clouds and sprays of water feeling refreshed in the humidity. You’ll learn that while hot and humid, this lush micro-climate supports diverse fauna in its subtropical rainforest of over 2,000 species of vascular plants. Conclude your day crossing the border to Argentina to your hotel.
Day 5: Iguassu National Park Argentinian Side With Local Specialist
Location: Iguassu National Park
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get a different perspective of grandeur on the Argentinian side of the falls at the Devil's throat. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience finds you paying a visit to the Guarani community of Fortín M'bororé who open their doors to reveal the secrets of the jungle, their natural medicine, culture, songs, dances, crafts, philosophy and beliefs. Discover with the Guarani the "Spirit of the Trees", a walk where you learn to walk through the interior of the Jungle guided by aboriginal experts. This afternoon, join an optional experience on Gran Aventura boat tour or an Argentinean experience learning about Argentine culture, tasting local dishes in a five-course dinner, sampling four Argentinean wines and mingling with travellers from around the world.
Day 6: Iguassu Falls - Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a flight from Iguassu Falls to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Check into your hotel located in the heart of the cultural centre at the historic Plaza San Martin and, with the rest of the day free, perhaps take a stroll around this upscale part of the city. This evening dive into culture watching the passionate fiery and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires most talented tango dancers. Here at El Viejo Almacen in the neighbourhood of San Telmo, you’re in the most classic house of tango putting on shows since 1969 and preserving the architecture and atmosphere of Tango culture.
Day 7: Buenos Aires Sightseeing And At Leisure
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take in the sights of Buenos Aires on a City Tour to the pink palace, cathedral and La Boca neighbourhood. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore this exciting city on your own or join one of our tempting optionals. Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta, a popular weekend getaway of scenery, summer residences, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Or venture on a wine tasting trip to “El Querandi,” a big house located in the historical district and considered a living testimony of the city originally founded as a bar in 1920.
Day 8: Buenos Aires Your Way Connect With Locals Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter
Location: San Antonio de Areco
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leave Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the gaucho traditions in the pampas region, for a tour along its quaint streets lined with silversmiths. Take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visiting a local project of the Local Association for disabled people who are keeping up the tradition of making the alpargatas shoes. Appreciate more artisans paying a visit to a local artist's studio observing how masterpieces are created. Cap off your day with a Be My Guest experience, complete with sizzling asado steak, at a family-owned gaucho ranch where your watch cowboys show off the horsemanship accompanied by music and dance.
Day 9: Venture To Lima, The City Of Kings
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the upscale shopping district of Miraflores. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner at 6 p.m.
Day 10: Savour The Flavours Of Lima Connect With Locals
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Francisco Pizarro’s 'City of Kings' is ours to explore this morning as we discover the colonial heritage of Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre with our Local Specialist. Admire the ornate baroque façades of the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacombs. Celebrate Lima’s status as the culinary capital of South America next, and meet Ignacio Barrios who has worked alongside many of Peru's most award-winning chefs. Visit a local market where Ignacio will explain how Peruvian fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are the basis of Peruvian cooking. Then continue to his cooking school where you'll Connect With Locals and enjoy a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular dishes. You’ll have an opportunity to sample some of these at a Be My Guest experience lunch before spending the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 11: Admire The Local Culture Of Cusco And Sacred Valley Connect With Locals Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: El MaPi
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® when you visit Manos de la Comunidad, a Weaving Centre where you’ll uncover the traditions of the Sacred Valley, called “lindaje”. Then continue to a former 18th century colonial-style monastery, our hotel for the night. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and learn more about the artisan traditions meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as your visit helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
Day 12: Journey To Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco
Accommodation Name: El MaPi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Sacred Valley reveals its mysteries today as we encounter the remains of the mighty Inca empire. Our first stop this morning is the famous Inca hilltop fortress, Ollantaytambo, built from massive blocks of stone. We board the Vistadome train (light snack included) for our epic journey to the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, where a Local Specialist will lead us through the ruins of this once-great fortress. Explore the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. Tonight, we’ll dine at our hotel.
