south-america·Multi-day tour·21 days
21-day South America Tour of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Galápagos: Cusco, Iguazú Falls and Quito | 4 Countries and 14 Cities | 20 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 9 Dinners
★ 5.0· 5 reviewsDaily breakfastSelect Meals IncludedLocal Specialty Meal
What you'll experience
Highlights
• Explore Both the Brazilian and Argentinean side of Iguazú Falls, Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Larco Museum
• Visit Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Ollantaytambo Ruins, Sacsayhuaman, San Antonio de Areco
• See the Teatro Colon, Copacabana Beach and the Casa Rosada
• Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley
• Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
• Visit Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Ollantaytambo Ruins, Sacsayhuaman, San Antonio de Areco
• See the Teatro Colon, Copacabana Beach and the Casa Rosada
• Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley
• Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
21 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Home - Rio de Janeiro
Launch your leisurely exploration of South America to the sultry beats of the Bossa Nova and Samba. A local host will take you to your hotel where you'll enjoy superb views of Copacabana beach and its beautiful people, just minutes from downtown Rio. This evening, we enjoy a festive dinner with our Travel Director and fellow travelers.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - 2
Day 2 — Rio de Janeiro
Meet your Local Specialist and ride the historic cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, pausing at Urca Hill before reaching the summit for sweeping views over Guanabara Bay and Copacabana. Hear how this iconic peak got its name during Brazil's sugar trade era. After a drive past Ipanema and the Copacabana beaches, your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps choose an Optional Experience to the Selarón Steps, a colorful mosaic staircase and local landmark.
This evening, you could choose an Optional Experience if you wish: enjoy Brazilian flavors and a performance at the city's famous Roxy Dinner Show.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - 3
Day 3 — Rio de Janeiro
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 barbecue dinner at a local churrascaria.
Corcovado Mountain
Christ the Redeemer
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - 4
Day 4 — Rio de Janeiro - Iguazú Falls
Journey into some of South America's most beautiful natural landscapes taking a flight from Rio to Iguazú 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 Iguaçu 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.
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Mercure, Argentina - 5
Day 5 — Iguazú Falls
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 Argentinian wines and mingling with travelers from around the world.Iguazu Falls
Iguazu National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Mercure, Argentina - 6
Day 6 — Iguazú Falls - Buenos Aires
Take a flight from Iguazú Falls to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Check into your hotel located in the heart of the cultural center 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. 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.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Intercontinental - 7
Day 7 — Buenos Aires - San Antonio de Areco - Buenos Aires
Leave Buenos Aires for 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.Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Intercontinental - 8
Day 8 — Buenos Aires
Take in the sights of Buenos Aires on a City Tour to the pink palace, cathedral and La Boca neighborhood. 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. This evening enjoy the passionate fiery and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires most talented tango dancers.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Intercontinental - 9
Day 9 — Buenos Aires - Lima
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 travelers for dinner.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Iberostar Hotel Lima - 10
Day 10 — Lima
Francisco Pizarro's 'City of Kings' is ours to explore this morning as we discover the colonial heritage of Lima's UNESCO-listed Historic Center 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.
Miraflores
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Iberostar Hotel Lima - 11
Day 11 — Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley
Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® when you visit Manos de la Comunidad, a Weaving Center 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.
Sacred Valley
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, Sacred Valley - 12
Day 12 — Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
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.
Ollantaytambo
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: El MaPi, Machu Picchu - 13
Day 13 — Machu Picchu - Cusco
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 chichería for a taste of chicha. Dive Into Culture and learn how this Peruvian corn beer is made by local women.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Novotel Cusco - 14
Day 14 — Cusco
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.
Sacsayhuaman
Maras Salt Mines
Maras
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Novotel Cusco - 15
Day 15 — Cusco - Lima
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.
Larco Museum
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Iberostar Hotel Lima - 16
Day 16 — Lima - Quito
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Ecuador (flight not included in holiday price). Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Sheraton Quito - 17
Day 17 — Quito
Visit the historical center of Quito, which was the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel to the 'Middle of the World' to stand on the Equator. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Sheraton Quito - 18
Day 18 — Quito - North Seymour Island
Discover a land that inspired Darwin to form his Theory of Natural Selection. On arrival at Baltra airport, transfer to the M/V Galápagos Legend. Set sail to North Seymour Island, an important spot to see magnificent frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions.
North Seymour Island
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: M/V Galápagos Legend - 19
Day 19 — Bartolomé Island - Santiago Island
Travel to Bartolomé Island with your Local Specialist, where a short hike takes you to a lookout with views across the volcanic landscape and the iconic Pinnacle Rock, with Santiago Island in the distance. There's time for a snorkel where you might spot Galápagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks and sea lions.
In the afternoon, visit Sullivan Bay for a walk across its distinctive pahoehoe lava flows. This solidified lava landscape shows clear patterns of past eruptions, making it one of the most geologically interesting sites in the Galápagos. After the hike, enjoy some time on the beach for a swim or snorkel before returning to your cruise for dinner.
