Speak with an experienced advisor
Speak with an experienced advisor
CostSaver
OFFER ID 1511067
South America Discovery
Starting in the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’, experience the sheer force of nature at Iguassu Falls before country hopping to Argentina for big steaks, fiery tango and a slice of gaucho living. Ending in Peru, cuddle llamas and walk in the footsteps of the Incas at mighty, magnificent Machu Picchu.
Dining Summary
14 nights from $3,876 per person
Special Promotion: The Big Tour Sale | Guests Save 10% on Select 2025 Departures
Costsaver: South America Discovery
Day 1 - Arrive Rio de Janeiro (3 Nights)
Golden swathes of famous coastline, tropical landscapes and a certain joie de vivre will welcome you to one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Rio de Janeiro. Energy pulses through every pore of this passionate and fun loving city, flooding from the favelas to the football fields and cumulating in nightly parties where the caipirinhas are free flowing and the samba rhythm is infectious. Rio may be best known for its annual Carnival, but visiting here you’ll realise that every day is cause for celebration. Settle in to your hotel before meeting up with your Travel Director this afternoon. Then perhaps hit the sands of Copacabana to watch the sun set whilst you sip your first Cachaça.
Accommodations: Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro sightseeing and free time
The picturesque Cosme Velho district will be your first stop today, where 1920s neo-colonial buildings will surround you as you board the Corcovado Rack Railway, an old cogwheel train. Hopping on board, you’ll wind your way through the Tijuca Forest to the very top of Mount Corcovado, standing in awe as you catch a first glimpse of the 30-meter-high Christ the Redeemer. The undisputed icon of Rio, this magnificent art deco statue is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and offers the best vantage point of the ‘Marvelous City’ stretching out below. Take your time exploring here before heading on to visit lively Copacabana and beautiful Ipanema, Rio’s best beaches. Tonight, celebrate the culture of South America at the Carretão Ipanema Churrascaria. Distinctly a South American-style rotisserie, it owes its origins to the fireside roasts of the gauchos of southern Brazil, traditionally from the Pampa region, centuries ago.
Accommodations: Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro City free time
Waking up to your final full day in Rio, today is free to explore your way. For those keen to get a closer look, you could also opt for a half day city tour of Rio which includes ascending the Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for absolutely stand out views of Guanabara Bay.
Accommodations: Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro – Iguassu Falls (2 Nights)
Leaving the colorful costumes and infectious rhythms of Rio behind, this morning you’ll head to the airport to catch your flight to Iguassu Falls. Words can’t really describe the magnificence of the world’s largest series of waterfalls (275 to be exact), which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil and are surrounded by lush expanses of national park. Settle in to your hotel this afternoon and spend the evening relaxing, no doubt bubbling with excitement for the natural spectacle that tomorrow will bring.
Accommodations: Viale Cataratas Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Iguassu Falls and Free Time
Pack your raincoat and your sense of adventure this morning as you’re off to visit the Iguassu National Park, entering on the Brazilian side of the falls. You’ll be venturing down to the ominously named and utterly exhilarating Devil’s Throat, the tallest and most impressive of Iguassu’s waterfalls. Remember that raincoat? Now’s the time to use it! This afternoon opt to go on an open-air tram ride^ through the jungle to the Macuco Falls, where you’ll then board a custom-designed inflatable motorboat for a high intensity ride to the base of the falls. If keeping things a little more sedate is more your style, opt to visit a bird park on a Make Travel Matter Experience® where you can spot more than 150 different species of birds.
Accommodations: Viale Cataratas Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires (3 Nights)
Country hopping between Brazil and Argentina, today you’ll cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, otherwise known as Fraternity Bridge, to explore the Argentinian side of the falls. Adding a new stamp to your passport as you cross through customs, you’ll drive through the lush and wildlife rich Argentinian Iguassu National Park to reach the falls and cascades which are equally as impressive from this side of the border. Boarding the open sided and near silent Ecological Jungle Train which is every bit as scenic and sensual as it sounds, you’ll pay a second visit to Devil’s Throat before heading to the airport to catch a flight to passionate, sexy, European influenced Buenos Aires.
Accommodations: NH City
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Buenos Aires sightseeing and free time
Waking up in sultry, red bloodied Buenos Aires this morning is a prospect that should fill you with excitement. This meat loving, tango obsessed capital city is a mix of sultry charm and gritty splendor, with European inspired buildings and street art pops from every corner. Dive in to all Buenos Aires has to offer on a sightseeing tour that will visit 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world, outstanding Colon Theater, Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and San Telmo, the oldest district in the city. Finishing up in colorful and charming La Boca you'll then have time to explore by yourself with the remainder of day at your leisure.
