16D12N Highlights of South America

Experience the vibrant cultures and charming diversity of our must-visit Highlights of South America. Join us for a 16 day adventure to Argentina, Brazil and Peru where we cover some of the most incredible destinations and experiences. We tailormade each trip, so you can opt for a small group or private tours with specifics excursions and destinations in South America. Be immersed in the culture and traditions of these countries, which are rich in natural beauty and history.

Validity: Valid for travel January to December 2024

Tour Duration:  16 Days 12 Nights

Key Features:

  • Traditional tango show with roundtrip transfers - Buenos Aires
  • Iconic buildings like the Cathedral - view  the final home of José de San Martín
  • Panoramic view of the falls on the Argentinean side - including the Devil's Throat
  • The Iguassu National Park - forms a vital rainforest area
  • Glass cable cars take us to the top - offering stunning views of the bay and islands
  • Sugar Loaf's summit
  • Luz Station - the city's oldest train station
  • Visit the 17th-century San Francisco Convent - including its ancient underground cemetery
  • Enjoy a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes
  • Machu Picchu - one of the seven wonders of the world

 

 

Itinerary at a Glance:

Location: Hotels: Room Type:
Buenos Aires Nh Florida Buenos Aires (4 Stars) Standard Room
Iguazu Falls El Pueblito (3 Stars) Master Room
Sao Paulo Laghetto Stilo (5 Stars) Standard Room
Rio De Janeiro Novotel Leme (4 Stars) Superior Room
Lima Pullman Lima Miraflores (5 Stars) Superior Room
Cusco Novotel (4 Stars) Standard Room
Aguas Calientes Sumaq Hotel Machu Picchu (5 Stars) Deluxe Garden View

 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Airport arrival. Meet your local guide and be transferred to your hotel.

 

Day 2: Buenos Aires 

Explore the North area of Buenos Aires: Tigre & Delta. Tigre, the gateway to Paraná River Delta. Lunch at Il Novo Maria del Luján Restaurant. Visit the elegant Paseo Victorica, where the Tigre Club & Casino is located. Presently housing the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy a traditional tango show with roundtrip transfers at Cafe de los Angelitos.

Activities & Services:

  • The Paraná River Delta sail
  • The Il Novo Maria del Luján Restaurant
  • The Paseo Victorica
  • The Municipal Museum of Fine Arts
  • Cafe de los Angelitos
  • Tango show with roundtrip transfer

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 3: Buenos Aires 

Explore Buenos Aires starting at Plaza de Mayo, home to iconic buildings like the Cathedral, the final home of José de San Martín. Visit Palermo, Retiro and Recoleta to understand why Buenos Aires is called the “Paris of South America”. Then, see Plaza San Martín, Alvear Avenue, and Recoleta Cemetery, including Eva Peron’s grave. Continue to Puerto Madero, San Telmo, and La Boca's Caminito Street. Enjoy a typical bodegón lunch and free afternoon. Dinner is provided at a local restaurant.

Activities & Services:

  • Plaza de Mayo
  • The Cathedral
  • The Palermo, Retiro and Recoleta
  • The Plaza San Martín
  • The Alvear Avenue
  • The Recoleta Cemetery
  • Puerto Madero, San Telmo, and La Boca's Caminito Street

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 4: Buenos Aires – Iguazu Falls 

Upon arrival, your local guide will welcome you and guide you to the Argentinean side of the National Park. The Iguazú National Park, located 11 miles from Puerto Iguazú, is part of the Paraná Jungle eco-region. It hosts the Iguazú Waterfalls: 275 cascades reaching nearly 260 feet in altitude. Experience the Upper Circuit for a panoramic view of the falls on the Argentinean side, including the Devil's Throat. Lunch provided in the park before you head to your hotel.

Activities & Services:

  • Argentinean side of the National Park
  • Iguazú National Park
  • Upper Circuit
  • Devil's Throat

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 5: Iguazu Fall – Sao Paulo

After breakfast, we'll cross into Brazil to explore the Brazilian side National Park. A glass elevator will take us to a platform. The Iguassu National Park, alongside its "sister" park in Argentina, forms a vital rainforest area, designated as a UNESCO National Heritage Site. Lunch provided in the park before heading to the airport for our flight to Foz de Iguaçu. Upon arrival in Sao Paulo, transfer to your hotel. Dinner included at a local restaurant.

Activities & Services:

  • Brazilian side National Park
  • UNESCO National Heritage Site

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 6: Sao Paulo – Rio De Janeiro

After breakfast, we'll explore Sao Paulo's main attractions. Our itinerary starts at Luz Station, the city's oldest train station, followed by Italy Terrace, Municipal Theatre, Chá Viaduct, Banespa Building, Schoolyard, and Sé Cathedral. We'll venture inside the cathedral before heading to Libertade neighborhood and the financial center of Sao Paulo. Along Paulista Avenue, we'll see modern landmarks like the MASP (Art Museum of São Paulo). Our tour concludes at Ibirapuera Park and its museum by Oscar Niemeyer. After lunch, we'll head directly to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, we'll be transferred to our hotel in the Copacabana area.

Activities & Services:

  • Luz Station oldest train station
  • The Cathedral
  • Libertade neighbourhood
  • MASP (Art Museum of São Paulo)
  • Ibirapuera Park

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 7: Rio De Janeiro 

After breakfast, depart from the hotel for a private tour of Rio de Janeiro's landmarks. Drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon to Corcovado Hill. Board a train for a scenic ride up the mountain to the Christ the Redeemer statue. At the top, guests can use panoramic elevators or escalators to approach the statue.

