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Highlights of South America

21 days

Discover a cross section of cultures and landscapes travelling in style across Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia & Peru in 21 days, with luxury hotels. Starting in Rio de Janeiro, visit Iguazu falls, explore the captivating Argentine capital and La Paz, the highest capital in the world, before exploring the incredible lost city of Machu Picchu.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

21 days

Starts

Rio de Janeiro

Ends

Lima

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by tour leader

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 20

Minimum age

12 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Mondays

Hotel Rating

4 - 5 star hotels

Countries

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 20, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 1
Per Person From
NZD$15,245.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$9,147.00
$21,343.00

Tour Highlights

Rio de Janeiro - Stay near the world-famous Copacabana beach and take in the spectacular views from Sugarloaf Mountain
Corcovado Mountain – Glide through the Tijuca National Park on rack-and-pinon railway to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue
Iguazu Falls - Marvel at the stunning Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfall systems spanning the border of Argentina and Brazil
Machu Picchu – Take a scenic train ride to explore the spectacular lost city of Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
Buenos Aires – Explore Argentina's captivating capital, dubbed the Paris of South America
Sucre – Discover Bolivia's most beautiful city with its white washed buildings
La Paz - Explore the world's highest capital city and visit the fascinating Witches' Market
Tiwanaku ruins - Visit some of the most important pre-Columbian ruins on the continent
Lake Titicaca - Spend a night on the shores of Lake Titicaca in the picturesque Bolivian town of Copacabana, with an optional visit to the Isla del Sol
Take one of the world's great train journeys from Puno to Cusco aboard the luxury Titicaca Express
Cusco – Take in the highlights of the captivating capital of Inca Empire on a guided tour and roam around the Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Sacred Valley – Roam around the Pisac ruins, the temple of Ollantaytambo and local markets
Lima – Spend time at leisure to explore the capital's vibrant markets and archaeological museums

Included

20 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
10 nights 5 star hotels, 8 nights 4 star hotels and 2 nights 3 star
Arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 21
5 economy class flights: Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguacu, Foz do Iguazu - Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires- Sucre, Sucre - La Paz, Cusco - Lima
Entrance fees for included excursions
Guided tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Excursions to the Argentine and Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
Transportation by private air conditioned vehicles
Escorted by an experienced English-speaking local tour leader, with the services of specialist local guides at certain sites of interest
Guided sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, La Paz and Cusco
Luxury Titicaca Express train journey from Puno to Cusco

Not Included

International flights to/from our tour start/end points and visas
Tipping – an entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro

Monday. Welcome to Brazil! Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Copacabana. The rest of the day is at your own leisure to explore the beautiful stretch of Copacabana beach.

Overnight: Rio de Janeiro

Days 2-3 - Rio de Janeiro

Today, we have an included tour exploring the city of extremes, we witness the glamourous apartments of Rio’s rich and famous against the back drop of the favelas and half-built shanty towns that cling onto the hillsides. The highlights of the city include the Zona Sul beaches and Rodrogo de Freitas lagoon as well as the cathedral, Sambodromo and Maracana. Then we take a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy spectacular views of the city, its beaches, and the mountains beyond. There is also a lovely nature walk around the foot of the mountain should you wish to continue to explore or grab a beer in the village quarter of Urca, home to TV stars.

On day 3 we board the steep rack-and-pinion railway which takes us through tropical Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world, and all that is left of the rainforest that once surrounded Rio de Janeiro. Reach the top of Corcovado mountain and experience the majestic gaze of Christ the Redeemer, which overlooks the city with open arms. The afternoon is at leisure. You can walk from the top of the staircase up to the quiet hill-top neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, with many quaint cafes and shops lining the cobblestone streets or there is the optional excursion along the Avenue of the Royal Palms in hopes of catching a glimpse of the toucans and marmosets that frequent the park.

Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast x2

Days 4-5 - Iguazu Falls

Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguacu. The Brazilian town of Foz do Iguacu is our base for visiting the famous Iguazu Falls - the most magnificent waterfalls in the world. A total of 275 falls thunder through dense forest over a 2.5km stretch along the border of Brazil and Argentina and we will view the falls from both sides.

On the Brazilian side you can see the falls by walking through the rainforest and along catwalks above and below the rushing water. You can also visit a very interesting bird park nearby, perfect for that must-have photo with a toucan!

We revisit the falls from the Argentinean side on day 5. From the national park, we board a little natural-gas-powered train which takes us to the Cataratas Station where we begin the Upper Walk witnessing causeways link dozens of basalt islands at the top of the rock, a sight which will take your breath away! We then continue onto the famous "Devil's Throat" where fourteen falls plummet with such force that there is always a massive cloud of spray overhead.