Accommodations: NH City
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Buenos Aires free time
Make the most of your free day in Buenos Aires with a variety of exciting Choice Experiences. One option is to head out into the glorious pampas (grasslands) surrounding Buenos Aires to visit a working ranch to learn more about the gaucho culture, enjoying folk music, traditional dances and carriage rides before rounding off the experience with a juicy BBQ lunch. You also have the option of visiting the lush countryside region of Tigre Delta, which offers a laid-back vibe and a chance to see a different side of Argentine life. Or, soak in another type of culture with a visit to “El Querandi,” a house in the historical district considered a living testimony of the city for a wine tasting. You can also join an Argentinean Culinary Experience making your own empanada and sampling Argentinean steak. Lastly, take a lesson in the iconic tango.
Accommodations: NH City
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Buenos Aires – Lima (2 Nights)
From Argentina you’ll fly to Peru this morning, bound for the ‘City of the Kings’, Lima. Rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs the city has a real sense of faded yet romantic grandeur, with historical sights a plenty and a culinary scene that is revered the world over. Arriving here you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore, which isn’t hard to do in this cultural and artsy city. Head to Parque del Amor to admire the Gaudi style architecture with beautiful views over Lima Bay, or take a wander around popular and bustling Miraflores.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Lima
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Lima sightseeing and free time
Visit the famous Plaza Mayor and Cathedral as well as the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Delve into the dark history of the San Francisco Monastery, a museum featuring mysterious catacombs. Your afternoon and evening are free to join one of our exciting choice experiences. Take a walking tour with a local expert of the lively Miraflores district highlighting the Boardwalk of Miraflores, a cliff rising above the ocean at around 130 feet and the Larcomar shopping area. Or, indulge your taste buds on a food tour through Barranco or a street food tour – from coffee to churros – through Lima’s city center. In the evening, opt to visit the colorful, musical Magic Water Fountains of Lima.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Lima
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2 Nights)
Flying into Cusco, welcome to the Incan capital of the world! Boasting the richest heritage of any South American city, Cusco is a wealth of archaeological greatness and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. It’s also the gateway to Machu Picchu, so throbs day and night with visitors exploring its ancient streets. Take in the ornate temples and Incan ruins as you arrive here. On the way to Sacred Valley, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to Chinchero Sunday market, still a very original market where you can find fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the occasional souvenir stall. Your guide will introduce you to some local produce such as potatoes, and if you wish, you can also taste some of the fruit. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you learn about Chicha, a local drink made of corn and admire llamas and alpacas before making your way to the hotel.
Accommodations: Ava Valle Sagrado Spot
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Machu Picchu excursion
Today’s the day! Up bright and early this morning, you’ll travel to the ancient little town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the Incan village at the base of Machu Picchu. Slowly chugging your way through the rugged lands of the Sacred Valley, feel the excitement levels build as you pass by village settlements and towering mountains, the landscape changing as you descend. Making the last leg of the journey via shuttle, you’ll finally arrive at the most famous archaeological site of South America and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Catching a first glimpse of this awe inspiring ancient city above the clouds is a moment you’ll never forget, so be sure to take a few minutes just to soak it all in. Take your time exploring the vast complex of fascinating ruins and let the mind boggle at how it was all built, before descending the mountain and making your way back to the Sacred Valley. Visit the local home of Mrs. Rosa. Her house goes at least 7 generations back and is a fine example of Incan architecture. Learn more about how guinea pigs are raised, as well as ancient traditions kept alive until this day.
Accommodations: Ava Valle Sagrado Spot
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 - Sacred Valley – Cusco (2 Nights)
Begin your day in Pisaq, famous for its local market and empanadas. Taste the local food at a women-owned and operated empanada workshop. Learn from Mrs. Ernestina how to make empanadas out of seven different kinds of flour before enjoying the empanadas for lunch. Continuing on to Cusco you’ll also stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 13th century, before arriving at the Incan capital of Cusco. Embark on a sightseeing tour of ancient Cusco visiting Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun and most important temple in the Incan Empire, before admiring the bounty of colonial art on display in the Cathedral.
Accommodations: San Agustin Plaza
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 - Cusco sightseeing and free time
Kick off the final day of your tour joining for an optional experience. Head to Moray and Maras to see Incan farming and salt mining techniques at play or visit 17th century Piquillacta to view the pre-Incan citadel built by the Wari people. Another option is to indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Choco Museum to learn more about the Peruvian chocolate making process. In town, tour Cusco after dark learning the secrets of this ancient city or experience Cusco off the beaten track visiting tiny stores and cemeteries with plenty of personal stories along the way. If you’re looking for an all-day adventure, join a trip to Rainbow Mountain where you’ll take a rigorous hike through breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes.
