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Tall and tan, and young and lovely-expect nothing else on Rio's gorgeous beaches, your launch pad to a South American adventure through vibrant capitals and the Inca heart of Peru.
Travelstyle D Icon
Travel Style - Discoveries
For those wanting to visit multiple countries in a single trip.
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 Welcome Reception.
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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan music while enjoying a traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $112.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Rio de Janeiro Sightseeing
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.
Spend the morning at leisure, then visit a Samba school where you'll 'Dive into Culture', gaining insights into how the school prepares for the pageantry of Carnival week. View the colourful costumes and sway your hips Rio-style as you learn how to Samba. We leave the city behind and fly to Iguassu Falls. This evening, we'll enjoy dinner together at our hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Wish Resort Foz do Iguassu
Explore the Brazil side of Iguassu Falls, joining a Local Specialist in the UNESCO-listed Iguassu National Park for a walk through the rainforest to the base of the falls. Indulge in lunch at a local restaurant against the backdrop of the falls before returning to your resort for an afternoon at leisure. Consider joining one of our optional experiences, including a jetboat ride* to the base of the falls or visit a tropical bird reserve, home to more than 500 species of birds.
This family owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: $55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan Music while enjoying at traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Total duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $120.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires (3 Nights)
Cross the border into Argentina to see the falls from a different perspective. Meet your Local Specialist, then board an open-air ecological jungle train through the rainforest and walk along the catwalk peering down into the swirling waters of Devil's Throat Falls. We leave this force of nature behind for the sophisticated Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Alvear Art
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Buenos Aires Sightseeing
Connect with the seamless mix of European elegance meets Latin energy, joining your 'Local Specialist' for a guided tour of Buenos Aires' most notable sites, including the iconic Casa Rosada and colourful neighbourhood of La Boca. Admire the opulent façade of Teatro Colon, then visit the Recoleta Cemetery, where Argentina's beloved former first lady, Eva Peron (Evita), is buried. This evening, indulge in the delicious flavours of Argentine beef during a Regional Dinner. Later, we'll Dive into Culture, ending the evening with a stirring, sensual Tango performance.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to pursue your own interests in the "Paris of South America". Admire the works of Degas, El Greco and Van Gogh at the Museum of Belles Artes or sample delicious dulce de leche ice-cream at the famous Café Tortoni. Feeling adventurous? Consider an optional trip into the countryside to visit a traditional estancia (ranch), including a lively equestrian show and traditional parrillada (barbecue) lunch. Later, we'll 'Connect with Locals', joining a family at their home in Palermo Soho for a Be My Guest dinner.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Fiesta Gaucha With BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a great day as you head out into the pampas to visit an authentic 3,000 acre (1200 hectare) working estancia (Argentinean ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A BBQ will be served family style by Gauchos. Enjoy activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations. Total duration is approximately 7 hours. (For Private Trafalgar Transportation, a Minimum of 15 Guests is Required.)
Adult Price: $170.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Tigre Delta
Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Your tour includes a cruise on the delta and if you are visiting on Saturdays, you can stroll through the local outdoor market. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Adult Price: $74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Buenos Aires – Lima (2 Nights)
We leave one capital behind for another, travelling to Peru's capital, Lima. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in San Isidro.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Lima
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
Lima Sightseeing
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. 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 lunch before spending the rest of the day at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
La Dama Juana Restaurant And Folklore Show
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 11
Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley
Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Visit the Pisac market displaying Quechua arts and crafts, then continue to a former 18th century colonial-style monastery in the Sacred Valley. Later this afternoon, we arrive at a former 18th century colonial-style monastery in the heart of the Sacred Valley, our hotel for the night. 'Dive into Culture' and meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver, and the first person from her village to attend university. She been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. 'Make a Difference' as your visit helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - El Mapi by Inkaterra
We return to Machu Picchu this morning with an opportunity to explore this mythical fortress on our own terms. If you're feeling energetic, consider hiking up to the Gate of the Sun for thrilling views over the fortress and valley below. 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.
Explore the Incan and Spanish roots of the "Imperial City", unlocking its best kept secrets, including the 17th century Church of Santo Domingo, built atop the foundations of the Inca Temple of the Sun. Later, we'll venture beyond the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city. This evening, we'll gather at a local restaurant for a Regional Dinner of Cusquenian flavours against the backdrop of a traditional dance performance.
Visit Moray, the Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory that consists of four platforms that seem to disappear into a crater. At a depth of 500 feet (150 meters), the overlapping concentric circular stone rings widen as they rise. It was an experimental location the Incas used to study the adaptation of plants with agriculture. Next is the village of Maras, renowned for its ancient salt mines and wells. The salt has been used for economic purposes since the time of the Inca. You will meet the villagers who explain ancient salt mining techniques and have a chance to participate. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 5 Guests)
Adult Price: $86.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum
Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker. Space is limited. Total duration approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 15
Cusco – Lima
A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima late this morning. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, then 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Lima
Say hasta luego to Lima and transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Lima.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan music while enjoying a traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $112.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Bird Park
This family owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: $55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan Music while enjoying at traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Total duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $120.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Fiesta Gaucha With BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a great day as you head out into the pampas to visit an authentic 3,000 acre (1200 hectare) working estancia (Argentinean ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A BBQ will be served family style by Gauchos. Enjoy activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations. Total duration is approximately 7 hours. (For Private Trafalgar Transportation, a Minimum of 15 Guests is Required.)