Overnight: Iguazu Falls (Argentina)
Meals: Breakfast x2

Days 6-7 - Buenos Aires

Foz do Iguacu - Buenos Aires (Argentina). On day 6 we fly south to Buenos Aires. After we've checked into our hotel the rest of the day is free to explore the Argentinian capital. Walk along the cobbled streets and see the brightly coloured houses, go out and enjoy some local cuisine in the local restaurants, or sit back and relax in one of the many tango bars around the city.

The next morning, we set off on a tour of the capital's contrasting neighbourhoods. Our first stop is in the Plaza de Mayo, which is enclosed on three sides by the town hall, presidential palace and cathedral before continuing to bohemian La Boca, whose streets are lined with brightly painted houses. Our final stop is to the chic district of Recoleta, home to the famous cemetery where Eva Peron is buried.

Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast x2

Days 8-9 - Sucre & optional Potosi

Buenos Aires - Sucre (Bolivia). We fly to the city of Sucre, via Santa Cruz on the morning of day 8. This sleepy white washed town boasts a leafy main square bordered by restaurants and Supreme Court buildings. After checking into our hotel, we have the rest of the day and the next day at leisure to wander along the cobbled lanes and discover the many churches and museums. High above the town there is a monastery with a cafe which offers amazing views.

There is an optional day trip excursion to the silver mining capital, Potosi, on day 9. At a chilly 4,090m, Potosi flourished during the 18th century and was, at the time, the wealthiest place in Latin America and home to the Spanish Imperial Mint. There is free time here to explore the evocations of history that can be found in the colonial architecture, ornate monuments and churches.

Overnight: Sucre
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 10 - La Paz

Sucre - La Paz. Today we fly to La Paz. At over 3500m La Paz is the world’s highest capital city. Built in a steep valley that protects the city from the harsh elements of the Altiplano, just about every building in La Paz is built on some sort of hill, so there are spectacular views on offer! The city is a glittering mosaic of tin, slate and tile roofs, interspersed with skyscrapers with a magnificent backdrop of the snow-capped Mount Illimani.

Overnight: La Paz
Meals: Breakfast

Days 11-12 - La Paz & Tiwanaku

Over the next two days there is plenty of time to explore the city. On a guided tour we take in the highlights of the colonial centre around Plaza Murillo and visit the fascinating and suitably named "Witches Market', where local women in traditional 'Cholita' dress sell anything from potions to dried llama foetuses to ward off evil spirits. We will also jump on the local buses and make our way to the Telefericos that zig zag all the way up to El Alto Altiplano for spectacular views of the city.

From La Paz we take an excursion across the Altiplano, past glimmering lakes and herds of alpacas to visit the ruins of Tiwanaku on day 12, which are some of the most important pre-Columbian ruins on the continent.

Overnight: La Paz
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 13 - Lake Titicaca & Copacabana

La Paz - Copacabana. Today we travel along the shores of Lake Titicaca where we spend the night in a small hotel overlooking the glistening waters among the subsistence farmers in the region, who fish in the icy waters and plant crops along the shore in Copacabana. You have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the town that gave Rio’s famous beach its name. Walk along to the Moorish-style Basilica, or wander around the ‘Mercado 2 de Febrero’.

Overnight: Copacabana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14 - Optional Isla del Sol & Puno

Copacabana - Puno (Peru). In the morning there’s a chance to take an optional excursion to the Isla del Sol (Islands of the Sun). Here you will enjoy an hour-long walk, with stunning views of the lake and island itself. Exploring the island gives you a chance to see how the local people live and work, almost unchanged over the years.

After lunch back in Copacabana, we drive along the lake's shore, across the border to Peru, until we reach the small lakeside town of Puno in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

Days 15-16 - Luxury train to Cusco

Puno - Cusco. After breakfast we board a luxury train and take the scenic journey from Puno to Cusco (10 hours), travelling across the highland Altiplano and snow dusted mountains until we reach the fertile pocket-sized fields of corn and potatoes in Cusco. Here we have the rest of the evening at leisure to explore the city.

On the morning of day 16 we meet a local guide and set out on a tour of the capital of the Inca Empire. We start our tour walking through the city streets, passing several Inca ruins before we reach the Q’oricancha, once the principal Inca Sun Temple. Later we explore the zigzag walls of Sacsayhuaman, a magnificent Incan fortress, which overlooks the city of Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch

Day 17 - The Sacred Valley

Cusco - Sacred Valley. Today we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first port of call is a visit to the Pisac ruins, perched on a hilltop with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Then we head to the famous traditional market of the same name, which is full of colour and atmosphere. A great place for souvenirs! After lunch, we continue along the valley to the temple/fortress of Ollantaytambo with its enormous Inca terracing constructed on the side of a steep mountain. The evening is at leisure in the Sacred Valley.

