1-855-602-7447
Experts available 7 days a week!
Hotels & Resort Deals
Select a destination...
View All Hotels & Resort Deals
Vacation Interests
Miscellaneous
Tours By Type
Tour Deals
Select a destination...
View All Tour Deals
Cruises From
Vacation Interests
Career Discounts
Featured Destinations
Select a destination for info and deals...
Destination Ports
Cruises sailing in each region...
- Transfer Your Booking To Us
- Book Shore Excursions
- Book Land Tours
- Save on Passport & Visa Services
-
![Arrow]()
View All Customer Service Resources
Saving Tools
- Access Reservation (web-made bookings only)
- Make a Payment
- Add Travel Insurance
- Pre-Cruise Registration
For Existing Reservations
- Land Vacation FAQs
- Cruise FAQs
- Cruise Port Directions
- Contact Us
Useful Links
South American Explorer | with Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2026)
-
Length
18 Days
-
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)
-
Ends in
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
-
Available Tour Start Dates
APR 25, 2026 to JAN 2, 2027
-
Activity Level
No Rating Provided
-
Language
English
-
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).Yes
-
Special Interest(s)
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Contiki tours are only available for 18- to 35-year olds.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$7,376.44
Overview
Want a taste of Peru, Argentina & Brazil? This colorful collision of cultures follows Incan footsteps in Machu Picchu, dives into some jungle adventures in the Amazon, teaches you the tango and tastes empanadas in Buenos Aires and gets the party started in the home of Carnival: Rio. Forget just getting a taste - this 18 day odyssey is a feast for the senses.
Visited During Tour
Aguas Calientes (Peru) | Buenos Aires (Argentina) | Cusco (Peru) | Iguazu Falls (South America) | Lima (Peru) | Machu Picchu (Peru) | Puerto Maldonado (Peru) | Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | Sacred Valley (Peru)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are South American Explorer | with Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2026) tour dates available from Contiki. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
Contiki Tour Code 99-190
-
Day
1Start Cusco
Welcome to Cusco Contiki crew! After getting acquainted today we'll have the chance to shop for artisan jewellery and woodworks, roam the cobblestone streets or just stroll the San Pedro markets eating cacao buds and sipping on coca leaf tea. Today really is what you make it!
Accommodations: Mamasara (or similar) -
Day
2Cusco to Sacred Valley
Heading out of Cusco and bound for the Sacred Valley on our private coach, this is where our journey into the ruins and mystique of this land truly begins. But first, llamas. An iconic symbol of Peru, we’ll be stopping off at a llama farm to show some love to these furry favourites up close, and we’re talking the whole humpback family – llamas, vicuna and alpacas. We’ll then stop off to witness the ancient Incan art of weaving in practise by a group of talented local artisans. Throughout the journey, play close attention to your surrounds – there’s the chance to spot the Incan farming technique of terracing and other local ways of life. Want to know what the Peruvians do for fun? You’ll get the chance to play the traditional game of “Sapo”, and exactly what that entails we’ll leave to the imagination… Our explorations of the Sacred Valley will begin with a guided tour of the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. Our Local Guide will give you the d-l on both, visiting the circular terraced Pisac ruins first which date back to the 1400’s. Moving on to Ollantaytambo, base camp for those taking the trek tomorrow, we’ll appease dry mouths with some homemade Chicha de Jora brew. This tiny town may be small in geographical terms, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude, with artisan shops and cafes spilling out onto streets, and the roaring Urubamba river providing the perfect natural background noise. For those embarking on the Inca trail tomorrow this is your final chance to stock up on last minute essentials (socks, socks and more socks). For all others, spend your time soaking in the vibes, hanging with other travellers and just getting a feel for this iconic little town.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Tunupa Lodge Ollantaytambo (or similar) -
Day
3Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes via Inca Trail Trek
For those embarking on our epic 1-day trek, we’ll grab a packed lunch and catch the train to KM104 and the start of a day to remember. With just 6 hours on foot and 13-kilometers to cover, the enchanting site that awaits us will make it all worthwhile. Descending into the site we’ll take overseeing Huayna Picchu 'Little peak' – the iconic peak you’ll have seen in every picture ever – marvelling at the incredible handiwork of the ancient Incas. Satisfaction levels at an all-time high and with a big ol’ smile on your tired face, we’ll head back to Aguas Calientes and a squishy hotel bed you couldn’t be more deserving of. Can you feel the excitement mounting? Yep – those are pretty much the feels when Machu Picchu is quite literally on the horizon. This afternoon we’ll enjoy Aguas Calientes, a cute town in its own right complete with roaring river, quaint bridges and local haunts, but most famously known as the gateway town to Machu Picchu. We’ll meet up with those who opted for the train journey, and basically spend the evening hyping each other up for what’s to come tomorrow.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Flower's House Macchu Picchu (or similar) -
