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Ultimate South America with Arequipa & Colca Canyon
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Length
23 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
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
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Ends in
Lima (Peru)
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Available Tour Start Dates
SEP 25, 2026 to NOV 3, 2028
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Style
Fully-Guided
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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
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.
$6,319.05
Includes $1,703.00 Intra-Air & Tax
This tour has flights that occur during the tour, and this is the per person price of those flights, which we have included in the "From" price listed above. Intra-Air flights are not flights that occur before or after the tour. Such flights may be available at an additional cost.
Overview
Discover some of South America's greatest cities—Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Lima—and some of its most fascinating sites and spectacular scenery on this South America tour. You'll overnight in Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, and Colca Canyon. Guided sightseeing in each of the cities features the must-see sites. In Rio, take the cog railway to the summit of Corcovado to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Your time in Buenos Aires includes a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial place for Eva Peron. In Lima, your sightseeing focuses on the city's colonial heritage. Highlights of this South America tour include time at Iguassu Falls on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Experience the falls, hear the thundering roar, be amazed at the brilliant rainbows created by the clouds of spray, and stand in awe as you witness these 275 falls spanning nearly two miles! You’ll also be amazed at Machu Picchu, set in a majestic mountainside with ruins dating back to the 15th century. Glimpse the ancient history and culture as you enjoy this stunning and mystical place. Other tour highlights include a visit to the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, with stones weighing up to 350 tons. Time in Peru's Lake Titicaca, a lake of floating islands maintained over centuries by the indigenous people, gives you a chance to experience the world's highest navigable lake and to learn about local practices. At Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, you’ll witness condors soaring majestically above the canyon walls, marvel at the canyon, and relax at La Calera hot springs before time in Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its buildings made of volcanic rock. This South America tour designed for the value-minded travel lover is a dream vacation!
Visited During Tour
Arequipa (Peru) | Buenos Aires (Argentina) | Colca Canyon (Peru) | Cusco (Peru) | Iguazu Falls (South America) | Lake Titicaca (Peru & Bolivia) | Lima (Peru) | Machu Picchu (Peru) | Puno (Peru) | Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | Sacred Valley (Peru)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Ultimate South America with Arequipa & Colca Canyon tour dates available from Cosmos. 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
Cosmos Tour Code 1206
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Day
1RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro! After arrival, settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration.
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Day
2RIO DE JANEIRO
Guided sightseeing begins with a drive along Rio’s famed Leblon, Ipanema, and more. Take the cog railway 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovado to view the Christ the Redeemer statue and enjoy 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay and the bustling city below. The famed statue was completed in 1931 becoming emblematic for both the city and the Brazilian nation as a whole. Your afternoon is free to explore.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
3RIO DE JANEIRO
A free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the beaches or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Petropolis.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
4RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS
Fly to Iguassu Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Journey to the Brazilian side of the falls to see the 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, where clouds of mist, a thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience!
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
5IGUASSU FALLS. EXCURSION TO IGUASSU FALLS, ARGENTINA
Cross the Brazilian border by motorcoach and visit the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the surrounding rainforest. A series of boardwalks takes you above the falls for a look over the edge to see the water crashing down below into the Devil’s Throat. Return to Brazil’s side of Iguassu Falls for free time, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds as well as flora from the area.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
6IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
This morning, cross the Brazilian border into Argentina by motorcoach to transfer to the Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafés, and charming shops.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
7BUENOS AIRES
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city’s well-known landmarks, including the Teatro Colón Opera House and Plaza de Mayo, site of La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), and Metropolitan Cathedral. Also, visit La Boca and San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods, and Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón is buried. End your day with an optional excursion to enjoy an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous Tango show highlighting this alluring dance so popular here.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
8BUENOS AIRES
Today is free for independent activities, or you can take an optional excursion to visit a local estancia (ranch) to experience the life of the gauchos (cowboys) on a traditional Argentine ranch complete with a barbecue lunch.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
9BUENOS AIRES–LIMA, PERU
Board a flight for Lima, Peru. Heralded as the “City of Kings” by Spanish conquistadors, Lima still carries vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
10LIMA
Sightseeing today focuses on Lima’s colonial heritage. Founded in 1535, Lima was once the capital of Spain’s South American Empire. Visit the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery, with Spanish and Moorish architecture throughout. Continue to Plaza Mayor, where you will see the Government Palace that houses the presidential palace and was once the home of Francisco Pizarro, founder of Lima and conqueror of Peru. Nearby, see the cathedral where Pizarro’s remains are buried. The remainder of your day is free to explore on your own. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
11LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY
Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and, upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca cultures. See them up close and learn how their coats are transformed into colorful weaving fibers that are then used in ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to Pisaq, a charming village with a famous market, where you have plenty of time to browse the many colorful stalls selling handicrafts ranging from alpaca sweaters and blankets to painted vases and sterling silver. Later, arrive at your hotel, nestled in the peaceful Sacred Valley.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
12SACRED VALLEY
Start the day with a visit to Ollantaytambo and the Inca ruins of the same name. Explore the archaeological site that was the scene of the Inca resistance during the Spanish conquest—the only place ever to resist Spanish attacks. You will see how the temple area at the top of the terraces provided the perfect defensive stronghold. Next, visit a local home to experience life in this traditional village, which has been remarkably well preserved. Then, visit the Seminario Ceramics Workshop to learn about Peruvian ancient and modern art. End your day at a local chichería for a taste of a typical Inca drink in Peru called chicha.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
13SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