Overnight: Ollantaytambo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 18 - Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu. We're up early this morning for a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo today. Remember to get a window seat for the best view of the breath-taking scenery. In Aguas Calientes we board the bus to Machu Picchu where we enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent lost city and have plenty of free time to explore and take photos.

Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and surrounded by tropical forest, the Inca city enjoys a truly spectacular setting and it's one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the world. Believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, the site was abandoned at the time of the Spanish Conquest and lay buried beneath tropical cloud forest until 1911 when it was discovered by the American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham, who brought it to the world’s attention. We spend the night in the spa village of Machu Picchu.

Fancy hiking some of the Inca Trail without interrupting your tour? We can organise for you to walk the mini Inca Trail on this day and still have a guided tour of the ruins and stay with the group in the evening. Must be booked in advance, please ask us for more details.

Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 19 - Cusco

Machu Picchu - Cusco. Before we board the train back to Cusco there is the opportunity to return to the ruins to watch the sun rise from the mountain tops and explore one of the several hiking trails: follow the steep path up to Huayna Picchu, the conical peak that rises behind the ruins or trek to the vertiginous Inca Bridge, carved into a cliff face (please enquire with the office, as spaces are limited and it's necessary to pre-book). Relaxing might be your preference, with time to and stroll through the the narrow streets of Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu village) and browse it's souvenir shops and cafés. In the afternoon we return to Cusco by rail and road, where we have the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 20 - Lima

Cusco - Lima. We take a short flight to the capital Lima today and transfer to our hotel in the middle-class suburb of Miraflores. The rest of the day is free to independently explore the city.

The City of Kings was once the capital of Spanish America, and the remnants of its glorious past can still be seen in the faded grandeur of the colonial churches and splendid, traditional wooden balconies in the city centre. Take a cab to the Plaza de Armas or walk the streets surrounding the Jiron de la Union for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture. Away from the busy centre, there are some superb traditional restaurants as well as archaeological museums filled to the rafters with pre-Columbian treasures.

Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 21 - Lima

Sunday. Our tour comes to an end today, with an included transfer to the airport. Alternatively, we can arrange post tour accommodation if you'd like to extend your stay.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post Tour Accommodation - Lima

Double

$185per passenger

Twin

$185per passenger

Single

$335per passenger

Pre Tour accommodation - Rio de Janeiro

Double

$425per passenger

Twin

$425per passenger

Single

$715per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Add on: Mini Inca Trail

$685

per passenger

Add on: Huayna Picchu with Machu Picchu re entry

$295

per passenger

Rio de Janeiro Airport Transfer (Per Car)

Only book airport transfers in conjunction with pre or post tour accommodation. Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.

$325

per passenger

Lima Airport Transfer (per car

Only book airport transfers in conjunction with pre or post tour accommodation. Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.

$185

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Rio de Janeiro

Situated right on Copacabana beach in the heart of Rio’s most famous district is the charming Miramar Hotel. Each guestroom features state-of-the-art designs and includes minibar, Ipod docs, WiFi and on-call butler. Relax by the infinity edge swimming pool with courtesy beach service before dining in the onsite restaurant offering international and local delicacies and captivating views of Copacbana’s boardwalk.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Panoramic Grand Hotel
Iguazu Falls (Argentina)

Nestled on a hill overlooking the Parana River, the Panoramic hotel offers contemporary luxury accommodation in an excellent location. The hotel features an outdoor dining area, so guests can enjoy the stunning views while sipping their morning coffee as well as an outdoor pool surrounded by a lush garden. Each air-conditioned guest room provides large windows offering spectacular views of the surrounding Iguazu and Triple Frontier, a TV and air conditioning. The onsite restaurant offers gourmet regional and international cuisine, and guests can enjoy a drink from the bar in the garden, which offers amazing sunset views.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel
Buenos Aires

Nestled amidst the opulent French villas and palaces of Recoleta, Loi Suites offers a luxurious retreat. The hotel boasts elegantly adorned rooms, featuring a sophisticated palette of warm greys or soothing beige tones complemented by French windows, air conditioning, satellite TV, and CD players. Guests can indulge in a delightful breakfast with croissants or opt for a cheese plate served in the tranquil garden setting. For fine dining experiences and a curated selection of wines, La Fuente restaurant awaits. The hotel's amenities include an indoor swimming pool and a gym, while the Relax Room offers the perfect haven for guests to unwind with therapeutic massages.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Hotel Su Merced
Sucre