Accommodations: San Agustin Plaza
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 - Depart Cusco
3 countries, 2 New Wonders of the World and 1 incredible adventure later, your trip will finally come to an end this morning. Leaving with priceless memories, a wealth of new knowledge and a wonderful group of new friends, you’ll make your way to the airport today. Departure is at leisure from Cusco Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings us to the Amano Textile Museum, renowned globally for its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from pre-Columbian Peruvian civilizations, as well as the significant efforts of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano in safeguarding the world's global textile heritage. The museum's inception followed Mr. Amano's decision to settle in Peru, leveraging his success as a Japanese entrepreneur.
During his journeys across Peru, Mr. Amano encountered relics abandoned by grave robbers. Recognizing their cultural importance, he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to recovering and preserving these artifacts scattered throughout Peru's coastal deserts. These treasures were then exhibited in his residence in Miraflores.
The Amano family remains deeply committed to advancing conservation and research initiatives centered on Peru's textile legacy, in accordance with the vision of the museum's founder, while also paying homage to his memory.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances/stairs)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:30 and/or 14:30
Note: Filming and photography are not permitted in the Amano Textile Museum, we suggest leaving your cameras in the bus.
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, to showcase ancient Peruvian history through its extensive collection of artifacts spanning 5000 years. Housed in an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum is renowned for its erotic pottery, accessible archives, and beautiful gardens. Andres Alvarez Calderon, actual owner of the collection, emphasizes the importance of museums in preserving humanity's heritage and engaging the public through immersive experiences.
Since it was established in 1926, the Museo Larco has been acknowledged as a pioneer in terms of public access to its collections. It was one of the first museums in the world to open its storerooms to the public, and to provide online access to its entire collection, encouraging in this way the multidisciplinary research first promoted by its founder.
Larco Museum in focused on storytelling, allowing visitors to connect with Peru's ancient civilizations and their profound relationship with nature and the cosmos.
After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
Museo Larco´s collections
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Flash photography is not permitted in the Museum.
Includes:
Buenos Aires - Full Day Sightseeing Tour - 7 hours
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Explore some of the most recognizable landmarks in Buenos Aires. Find out about the history and culture of this city, as you take in some of the most significant spots. Start at the most important square in the country: Plaza de Mayo. The country was founded here in 1580, and today the most important governmental buildings are located here including Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (City Hall) and Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral). Continue through the cobblestoned streets of San Telmo neighbourhood, where the original porteños (Buenos Aires residents) settled in the early days. The next stop is picturesque La Boca, home to Caminito, perhaps the city's most photographed street thanks to its corrugated iron and brightly coloured houses. This block houses one of the few outdoor museums in the world, where artists exhibit work, related to the influence of mainly Italian immigrants who arrived at this port at the end of the 19th century. La Boca is home to the legendary football (soccer giants) Boca Juniors, whose colours of blue and yellow adorn most of the houses and stores in this neighbourhood. Drive towards Palermo, passing through Puerto Madero, a regenerated area where redbrick warehouses have been transformed into trendy restaurants and bars.
Once in the northern area of the city, drive past Palermo Chico with its impressive townhouses, tree-lined boulevards, and parks. Palermo Soho, on the other hand, combines the flavour of an old, working-class neighbourhood with some contemporary details, including ethnic restaurants, design stores and bars. The bohemian atmosphere makes it popular with Argentines as well as foreign visitors, and restaurants cater to all palates. Continue to Recoleta, one of the most elegant and sophisticated districts, visit Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church and Recoleta Cemetery, known for its rich architecture and famous personalities whose mortal remains it treasures.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- May square
- Old quarters at San Telmo neighborhood
- Caminito street at La Boca
- Palermo neighborhood and parks
- Recoleta Cemetery
Inclusions
Buenos Aires sightseeing tour with shared visit to Colon Theatre - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Familiarize yourself with some of the most recognizable landmarks, as well as history and culture in the Paris of the South, on this half-day private guided city tour. Kick off at Plaza de Mayo square, the heart of the city both from a historical and political point of view, and site of its foundation in 1580 by Don Juan de Garay. The next stop is San Telmo with its cobbled stone streets and colonial buildings. Also visit La Boca neighbourhood, the tough port barrio and colourful working-class area. Before returning to the hotel, visit Colon Theatre, one of the world's greatest opera houses, with its sublime interior, every piece of marble, furniture and crystal, imported from Europe. The theatre took 80 years to be completed and finally opened in 1908. It combines many European architectural styles and influences, including Greek columns, French stained glass and Italian marble. The house seats up to 2,500 people and the Colón has hosted opera celebrities such as Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas and Placido Domingo. Shared guided tour to Colon Theatre.
