South American Explorer: Brazil, Argentina and Peru
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22days from
£7,077*per person
Overview
Discover a trio of remarkable, contrasting countries as you gaze in awe at Iguazú’s plunging waters, take in the jaw-dropping views from Sugarloaf and Corcovado mountains and spend an unforgettable day at Machu Picchu. You’ll start in Brazil, staying opposite the lively Copacabana Beach, then head west to Iguazú Falls and Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant capital. From here, you’ll travel to Lima and spend 11 wonderful days exploring Peru, with its fascinating Inca treasures, colonial cities and awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
Itinerary
- Fly to Brazil - Fly overnight, via São Paulo, to Rio de Janeiro.
- Arrive in Rio - Meet your tour manager when you arrive in Rio and transfer to your hotel. Rest and relax, enjoying an included welcome drink at the hotel this evening. Dinner is at leisure tonight.
- Sugarloaf Mountain - Begin your South American adventure with a half-day included tour that, as well as introducing downtown Rio, features a cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain. The spectacular 360-degree views from atop the mountain are unforgettable. This evening, enjoy an included drink at a local carioca bar close to your hotel before the chance to take in an optional Ginga Tropical Show in town. This show combines Brazil’s diversity and cultures through different styles of dance, music and live performances and concludes with a carnival-inspired finale. Dinner is at leisure tonight.
- Christ the Redeemer - Continue your exploration of Rio today with an excursion to a wonder of the world – the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain. Drive through lush suburbs to the Cosmo Velho cog-railway station, and journey up to the giant figure, then take the lift or escalator – or brave the stairs – up to the viewpoint. Return to Rio via the famous beach districts of Ipanema and Leblon. This evening, enjoy your final evening in Rio with an included dinner at an authentic Brazilian steak restaurant.
- Fly to Iguazú Falls - Early this morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Iguazú Falls, the world-famous cascades which mark the meeting point of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Travel by coach through the lush foliage to your resort hotel on the Brazilian side of the Falls where you'll spend the next two nights. Later this morning, start your exploration of the UNESCO-listed Iguazú National Park with a scenic walk along a series of foliage-lined pathways that will lead you to the Falls. Watch the region's untouched ecosystems in action as you pass verdant forests and flourishing wildflowers which are constantly fed by moisture from the magnificent nearby waterfalls. Walk out over the footbridge, and ride the panoramic lift, to enjoy the sweeping views across Iguazú's 275 plunging cataracts. Dinner will be served back at the hotel later this evening.
- Included tour of Iguazú Falls National Park - Cross the border into Argentina this morning and witness a different side to the Falls. Still within the boundaries of the Iguazú National Park, the Argentinian side is a stunning jungle refuge for big cats, monkeys, tapirs and countless colourful bird species. Here, you’ll enjoy a choice of fascinating guided walks, accompanied by a park ranger, as well as a 25-minute train ride to see the most spectacular of the torrents – the famous Devil’s Throat – from a series of walkways and footbridges. This evening, return to the hotel and find dinner at your own leisure.
- Optional Iguazú Falls helicopter ride and flight to Buenos Aires - Take the morning at your own pace today or embark on an optional helicopter flight above the magnificent Iguazú Falls. On this 10-minute flight, you'll enjoy unrestricted views of the falls and their surrounding rainforest before travelling back to the hotel for a quick refresh ahead of this afternoon's flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, meet your Argentinian tour manager and transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner at your own leisure.
- Included Buenos Aires city tour - Today you'll enjoy a guided introduction to Buenos Aires. See Plaza de Mayo’s parliament buildings, the tango district of San Telmo, the famously colourful La Boca district, the chic Puerto Madero riverside area and La Recoleta – the Argentinian capital's most elegant neighbourhood. Return to the hotel at the end of a wonderful day, perhaps joining in the optional dinner at the nearby Revire Restaurant.
- Optional El Ombu de Areco Ranch excursion - Discover more of the enthralling Buenos Aires under your own steam today, or join an exciting optional excursion into the pampas grassland Leave Buenos Aires and drive to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of Argentina's 'gaucho' traditions. Arrive at El Ombu de Areco, a traditional, 741-acre ranch dedicated to agriculture and animal farming. Here, the ranch's impressive late-colonial style mansion, built by Lieutenant-general Pablo Riccheri in 1880, and its magnificent “casco” promise an unforgettably immersive taste of Argentine culture. Enjoy a full day following the Areco River on horseback riding or, if you'd prefer, follow the same route on foot, before settling in for a traditional asado (BBQ lunch) that includes fine meats, salads, wine, and dessert. Later this afternoon, enjoy an intimate folklore show as a gaucho plays the guitar and see a horse-riding skills demonstration. However you choose to spend your day, return to your Buenos Aires hotel for the evening.
- Fly to Lima - Enjoy a day at leisure in Buenos Aires, perhaps revisiting some attractions or places of interest from the city tour, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Lima. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Lima for a good night’s rest.