Bartolome Island
Santiago Island
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: Included - 20
Day 20 — San Cristobal Island
We journey to Pitt Point this morning, ascending to a high point on the steep volcanic tuff hill to see if we can spot all three of the booby species simultaneously. Cerro Brujo's coral sand beach is our next destination, where we can connect with the resident sea lions or snorkel in the shadow of Witch's Hill.Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: Included - 21
Day 21 — San Cristobal Island - Quito
Enjoy a first-hand encounter with the giant tortoises of La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a tortoise reserve that protects the island's tortoise population. Your Galápagos exhibition at its end, transfer to San Cristobal Airport for your return flight to Quito. Airport arrival time in Quito will be at 7 p.m.; please be aware when booking your flights.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- 20-night hotel accommodation
- 20 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 9 Dinners
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Trip Highlights: Sugar Loaf Mountain by Cable car, Visit Corcovado and the iconic Christ the Redeemer, Learn to Mix a Classic Caipirinha Cocktail, Visit the UNESCO-listed Iguaçu National Park, Explore the Argentinean Iguazú National Park, Visit of the Guarani Community, Visit San Antonio de Areco, Visit a project of the Local Association for Disabled People, Visit a Gaucho Painter Atelier, Gaucho Ranch Experience with a Local Family, The Beautiful Dance of Tango, Buenos Aires City Tour, Chef Ignacio Cooking School and Lunch, Lima City Tour, Learn about Pisco Sour & How to Make a "Chilcano", Visit Manos de la Comunidad, Visit the Pisac Market, Stay with Stories, Meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Master Quechua Weaver, Ollantaytambo Visit, Epic Ride to Machu Picchu, Visit Machu Picchu, Sweet Flavors at Local Chicheria, More Time at Machu Picchu, Cusco City Tour, Visit Ruins of the Sacsayhuamán Fortress, Visit the Larco Museum
Not included
- Service fee for travel director and driver
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and departure city
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals the tour guide arranges
- Optional tours and mandatory fees are not covered in the tour cost; kindly pay these directly to the guide during the tour. For details, please check the daily itinerary. (Costs listed are estimated; the tour guide will provide final confirmation.)
- Travel insurance
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 3 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 4–31 days before | 20% | Cancellation Made Within 4 days to 31 days prior to departure, Refund 20% of total purchase amount |
| 32–92 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 32 days to 92 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 93+ days before | 350% | Cancellation Made 93 or more days prior to departure, only $350 charge handling fee by person |
Important info
Special notes
- Important info:
- PASSPORT: A valid passport with at least six months validity after your return date from Argentina is required to enter the countries of Brazil and Argentina.
- INTERNAL FLIGHTS: Intra - Air Ticketing requires guests to provide passport details including full legal name as appears on passport, passport number, expiration date, country of issue, gender and date of birth. Brochure price includes economy air and related charges for internal flights within South America only.
- LINKING AIR: From your main program is NOT INCLUDED with the Galapagos Cruise extension. Contact Trafalgar or your Travel agent to inquire about purchasing the flight arrangements to Quito. Complimentary transfers are available in conjunction with your Linking Air arrangements from Lima (LIM) to Quito (UIO).
- ELEVATION: Some areas require to walk on uneven terrain or climb stairs without handrails. You should be in good health and walk without assistance. This trip also experiences high elevations (up to 12,000 ft in Cusco), we recommend guests with preexisting medical conditions talk with a doctor prior to travel.
- LUGGAGE: Max one 11 lbs/5 kg piece of hand luggage per person on the train journey to/from Machu Picchu.
- CRUISE EXTENSION: This locally hosted extension is operated with guides and/or hosts. Your Travel Director does not accompany guests on extensions.
- ROUTE: This departure follows the East Cruise program aboard the Galapagos Legend.
- YELLOW FEVER: Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all trips visiting Brazil. Please contact the consulate/embassy and family doctor for further details on medical vaccinations that may be required for specific countries.
- ENTRY TO ARGENTINA:-All non-resident visitors must present proof of valid travel health insurance upon entry to Argentina. The insurance must include coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation. This regulation is being strictly enforced at airports, land borders and maritime ports across the country. Airlines have been instructed to verify insurance coverage before boarding; passengers without proof may be denied boarding. We recommend all travellers have their travel health insurance on hand to present to airlines/border controls.
- BRAZIL VISA: USA & Canadian passport holders require a visa for Brazil. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. See important visa details sent with your invoice. Entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.
- Passports with a minimum of 6 months validity after return date are required and are at your expense.
- Non-US citizens please check if visas are needed with your nearest consulate.
- Day 1 is the start date and first hotel night included with the journey. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
- To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure. - Travel insurance:
- We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip.
- Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events. - Luggage:
- Travelling with the local operator entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”). Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14 cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. Telescopic handles or wheels not permitted.
- Internal flights: Luggage allowance is limited to 1 piece per person (maximum of 20Kg/44lbs) and 1 hand luggage per person (maximum of 7Kg/15lbs).
- We strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
- Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel. - Border crossings and visa requirements:
- Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
- Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
- Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country.
- Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double/Triple Occupancy applies when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Maximum room capacity: 3 people including adult and child/infant.
* Triple room bookings are available on the majority of our tours, suitable for 2 adults and 1 child. When booking your trip, we define a child as somebody aged 5 - 17, we do not accept children under the age of 5. A triple room is not recommended for 3 adults, as the third bed is often a rollaway, which may not be comfortable for an adult.
* If you're on a trip as a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children), then you would require 1 triple room (for 1 adult and 2 children), and 1 double room (1 adult and 1 child).
* Price for Double/Triple Occupancy applies when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Maximum room capacity: 3 people including adult and child/infant.
* Triple room bookings are available on the majority of our tours, suitable for 2 adults and 1 child. When booking your trip, we define a child as somebody aged 5 - 17, we do not accept children under the age of 5. A triple room is not recommended for 3 adults, as the third bed is often a rollaway, which may not be comfortable for an adult.
* If you're on a trip as a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children), then you would require 1 triple room (for 1 adult and 2 children), and 1 double room (1 adult and 1 child).
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$11220
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