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Cusco to Rio | Summer 2027
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Length
34 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Cusco (Peru)
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Ends in
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
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Available Tour Start Dates
JAN 17, 2027 to JAN 2, 2028
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).No
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Special Interest(s)
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Contiki tours are only available for 18- to 35-year olds.
Overview
Start in the clouds, finish on the coast? Yup. On this trip, you'll cruise Lake Titicaca, get seriously wowed by the Uyuni Salt Flats, desert-hop into Chile, then roll through Argentina and Uruguay before hitting Iguazu Falls and finishing strong in Rio. This is the full overland epic — 34 days of local hostels, public transport, overnight buses from the Andes to the Atlantic.
Visited During Tour
Buenos Aires (Argentina) | Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay) | Cusco (Peru) | Foz Do Iguacu | Ilha Grande | La Paz (Bolivia) | Lake Titicaca (Peru & Bolivia) | Montevideo (Uruguay) | Overnight Bus To Puerto Iguazu | Porto Real | Potosi | Puno (Peru) | Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa (Bolivia) | Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | Salta | San Antonio de Areco (Argentina) | San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) | Sucre | Uyuni (Bolivia) | Uyuni Salt Flat
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Cusco to Rio | Summer 2027 tour dates available from Contiki. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Contiki Tour Code 783-2581
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Day
1Cusco
Hello and welcome to Cusco! This afternoon is yours to settle in and start soaking up that high-altitude buzz. In the evening, you’ll meet your Trip Manager for a welcome meeting.
Accommodations: Viajero Cusco (or similar) -
Day
2Cusco to Puno
Today we’ll hop on board a shared coach once again and travel to Puno along the famous Route of the Sun, with iconic stops along the way — Andahuaylillas (AKA the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”), Raqchi and the Temple of Wiracocha. Plus viewpoint and culture breaks at La Pascana, La Raya and the Pucará Museum. By the time we roll into Puno, we’ll have ticked off one of Peru’s best overland journeys. Welcome to the folkloric capital of Peru!
- Meals Included:
- Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar) -
Day
3Puno to Lake Titicaca
Lake time! Today, we'll make our way to Lake Titicaca, cruising out across the lake towards Taquile Island. On the way, you’ll visit a floating island built from totora reeds, stepping onto the man-made platforms and checking out the reed houses up close. We'll explore a quieter part of Taquile on a short hike to an open-air market where the community shares dances, textiles, and local traditions. Then follow a pre-Incan path down to a sandy beach for some chill time. Hungry? Once we arrive on the Capachica Peninsula, we'll head into a local family homestay, and sit down for lunch made from local produce, with an optional late-afternoon hike up to a nearby hill for sunset. Later, after dinner, we’ll round things off with a small celebration of traditional music and dancing, then settle in for the night in basic but comfy rooms.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Llachon Island Homestay (or similar) -
Day
4Lake Titicaca to Puno
Say goodbye to your host fam. After an early brekkie, we'll boat back across the lake with the crew. The rest of the day? All yours to do whatever you please.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar) -
Day
5Puno to La Paz
Morning! Jump in to your private transfer from the hotel to the bus station, then roll out on the tourist bus to La Paz via Copacabana (about 10 hours). Settle in, snack up, and watch the landscapes do their thing. Welcome to Bolivia! Once we arrive, we'll snag a private transfer to the hotel. Come get your first taste of La Paz on a welcome dinner with your crew.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Las Brisas Centro (or similar) -
Day
6La Paz
We'll kick off our La Paz discovery with a half-day Shoe Shiner City Tour and see the city through a local lens. You'll tick off viewpoints, street life, and big city energy. Then it’s free time to roam, market-hop, and snack your way through town. Ever heard of the Bolivian Fighting Cholitas? Tonight, you have the option to see them live in action.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Las Brisas Centro (or similar) -
Day
7La Paz to Overnight Bus
Free day? To do La Paz your way? Mhm, that's right. Choose to cruise the city on Mi Teleférico for big Illimani views, wander the historic centre (San Francisco Church, Calle Jaén, Witches’ Market), or duck out to Valle de la Luna for those surreal, moon-like rock formations. Later, we’ll take a private transfer to the bus station and hop on the overnight bus on a comfy ride to Sucre. Tonight we’ll be rolling through the dark towards Bolivia’s “White City,” ready to wake up in a whole new vibe.
