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South America Discovery
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Length
15 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
Cusco (Peru)
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Available Tour Start Dates
FEB 11, 2027 to NOV 4, 2027
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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
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.
$6,238.43
Overview
Starting in the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’, experience the sheer force of nature at Iguassu Falls before country hopping to Argentina for big steaks, fiery tango and a slice of gaucho living. Ending in Peru, cuddle llamas and walk in the footsteps of the Incas at mighty, magnificent Machu Picchu.
Visited During Tour
Buenos Aires (Argentina) | Cusco (Peru) | Iguazu Falls (South America) | Lima (Peru) | Machu Picchu (Peru) | Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | Sacred Valley (Peru)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are South America Discovery tour dates available from Trafalgar. 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
Trafalgar Tour Code 965-2499
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Day
1Arrive Rio de Janeiro
Golden swathes of famous coastline, tropical landscapes and a certain joie de vivre will welcome you to one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Rio de Janeiro. Energy pulses through every pore of this passionate and fun loving city, flooding from the favelas to the football fields and cumulating in nightly parties where the caipirinhas are free flowing and the samba rhythm is infectious. Rio may be best known for its annual Carnival, but visiting here you’ll realise that every day is cause for celebration. Settle in to your hotel before meeting up with your Travel Director this afternoon. Then perhaps hit the sands of Copacabana to watch the sun set whilst you sip your first Cachaça.
Accommodations: Windsor Plaza Copacabana -
Day
2Rio de Janeiro Sightseeing and Free Time
The picturesque Cosme Velho district will be your first stop today, where 1920s neo-colonial buildings will surround you as you board the Corcovado Rack Railway, an old cogwheel train. Hopping on board, you’ll wind your way through the Tijuca Forest to the very top of Mount Corcovado, standing in awe as you catch a first glimpse of the 30-meter-high Christ the Redeemer. The undisputed icon of Rio, this magnificent art deco statue is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and offers the best vantage point of the ‘Marvelous City’ stretching out below. Take your time exploring here before heading on to visit lively Copacabana and beautiful Ipanema, Rio’s best beaches. Tonight, celebrate the culture of South America at the Carretão Ipanema Churrascaria. Distinctly a South American-style rotisserie, it owes its origins to the fireside roasts of the gauchos of southern Brazil, traditionally from the Pampa region, centuries ago.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Windsor Plaza Copacabana -
Day
3Rio de Janeiro City Free Time
Your last full day in Rio is all yours—so make it count. You could keep the energy high with one of our Optional Experiences, from high-flying cable cars up Sugar Loaf to samba-fuelled nights at dazzling shows like Aquele Abraço at the Roxy Dinner Show. Nature lovers might want to head into the Tijuca Forest or stroll the Botanical Park under Christ the Redeemer. Into your history or prefer city vibes? Explore colonial landmarks, street markets and Rio’s modern icons on a panoramic city tour. Or, do Rio your own way: hit the beach, grab an icy caipirinha and watch the world go by. However you spend it, one thing’s for sure—this city knows how to leave a lasting impression.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Windsor Plaza Copacabana -
Day
4Rio de Janeiro – Iguassu Falls
Leaving the colorful costumes and infectious rhythms of Rio behind, this morning you’ll head to the airport to catch your flight to Iguassu Falls. Words can’t really describe the magnificence of the world’s largest series of waterfalls (275 to be exact), which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil and are surrounded by lush expanses of national park. Settle in to your hotel this afternoon and spend the evening relaxing, no doubt bubbling with excitement for the natural spectacle that tomorrow will bring.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Viale Cataratas Hotel -
Day
5Iguassu Falls and Free Time
This afternoon, you can opt to join a Choice Experience with a visit to a bird park on a Make Travel Matter® Experience where you can spot more than 150 different species of birds.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Viale Cataratas Hotel -
Day
6Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires
Country hopping between Brazil and Argentina, today you’ll cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, otherwise known as Fraternity Bridge, to explore the Argentinian side of the falls. Adding a new stamp to your passport as you cross through customs, you’ll drive through the lush and wildlife rich Argentinian Iguassu National Park to reach the falls and cascades which are equally as impressive from this side of the border. Boarding the open sided and near silent Ecological Jungle Train which is every bit as scenic and sensual as it sounds, you’ll pay a second visit to Devil’s Throat before heading to the airport to catch a flight to passionate, sexy, European influenced Buenos Aires.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: NH City -
Day
7Buenos Aires Sightseeing and Free Time
Waking up in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires is sure to excite. This tango-loving, meat-obsessed capital blends European charm with urban edge, where street art adds color to every corner. Start your day with a sightseeing tour, taking in 9 de Julio Avenue—the widest in the world—along with the stunning Colon Theater, Plaza de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the historic district of San Telmo. End your tour in the colorful streets of La Boca, where you'll have free time to explore this renowned neighborhood at your own pace. Later this afternoon, continue exploring with a variety of Optional Experiences. For a cultural twist, visit "El Querandi" for a wine tasting or you can always choose to embrace the spirit of Buenos Aires with a tango lesson!
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: NH City -
Day
8Buenos Aires Free Time
Free day in Buenos Aires? You’ve got options, and they’re good ones. You could swap the city for the pampas on an Optional Experience filled with gaucho culture, folk music, dancing and a barbecue lunch, or take things down a notch with an Optional Experience through the Tigre Delta. Feeling hungry? Another Optional Experience eats its way through San Telmo with bars, market stops and local favorites, while the Argentinean Culinary Experience gets you making empanadas before sitting down to a local steak. Not bad for a day with no plans.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: NH City -
Day
9Buenos Aires – Lima
From Argentina you’ll fly to Peru this morning, bound for the ‘City of the Kings’, Lima. Rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs the city has a real sense of faded yet romantic grandeur, with historical sights a plenty and a culinary scene that is revered the world over. Arriving here you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore, which isn’t hard to do in this cultural and artsy city. Head to Parque del Amor to admire the Gaudi style architecture with beautiful views over Lima Bay, or take a wander around popular and bustling Miraflores.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Lima -
Day
10Lima Sightseeing and Free Time
Visit the famous Plaza Mayor and Cathedral as well as the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Delve into the dark history of the San Francisco Monastery, a museum featuring mysterious catacombs. Your afternoon and evening are free to join one of our exciting Optional Experiences. Take a walking tour with a Local Specialist of the lively Miraflores district highlighting the Boardwalk of Miraflores, a cliff rising above the ocean at around 130 feet and the Larcomar shopping area. Or, indulge your taste buds on a food tour through Barranco or a street food tour – from coffee to churros – through Lima’s city center. In the evening, opt to visit the colorful, musical Magic Water Fountains of Lima.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Lima -
Day
11Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley
Flying into Cusco, welcome to the Incan capital of the world! Boasting the richest heritage of any South American city, Cusco is a wealth of archaeological greatness and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. It’s also the gateway to Machu Picchu, so throbs day and night with visitors exploring its ancient streets. Take in the ornate temples and Incan ruins as you arrive here. On the way to Sacred Valley, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to Chinchero Sunday market, still a very original market where you can find fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the occasional souvenir stall. Your guide will introduce you to some local produce such as potatoes, and if you wish, you can also taste some of the fruit. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you learn about Chicha, a local drink made of corn and admire llamas and alpacas before making your way to the hotel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Ava Valle Sagrado Spot -
Day
12Machu Picchu Excursion