Enjoy a traditional "churrasco" barbecue lunch before returning to your hotel. Rest until dinner, which includes a local Brazilian dance show.

Activities & Services:

  • Rio de Janeiro's landmarks.
  • Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
  • Corcovado Hill.
  • Christ the Redeemer statue

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 8: Rio De Janeiro – Lima 

After our Brazilian breakfast, we'll head to another Rio icon: Sugar Loaf!

Situated on a small peninsula at Guanabara Bay's entrance, its name derives from its resemblance to a sugar loaf. Glass cable cars take us to the top, starting at Urca Hill, offering stunning views of the bay and islands. Then, a second cable car ascends to Sugar Loaf's summit, providing a 360-degree panorama of the city, including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado Mountain, and downtown Rio de Janeiro.

After lunch, head to the airport for flight to Lima. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to the hotel.

Activities & Services:

  • Sugar Loaf
  • Urca Hill Glass cable cars

Included: Breakfast and Lunch

 

Day 9: Lima 

Our exploration of Colonial Lima starts at the Main Square. Walk and view the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and City Hall. Inside the Cathedral, discover various chapels showcasing different architectural styles and learn about Peru's religious history. Visit the 17th-century San Francisco Convent, including its ancient underground cemetery, the "Catacombs." Finally, we'll head to Huaca Pucllana for lunch at this sacred site. Remaining of day at leisure until dinner.

Activities & Services:

  • Main Square
  • The Cathedral
  • San Francisco Convent
  • Huaca Pucllana

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 10: Lima – Cusco 

Your guide will pick you up for transfer to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival at Cusco airport, meet your local guide and begin your city tour, including lunch.

Start at Plaza de Armas, originally the main square of the Incas called Huacaypata, now featuring colonial charm with Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Jesus. Next, visit Qoricancha, the Sun god temple with legendary gold-lined walls. Explore San Pedro Market for local colors and flavours, and stroll through the narrow streets of San Blas for a stunning city view. Dinner with live show awaits at Tunupa restaurant.

Activities & Services:

  • Guided tour at Lima
  • Plaza de Armas
  • Qoricancha
  • Live show dinner at Tunupa restaurant

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 11: Cusco – Machu Picchu – Agua Calientes

Explore the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, lunch included.
We'll pick you up from your hotel and head to the train station. Enjoy a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Follow our local guide on a tour of the citadel, then savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in this small town.

Activities & Services:

  • Machu Picchu
  • Aguas Calientes

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 12: Aguas Calientes – Cusco 

Morning at leisure to go for a second entrance In Machu Picchu or do some shopping. Travel back to Cusco for farewell dinner and final overnight in Peru.

Activities & Services:

  • Machu Picchu
  • Cusco for farewell dinner

Note: Entrance and roundtrip bus included in Machu Picchu. Guide not included.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 13: Departure 

Breakfast and check out. At scheduled time, transfer to the airport for taking the departure flight to Lima and connect with your flight back home.

Included: Breakfast

 

Please note: This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of what to expect on the tour but is not set in stone. What we actually do on a given day is flexible and can be tailored based on the interests of the group.

 

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: 

  • Accommodation, meals and private transfers/ activities with bilingual professional guide service (English). Air -conditioning transportation.
  • National Park tickets, museums or Natural reserves entrances unless mentioned otherwise in the itinerary.
  • All taxes and reservation expenses, according to inclusions and exclusions of each country. The only document to validate exemptions is a valid passport.
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu on bus tickets.
  • Expedition train to/from Machu Picchu.
  • Transfers are calculated based on one piece of 23kg luggage per person. In case of excess, a luggage truck at an additional cost may be required. Different vehicle types can be used in different countries.
  • 1 Tour Leader free of charge from 10 guests paid.

 

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES: 

  • International and Domestic airfare or airport taxes (If any).
  • Room tax in Brazil: USD 2 to 7 per room per night depending on the city and hotel category. This is not mandatory to pay.
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Gratuities, tips for guides, drivers, porters, waiters, etc.
  • Expenses of personal nature (laundry, beverages, telephone calls, etc.).
  • Early check-in and late check-out (check-in is generally at 3pm- check -out at 11am)

 


This itinerary and its package inclusions might be changed later in time, subject to availability.

 

AIRFARE TERMS  

  • All Airfare reservations are arranged subject to the conditions imposed by the respective airline 
  • 100% of the confirmed total booking value of all airline reservations is payable on the date of confirmation. 
  • Airline Reservations are 100% non-refundable 

 

TRIPLE SHARING POLICY: 

  • NO REDUCTION FOR TRIPLE SHARE ADULTS in South African Hotels. 
  • Please check on the triple sharing policy for the individual hotels upon request. 
  • Note that single supplement is payable for stay in hotels that are unable to accommodate 3rd adult. 

 

CHILD POLICY: 

  • A maximum of 2 children under 12 years of age is allowed to share with a maximum of 2 full paying adults. A maximum of 2 children per family group is allowed at discounted rates. 
  • A child of 12 years and older will be charged the full applicable adult per person rate. If a child shares with only 1 adult, the child will pay the full applicable adult sharing rate. 
  • Certain accommodation establishments refuse permission to children less than 12 years of age, e.g., certain private game lodges. Supplier child conditions will apply in these cases. 
  • Certain accommodation establishments only accept children in family units. These units are often in limited supply and subject to availability. Acceptance of any child on discounted conditions is therefore subject to availability and confirmation of such units. 

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