Day 13: Continue In Machu Picchu Then Return To Cusco Dive Into Culture
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco
Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
We return to Machu Picchu this morning with an opportunity to explore this mythical fortress on our own terms. Then it’s off to Cusco, stopping en route at a local chicheria for a taste of chicha. Dive Into Culture and learn how this Peruvian corn beer is made by local women.
Day 14: Step Back In Time In Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of Cusco this morning with your Local Specialist, admiring the 16th century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. The afternoon is free to explore on your terms.
Day 15: Onward To Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima late this morning. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, join your Local Specialist at the Larco Museum for an evening exploration of its collection of pre-Columbian art. We’ll indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner in the museum’s garden.
Day 16: Farewell Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say hasta luego to Lima and transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Lima.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included in the tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys is included.
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Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu are included.
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A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Lima, Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports
All Intra-Air Flights from Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Lima, Lima to Cusco, and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports, are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Visa fees
Visa fees for entry into the countries visited are not included.
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Optional tours
Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities for guides and drivers
Gratuities for guides and drivers are not included and are at the traveler's discretion.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Dive Into Culture
- Rio de Janeiro: At dinner there will be a mixology demonstration where you will learn how to mix a caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil.
- Buenos Aires: Experience the beauty of the Tango and learn about its traditions.
- Buenos Aires: Uncover San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the “gaucho” traditions in the “pampas” region. Walk around the small village’s cobblestoned streets appreciating its quaint historical centre. See the main square, the church, and meet some of the locals along the way. Also known as the ‘Cradle of Tradition’ the colonial town was founded over 280 years ago and is filled with old bars (“pulperías”) and artisan shops with over 30 silversmiths. Known as “platería criolla”, the traditional Argentinean silverworks include knives, jewellery and other traditional items.
- Buenos Aires: Visit a gaucho painter’s studio to view his works, appreciate the diverse subjects of his paintings, learn the history of the gaucho town followed by a fascinating drawing demonstration.
- Lima: You’re treated to a lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru’s native drink. In the good hands of professional chef Ignacio, the results are sure to be delicious. Ignacio will explain the history of Pisco – a type pf wine, the typical Pisco Sour, and an internationally less known but locally more popular drink called “Chilcano”. This cocktail of pisco, lime juice, Ginger ale and bitters is a refreshing twist on the pisco sour that will have you eager to share the recipe with your friends.
- Sacred Valley: Visit the Pisac market displaying indigeneous Quechua arts and crafts from communities from the surrounding highlands.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy scenic rail journeys such as the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Intra-air flights connect you between Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Cusco, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Windsor Excelsior Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Hotel Mercure near Iguassu Falls, Alvear Art Hotel in Buenos Aires, and the Iberostar Hotel Lima. Enjoy the colonial charm of Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay in the Sacred Valley and the modern comforts of Novotel Cusco.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as visiting the Guarani community for an immersive experience, learning about traditional weaving practices in the Sacred Valley, and enjoying a tango show in Buenos Aires. Additionally, there is a visit to a local market in Lima with a chef, and a demonstration of gaucho skills at a family-run ranch.
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What kind of local interactions can I expect during the tour?
You will have the opportunity to interact with local specialists and communities, such as the Guarani community at Iguassu Falls, a master Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley, and local artisans in Buenos Aires. These interactions provide insights into local traditions, crafts, and daily life.
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Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special dining experiences such as a regional dinner barbecue in Rio de Janeiro, a Be My Guest lunch at a gaucho ranch in Buenos Aires, and a cooking demonstration with a local chef in Lima.
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What are some of the natural attractions visited on this tour?
The tour visits several natural attractions including the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of Iguassu Falls, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Machu Picchu. There is also a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley and a train ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu.
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What is the significance of the 'Make Travel Matter' experiences on this tour?
The 'Make Travel Matter' experiences are designed to support local communities and preserve cultural heritage. For example, visiting the Guarani community helps support their cultural preservation, and meeting a master Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley helps promote traditional weaving techniques.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions