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South America

Discover South America

 
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20262027
Duration
14 days
From per person
$6,399 $5,999
Tour code
LAG27
Mobility Rating 3
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Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Embark on a tour of South America's highlights, from Peru's ancient Incan cities to Argentina's modern capital, the Sacred Valley to Iguazú National Park

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime tour of South America's impressive cities, astonishing natural wonders and ancient treasures.

From the fascinating Peruvian capital of Lima, enter the magical Sacred Valley and visit the iconic "Lost City" of Machu Picchu in its breathtaking location amid emerald-green hills, floating mist and soaring peaks.

Explore Incan relics in Cusco, discover dynamic Buenos Aires and its tango heritage, encounter the Iguazú Falls from both Argentina and Brazil, and discover stunning Rio de Janeiro with heritage rail trips up to the Statue of Christ and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Unforgettable Experiences

Touring the cities of Lima, Cusco, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro
Touring the cities of Lima, Cusco, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro
With knowledgeable local guides, we explore four great cities, each with a fascinating heritage and eclectic architecture – from pre-Columbian to Spanish colonial, classical to modernist.
Discovering the wonders of the ancient site of Machu Picchu
Discovering the wonders of the ancient site of Machu Picchu
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel set amid soaring emerald-green peaks – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Experiencing the exhilarating Iguazú Falls
Experiencing the exhilarating Iguazú Falls
Feel the powerful force of the Iguazú Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. This extensive waterfall system is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and New Wonder of the World.
Enjoying an authentic tango performance in Buenos Aires
Enjoying an authentic tango performance in Buenos Aires
This emotive partner dance originated in the streets of Buenos Aires in the 1880s. After a group dinner in the Argentinian capital, we experience an authentic and impassioned show of this historic dance form.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Starting your South American journey

This discovery tour of South America's highlights begins today as you touch down in the Peruvian capital. Independently, make your way to our modern, four-star hotel in the cosmopolitan Miraflores district. Take some time to settle in, then meet the Tour Manager and your travel group for a welcome meeting before we set out on a guided coach tour of Lima.

Lima's history dates to pre-Columbian times, and it was later colonized by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. On our tour, we visit the well-preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with free time in the Plaza d'Armas, the city's birthplace. We also see the church and convent of San Francisco and explore its beautiful courtyards and catacombs. In Miraflores, we visit the Parque del Amor, a colorful park with mosaics reminiscent of Barcelona's Park Guell.

We return to the hotel in time for a three-course dinner this evening. Overnight Lima.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2 Into the Scared Valley of the Incas

We wake early this morning to catch an internal flight to Cusco. On arrival, we transfer by coach to our hotel in the Sacred Valley, a journey of two hours into spectacular mountain landscapes. Stopping enroute, we take part in a Coca Kintu ceremony - an ancient custom in which good wishes are sent to the Pachamama goddess of the Indigenous peoples of the Andes, and the mountain spirits - to show gratitude for their protection during our trip.

Situated in the Peruvian Highlands and encircled by the peaks of the High Andes, the Sacred Valley was once the beating heart of the Incan empire. Today, it is a peaceful region of fertile farmland, soaring mountains and traditional villages, stretching for more than 60 miles.

After checking in to our hotel, a mountain chalet-style retreat with views of the Sacred Valley, there's time to relax before dinner. Overnight Yanahuara.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3Touring Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley

After breakfast, we set off on a full-day excursion. We follow the course of the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley, to the town of Pisac. Here, we visit the colonial town, which has a fabulous market selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and textiles.

After lunch at a restaurant in Pisac, we continue to Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of this fascinating town at the center of the royal Incan estate. The ancient fortress has important features such as the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain. In the Old Town, we discover an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings, where residents still live in accordance with their ancient traditions.

If time allows, we visit a typical Chicheria, where the fermented maize drink of Chicha is prepared. We are transferred back to our hotel at the end of the afternoon, and your evening is free to dine independently. Besides the gourmet restaurant at our hotel, there are others nearby serving both Peruvian and international cuisine. Overnight Yanahuara.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY4Excursion to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas

Today is a major highlight of our holiday and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After breakfast, we transfer to the station where we board the scenic Expedition (or Voyager) Train for an unforgettable trip to Aguas Calientes, visiting the "Lost City of the Incas" - the iconic site of Machu Picchu.

