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South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise
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Length
21 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
Quito (Ecuador)
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Available Tour Start Dates
FEB 20, 2026 to NOV 13, 2026
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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).Yes
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.
$16,807.50
Overview
You’ll feel just like a local on this South American tour as you go from Rio's gorgeous beaches to vibrant capitals, national parks, and the Inca heart of Peru, learn to samba and mix the perfect caipirinha. Then let loose your inner explorer meeting giant tortoises, turtles and sea lions, cruising the Galápagos Islands.Please note that the flight between Lima and Quito is not included.
Visited During Tour
Baltra Island (Galapagos) | Black Turtle Cove | Buenos Aires (Argentina) | Cusco (Peru) | Genovesa Island (Galapagos) | Highlands Tortoise Reserve | Iguazu Falls (South America) | Lima (Peru) | Machu Picchu (Peru) | Ollantaytambo (Peru) | Quito (Ecuador) | Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | Sacred Valley (Peru) | San Antonio de Areco (Argentina) | Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos) | Santa Fe Island (Galapagos) | South Plaza Island (Galapagos)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise 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 136-799
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Day
1Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Launch your leisurely exploration of South America to the sultry beats of the Bossa Nova and Samba. A local host will take you to your hotel where you’ll enjoy superb views of Copacabana beach and its beautiful people, just minutes from downtown Rio. This evening, we enjoy a festive dinner with our Travel Director and fellow travelers.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana -
Day
2Enjoy Rio de Janeiro and Sugarloaf Mountain
Join your Travel Director and ride the historic cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, pausing at Urca Hill before reaching the summit for sweeping views over Guanabara Bay and Copacabana. Hear how this iconic peak got its name during Brazil’s sugar trade era. After a drive past Ipanema and the Copacabana beaches, your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps choose an Optional Experience to the Selarón Steps, a colorful mosaic staircase and local landmark. This evening, you could choose an Optional Experience if you wish: enjoy Brazilian flavors and a performance at the city’s famous Roxy Dinner Show.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana -
Day
3Uncover the Sights and Flavors of Rio de Janeiro
The iconic Christ the Redeemer beckons this morning as we journey by cogwheel train to the summit of Corcovado for impressive panoramic views. Returning to the city, we visit the shores of Copacabana and Ipanema, spending the rest of the day at leisure to watch Rio’s beautiful people living life to the fullest. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect caipirinha, then indulge in a sizzling barbecue dinner at a local churrascaria.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana -
Day
4Experience the Rhythms of Rio de Janeiro and off to Iguazú Falls Dive Into Culture
Journey into some of South America’s most beautiful natural landscapes taking a flight from Rio to Iguazú Falls, the UNESCO-listed magnificent falls that straddle the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, 'Big Waters', in Iguaçu National Park with a Local Specialist. Hike to the cascading falls through giant clouds and sprays of water feeling refreshed in the humidity. You’ll learn that while hot and humid, this lush micro-climate supports diverse fauna in its subtropical rainforest of over 2,000 species of vascular plants. Conclude your day crossing the border to Argentina to your hotel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Mercure -
Day
5Iguazú National Park Argentinean Side with Local Specialist
Get a different perspective of grandeur on the Argentinian side of the falls at the Devil's Throat. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience finds you paying a visit to the Guarani community of Fortín M'bororé who open their doors to reveal the secrets of the jungle, their natural medicine, culture, songs, dances, crafts, philosophy and beliefs. Discover with the Guarani the "Spirit of the Trees", a walk where you learn to walk through the interior of the Jungle guided by aboriginal experts. This afternoon, join an optional experience on Gran Aventura boat tour or an Argentinean experience learning about Argentine culture, tasting local dishes in a five-course dinner, sampling four Argentinian wines and mingling with travelers from around the world.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Mercure -
Day
6Iguazú Falls - Buenos Aires
Take a flight from Iguazú Falls to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Check into your hotel located in the heart of the cultural center at the historic Plaza San Martin and, with the rest of the day free, perhaps take a stroll around this upscale part of the city. Or venture on a wine tasting trip to “El Querandi,” a big house located in the historical district and considered a living testimony of the city originally founded as a bar in 1920.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Intercontinental -
