Spirit of South America with Galápagos Cruise

22 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Rum and rumba. Ruins and rainforests. Rio and revelry. This carefree vacation to South America has just the R&R you crave. From Brazil to Argentina and Peru to Ecuador, this multi-country tour of South America delivers a healthy dose of take-me-away scenery, sights, and sizzling culture. Sip caipirinhas at the top of Rio de Janeiro’s Sugarloaf Mountain. L...
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$10,146
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Rio de janeiro: Cable-car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain and Sugar Loaf cocktail party; sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Corcovado Mountain and the cathedral; Churrascaria dinner
    • Buenos aires: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and Recoleta Cemetery; Tango dance lesson; Tango show
    • Iguassu falls: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit both sides of the falls; Ecological Jungle Train
    • Lima: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit San Francisco Monastery; dinner at Larco Herrera Museum; local Peruvian food market
    • Sacred valley: Visit Kenko Amphitheater and Pisac; Mother Earth Ceremony with a shaman; visit Ollantaytambo and a local home visit for a glimpse into rural Peruvian life
    • Machu picchu: Take the Vistadome train through the Urubamba Valley; sightseeing with Local Guide and two days entrance to the ruins
    • Cusco: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the cathedral, the Santo Domingo Monastery, and Temple of Sacsayhuaman; farewell dinnerGALÁPAGOS
    • Explore the beauty of South America during this exhilarating vacation to Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and the Galápagos Islands
    • Visit its cosmopolitan and lively cities as well as its ancient treasures and scenic highlights

What's this trip about?

    Rum and rumba. Ruins and rainforests. Rio and revelry. This carefree vacation to South America has just the R&R you crave. From Brazil to Argentina and Peru to Ecuador, this multi-country tour of South America delivers a healthy dose of take-me-away scenery, sights, and sizzling culture. Sip caipirinhas at the top of Rio de Janeiro’s Sugarloaf Mountain. Learn the sultry steps of the tango in breezy Buenos Aires. Put down your book and lose yourself in the real-life mystery of Machu Picchu. The health, wealth, and safe travels bestowed upon you at a traditional Mother Earth Ceremony in Peru’s Sacred Valley will come to fruition as you feel the magical mist of the roaring Iguassu Falls, taste the creative cuisine in the world-renowned culinary capital of Lima, and travel back five centuries as you stroll along the stone streets of the Inca capital of Cusco. When satisfying your inner historian, don’t forget your inner naturalist. Cruise around the famed Galápagos archipelago, where you’ll share the shores with every native species from the blue-footed boobies to the pint-size penguin. A meet-and-greet with a colony of sea lions seals the deal on this wondrous extension to your South America vacation.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
End CityGUAYAQUIL

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Buenos Aires
  • Cusco
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Guayaquil
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Quito
  • Sacred Valley
  • San Cristobal
  • Santa Cruz Island

Activities

  • Culture

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! At 3:30 pm, meet your Tour Director for a drive to the base of 1,300-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain. Ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can take in spectacular vistas of the city. Next, toast the start of a memorable vacation with...

Day 2: RIO DE JANEIRO

Heavenly Views The city’s landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns Corcovado Mountain, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From...

Day 3: RIO DE JANEIRO

Beaches, Boutiques & Bites A full day at leisure to enjoy Rio. Relax on one of the world-famous beaches or take advantage of the world-class shopping or fine dining. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Spend free time in Rio de Janeiro with an option...

Day 4: RIO DE JANEIRO–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

The Boulevards of Buenos Aires Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. After arriving at your central hotel, acquaint yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outd...

Day 5: BUENOS AIRES

Dining, Dancing & Dazzling Your included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a vibrant district and site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique enclave at the mouth of the river and then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-co...

Day 6: BUENOS AIRES

Argentine Adventures Today is a full day at leisure. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Discover the timeless traditions of Argentina with an optional excursion to the pampas (grasslands). Experience the atmosphere of Argentine country life as you visit a...

Day 7: BUENOS AIRES–IGUASSU FALLS, BRAZIL

What a Rush! This morning, fly to Iguassu Falls, Argentina. The spectacle of this 2-mile-wide rushing torrent—with some cataracts as high as 250 feet—is nothing short of hypnotic. The clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth ...

Day 8: IGUASSU FALLS–LIMA, PERU

Taking the Plunge Today is dedicated to exploring the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls from a completely different vantage point than in Argentina. A walk along the pathway at the base of the falls takes you into the Devil’s Throat Canyon, with spectacular panoramic v...

Day 9: LIMA

Legendary Lima Your city sightseeing tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. See the 18th-century San Francisco Monastery with its unique cloisters, Government Palace, and the cathedral situated around the vast Plaza de Armas. Tonigh...

Day 10: LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY

Empire of the Andes Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages, and see the ancient si...

Day 11: SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU

Mystery on the Mountain This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by [LF] a visit to a local home, meet some of the area’s families, and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey th...

Day 12: MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO

Here Comes the Sun A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco. (Breakfast,Lunch)

...

Day 13: CUSCO

Sun Worship & Spanish Conquests On your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in ...

Day 14: CUSCO–LIMA

Hasta Luego, Cusco A short morning flight returns you to Lima. For a special treat, make a stop at a local [LF] Peruvian food market to get a real taste of the life of the local people. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. (Breakfast)

Day 15: LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR

Welcome to Quito! Fly to Quito, where you will be met by a Globus representative. Free time this evening. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Centrally located across from the nightly craft market in El Ejido Park and near the Casa de la Cultura ...