On arrival in Aguas Calientes, a winding bus ride takes us up to Machu Picchu itself where we're greeted by one of the most incredible sights in the world - an ancient Incan citadel built amid the drifting clouds, mountains, and forested peaks of Peru. Our local guide explains the intriguing history of this awe-inspiring landmark, forgotten for 400 years before being rediscovered in 1911. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

We return by coach to Aguas Calientes where there's free time over lunch, then return by rail to Ollantaytambo and on to Cusco, where we spend the next two nights. This evening is at leisure to dine locally and there is a wide selection of restaurants to choose from in Cusco. Overnight Cusco.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY5Day 5 - Touring Cusco, the “Archaeological Capital of the Americas”

One of the most important Incan cities, Cusco blends indigenous and colonial Spanish architecture. On a guided tour this morning, we visit the Plaza de Armas in the historic center, see the Cusco Cathedral, then continue on foot to the Temple of Qorikancha, the Incan Temple of the Sun. Meaning "golden temple" in Peru's indigenous language, Quechua, the temple was originally covered in solid gold, with more shimmering treasures inside. However, its gems were looted by Spanish conquistadors and much of the stone was used to construct the adjoining Santo Domingo convent.

Our tour continues to the Bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, an artistic quarter, where the rest of the day is at leisure. This is a charming location to find some lunch, and perhaps wander the colorful streets, browsing the galleries and stores.

This evening, we reconvene to dine at a restaurant within walking distance of our hotel, where we enjoy a traditional folk performance with our meal. Overnight Cusco.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY6Welcome to stylish Buenos Aires

Today, after an early breakfast, we are transferred to Cusco airport for an internal flight to Lima and then on to the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires, where we arrive in the evening and are taken by coach to our central hotel.

With the rest of the evening free, you may like to soak up the atmosphere in the historic streets around our hotel. We are only a short distance from the city's impressive Palacio Barolo, a unique building which pays homage to the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.

Dining out in Buenos Aires is a real pleasure; the only difficulty is deciding on a restaurant. From sizzling steakhouses to Argentine pizza restaurants and upmarket seafood venues, this world-class city has an international reputation for exceptional cuisine. Overnight Buenos Aires.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY7 Guided tour of Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America”

This morning, we're introduced to Argentina's capital on a guided tour of the finest sights of Buenos Aires, known as the "Paris of South America". Discovering glamorous neighborhoods such as La Recoleta, known for its Parisian-style townhouses, we also visit the resting place of First Lady Eva Perón, or Evita, who is buried at the local cemetery, one of the most beautiful in the world.

Our tour also includes the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral with its spectacular dome; Palermo, the largest neighborhood of Buenos Aires; and Plaza de Mayo, overlooked by Casa Rosada, the presidential palace.

From lunchtime, you are free for the rest of the afternoon, and you may like to explore some of the sights we have seen further or continue at your own pace and visit one of the city's museums or galleries. This evening, we enjoy a relaxed dinner with our group before an authentic and impassioned Argentine Tango show, backed by a quintet which covers music from the 1920s to Argentina's most renowned tango composer, Astor Piazzola. Overnight Buenos Aires.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY8 A day at leisure in Buenos Aires

With a full day to explore, you could visit one or two of the city's other districts - each has its own unique style and distinct atmosphere. One popular district is La Boca, a colorful neighborhood which was first populated by Spanish and Italian immigrants in the mid-19th century and has been a favorite of artists for generations. Caminito Street in La Boca is a vibrant pedestrian-friendly area which has functioned as an open-air museum and art market since 1959. San Telmo, another artistic quarter, is the city's oldest neighborhood, characterized by cobbled streets and antique stores.

This evening, you could visit some of the city's cultural centers, such as the Teatro Colón, the Teatro General San Martin, or the Teatro Nacional Cervantes. These venues are as famous for their architecture as they are for their theater, opera and ballet performances.

For dinner, you could head to a cozy restaurant and experience two of the things Argentina is particularly well known for - red wine and steak. Overnight Buenos Aires.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY9To Puerto Iguazú on the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay 

This morning, we leave the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and head into nature again. We are driven to the airport for a two-hour flight to Iguazú. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Puerto Iguazú, arriving at the end of the afternoon for a two-night stay.

Our hotel overlooks the Iguazú River, an important tributary of the Paraná River - together these two rivers form the three borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Nearby, is the National Park of Iguazú and, marking the border between Argentina and Brazil, the tremendous waterfalls of Iguazú, which we visit tomorrow.

