South American Explorer (Inca Trail Trek)

18 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
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USTOA

Group Tour
Want a taste of Peru, Argentina & Brazil? This colorful collision of cultures follows Incan footsteps in Machu Picchu, dives into some jungle adventures in the Amazon, teaches you the tango and tastes empanadas in Buenos Aires and gets the party started in the home of Carnival: Rio. Forget just getting a taste - this 18 day odyssey is a feast for the sens...
18%
$6,749
From$5,507
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    Want a taste of Peru, Argentina & Brazil? This colorful collision of cultures follows Incan footsteps in Machu Picchu, dives into some jungle adventures in the Amazon, teaches you the tango and tastes empanadas in Buenos Aires and gets the party started in the home of Carnival: Rio. Forget just getting a taste - this 18 day odyssey is a feast for the senses.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range18 to 35 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityCuzco
End CityRio De Janeiro

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Rio de Janeiro

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 40

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Start Cusco

Welcome to Cusco Contiki crew! After getting acquainted today we'll have the chance to shop for artisan jewellery and woodworks, roam the cobblestone streets or just stroll the San Pedro markets eating cacao buds and sipping on coca leaf tea. Today really is what you make it!

Selina Saphi (or similar)

Day 2: Cusco to Sacred Valley

Heading out of Cusco and bound for the Sacred Valley on our private coach, this is where our journey into the ruins and mystique of this land truly begins. But first, llamas. An iconic symbol of Peru, we’ll be stopping off at a llama farm to show some love to these fu...

Day 3: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes via Inca Trail Trek

For those embarking on our epic 1-day trek, we’ll grab a packed lunch and catch the train to KM104 and the start of a day to remember. With just 6 hours on foot and 13-kilometers to cover, the enchanting site that awaits us will make it all worthwhile. Descending into...

Day 4: Aguas Calientes to Cusco via Machu Picchu

Excitement levels at an all-time high, the day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here – it’s Machu Picchu time! This is one big old tick off the life goals list, so enjoy every single second of it. Built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu ...

Day 5: Cusco

The last few days have been pretty full on, so today is all about seeking out some much needed r’n’r. Grab a lie in at the hotel then sip fresh mountain coffee in the Plaza de Armas, or maybe take a stroll around town to pick up an alpaca sweater or ten (they are super snuggly). Can’t shake that taste for adventure? We hear you.

Selina Saphi (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 6: Cusco to Jungle Lodge

Saying a final farewell to Cusco, we’ll hop on our included flight over the Andes to the city of Puerto Maldonado. With the sound of macaws and toucans welcoming us in, this can only mean one thing…it’s jungle time. A quick tour of the city will reveal colourful fruit...

Day 7: Jungle Lodge

If the vibrant morning song of the jungle birds hasn’t roused you early doors, the prospect of the Sandoval Lake teeming with wildlife will. Our morning canoe cruise will have us spotting prehistoric hoatzin birds and giant river otters. Satisfaction levels on high, t...

Day 8: Jungle Lodge to Lima via Puerto Maldonado

Today marks our last day in Peru before heading east to Argentina and Brazil, so how better to spend it than one last night in the city where it all began? We'll catch our flight to our familiar destination, Lima. Options for your free evening in Lima are varied and...

Day 9: Lima to Buenos Aires

Who’s ready for a new country? That’s right globetrotters, we’re up, up and away again this morning (how many included flights is that now?) in the direction of the Country of Seven Continents. Everything about Argentina gives us the tingles, and we know you're going ...

Day 10: Buenos Aires

Now's your opportunity to get the full Porteno (locals from Buenos Aires) experience.  This morning why not go check out the colorful La Boca neighbourhood? Tonight we're heading to a tango show. Have a go yourself, enjoy the first of the Argentine food you're sure to love, and then watch the pros show you how it's done.

Unique Palacio San Telmo (or similar)

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Buenos Aires

Today you've got the opportunity to take a day trip to Tigre. Learn about the history and culture of the inhabitants of the "isleños". If you'd prefer to stay the other side of the border, Buenos Aires is yours to explore today, your way.

Unique Palacio San Telmo (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 12: Buenos Aires

Now that you know Buenos Aires like a Porteño the day is yours to explore! Join in a day at the Polo where you'll learn about the traditional Argentine game, learn how to play and even partake in a game of your own. If you're more comfortable out on the water, opt to ...