Perfectly located in the heart of Sucre, this family-run hotel is just footsteps from the city’s top attractions, bars and restaurants. Set in an 18th century Spanish-style house, you’ll find the hotel is packed with charm and character, with a terrace offering views over Sucre and a patio featuring a water foundation and hand-painted tiles. Each of the unique guestrooms features colonial-inspired furniture, with chandeliers and a private bathroom. Enjoy the buffet breakfast seated in the garden or central patio and sample some tasty homemade specialties.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Europa Hotel
La Paz

The luxurious Europa hotel offers guests every comfort during their stay from plush king sized beds to under floor heating to flat screen satellite TVs. Rooms are large and modern and come with excellent ensuite facilities. There are three different spaces in the hotel where guests can relax with a beverage or a bite to eat. Buffets breakfasts and lunches are available in the Euro Bistro and a la carte dinners can be had in both the Euro Bistro and the Tempora restaurant. The hotel also offers a heated pool, gym and spa. The accommodation is just a short drive from El Alto airport.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Hotel Rosario Del Lago Copacabana
Copacabana

Set next to the Titicaca Lake, the Hotel Rosario del Lago offers an excellent location in Copacabana. Its guestrooms are individually decorated to highlight elements of Andean culture and boast lake views. To keep you entertained there’s a games room and a garden where you can enjoy a barbecued meal overlooking the lake. The onsite restaurant also serves local cuisine and boasts a selection of the finest Bolivian wines, so you can look forward to a delightful glass of wine in front of the fireplace after a day’s exploring.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Casa Andina Premium
Puno

Featuring an expansive glass wall to make the most of the incredible views across Lake Titicaca, the Casa Andina Premium hotel in Puno offers a blend of historic decor and stylish furnishings. The smart guestrooms are well-equipped with spacious bathrooms and tea/coffee making facilities. Complementary Wi-Fi is available in the public areas of the property and the hotel also has a massage centre open daily. The Alma Restaurant serves delicious local specialties and seafood dishes.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Pakaritampu
Ollantaytambo

Hotel Pakaritampu is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, in the village of Ollantaytambo, just 50 yards from the train station which is on the mainline to Machu Pichu. This delightful property exudes Peruvian charm in an idyllic setting amidst stunning gardens, perfect for relaxing in after a busy day. The onsite restaurant offers a variety of both local Peruvian delicacies and international meals. Charmingly decorated rooms offer standard king size or twin beds, safety-deposit box, a TV with cable channels and Free WiFi access. The main square is only a ten-minute walk away. Here you'll find a selection of shops and restaurants, as well as remnants of Ollantaytambo’s magnificent Inca fortress.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
El Mapi
Aguas Calientes

Perfectly located in Aguas Calientes – the El Mapi Hotel is the perfect place to explore incredible Machu Pichu. Tastefully blending the classic and modern with restored and recycled materials, this property is a hotel with a difference. Rooms have white washed walls and large windows so the beautiful scenery can pour in. Every morning guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast including the signature Belgian waffles. At the end of the day why not head to El Bar - a comfortable lounge that has plasma screens and free Wi-Fi. Pisco Sours are on Happy Hour between 5.30 and 7.00 - don't miss it!

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Boutique Hotel
Casa Andina Miraflores
Lima

With a contemporary exterior that shelters a collection of Peruvian artowork and colonial antiques, the classy Casa Andina Miraflores is the perfect blend of the old and new. The smart guestrooms are decorated in a neutral palette of colour in a contemporary design with the conveniences you would expect of a 4 star hotel, many with great city views. The restaurant boasts exquisite regional gourmet dishes whilst the heated swimming pool features a waterfall. The hotel is strategically located in the heart of Miraflores with Kennedy Park just two blocks away. It's a 45 minute drive to the airport.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers who are happy to share a room with another traveller of the same sex.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
Shared
6 Jan - 26 Jan
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
24 Feb - 16 Mar
$15,245
$18,605
$15,245
31 Mar - 20 Apr
$15,245
$18,605
$15,245
19 May - 8 Jun
$15,245
$18,605
$15,245
28 Jul - 17 Aug
$15,245
$18,605
$15,245
1 Sep - 21 Sep
$15,245
$18,605
$15,245
13 Oct - 2 Nov
$15,245
$18,605
$15,245
24 Nov - 14 Dec
$15,245
$18,605
$15,245

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