Settle in amidst these incredible surroundings before we dine together at our hotel this evening. Overnight Puerto Iguazú.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY10 Viewing the Iguazú Falls from Argentina 

Today is another highlight of our holiday, as we head out after breakfast on a coach excursion to the Argentine side of the spectacular Iguazú Falls. We enter the lush subtropical rainforest of the national park with our local guide, walking into the heart of the falls, where there are fantastic views of this extensive waterfall system made up of 275 powerful, cascading falls. Taking the lower circuit, we experience the invigorating effect of the iridescent spray. In this unspoiled wilderness, we may just catch a glimpse of the resident capuchin monkeys.

We continue to the Upper Falls, to a dramatic U-shaped section named Devil's Throat, described as "an ocean plunging into an abyss". Stopping at the main balcony and viewing point, we can watch the roaring water descend from a height of 269 feet.

In the mid-afternoon we are transferred back to our hotel in Puerto Iguazú, and the remainder of the day is free to enjoy at your own pace. Overnight Puerto Iguazú.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY11 The Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls and on to Rio de Janeiro 

Today we travel west of the rainforest, to the confluence of the mighty Paraná and Iguazú rivers, for a better view of the main sources of this epic waterfall system. On a half-day tour, we follow the main circuit on the Brazilian side of the Iguazú Falls with a local expert who points out the fauna and flora of this vast subtropical rainforest. This is one of the largest forest reserves in South America and a World Heritage site.

With the waterfalls constantly in sight, we follow an elevated route of 3,280 feet, just above the river level, where we can look out from the bridge across the water. From this point, an elevator takes us up to the Salto Floriano viewing platform.

There's time for a short break over lunchtime, before we transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Rio de Janeiro. Arriving this evening, we are transferred by coach to our hotel, ideally located opposite Leme beach. The rest of the evening is free to get to know our new surroundings, and to dine independently. Overnight Rio de Janeiro.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY12 Exploring Rio and visiting the statue of Christ  

The vibrant metropolis of Rio awaits on a sightseeing tour this morning. First, we board the Corcovado Rack Railway to ascend Corcovado Mountain, travelling up to a viewing platform where the awe-inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooks the city. Our short but steep journey takes us through lush rainforest with views over the beaches and turquoise waters of the South Atlantic, across to the favelas, and down to the city. Looking out over the city, this colossal Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ paints an enduring image of Brazil and is one of the New Wonders of the World.

We descend Corcovado on the railway then visit the Botanical Gardens, where there's time to wander among thousands of varieties of indigenous and exotic plants and soak up the scents and colors.

Continuing by coach to a local restaurant, we enjoy a typical Brazilian churrascaria-style barbecue lunch. The rest of the day is free to explore, and you could take a stroll along the waterfront or enjoy people watching at a beach café. Overnight Rio de Janeiro.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY13A cable car trip to iconic Sugarloaf Mountain

Today's explorations start after breakfast, with a journey by cable car up the world-famous Sugarloaf Mountain. This distinctive landmark soars almost 1,300 feet into the air, a natural wonder named for its resemblance to a loaf of refined sugar. From our spectacular vantage point, we enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across the harbor area and Guanabara Bay.

After a break to enjoy lunch independently, our tour continues into the mid-afternoon. We visit the Sambadrome where Rio's famous carnival is held and view the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral and Municipal Theatre - an elegant opera house built in an eclectic Art Nouveau style.

The tour concludes mid-day, at which time you are welcome to continue sightseeing at your own pace. We reconvene at the hotel this evening and have our final dinner together in South America. Overnight Rio de Janeiro.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY14Traveling home

This South American adventure has taken us from the ancient temples of Peru to the waterfalls and rivers of Argentina and Brazil. We have also been introduced to the treasures of Lima, the cultural heritage of Buenos Aires, and the striking landmarks of Rio de Janeiro.

As our adventure wraps up, enjoy a relaxing morning at your own pace - maybe take a walk along the beach or a dip in the hotel pool - before you independently transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please Note

* This tour includes an excursion at high altitude that may be unsuitable for people with some medical conditions.  

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Grand Hotel Brizo, Buenos Aires
Grand Hotel Brizo, Buenos Aires
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Costa del Sol Wyndham Hotel, Cusco
Costa del Sol Wyndham Hotel, Cusco
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Casa Andina Select Miraflores, Lima
Casa Andina Select Miraflores, Lima
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02 Iguazú, Puerto Iguazú
02 Iguazú, Puerto Iguazú
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Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel, Yanahuara
Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel, Yanahuara
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Arena Leme Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Arena Leme Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
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Enhance your holiday

Extend your stay

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Vacations By Rail would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.

Explore More

Select from a variety of exciting excursions and sightseeing opportunities to enhance your rail vacation.