Day 16: QUITO

Quintessential Quito On an included city tour, see Independence Square with its Cathedral and San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Ecuador’s capital city of San Francisco de Quito stands on the ruins o...

Day 17: QUITO–SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (EMBARKATION)–CRUISING

Adventure on the Horizon Take a morning flight to San Cristobal, one of the remote Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, board the Galápagos Legend for your 4-night cruise. On San Cristobal, visit the Interpretation Center with your Naturalist and learn about ongoing con...

Day 18: CRUISING: ESPAÑOLA ISLAND

Survival of the Fittest Join your Naturalist guide for excursions to Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española Island, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. At Gardner Bay, see one of the most stunning beaches in all of Galapagos that is home to a colony of Ga...

Day 19: CRUISING: FLOREANA ISLAND

Kaleidoscope of Life This morning, visit Post Office Bay, named for the wooden barrel that served as an informal post office for sailors passing through. Here, you may also encounter Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and lava lizards, and take advantage of another c...

Day 20: CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

A View from the Top This morning, visit Dragon Hill, where you will find a brackish lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and flamingos. Further inland, the trail heads up the hill and offers a beautiful view of the archipelago, as well as the chance to see land ig...

Day 21: CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION )–GUAYAQUIL

Gentle Giants Drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and visit the Tortoise Reserve where giant tortoises are found in their natural habitat. See and learn about the conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species found here. Contin...

Day 22: GUAYAQUIL

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

GUAYAQUIL-DOOR.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,709
Price per day$396
Last Updated: 10/2/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
21 Jan 2025
11 Feb 2025
$9,319
18 Feb 2025
11 Mar 2025
$9,259
04 Mar 2025
25 Mar 2025
$9,259
01 Apr 2025
22 Apr 2025
$9,259
15 Apr 2025
06 May 2025
$9,259
13 May 2025
03 Jun 2025
$9,259
24 Jun 2025
15 Jul 2025
$9,259
22 Jul 2025
12 Aug 2025
$9,319
16 Sep 2025
07 Oct 2025
$9,259
30 Sep 2025
21 Oct 2025
$9,259

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hilton Rio Copacabana

Located just steps away from the famous Copacabana beach and waterfront, Hilton Copacabana offers two sparkling swimming pools, a full-service wellness spa, multiple restaurants and bars, beachside service at Copacabana's waterfront, and comfortable and cozy guestrooms with spectacular views.

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

Avenida Atlantica 1020

Hotel Emperador

An oasis of tranquility in the heart of this pulsating and vibrant city, the Emperador's distinctive and unique features stand out amongst the competition. Enjoy ultimate comfort in one of the 265 spacious rooms, offering contemporary ambience matched with state-of-the-art technical amenities. From the moment you enter the Buenos Aires Hotel Emperador, you'll experience the majesty of the lobby, combining modern style with the natural colors of the year-round green gardens.

Buenos Aires

Argentina

Av del Libertador 420

Bourbon Cataratas Hotel

The Bourbon Cataratas Resort Hotel, is strategically located near the main tourist sites of Iguassu. Exclusive and professional staff take care of every detail.

Iguassu Falls

Brazil

Rodovia Das Cataratas KM 2,5

Hotel Pullman Miraflores

The Pullman Miraflores hotel combins lifestyle and design for business and leisure. Located in the exclusive Miraflores district, near the Pacific Ocean, this hotel is not far from Larcomar shopping center. With over 236 rooms, Plural lounge restaurant, gym, pool and a spectacular Rooftop Bar the Pullman Miraflores offers an amazing place to stay and relax.

Lima

Peru

C. Juan Fanning 515 - 525

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas

The Casa Andina Premium Collection hotel in the Sacred Valley is a luxurious and satisfying retreat. Combining fine food, comfortable rooms, and personalized attention, it is the Valley's most complete hotel. In addition to a spa, a fitness center, and romantic dining, this hotel is best known for providing panoramic views of the Andes in every room. This charming mountain chalet-style hotel adds style and comfort to the already stunning atmosphere of Peru's Sacred Valley.

Urubamba Valley

Peru

5to Paradero Yanahuara

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

The Sumaq Hotel is located at the foot of the Machu Picchu ruins and boasts an Andean health spa, bar, restaurant, gift shop, and business center.

Machu Picchu

Peru

Av Hermanos Ayar Mz 1 Lote 3

Casa Andina Premium Cusco

A beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house is located 3 blocks from Cusco's Plaza de Armas. The hotel is distinguished by its 3 interior patios with wooden balconies. The principal patio, featuring a gurgling stone fountain, is one of Cusco's emblematic colonial courtyards. Amenities include a gourmet restaurant, bar, reading room, room service, gift shop, and laundry service.

Cusco

Peru

Plazoleta Limacpampa Chico 473

Hilton Colon Quito (SAT)

The Hilton Colon Quito hotel is 10 minute walk from the colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This modern hotel enjoys spectacular views of the city. Amenities include a fitness center, spa, outdoor heated pool, 5 restaurants/lounges, laundry service, concierge, florist, barber shop, and gift shop.

Quito

Ecuador

Ave Amazonas N 1914 Y Patria Avenida 1

Hilton Colon Guayaquil - SAT

Combining excellent service and a laid-back resort feel, Hilton Colon Guayaquil is conveniently located only a few minutes from Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport. The hotel is the perfect retreat for those traveling to and from the Galapagos Islands.

Guayaquil

Ecuador

Av Francisco de Orellana Mz 111

Transportation & Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights. ,
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
globus-SAE

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