Cultures and Contrasts of South America Summer 2018

22 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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USTOA

Group Tour
Lost kingdoms, intoxicating Latin rhythms and astounding natural phenomena-from the thundering Iguassu to dramatic Tango twists-are yours to discover on this epic voyage from Rio to Lima. Incan strongholds and floating islands on Lake Titicaca all explored en route.

Overview

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

Highlights

    • City tour in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, Cusco
    • Cruise the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
    • Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, Iguassu Falls, Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, the Church of San Francisco, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, the Temple of Korikancha, Lake Titicaca

What's this trip about?

    Lost kingdoms, intoxicating Latin rhythms and astounding natural phenomena-from the thundering Iguassu to dramatic Tango twists-are yours to discover on this epic voyage from Rio to Lima. Incan strongholds and floating islands on Lake Titicaca all explored en route.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityRio De Janeiro
End CityLima

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

Attractions

  • Buenos Aires
  • Copacabana
  • Cusco
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Puno
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Sacred Valley
  • Santiago

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Rio de Janeiro (4 Nights)

Bemvindo ao Rio de Janeiro. On arrival at the airport, you'll be met and taken to your lovely oceanfront hotel. Relax, get settled and enjoy your hotel's superb location overlooking Copacabana Beach.

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro Sightseeing

Enjoy a leisurely morning before joining your Travel Director for an exploration of the cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) and its many contrasts, from the 18th century aqueduct and colonial Candelaria Church, to the Sambodromo, and city cathedral. Ascend Sugarloaf ...

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro Sightseeing

Journey by cogwheel train to the summit of majestic Corcovado, site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Back down the mountain, see the song-inspiring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. The rest of the day is at leisure. This ...

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a full day to explore the wonders of Rio on your own. Optional activities include a tour into the nearby favelas, a sailboat cruise and a helicopter flight over Copacabana Beach. Full Breakfast

Day 5: Rio de Janeiro – Iguassu Falls (2 Nights)

Relax and enjoy a free morning for independent activities. This afternoon, visit a Samba school, a Cultural Insight, to see how the school operates and prepares for Carnival week. See Carnival props and should you desire, join a Samba dance lesson. Afterward, head to ...

Day 6: Iguassu Falls Sightseeing

Enter Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and meet your Local Specialist to explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu, including a scenic walk through the rainforest to the base of the falls. After lunch at a restaurant overlooking the falls, return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon at your resort. Full Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires (3 Nights)

Cross the border into Argentina and board an open-air ecological jungle train for a different perspective of the cascades with a Local Specialist and walk along a scenic catwalk to see the thunderous Devil's Throat Falls. Then fly to Buenos Aires, a city renowned for its boutiques, fine dining and museums. Full Breakfast

Day 8: Buenos Aires Sightseeing

Embark on an in-depth tour with a Local Specialist to see the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral and other government buildings, the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca, San Telmo and lovely Palermo. Lastly, visit the Recoleta Cemetery where Argentina's former First L...

Day 9: Buenos Aires

A full day at leisure-explore on your own or perhaps take an optional trip to a traditional estancia (ranch) and learn about the life of a gaucho (cowboy) while enjoying a barbecue lunch and equestrian show. This evening, enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest experience in P...

Day 10: Buenos Aires – Santiago Sightseeing (3 Nights)

Bid "Adios" to Buenos Aires and say "Hola" to Santiago as you fly to the Chilean capital. Meet your Local Specialist for a tour of this vibrant city, travelling past Club Hipico-the regal racetrack-and sprawling Parque O'Higgins. Drive along Alameda Avenue past the Un...

Day 11: Valparaiso Sightseeing

Today, set out on a tour of Valparaiso city, formerly a major stopover for ships travelling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This afternoon, visit a Chilean winery and sample a variety of local wines from the region before returning to Santiago. Later, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers. Full Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Day 12: Santiago

Enjoy a full day in Santiago to explore. Perhaps join one of the many optional experiences offered. Your Travel Director will be happy to assist you in planning your day. Full Breakfast

Day 13: Santiago – Lima (2 Nights)

This morning, fly from Santiago to Lima, dubbed the "City of Kings" by conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Take some time to relax and get settled in to your hotel in fashionable Miraflores. Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Lima Sightseeing

Enjoy a leisurely morning before meeting your Local Specialist for a city tour of Lima's highlights. Enjoy Lima's ancient districts and visit the Church of San Francisco, the most notable group of colonial buildings in the city. Its unique wooden cupola of Moorish des...

Day 15: Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley

Fly to Cusco this morning. On the way to the Sacred Valley, stop to meet a Shaman who will perform a Pago a la Tierra (Payment to Mother Earth) ceremony, an ancient ritual of the Andean culture and Cultural Insight to bless your trip. Enjoy a farm-to-table Be My Guest...

Day 16: Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu

Visit the Inca stronghold of Ollantaytambo. Then head toward Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train (light snack included). Panoramic views of the valley and mountains are sure to delight. Once you arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the stunning ruins...

Day 17: Machu Picchu – Cusco (2 Nights)

Return to Machu Picchu and continue exploring on your own. Travel back to the Sacred Valley by train. Learn about the natural dyeing techniques used by native weavers as they show their various weaving styles and ways of dress, a Cultural Insight. This evening is free to explore Cusco or simply enjoy the amenities of your elegant five star hotel. Full Breakfast

Day 18: Cusco Sightseeing

Meet a Local Specialist and begin the day with a visit to Sacsayhuaman, an impressive site of ruins towering over Cusco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Cathedral, a stunning example of colonial architecture that was completed in 1694 after over 100 years o...

Day 19: Cusco Sightseeing – Juliaca – Puno (2 Nights)

Fly to Juliaca and meet with a Local Specialist to learn about daily life on the Peruvian Altiplano before transferring to Puno along the shores of magnificent Lake Titicaca. Relish the lake at sunset for breathtaking views not soon forgotten. Full Breakfast, Lunch

Day 20: Lake Titicaca Excursion

Discover the floating Uros Islands on lovely Lake Titicaca aboard a cruise with a Local Specialist. The islands are constructed out of reeds by the native Uros Indians. Embark on a private tour of Taquile Island to meet the local Quechua-speaking villagers, renowned f...

Day 21: Puno – Juliaca – Lima

This morning, your journey continues with a flight to Lima. Take advantage of some free time in the afternoon. Tonight, experience one of Lima's most renowned museums after dark with a Local Specialist. Visit the Larco Museum, full of pre-Columbian artefacts such as j...

Day 22: Depart Lima

Say hasta luego to Peru and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or if you like, extend your stay at the Hilton Miraflores. Full Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,495
Price per day$386
Last Updated: 10/9/2018

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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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Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

Why we love this operator
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What they’re known for
Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Hilton Miraflores
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 21 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • 11 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Santiago, Santiago to Lima, Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca and Juliaca to Lima, including porter service at all airports
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Hand-picked Insider Experiences
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • All porterage and local charges included
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
  • VIP entry to many sights
Trip ID
trafalgar-LCACN13

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