Accommodations: Overnight Bus -
Day
8Overnight Bus to Sucre
We'll arrive around 7am, then hop into a private transfer to the hotel to freshen up. Welcome to Bolivia’s “White City”! We'll explore the city on foot, checking out colonial streets, car-free plazas, and museums if you’re keen, and that chilled Spanish-era vibe. Thinking of what to grab for lunch? Check out SalteñerĂa El Patio, Sucre's go-to spot for authentic Bolivian salteñas (juicy, baked empanadas stuffed with meat, cheese or veggies) in a charming colonial courtyard setting.
Accommodations: Hostal Sucre (or similar) -
Day
9Sucre
It’s a free day to roam your way - whether that means browsing Mercado Central for fresh juices, street snacks and local handicrafts, or heading up Recoleta hill to catch sunset over the whitewashed rooftops and tiled domes. If you’re keen to get out of town, join us for an optional visit to the Maragua Crater to check out dinosaur footprints (no kidding!).
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hostal Sucre (or similar) -
Day
10Sucre to Potosi
This morning we’ll leave Sucre behind and roll by private transfer to PotosĂ, trading white-city charm for high-altitude history. This afternoon, we'll explore a city that wears its past loud and clear — cobbled streets, ornate colonial facades, and Cerro Rico looming over it all. We'll hit Plaza 10 de Noviembre for Cathedral views and local market energy, then dive into the Casa Nacional de la Moneda to see the silver-boom story up close (it’s equal parts fascinating and haunting).
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Virreyes (or similar) -
Day
11Potosi
You’ve got free time to explore your way, and if you’re curious, you can opt into a tour of the nearby mines for a deeper look at the city’s history. Tonight, we’ll share dinner with a local miner’s family and hear firsthand stories about life here.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Virreyes (or similar) -
Day
12Potosi to Uyuni
We'll kick off today with a private transfer to Uyuni (around 4 hours), swapping colonial streets for wide-open Andean plains. First things first: a quick orientation of this dusty, high-altitude outpost, its adobe buildings and markets selling llama wool and quinoa. You’ll have the afternoon free to get prepped for the Salt Flats — snack run, anyone?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Samay Wasi (or similar) -
Day
13Uyuni to Uyuni Salt Flat
After breakfast, you’ll jump into a private 4x4 with a Local Guide and head out into the wide-open weirdness. Kick things off at the Train Cemetery for rusted-locomotive photo ops and a hit of rail history, then roll through Colchani to see how salt is cut and processed and to browse the local handicraft stalls (yes, there are salt-brick shops). Quick stop at Plaza de las Banderas for a picnic-style lunch with flags snapping in the wind and nothing but white horizon for days. Then, we'll head to Incahuasi Island to walk among towering cacti. Later, we'll pull over on a perfectly flat stretch for those iconic perspective photos, before chasing sunset across the salar and finishing at a (very) remote salt hotel for dinner and a proper rest.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel De Sal "Tambo Loma" - Colcha K (or similar) -
Day
14Uyuni Salt Flat to Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa
Kick things off at the Ollagüe Volcano viewpoint, where a smoking peak cuts into endless salt plains and copper-toned hills. Then, we'll roll across the Altiplano to the lagoons of Cañapa, Chiarcota and Turquiri to see flamingos strut through neon-blue water (your camera will be working overtime here). Ready for surreal views? Here in Laguna Colorada, the lake glows red and white borax islands pop against a backdrop of distant volcanoes. From there, we'll climb higher into a geothermal field to check out hissing fumaroles and mud pots at nearly 5,000 metres. And if slowing it down sounds like your kind of plan, you're welcome to spend the rest of the day floating in the hot springs and taking in those unreal views.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Ecologico de Piedra (or similar) -
Day
15Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa to San Pedro de Atacama
After brekkie, we'll roll into landscapes that look straight out of a painting, starting with the Salvador Dalà Desert’s wind-sculpted rock formations. Then it’s on to Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca for green and milky-white waters shimmering beneath towering volcanoes. After soaking up the final Bolivian views, we’ll cross the border into Chile, swap our 4x4s for a bus, and continue on towards San Pedro de Atacama. We'll arrive in San Pedro and check into our hostel before easing into this laid-back desert oasis. We'll spend tonight in this bohemian backpacker hub. Come sunset, the desert flips through shades of orange and pink, and by night the sky goes full stargazer mode.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hostal Puritama (or similar) -
Day
16San Pedro de Atacama
You’ll have a free day to take it at your own pace — sleep in, cafe crawl, or wander the dusty little streets. If you’re keen to level it up, you can opt into sandboarding for some desert thrills, or jump on the optional Vallecito sunset tour to chase golden-hour views.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hostal Puritama (or similar) -
Day
17San Pedro de Atacama to Salta
Today, we'll jump on a public tourist bus for an epic Andean crossing to Salta (in around 10 hours). Expect big-window views as you climb out of the desert, pass salt flats and volcanoes, and hit the Chile–Argentina border at Paso de Jama (4,200m). After winding down into greener northwest Argentina and the Lerma Valley, you’ll arrive at Salta Bus Station and take a private transfer straight to your hostel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hostal Prisamata (or similar) -
Day
18Salta
We'll kick with an orientation of the city centre, where leafy plazas, pastel colonial facades and arcaded cafes circle Plaza 9 de Julio, with the cathedral and San Francisco Church stealing the skyline. Then it’s a free day to do Salta your way — slow strolls, market wanderings, or cafe hopping. When night falls, you can opt into a Peña dinner & show, soaking up local folk music vibes alongside regional flavours in the streets that come alive after dark.