Day
7Buenos Aires Sightseeing Connect with Locals Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter
Take in the sights of Buenos Aires on a City Tour to the pink palace, cathedral and La Boca neighborhood. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and explore this exciting city on your own. This evening enjoy the passionate fiery and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires most talented tango dancers.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Intercontinental -
Day
8Explore San Antonio de Areco
Leave Buenos Aires for San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the gaucho traditions in the pampas region, for a tour along its quaint streets lined with silversmiths. Take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visiting a local project of the Local Association for disabled people who are keeping up the tradition of making the alpargatas shoes. Appreciate more artisans paying a visit to a local artist's studio observing how masterpieces are created. Cap off your day with a Be My Guest experience, complete with sizzling asado steak, at a family-owned gaucho ranch where your watch cowboys show off the horsemanship accompanied by music and dance.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Intercontinental -
Day
9Venture to Lima, the City of Kings
The capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the upscale shopping district of Miraflores. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Iberostar Hotel Lima -
Day
10Savor the Flavors of Lima Connect with Locals
Francisco Pizarro’s 'City of Kings' is ours to explore this morning as we discover the colonial heritage of Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center with our Local Specialist. Admire the ornate baroque façades of the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacombs. Celebrate Lima’s status as the culinary capital of South America next, and meet Ignacio Barrios who has worked alongside many of Peru's most award-winning chefs. Visit a local market where Ignacio will explain how Peruvian fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are the basis of Peruvian cooking. Then continue to his cooking school where you'll Connect With Locals and enjoy a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular dishes. You’ll have an opportunity to sample some of these at a Be My Guest experience lunch before spending the rest of the day at leisure.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Iberostar Hotel Lima -
Day
11Admire the Local Culture of Cusco and Sacred Valley Connect with Locals Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories
Fly to Cusco this morning and head straight into the Sacred Valley, where your day begins with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Manos de la Comunidad weaving center. You’ll uncover the traditions of the Sacred Valley, called “lindaje”. After a lunch of local flavors, check in to your Stays with Stories experience at Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, a former 18th-century monastery set among peaceful gardens. Later, connect with artisans working to protect Peru’s textile heritage. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps fund skills training and job creation across villages like Chinchero and Parobamba
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay -
Day
12Journey to Machu Picchu
The Sacred Valley reveals its mysteries today as we encounter the remains of the mighty Inca empire. Our first stop this morning is the famous Inca hilltop fortress, Ollantaytambo, built from massive blocks of stone. We board the Vistadome train (light snack included) for our epic journey to the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, where a Local Specialist will lead us through the ruins of this once-great fortress. Explore the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. Tonight, we’ll dine at our hotel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: El MaPi -
Day
13Continue in Machu Picchu then Return to Cusco Dive Into Culture
We return to Machu Picchu this morning with an opportunity to explore this mythical fortress on our own terms. Then it’s off to Cusco, stopping en route at a local chichería for a taste of chicha. Dive Into Culture and learn how this Peruvian corn beer is made by local women.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Novotel Cusco -
Day
14Step Back in Time in Cusco
Embark on a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of Cusco this morning with your Local Specialist, admiring the 16th-century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. The afternoon is free to explore on your terms.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Novotel Cusco -
Day
15Onward to Lima
A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima late this morning. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, join your Local Specialist at the Larco Museum for an evening exploration of its collection of pre-Columbian art. We’ll indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner in the museum’s garden.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Iberostar Hotel Lima -
Day
16Voyage to Quito