Adult Price: $170.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Tigre Delta
Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Your tour includes a cruise on the delta and if you are visiting on Saturdays, you can stroll through the local outdoor market. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Adult Price: $74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
La Dama Juana Restaurant And Folklore Show
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 14
Moray And Moras
Visit Moray, the Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory that consists of four platforms that seem to disappear into a crater. At a depth of 500 feet (150 meters), the overlapping concentric circular stone rings widen as they rise. It was an experimental location the Incas used to study the adaptation of plants with agriculture. Next is the village of Maras, renowned for its ancient salt mines and wells. The salt has been used for economic purposes since the time of the Inca. You will meet the villagers who explain ancient salt mining techniques and have a chance to participate. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 5 Guests)
Adult Price: $86.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 14
Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum
Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker. Space is limited. Total duration approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Land transportation included. Where applicable, Intra-air between cities may be included, please contact us for details.
The Trafalgar difference
CONNECT WITH LOCALS
Dine at the home of a local family in the bohemian neighbourhood of Palermo Soho with its European-style houses and hip attitude and see a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular dishes with Chef Ignacio Barrios. (Days 8, 10)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Visit a Samba school to see and experience this symbol of Brazil. Experience the beauty of the Tango and learn about its traditions. Meet a master Quechua weaver and ambassador for Andean traditions. Visit a local chicheria for some traditional chicha tasting. (Days 4, 7, 11, 13)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
For sightseeing on both sides of Iguassu Falls, in Buenos Aires, Lima, Machu Picchu and at the Larco Museum. (Days 5, 6, 7, 12, 15)
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Support the quest to preserve and promote Andean weaving traditions and techniques. (Day 11)
Sightseeing highlights
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CITY TOUR in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco
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SCENIC DRIVE through the Sacred Valley
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SEE the Teatro Colon, Copacabana Beach, the Casa Rosada
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ICONIC TRAIN journey aboard the Vistadome train
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VISIT Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue, Iguassu Falls, Pisac, Ollantaytambo ruins, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, the Larco Museum
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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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
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
South America Revealed Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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4
Coach 9 out of 10 excellent! Hotels: 10 out of 10 (excellent) for at least 4 hotels; Others 8 out of 10 (good)
Travel Directors were excellent! Local Guides four out of six were excellent! Food... keep up the excellent Be my Guest and Regional Meals! I am always game for something different from the countries we are visiting. However, hotel food should provide more international flavours or selections, especially for Asians. Itinerary... great choices of hotels especially Miramar in Rio, Wish Resort in Iguacu and Sonesta in Yucay, and excellent choices of places of interest led by very well trained and informed local guides, with lots of leisure time for own ventures.
Very good standard of Hotels. Yucay Sonesta Posadas Hotel in the Sacred Valley was awesome! Good cultural experiences and cultural visits. Knowledgeable and fun tour guides. Have already recommended this tour to others.
Check out our similar 'South American Discovery' trip. With fewer inclusions on our CostSaver itineraries, you decide what you want to experience.
Crossovers: All 2021 departures will operate as per the 2020 brochure. Itineraries, durations, hotels and inclusions may vary. Please inquire at the time of booking.
Land and Intra Air prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights between Rio de Janeiro-Foz do Iguacu, Cataratas del Iguazu - Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires-Lima, Lima-Cusco and Cusco-Lima and require purchase of round-trip air travel on LATAM between your gateway city and the itinerary's start and end gateway cities. Prices are accurate as of 1 May 2020. For up-to-date information, see Terms and Conditions.
Note: On the train to Machu Picchu, only hand luggage (overnight bag) can be taken. Your suitcase will be securely stored and returned to you in Cusco.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Please note: In some locations, you will be required to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs without handrails. You should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance.
Passport: Guest passport information for flights is required at time of final payment.
Galapagos Legend North Central Cruise (Ref LGCN) available on this departure.
Galapagos Legend East Cruise (Ref LGCE) available on this departure.
Ecuador with Me to We (Ref LECU) available on this departure.
Trafalgar offers a selection of optional itinerary extensions to customize your vacation in South America. Please note, you cannot book these extensions online. To book and for more information, please contact your local Travel Agent or Trafalgar directly. For more information about the optional extensions offered on this program, please go to www.trafalgar.com/extensions.
"Arpoador Rock is tucked in at the end of Ipanema beach. During the day, it's the hotspot in Zona Sul (south zone of Rio) for surfing yet as the day draws to a close, it attracts another type of crowd-those looking to witness a stunning sunset, and the perfect place to end your day at least once when in Rio." Gionia Belmonte, Travel Director
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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