Day 13: Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls

Landing in Puerto Iguazu we’ll hop over the border and dig our toes into Brazilian soil for the first time, clapping eyes on yet another astounding natural wonder. Listen out for all those oohhs and aahhs. A collection of 275 individual waterfalls, Iguassu Falls spraw...

Day 14: Iguassu Falls

Iguassu we’re not done with you yet! Yesterday was all about the Brazilian side, but today we’re hopping back over to Argentina to see what the deal is from this side of the falls. We’ll take a hike to the very edge of Devil’s Throat, the highest of the 275 falls, and...

Day 15: Iguassu Falls to Rio De Janeiro

Catch you later Iguassu – Rio, we’re coming in hot… If Rio knows one thing, it’s how to p-a-r-t-y, so having fun in this life loving city is already a given. But first things first – let’s get acquainted with our surroundings a little better. After a quick orientati...

Day 16: Rio De Janeiro

Today check out the city from above, hang gliding to see Rio in all its scenic glory. Then this afternoon is all yours, and it sounds like Copacabana Beach is calling your name. Or if a game's in town watch the masters of football do it like no one else can, while you soak in the crazy atmosphere that goes alongside the national sport.

Selina Copacabana (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 17: Rio De Janeiro

Excuse us while we cry into our caipirinhas - today is our last full day on trip. But before the emotions run too high, let's make sure we see it out with a bang, Rio style. First up is a visit to Christ the Redeemer, a New Wonder of the World. Standing at an impressi...

Day 18: End Rio De Janeiro

This morning, this adventure of epic proportion will finally come to an end. Hug it out with the new friends you now class as family, and damn right you’re already on those reunion tour plans. Europe next summer, anyone?

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,507
Price per day$306
Last Updated: 12/11/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
21 Dec 2024
07 Jan 2025
$3,631
Limited
04 Jan 2025
21 Jan 2025
$3,631
Limited

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.

Contiki Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
5,087
Great
758
Average
200
Disappointing
64
Terrible
69
A

Aidan Kitchin

Nov 2024

Written on

South American Explorer Inca Trail Trek

An amazing trip across South America with Joel. Joel's brother Michael was also fantastic when supporting us with the Rainbow Mountain hike. The trip covered a lot o...

T

Trusted Customer

Jun 2024

Written on

South American Explorer Inca Trail Trek

Great guide. Clari was amazing

T

Trusted Customer

Jun 2024

Written on

South American Explorer Inca Trail Trek

This was the perfect trip for me: adventurous, fun, active, and social with lots of delicious meals and drinks, and stories to take home. Well worth the money! I wou...

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Other Contiki Reviews

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Samuel Tydd

Dec 2024

Written on

Total Thailand

The overall organisation & general management of the trip was top tier, even despite minor changes due to flooding in certain areas a change in course of action ...

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Tour Operator

Contiki

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We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.

No two travellers are the same and we know that, which is why we offer eight unique ways to explore the world. We have a number of options to choose from to create a vacation that’s perfect for you, from budget to accommodation style.

We're all about exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why we only run trips for 18-35 year olds, to celebrate being young, spirited and curious. You can expect to join a group of 18-53 awesome people from around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. Don't worry if you're not traveling as a couple or with a friend from home – though there are plenty of pairs, 50% of our travellers set off solo, meaning you'll have a ton of opportunities to make new friends.

With over 270 trips around the world and plenty of departure dates to work into your schedule, you'll never be short of options on where to go for your next great adventure.

About the company:
Contiki are the world leaders in social youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our core values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re about people’. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘Travel.Together.’ which means to travel with one another, the destinations we visit, the cultures we enjoy and the environment, too.

Why we love this operator
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
What they’re known for
Social travel for 18-35 year olds around the world.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Selina Saphi (or similar)
  • Tunupa Lodge Ollantaytambo (or similar)
  • Inka Tower Machupicchu Hotel (or similar)
  • Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge (or similar)
  • Selina Miraflores (or similar)
  • Unique Palacio San Telmo (or similar)
  • Foz Plaza Hotel (or similar)
  • Selina Copacabana (or similar)
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
  • 17 Breakfast (B)
  • 6 Dinner (D)
  • 2 Lunch (L)
Age Requirements
18 to 35 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
contiki-EXTKA19

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