Accommodations: Hostal Prisamata (or similar) -
Day
19Salta to Buenos Aires
Say goodbye to Salta. Today, we're jumping on a plane straight to the capital of Argentina. Buenas! You've got the evening to spend exploring the streets of this city before we dive in deeper tomorrow.
Accommodations: Viajero Hostel (or similar) -
Day
20Buenos Aires
Hola Argentina! We'll kick things off with an orientation to get you sorted, then the afternoon will be yours to explore. Hit the neighbourhoods, cafe-hop, people-watch, or just wander until something delicious finds you. For dinner tonight, opt in for an Argentine Sherpa dinner.
Accommodations: Viajero Hostel (or similar) -
Day
21Buenos Aires
Today’s yours to dive deeper. You can opt for a trip out to Tigre and explore its riverside delta life. Back in Buenos Aires tonight, level things up with an optional dinner & tango Show — bold moves, big flavours, and pure Argentine drama (the good kind).
Accommodations: Viajero Hostel (or similar) -
Day
22Buenos Aires to Montevideo
This morning we’ll cruise by private transfer to the port and hop on the ferry across the RĂo de la Plata, waving goodbye to BA as we head for Uruguay. We’ll arrive into Montevideo, take a private transfer to the hostel, then hit the streets for an orientation of the relaxed coastal vibes, cafe stops, and your first taste of Uruguay.
Accommodations: Viajero Montevideo (or similar) -
Day
23Montevideo
Today's yours to do Montevideo your way — beach strolls, old town wandering, long lunches, the works. Later, hop on an optional bike ride and see more of the city with the breeze in your face.
Accommodations: Viajero Montevideo (or similar) -
Day
24Montevideo to Colonia
You’ll hop on a private transfer to Colonia, swapping city streets for slower, sunnier vibes. After dropping your bags at the hostel, we'll head out on an orientation through this cobbled, bougainvillea-draped beauty of a town. You’ll wander the Barrio Histórico past the old city gate, Plaza Mayor and the Basilica, with the option to climb the lighthouse for rooftop-and-river views, then ease into rambla time for beaches, pier sunsets and the famous Colonia sign.
Accommodations: Viajero Colonia (or similar) -
Day
25Colonia to San Antonio de Areco via Buenos Aires
Catch ya' later, Colonia. We’ll walk from the hostel to the cruise terminal and board a fast ferry back across the river. Touch down, meet our private transfer, and trade city buzz for wide-open pampas as we head out of town. Welcome to estancia life. We’ll check into our Special Stay at La Cinacina, just a stroll from the historic heart of this gaucho town — think low colonial houses, tree-lined streets and horses casually passing by. You can opt for horseback riding, then slow it right down: wander the estancia grounds, read under a shady tree, or claim a poolside spot. Tonight, we’ll head into town for dinner at a local restaurant. Pampas energy = unlocked.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: Estancia la Cinacina (or similar) -
Day
26San Antonio de Areco to Puerto Iguazu
Soak up a lazy morning at the estancia — wander the grounds or claim a poolside spot for a few more hours. Then it’s a private transfer to Campana bus station. Snack stock-up for the ride, and you’re set. Settle in for the comfy overnight bus (lie-flat seats = yes please) as the scenery shifts from Buenos Aires plains to greener, subtropical Misiones. Tomorrow, we'll wake up to red earth, rainforest pockets, and yerba mate plantations.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Overnight Bus -
Day
27Puerto Iguazu to Foz do Iguaçu
At noon, we'll arrive into Brasil! Check into the hotel, freshen up, and get ready for what’s next. Wanna see Iguassu Falls from above? Of course, you do. So opt in for a helicopter ride for full-scale, jaw-drop views (cue the camera roll).