Day
4Aguas Calientes to Cusco via Machu Picchu
Excitement levels at an all-time high, the day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here – it’s Machu Picchu time! This is one big old tick off the life goals list, so enjoy every single second of it. Built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the new world. We’ll be treated to a guided tour of the site taking in such wonders as the Temple of the Three Windows and Huayna Picchu (the peak you’ll of seen in every Machu Picchu image ever), and of course you’ll have some alone time to explore the area as only you can do. Back on the train we’ll de-brief on our once-in-a-lifetime experience as we head back to Cusco. Last time round was all about getting acquainted with the city, so now you’ve got you’re bearings you can really get lost amongst the market stalls and cobbled streets, maybe even going truly local by trying out a serving of cuy.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Mamasara (or similar) -
Day
5Cusco
The last few days have been pretty full on, so today is all about seeking out some much needed r’n’r. Grab a lie in at the hotel then sip fresh mountain coffee in the Plaza de Armas, or maybe take a stroll around town to pick up an alpaca sweater or ten (they are super snuggly). Can’t shake that taste for adventure? We hear you.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Mamasara (or similar) -
Day
6Cusco to Jungle Lodge
Saying a final farewell to Cusco, we’ll hop on our included flight over the Andes to the city of Puerto Maldonado. With the sound of macaws and toucans welcoming us in, this can only mean one thing…it’s jungle time. A quick tour of the city will reveal colourful fruit stalls, open air markets and locals going about their day. But now we're back underway and we just want to get to the jungle… What’s accessible only by boat, is made from wood and clay and surrounded by the sounds and colours of nature? Answer – our rainforest lodge, your blissful home for the night. We’ll work up a pre-dinner appetite by hiking to the canopy tower, then after a tasty home-cooked dinner continue our outdoor pursuits by heading out to spot caimans – a member of the alligator family native to the Amazon. Tonight promises to be one for the story bank as you fall asleep in your open-walled room to the exotic sounds of the surrounding jungle.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge (or similar) -
Day
7Jungle Lodge
If the vibrant morning song of the jungle birds hasn’t roused you early doors, the prospect of the Sandoval Lake teeming with wildlife will. Our morning canoe cruise will have us spotting prehistoric hoatzin birds and giant river otters. Satisfaction levels on high, the rest of the afternoon is all yours. Tired and hungry after another adventure filled day, we’ll head back to the lodge for the night. After such an epic day of jungle antics, we’re guessing a good night’s sleep and some sweet group hangs are pretty high on the agenda.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge (or similar) -
Day
8Jungle Lodge to Lima via Puerto Maldonado
Today marks our last day in Peru before heading east to Argentina and Brazil, so how better to spend it than one last night in the city where it all began? We'll catch our flight to our familiar destination, Lima. Options for your free evening in Lima are varied and endless. Maybe make for the trendy district of Miraflores, hang in Parque Kennedy or opt for one last plate of fresh to death ceviche in the city its best known for. One things for sure, we know you’ll be toasting your Peruvian leg with a final pisco sour, as tomorrow the nectar takes a decidedly red and rich turn as we enter Argentina.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Ibis Budget Miraflores (or similar) -
Day
9Lima to Buenos Aires
Who’s ready for a new country? That’s right globetrotters, we’re up, up and away again this morning (how many included flights is that now?) in the direction of the Country of Seven Continents. Everything about Argentina gives us the tingles, and we know you're going to love it just as much as we do. But enough waxng lyrical, we've got a new city to conquer… South America’s most cosmopolitan city will spread out before us like a treasure box waiting to be opened as we descend on Buenos Aires, and with 4 nights to spend in the Argentinian capital damn right those are excitement butterflies in your stomach. If the 4.5 hour flight zonked you a bit (just be glad you didn't do it overland) maybe keep it chilled in the afternoon, but for the balls of energy amongst you we’ve got plenty to keep you entertained. Tonight you'll meet those joining for the next epic 10 days!