Tour highlights:
- May square
- Old quarters at San Telmo neighborhood
- Caminito street at La Boca
- Colon Theatre (shared visit)
Inclusions
Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour North - half day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Familiarize yourself with some of the most recognizable landmarks in the northern area of Buenos Aires. Drive through Palermo, a district with several different areas such as classic Palermo Chico and contemporary Palermo Hollywood. Start in Palermo Chico with its impressive townhouses, tree-lined boulevards, and parks, then continue to Bosques de Palermo parks; past the Japanese and Rose Gardens with their lakes and sculptures, which can be visited independently. From here continue past the Palermo racetrack and polo grounds where the famous Argentine Polo Open is played every December. Palermo Soho, on the other hand, fuses the flavour of a working-class neighbourhood with contemporary twists such as ethnic restaurants, design stores and bars. Its bohemian atmosphere makes it popular with Argentines as well as foreign visitors. Gastronomy options appeal to all palates. Finally, visit Recoleta neighbourhood, home to many a mansion, which takes one back to Argentina's glorious days. The tour ends at the Recoleta Cemetery, renowned for its rich architecture and sculptures that makes it more of an open-air museum than a final resting place.
After tour you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Palermo trendy area
- Japanese and Rose garden in Palermo
- Recoleta cemetery
Inclusions
Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour & Evita Museum - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Explore the highlights of the 'Paris of South America' in a four-hour tour accompanied by one of our experienced representatives who will introduce you to the history and culture of this magnificent city. Beginning with the historical areas of Buenos Aires: Plaza de Mayo, the historical and political heart of the city, laid out by Don Juan de Garay in 1580 during the second founding of Buenos Aires. Continue to La Boca, the tough port barrio and colourful working-class area of Buenos Aires, Palermo with its gardens and mansions; and finally, Recoleta, where you will visit its world famous cemetery and see the tombs and mausoleums of the most important personalities of Argentine history. Finally, visit the Evita Museum, a living museum where people can learn, understand and appreciate the life of one of the most important women in Argentine history.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- May square
- Caminito street at La Boca
- Palermo neighborhood and parks
- Recoleta Cemetery
- Evita´s museum
Inclusions
Buenos Aires Tigre Getaway - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Escape the hustle and bustle of central Buenos Aires on this relaxing half-day getaway, featuring fashionable riverside suburbs and a cruise along sheltered waterways. Drive to Tigre passing through neighbourhoods such as Vicente López, Olivos, and San Isidro, and past elegant homes of these residential suburbs, including the Presidential Residence in Olivos, official home to Argentina's president. On arrival at the Paraná River, board a private river boat and head out along the Delta's waterways. An array of colourful sights awaits as the boat cruises past islands, turn-of-the-century homes, yacht clubs and a fleet of watercrafts, including canoes and sailboats. A soft drink and snack are served while you enjoy the scenery. Re-join your vehicle when the river cruise ends and transfers you back to the hotel.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Parana river
- Sail in the Delta
Inclusions
Buenos Aires Tango Show & Dinner at Rojo Tango
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
At Rojo Tango, a unique venue designed by Philippe Starck located within the Faena Hotel, enjoy an evening of “Porteño” (residents of Buenos Aires) music and dance. After a three-course dinner with wine and without moving from your seat, the band will strike up and the dancers will appear on scene, to recreate nostalgic times when Tango was danced in the streets of Buenos Aires. A majestic performance full of fantasy and sensuality and incredible skill.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Tango show at Rojo tango
- First class venue
Inclusions
Buenos Aires: Gaucho celebration - Full Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Join a Gaucho celebration at Estancia Santa Susana, a typical ranch only 80 km from Buenos Aires. The estancia has 1,200 hectares (2965 acres) dedicated to agricultural activities and has been a popular tourist destination near Buenos Aires for the last 30 years. Experience the genuine Gaucho lifestyle with various activities, such as a delicious typical Argentine barbecue with drinks, horsemanship show, a visit to the main house, the colonial museum, and the chapel. A short horse-back or carriage ride is also available before lunch. This tour provides an insight to the most fascinating traditions of Argentina.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
Carnival Experience at Samba City - 4 hours
Highlights:
Secrets of Old Rio with Lunch - 6 hours
Highlights:
Sugar Loaf Sunset with Caipirinha Toast - 4 hours
Highlights:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.