Board the Vistadome train that cuts a path through the picturesque Urubamba Valley bound for Aguas Calientes, the quaint town closest to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Ascend the mountainside through tropical forest to the sacred refuge of Machu Picchu. Your guide recounts the many accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century. Abandoned when the Inca Empire fell to the Spanish, these remarkable ruins remained undiscovered for nearly 400 years. For this reason, many of the mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu remain to this day.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
14MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO
Enjoy some free time this morning to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes; perhaps visit the local market, quaint boutiques, or take a walk along nearby trails. Later this afternoon, return to Cusco on the Vistadome train to the former capital of the Inca Empire.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
15CUSCO
Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco that focuses on the city that was once the political, military, and cultural epicenter of the Incas. In fact, Inca foundations can still be found in Cusco, with the Spanish baroque structures built on top. Visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, where these two forms of architecture are melded together with the temple of both cultures atop one another. Also, see the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas before a visit to the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Some of the best examples of Inca masonry can be found at this fortress, where stones weighing up to 350 tons are pieced together to form a complex that could house up to 10,000 men. Learn about the ceremonies and battles that took place here on your tour. Roll up your sleeves to participate in a tree-planting project supporting the local community. Return to Cusco for dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
16CUSCO–PUNO
Today, drive south along the Route of the Sun, one of Peru’s most beautiful scenic drives. Stops along the way include visits to the stunning Sistine Chapel of America, the Temple of Wiracocha and more. Arrive in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca where the legend says the first Inca, Manco Capac, arose from the waters of the lake by the power of the sun god to create the Inca Empire.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
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Day
17PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA
Experience fascinating Lake Titicaca today as you embark on a motorboat tour of the highest navigable lake in the world and its manmade islands. On Taquile Island, see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past. Continue to the Uros floating islands, a group of approximately 40 artificially made islands. Learn how the Uros people construct their islands, homes, boats, and many other resources completely of tortora reed, a centuries-old practice. Enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director this evening.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day
18PUNO–COLCA CANYON
This morning, depart Puno for a scenic drive to Colca Canyon. Enjoy scenery of Pre-Columbian terraces populated with vicuñas and a variety of birds before stopping for lunch in the town of Chivay. This afternoon, arrive in Colca Canyon. Please note: The Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
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Day
19COLCA CANYON
Today, join your Local Guide to spend time in the Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Visit Condors’ Cross, an observation point, where you can view the Andean condor in flight at eye level, followed by a visit to the town of Yanque, home to the Collaguas people during the preceramic period. This evening is free for independent exploration.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
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Day
20COLCA CANYON–AREQUIPA
Drive to Arequipa located in the Chili River Valley and flanked by three snowcapped volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Known as the “white city,” Arequipa definitely does justice to its nickname, as its buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock found throughout the area. The stone embellishes the facades of the city’s homes and churches.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
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Day
21AREQUIPA
This morning, a guided city tour of Arequipa shows off the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral before visiting the Santa Catalina Monastery, considered the best example of the mestizo baroque style. Continue to the residential districts of Yanahuara and Chilina, where you enjoy a magnificent view of Arequipa’s countryside and the Mount Misti volcano. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
22AREQUIPA–LIMA
Transfer to the airport and fly to Lima.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
23LIMA
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by Cosmos in their Ultimate South America with Arequipa & Colca Canyon tour:
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Recanto Park
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Kenton Palace
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
El Mapi by Inkaterra
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Jose Antonio Cusco
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): Moderate First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar Moderate First-Class property)
Jose Antonio Puno
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): Superior Tourist-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar Superior Tourist-Class property)
Casa Andina Standard Colca Hotel
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Casa Andina Select Arequipa
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): Moderate First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar Moderate First-Class property)
More Details
Cosmos is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Ultimate South America with Arequipa & Colca Canyon tour:
Travelers Notes
The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, and air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!Your Tour Includes:•All internal flights•Guided city sightseeing of Rio de Janeiro•Admission to Corcovado Mountain cog railway to the Christ the Redeemer statue•Entrance fees and guided sightseeing in both the Brazilian and Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls National Park•Guided city sightseeing of Buenos Aires includes admission to Recoleta Cemetery •Guided city sightseeing of Lima•Guided city sightseeing of the Sacred Valley includes a visit to Pisaq village market, Ollantaytambo ruins, a visit to a local Incan’s home, Seminario Ceramics Workshop, and a refreshing chicha tasting.•Tickets for Vistadome train to and from Machu Picchu•Guided walk of Machu Picchu•Guided city sightseeing of Cusco includes a guided walk of the Temple of Sacsayhuaman and a tree-planting experience with the local community•Scenic drive to Puno with visits including the Sistine Chapel of America, the Temple of Wiracocha, and more•Guided visit to Taquile and Uros Islands•Guided sightseeing in Colca Canyon•Guided city sightseeing of Arequipa
Meals Included
22 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
Private Touring
Cosmos offers an optional paid upgrade if you would like to arrange for Ultimate South America with Arequipa & Colca Canyon tour as a Private Tour. Here's a sample of the additional cost:
N/A
Note: Private Tours must be booked with one of our travel advisors over the phone. Please contact us for additional details.
* Supplement pricing is per person (USD), will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date, and is based on availability. Pricing is valid for select travel dates only. Some vendors reserve the right to operate optional activities and excursions with other guests, despite you being on a private tour. Additional restrictions may apply. This pricing may not be applicable to custom groups. Group allowances and promotions may not be available for private tours. Private touring may only be available on published itineraries. Blackout dates may exist, in which case private touring would not be available.
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 Cosmos. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Cosmos (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.