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: M Concept Hotel (or similar) -
Day
10Buenos Aires
Now's your opportunity to get the full Porteno (locals from Buenos Aires) experience. This morning why not go check out the colorful La Boca neighbourhood? Tonight we're heading to a tango show. Have a go yourself, enjoy the first of the Argentine food you're sure to love, and then watch the pros show you how it's done.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: M Concept Hotel (or similar) -
Day
11Buenos Aires
Today you've got the opportunity to take a day trip to Tigre. Learn about the history and culture of the inhabitants of the "isleños". If you're more comfortable out on the water, opt to experience the Tigre Delta for the day on a relaxing boat ride, or if you want to stay on dry land enjoy a short bike ride around the surrounding areas. No matter what you choose, we'll all dive into a delicious regional lunch. Weather permitting you can even swim and kayak. If you'd prefer to stay the other side of the border, Buenos Aires is yours to explore today, your way.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: M Concept Hotel (or similar) -
Day
12Buenos Aires
Now that you’ve seen Buenos Aires through Porteño eyes, the day is all yours. Head over heels for city life? Dive into world-class museums or get lost among the coolest boutiques and cafes in Palermo. More of a wanderer? Cross the Río de la Plata for a dreamy day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay – think cobblestone streets, pastel houses and major postcard vibes.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: M Concept Hotel (or similar) -
Day
13Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls
Landing in Puerto Iguazu we’ll hop over the border and dig our toes into Brazilian soil for the first time, clapping eyes on yet another astounding natural wonder. Listen out for all those oohhs and aahhs. A collection of 275 individual waterfalls, Iguassu Falls sprawls both Brazil and Argentina, with both sides offering up stunning UNESCO World Heritage parks and views. Today though, is all about the Brazilian side, and what better way to see the falls from every angle than with an optional helicopter ride, taking the term ‘birds eye view’ to a whole new level. Go on – treat yo’ self! For those keeping feet on the ground, take your time exploring the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu. Tonight, dinners packing a serious punch – we’ll be treating you to an authentic Brazilian BBQ dinner. Say hello to the meat sweats…
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Pietro Angelo Hotel (or similar) -
Day
14Iguassu Falls
Iguassu we’re not done with you yet! Yesterday was all about the Brazilian side, but today we’re hopping back over to Argentina to see what the deal is from this side of the falls. We’ll take a hike to the very edge of Devil’s Throat, the highest of the 275 falls, and for those keen there’s even the option to take to the water with a speed boat ride through the spray of the falls. Refreshing? Oh you could say that…With a full day spent here, take your time exploring, trying to figure out the age old debate – which side wears it better?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Pietro Angelo Hotel (or similar) -
Day
15Iguassu Falls to Rio De Janeiro
Catch you later Iguassu – Rio, we’re coming in hot...If Rio knows one thing, it’s how to p-a-r-t-y, so having fun in this life loving city is already a given. But first things first – let’s get acquainted with our surroundings a little better. After a quick orientation tour, the afternoon is then yours to explore as you please.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Ibis Copacabana Posto 2 (or similar) -
Day
16Rio De Janeiro
Today check out the city from above, hang gliding to see Rio in all its scenic glory. Then this afternoon is all yours, and it sounds like Copacabana Beach is calling your name. Or if a game's in town watch the masters of football do it like no one else can, while you soak in the crazy atmosphere that goes alongside the national sport.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Ibis Copacabana Posto 2 (or similar) -
Day
17Rio De Janeiro
Excuse us while we cry into our caipirinhas - today is our last full day on trip. But before the emotions run too high, let's make sure we see it out with a bang, Rio style. First up is a visit to Christ the Redeemer, a New Wonder of the World. Standing at an impressive 30m high (98ft), this religious monument casts an almighty shadow over the city below, and will be a moment you won't be forgetting anytime soon. This afternoon, how does a boat cruise sound? Featuring cocktails, tunes and good times, it'd be rude not to. Afterwards, we'll enjoy an included farewell dinner together.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Ibis Copacabana Posto 2 (or similar) -
Day
18End Rio De Janeiro
This morning, this adventure of epic proportion will finally come to an end. Hug it out with the new friends you now class as family, and damn right you’re already on those reunion tour plans. Europe next summer, anyone?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Contiki is informing us of the following additional details regarding their South American Explorer | with Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2026) tour:
Travelers Notes
* START/END TIMES: Trip starts in Cuzco at 8:00am and ends in Rio de Janeiro at 11:00am. It is not recommended to book flights arriving on the first day of the trip. 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.* TRANSFERS: Both complimentary and chargeable transfers are not offered through Contiki. Guests should make their own way from/to the airport at their own expense.* 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 at time of booking.* VISAS: Visas may be required for this trip. It is the client's responsibility to obtain the necessary documentation. * 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.* 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.*INCA TRAIN: Only one 11 lbs./5 kg piece of hand luggage is allowed on the train. Your main luggage and extra bags will be stored at our Cuzco hotel. A passport or copy has to be shown to board the train.* 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* VACCINATION: Yellow Fever vaccination recommended for all trips visiting Brazil.* 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.* INCA TRAIL OPTION: You have purchased the Inca Trail Trek Option Upgrade. Please note that full payment for the Inca Trail Trek portion is non-refundable.* 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 double occupancy. 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.