- Lima city tour - A guided sightseeing tour brings to life the Peruvian capital. Founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima is a thriving city of some nine million inhabitants that boasts a number of UNESCO-listed historic treasures, legacies of Spanish colonialism. This evening, choose from a vast selection of dining opportunities: Lima is renowned as one of South America's liveliest culinary centres.
- Fly to Cusco and the Sacred Valley - Today you'll fly east from Lima to the Inca stronghold of Cusco. From here you'll travel by coach into the fabled Sacred Valley of the Incas, where highlights will include a visit to the tiny Andean town of Ccaccaccollo, where the ancient Inca techniques of weaving and fabric-dyeing live on.
- Inca treasures of the Sacred Valley - Continue your exploration of the Sacred Valley, today. Visit Pisac, with its substantial Inca ruins and colourful market, and Ollantaytambo, home to the remains of a monumental Inca fortress from which the Inca organised resistance against Hernando Pizarro (conquistador brother of Lima’s Francisco). Highlights of your day will be a visit to an indigenous community ‘Potato Park’ and a traditional lunch. You’ll then spend a second night in the Valley, in preparation for tomorrow’s extraordinary day.
- Magical Machu Picchu - Today is sure to be a highlight of your holiday as you travel by narrow-gauge railway to the spa town of Aguas Calientes. Take in the panoramic views of the astonishing Andean scenery through the enormous windows of your comfortable, modern Vistadome carriage, and then transfer to the bus for the final leg of your journey, zig-zagging up through the jungle to Machu Picchu, the breath-taking Lost City of the Incas. This extraordinary mountaintop citadel in the heart of the Andean jungle is an absolutely unforgettable place, part military outpost, part secret retreat of Inca rulers or estate built in honour of Inca chief Pachacuti. At the end of the day, you’ll travel back to Cusco via Aguas Calientes for a two-night stay in the ‘archaeological capital of South America’.
- Cusco city tour - The Incas called Cusco the 'Navel of the World', and its citadel (reputedly shaped like a puma) was an intricate maze of palaces and gilded temples upon which the conquering Spanish built their colonial city. It remains one of the world’s most enthralling settlements, and today's guided tour will bring to life the city’s fascinating history and most important landmarks.
- On to Puno - You'll have a very early start, this morning, as you board your well-appointed coach for the 10.5-hour journey through the high Andean plains to Puno. Alternatively, you may choose to take the PeruRail Titicaca Train (supplement applies). As you travel through the startling landscape, you'll make plenty of stops, including for a gourmet lunch, and arrive in lakeside Puno late this afternoon to spend the first of two evenings in the colourful capital of Peruvian folklore.
- Included Lake Titicaca cruise - Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake and the mythological birthplace of the Inca civilisation, awaits today on an unforgettable cruise. While traversing this spectacular lake keep an eye out for its shore-side and island communities, where a unique way of life has been preserved for centuries, and the vibrant Andean wildlife. Exploring Titicaca’s waters, you’ll travel by boat to the floating island homes of the Uros people, stepping aboard their reed-bound, man-made islands to learn how they maintain their traditions and way of life. You’ll then cruise to Taquile Island, where an uphill walk will be rewarded with time to peruse its renowned local craft shops. You can also enjoy a traditional Taquile lunch and will have the opportunity to learn more about the diverse peoples and cultures of the lake. At the end of the day, you'll cruise back to Puno to spend a second evening here.
- On to Colca - Board the coach early this morning and journey west from Titicaca, heading towards the startling, scenic landscape of the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, past herds of vicunas and alpaca, and the Inca farming terraces that are still worked today.
- The Colca Canyon - We'll have an early start today, as we drive to the spectacular viewpoint at Cruz del Condor. Here, with luck, you'll catch sight of the enormous, majestic condors that make the Colca Canyon their home gliding on the swirling winds and thermals. This afternoon, you’ll arrive in the beautiful city of Arequipa, in its dramatic setting beside the Chile River beneath three snow-capped volcanoes.
- Arequipa city tour - Today you’ll enjoy a tour of White City, Arequipa, with its elegant main square Plaza de Armas, lined on one side by the great cathedral, and surrounded by 19th-buildings constructed of white volcanic stone. You’ll also visit the extraordinary ‘town within a city’, the narrow streets, cloisters and hidden quarters of the Monasterio Santa Catalina, to discover the convent's fascinating religious art and architecture.. This afternoon, you'll head to Arequipa airport to catch your flight to Lima for a last night in the capital.
- Return flight - Enjoy a final few hours at leisure in Lima, perhaps enjoying a spot of lunch, before transferring to the airport for your overnight return flight.