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Ecuador (flight not included in holiday price). Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Sheraton -
Day
17Uncover Historical Quito
Visit the historical center of Quito, which was the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel to the 'Middle of the World' to stand on the Equator. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Sheraton -
Day
18Embark on your Northern Galápagos Cruise
Land on Baltra Island and meet your Local Specialist who’ll take you to the Galápagos Legend. After settling in, cruise towards the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island to explore Black Turtle Cove — a quiet inlet surrounded by mangroves and only accessible by water. Keep watch for green sea turtles gliding near the surface, white-tipped reef sharks just below and rays moving through the shallows. Overhead, you might spot pelicans, herons and egrets nesting in the branches. This area is a protected turtle sanctuary, offering your first chance to see the unique wildlife that makes these islands so special. Return to the ship this evening for dinner and your first night onboard.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: M/V Galápagos Legend -
Day
19Wander Genovesa Island
Visit to Genovesa Island today, climbing up the rocky Prince Phillip's Steps in search of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and Darwin’s famed finches. Walk to expansive lava field over which Wedge-rumped storm petrels swarm, then continue to Darwin Bay.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: M/V Galápagos Legend -
Day
20The Wildlife of South Plaza and Santa Fé Island
The marine iguanas of South Plaza Island view our arrival with indifference as we embark on our walk from the small lava dock. We’ll see the shallow lake where flamingos come to feed, then continue inland in search of land iguanas. Arriving Santa Fé island later, we’ll enjoy a snorkel amongst sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays, then walk past a forest of giant Opuntia cacti.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: M/V Galápagos Legend -
Day
21Farewell Galápagos
Travel into the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island for the best opportunity to walk among wild Galápagos giant tortoises. These iconic reptiles can weigh over 270kg and move slowly through the grassy landscape as you follow their path. Along the way, spot other native wildlife, including several species of the finches that helped shape Darwin’s theory of evolution. Continue to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Quito. Arrival into Quito is scheduled for 5pm, so please keep this in mind when booking onward travel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Trafalgar is informing us of the following additional details regarding their South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise tour:
Travelers Notes
*ARRIVAL: Complimentary transfers are available from Rio de Janeiro Antonio Carlos Jobim Airport (GIG) or Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) on the first day of the trip. *DEPARTURE: On the last day of the trip, guests will arrive at Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO) at approx 17:00. Please allow at least 3 hours between the arrival time and departure. Complimentary transfers are available with post-trip accommodation booked through Trafalgar.*IMPORTANT: A valid passport with at least six months validity after your return date from Peru is required to enter Brazil, Argentina and Peru.*INTERNAL AIR: Please provide full passport details for intra-air ticketing. The brochure price includes economy class internal flights within South America, excluding the Linking Air.*LINKING AIR: From your main program is NOT INCLUDED with the Galapagos Cruise extension. Contact Trafalgar or your Travel agent to inquire about purchasing the flight arrangements to Quito. Complimentary transfers are available in conjunction with your Linking Air arrangements from Lima (LIM) to Quito (UIO). *ELEVATION: Some areas require to walk on uneven terrain or climb stairs without handrails. You should be in good health and walk without assistance. This trip also experiences high elevations (up to 12,000 ft in Cusco), we recommend guests with preexisting medical conditions talk with a doctor prior to travel.*LUGGAGE: Max one 11 lbs/5 kg piece of hand luggage per person on the train journey to/from Machu Picchu.*CRUISE EXTENSION: This locally hosted extension is operated with guides and/or hosts. Your Travel Director does not accompany guests on extensions.*ROUTE: This departure follows the North Cruise program aboard the Galapagos Legend. *VACCINATION: Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all trips visiting Brazil. Please contact the consulate/embassy and family doctor for further details on medical vaccinations that may be required for specific countries.*NOTE: This Trip falls under LEVEL 2. Please refer to the Deposit, Payment and Cancellations policies on our website.*GROUND HANDLER: This trip is operated by South American Tours*ENTRY TO 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.*BRAZIL VISA: USA & Canadian passport holders require a visa for Brazil. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. See important visa details sent with your invoice. Entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.
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.