South America

Name: Impressions of South America
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 3671.0 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (60 reviews)

Destination guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real South America in a way like no other. Home to the world’s biggest rainforest, largest river and tallest waterfall, South America is a continent of dizzying natural splendour. You’ll marvel at the power of the Iguazu Falls, cruise the giant glaciers of Patagonia, climb the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and see Galapagos wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Beyond the natural wonders, you’ll also discover an energy quite like no other. A diverse current of cultures runs through the continent and when you travel South America with Trafalgar, we’ll have you dancing the samba in Brazil, cooking up a storm in Lima, and meeting members of one of Colombia’s most reclusive indigenous tribes. Climb the mountains of Brazil and sail the volcanic islands of Ecuador. Swing from the tango halls in Buenos Aires to a traditional Andean weaving class in Peru’s Sacred Valley. There’s a thrilling adventure to be found in every corner of South America. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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Waterfalls On Sunny Day, Iguazu, Argentina

South America at a glance

Home to the world’s biggest rainforest, largest river and tallest waterfall, South America is a continent of dizzying splendour. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and marvel at the Iguazu Falls, Patagonia glaciers, Machu Picchu ruins and unique Galapagos wildlife, and encounter an vibrant current of cultures.

Countries

Largest Country

Brazil

Smallest Country

Suriname

"I love watching our guests discover the fascinating cultures of South America, from dancing the tango in Buenos Aires, to learning the traditional art of Andean weaving in Peru."

Travel Director

Trek the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu

Walk the ancient pathway of the Incas and ascend to Machu Picchu, known as the Lost City in the Clouds. You’ll explore this UNESCO site with a Local Specialist, who will reveal the mysteries of the great Incan civilisation. See the iconic Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and a centuries-old sundial.
Enjoy the views of Iguazu Falls

Stretching across Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are a monumental feat of nature. It’s the largest waterfall system in the world, and we’ll take you on an eco-train through the rainforest and along the catwalks to see the thundering waters. We’ll also show you the crown jewel of Iguazu, the mighty Devil’s Throat.
Climb Corcovado & admire Rio de Janeiro beneath you

Rising from the Tijuca Forest, Corcovado is a towering peak, visible from all over Rio de Janeiro. We’ll climb aboard a cogwheel train and make the journey to the summit, where you’ll find the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Marvel at this 38-metre sculpture and soak up the spectacular views of the city.
Take in the epic views in Patagonia

Our South America trips take you to the ends of the earth to Patagonia, a magnificent wilderness spanning Argentina and Chile. You’ll discover turquoise lakes, colossal glaciers, incredible wildlife and the rugged Andes mountains. Our Local Specialists will guide you through fjords and icefields, and introduce you to the ancient history and culture of Patagonia.
Discover the wildlife in Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands is one of the best places to travel in South America, with some of the world’s best wildlife viewing and scores of species found nowhere else on earth. We’ll go in search of the endemic wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin, including penguins, fur seals and the giant Galapagos tortoise.

Our top 5 things to do in South America

We’ll show you where to travel in South America, from the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu to the beautiful glacial wilderness of Patagonia.

Brazil
Museum of Tomorrow

Set in a massive futuristic building, the Museum of Tomorrow reveals a glimpse of life in the future. The museum combines science with art, and displays digital ideas rather than objects and artefacts. Discover exhibitions on the Cosmos, Earth and Tomorrow, with interactive experiments and new initiatives for a sustainable world.
Peru
Museo Inka

The Museo Inka is one of the world’s best museums on the Inca Empire. It’s filled with ancient mummies, crockery, jewellery, textiles, models, goldwork and the world’s largest collection of queros (ceremonial wooden drinking vessels). You can easily spend a few hours immersing yourself in the extraordinary world of the Incas.
Argentina
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Originally built in Paris, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes was moved to Buenos Aires in the early 1900s. Housed in a beautiful building, the museum holds the largest collection of art in Latin America and an excellent collection of European art, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Best museums in South America

Our tours of South America take you to all the best museums across the continent, from the vivid history of the Incas, to a fascinating look into the future.

Empanadas

Empanadas are one of the most-loved South American dishes. Their name means ‘enbreaded’, or wrapped in bread, and they’re made by folding dough over a stuffing of meat, cheese or vegetables. They can be baked or fried, and you’ll find these tasty treats on streets all over the continent.
Moqueca

The Brazilians have been making moqueca for the past 300 years, and it’s the quintessential dish of Afro-Brazilian culture. Originally from Bahia, the dish is made from fresh fish mixed with coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, onions, lime and coriander. Our Local Specialists will show you their favourite places to taste this delicious stew.
Traditional Asado

An asado is a traditional Argentine barbecue and a beloved part of the country’s culture. You’ll find a variety of meat such as beef, chicken, pork and chorizo, grilled on a parrilla (open fire). Served with red wine and salads, you can find asados on street corners across the country.

Best food in South America

The best South American holidays soak up the superb cuisine of the region, and we’ll show you all the top places to taste traditional Latin dishes.

What to pack for South America

All climate clothing

When you tour Latin America, you’ll need clothing to cover a range of climates, from the icy fjords of Patagonia, to the dripping jungles of Brazil.

Versatile shoes

You’ll encounter a variety of terrains in South America, and you’ll need to pack shoes that can take you from hiking the Inca Trail to dancing the tango in Buenos Aires.

Camera

South America is filled with some of the world’s most astonishing scenery, so be sure to bring a camera to capture all the magical moments.

Blank journal

You’re bound to be struck by inspiration as you encounter the landscapes and people of South America. A journal is a great way to record your memories to share with friends back home.

Headphones

You’ll cover some epic distances when you travel Latin America, and a pair of headphones will provide some entertainment as you gaze out at the passing vistas.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Our South America destinations

Brazil

Chile

Argentina

Costa Rica