- Arrive back in the UK - Early morning arrival.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Take in the views from Sugarloaf Mountain
- Enjoy an unforgettable day at UNESCO-listed treasure Machu Picchu
- Explore both the Brazlian and Argentinian sides of the UNESCO-listed Iguazú Falls National Park
- Discover the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the New World
- Spend three nights at five-star hotel on lively Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro
- Immerse yourself in the local culture with an included drink at a traditional carioca bar
- A cruise on Lake Titicaca and a day in the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon
- Spend 11 nights in Peru
- Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, from Cusco to Arequipa
- Guided tours of Peruvian cities Lima, Cusco, Arequipa
Our Price Includes
- 11 included tours: Rio (two), Iguazú Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon
- 19 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two on the aircraft
- 27 meals, including 19 breakfasts, four lunches and three evening meals
- Return flights, outbound to Rio de Janeiro and returning from Lima
- Comfortable coach transfers throughout
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
South American Explorer: Brazil, Argentina and Peru Touring Hotels -
Introduction
You'll be staying in a series of comfortable hotels that are conveniently located for your tour itinerary.
Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro (nights 2-4)
Positioned across the street from Copacabana Beach, this sleek hotel offers easy access to the main tourist attractions within the city. Guests have access to a fitness centre, and there is a restaurant providing a breakfast buffet. Colourfully decorated guestrooms have TVs, mini-bars, tea/coffee-making facilities, air conditioning, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi.
Recanto Cataratas, Iguazú Falls (nights 5-6)
This four-star resort boasts a waterpark, thermal pools, games rooms and a bowling alley. Guestrooms are spacious, with each featuring air conditioning, mini-bar and desk. Guests can choose to dine at the bar, which serves American snacks and light meals, or at one of the two on-site restaurants, which serve traditional Brazilian dishes.
Novotel Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (nights 7-9)
Located on Corrientes Avenue, the four-star Novotel Buenos Aires offers spacious, well-equipped guestrooms with air-conditioning, mini-bars and TVs. Amenities at this comfortable hotel include an outdoor pool, hammam-style Turkish bath, fitness centre and Mediterranean restaurant with terrace.
Hotel Jose Antonio Miraflores, Lima (nights 10-11 & 20)
This four-star hotel is at the heart of Lima's Miraflores district, a visitor-friendly haven lined with vibrant shopping areas and charming cafés to explore. It features an onsite restaurant, offering traditional Peruvian dishes as well as popular international classics, and a cocktail bar. Stylish guestrooms include free Wi-Fi, are air-conditioned throughout, and feature TVs, minibars, safes, radios and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Hotel Augustos, Urubamba (nights 12-13)
Set only a short walk from Urubamba's town centre, in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the Hotel Augustos has a modern restaurant, serving international dishes, a casual bar and a garden terrace. There is also a spa area and a 24-hour concierge service. Comfortable guestrooms are air conditioned throughout and feature TVs, mini-fridges and private balconies.
Hotel Jose Antonio, Cusco (nights 14-15)
Featuring colonial-inspired architecture, this hotel is located within close distance to shops, restaurants and a train station. Classic guestrooms have wooden floors, mini-bars, kettles, hairdryers, TVs, safes and free Wi-Fi. A restaurant serves international and local dishes, and there’s a bar and a spa, which encompasses a sauna and a Jacuzzi.
Hotel Royal Inn Puno, Puno (nights 16-17)
Located in downtown Puno, the Royal Inn offers colourful guestrooms with free Wi-Fi, one block from Plaza de Armas central square. Facilities include a restaurant and lively bar.
Casa Andina Standard Colca, Colca (night 18)
The Casa Andina Standard Colca is located in Chivay, at the edge of the Colca Valley. This secluded hotel offers guest accommodation in traditional stone houses.
Hotel los Tambos Colonial, Arequipa (night 19)
Set in an 18th-century building, this hotel features colonial architecture. It offers a café and restaurant. The guestrooms offer TV with cable channels and free Wi-Fi.
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard.
Other Information
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.
Passports and visas
British Citizens do not require a visa for this tour. Your passport must have a minimum of six months' validity remaining from your entry date to Peru.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Itinerary Changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
2026 departures
On tours departing in 2026, guests will stay at the Hotel José Antonio in Lima instead of the Wyndham Costa del Sol. Guests will also stay in the Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana instead of the Hilton Copacabana across these departure dates.
Optional excursions
Optional excursions offered on this tour may be subject to minimum numbers.
Internal Flights
Your itinerary on Day 5 and Day 6 will be dependent on internal flights. We will endeavour to arrive in Iguazu around lunchtime on Day 5. If this is not possible due to flight constraints a complete exploration of Iguazu Falls will take place on Day 6, both the Brazilian and Argentine side. A lunch box will then be provided for your comfort and convenience whilst you travel between the two.
Mandatory travel health insurance in Argentina
Effective immediately, the Argentine government now requires all non-resident visitors to present valid travel health insurance upon arrival. This is a mandatory entry requirement and is being enforced at all airports, land borders, and maritime ports.
All international travellers must provide proof of valid travel health insurance on arrival in Argentina, and the insurance policy must cover:
- Medical emergencies
- Hospitalization
- Repatriation
Airlines have been instructed to verify compliance before boarding. Travellers without valid proof of insurance may be denied boarding. Please note, this requirement applies regardless of nationality or reason for travel.
We are closely monitoring the situation for any updates regarding specific coverage amounts or policy types. As of now, no further details have been provided by the Argentine authorities.
Holiday code
N2262Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for Metro Travel Offers)
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