Accommodations: Smart Cataratas Hotel (or similar) -
Day
28Foz do Iguaçu
Today, we'll check out the Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls and spend the day getting up close to the thunder and mist on the walkways. If you’re chasing an extra hit of adrenaline, you can opt into the Iguassu Falls Jet Boat. Next up, you’ll visit the Güira Oga Refuge to learn about rescued wildlife and the conservation work happening in the surrounding rainforest, before crossing back into Brazil with free time for dinner.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Smart Cataratas Hotel (or similar) -
Day
29Foz do Iguaçu to Ilha Grande via Rio de Janiero and Porto Real
Bye bye Iguacu. Time for flight no. 2 of this trip. Hop on your included flight to Rio, then meet your private transfer to our next destination. Island mode = loading. Once we touch down in Porto Real, we'll take a ferry to Ilha Grande . Sandy streets, açaà in hand, jungle-covered hills behind you, and little fishing boats doing their thing out on the water. That's the vibe on this island. Take tonight to do whatever you please.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Refugio Hostel (or similar) -
Day
30Ilha Grande
Today's all yours to spend relaxing on this show-stopping island. Wanna check out the blue lagoons nearby? There's a speed boat experience up for grabs.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Refugio Hostel (or similar) -
Day
31Ilha Grande
Today's the final day on this island, so make the most of it. Chill on the sand, swim, or maybe even hike to one of the island’s waterfalls.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Refugio Hostel (or similar) -
Day
32Ilha Grande to Rio de Janiero via Porto Real
Sorry, island time is up. But don't worry, there's something even more epic awaiting us today. Time to hop on the ferry back to Porto Real. Jump into a private transfer and head straight to your Rio hostel. After check-in, you can opt in to take the the train up to Christ the Redeemer for sweeping views over the city. Another wonder of the world, ticked off!
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Jo&Joe (or similar) -
Day
33Rio de Janiero
We'll kick off today by visiting Favela Cantagalo for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. In the evening, you'll have the option to head out with a crew for a farewell dinner. That's right, our South American adventure comes to an end tomorrow.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Jo&Joe (or similar) -
Day
34Rio de Janiero
Aaaand, that's it. 34 unforgettable days of exploring South America has come to an end. Grab a final brekkie, take those group pics and leave with memories you'll be talking about for decades.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Contiki is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Cusco to Rio | Summer 2027 tour:
Travelers Notes
* ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR ARGENTINA: All non-resident visitors must present proof of valid travel health insurance upon entry to Argentina. The insurance must include coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation. This regulation is being strictly enforced at airports, land borders and maritime ports across the country. Airlines have been instructed to verify insurance coverage before boarding; passengers without proof may be denied boarding. We recommend all travellers have their travel health insurance on hand to present to airlines/border controls.* START/END TIMES: Trip starts in Cusco at 5:00pm and ends in Rio de Janeiro at 11:00am. Please join your trip at the start accommodation outlined in your trip documents. Hotels are subject to change. Check your travel documents for How To Get There & Kick-Start Meeting information.* PASSPORT: Passport details are required for all Latin America trips. The clients name as it appears on their passport, date of birth, gender, passport number, expiry date with 6 months validity, and nationality is required.* BRAZIL: USA passport holders require a visa for Brazil. Visa must be obtained prior to departure. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure.* IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.* RECIPROCITY TAX: A reciprocity tax for Bolivia for USA citizens of USD$160 is no longer required. (Subject to change).* ELEVATION: Parts of this trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse effects on your health due to the altitude. For more information visit https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/altitude-sickness* VACCINES: Yellow Fever vaccination recommended for all trips visiting Brazil and required for Bolivia.* GROUND HANDLER: This trip is operated on behalf of Contiki by our trusted third party supplier Encounter Latin America and led by one of our own wonderful Contiki Trip Managers.* NOTE: Days 7, and 26 will be spent on an overnight bus in 150 degree reclining seats.* TRANSFERS: Both complimentary and chargeable transfers are not offered through Contiki. Travellers should make their own way from/to the airport at their own expense.* INTERNAL FLIGHTS: Luggage allowance is limited to 1 suitcase per guest (maximum of 44lbs/20Kg) and 1 piece of hand luggage per guest 12"x11"x6" (30x28x14cm). Refer to trip documents for any exceptions.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on multi-share. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Contiki. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Contiki (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.