Today’s the day! Up bright and early this morning, you’ll travel to the ancient little town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the Incan village at the base of Machu Picchu. Slowly chugging your way through the rugged lands of the Sacred Valley, feel the excitement levels build as you pass by village settlements and towering mountains, the landscape changing as you descend. Making the last leg of the journey via shuttle, you’ll finally arrive at the most famous archaeological site of South America and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Catching a first glimpse of this awe inspiring ancient city above the clouds is a moment you’ll never forget, so be sure to take a few minutes just to soak it all in. Take your time exploring the vast complex of fascinating ruins and let the mind boggle at how it was all built, before descending the mountain and making your way back to the Sacred Valley. Visit the local home of Mrs. Rosa. Her house goes at least 7 generations back and is a fine example of Incan architecture. Learn more about how guinea pigs are raised, as well as ancient traditions kept alive until this day.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Ava Valle Sagrado Spot -
Day
13Sacred Valley – Cusco
Begin your day in Pisaq, famous for its local market and empanadas. Taste the local food at a women-owned and operated empanada workshop. Learn from Mrs. Ernestina how to make empanadas out of seven different kinds of flour and enjoy a tasting. Continuing on to Cusco you’ll also stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 13th century, before arriving at the Incan capital of Cusco. Embark on a walking tour of ancient Cusco to admire the Twelve-Angled Stone and Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun and the most important temple in the Incan Empire.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: San Agustin Plaza -
Day
14Cusco Sightseeing and Free Time
Kick off the final day of your tour joining for an optional experience. Head to Moray and Maras to see Incan farming and salt mining techniques at play or visit 17th century Piquillacta to view the pre-Incan citadel built by the Wari people. Another option is to indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Choco Museum to learn more about the Peruvian chocolate making process. In town, tour Cusco after dark learning the secrets of this ancient city or experience Cusco off the beaten track visiting tiny stores and cemeteries with plenty of personal stories along the way. If you’re looking for an all-day adventure, join a trip to Rainbow Mountain where you’ll take a rigorous hike through breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: San Agustin Plaza -
Day
15Depart Cusco
3 countries, 2 New Wonders of the World and 1 incredible adventure later, your trip will finally come to an end this morning. Leaving with priceless memories, a wealth of new knowledge and a wonderful group of new friends, you’ll make your way to the airport today. Departure is at leisure from Cusco Airport.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Trafalgar is informing us of the following additional details regarding their South America Discovery tour:
Travelers Notes
* 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.* IMPORTANT: Effective immediately, the Argentine government requires that all non-resident visitors present valid travel health insurance upon arrival. This is a mandatory prerequisite for entry and is being enforced at all airports, land borders, and maritime ports.* NOTE: This Trip falls under LEVEL 2. Please refer to the Deposit, Payment and Cancellations policies on our Website.* ARRIVAL: Guests to arrive into Rio de Janeiro Galaeao International Airport (GIG) or Santos Dumont Airport (SDU).* DEPARTURE: Guests to depart from Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). * PLEASE NOTE: When booking your international flight from Lima, allow 3-4 hours of connecting time between the arrival of the national flight and the departure of the international flight.* IMPORTANT: A valid passport with at least six months validity after your return date from Peru is required to enter the countries of Brazil, Argentina and Peru.* INTERNAL AIR: Intra - Air Ticketing requires guests to provide passport details including full legal name as appears on passport, passport number, expiration date, country of issue, gender and date of birth. Brochure price includes economy air and related charges for internal flights within South America only.* LUGGAGE: Guests are allowed to bring one 11 lbs./5 kg piece of hand luggage per person on the train journey to/from Machu Picchu. Your primary luggage will be securely stored and returned to you on arrival in Cusco.* PLEASE NOTE: In some locations you will be required to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs without handrails. You should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance. This trip also experiences high elevations so we recommend guests with pre-existing medical conditions talk with a doctor prior to travel.* ELEVATION: The highest overnight elevation point for this guided vacation is 12,000 ft. in Cusco.* PORTERAGE: Porterage is not included. Guests will be required to handle their own luggage throughout their tour.* GROUND HANDLER: This trip is operated by Ground Handler, South American Tours.
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 Trafalgar. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Trafalgar (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.