About this journey
Discover South America, a continent of extraordinary landscapes, vibrant cultures, fascinating history and unforgettable adventures. From the ancient wonders of Peru and the dramatic peaks of the Andes to the lively streets of Brazil and the natural beauty of Argentina and Chile, South America offers an incredible variety of experiences. Explore the iconic Machu Picchu and the historic streets of Cusco, experience the energy of Rio de Janeiro, admire the spectacular Iguazu Falls, and discover the elegant charm of Buenos Aires. Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, explore the Atacama Desert or experience the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of the Amazon. A South America tour is also a journey through rich traditions and flavours. Discover colourful markets, historic neighbourhoods, indigenous heritage, local music and world-famous cuisines while experiencing the warm hospitality of the region. Whether you are seeking culture, adventure, nature, history or relaxation, South America offers something for every traveller. With iconic landmarks, diverse landscapes and unforgettable experiences across multiple countries, The Essentials of South America is the perfect introduction to one of the world's most fascinating continents.
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! Upon your arrival at the airport you will be meet the guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Check-in and rest. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
After breakfast, get ready for an incredible tour. Start with a visit to Corcovado Hill, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located. After lunch, a visit to the Pão de Açúcar. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro. (B)
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your flight to Lima (Not Included). Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. Later in the day, head out of your Lima City tour, walk through Del Amor Park in Miraflores, the Government Palace, the Town Hall, the Cathedral and San Francisco Covent, all of them located at the main square. At the end, return to the hotel. Overnight in Lima. (B)
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and get transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco (Not Included). Upon arrival, get transferred to your hotel & and check-in. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, Del Puma Sanctuary, Korikancha Temple, Del Dios Sol Temple, Santo Domingo Church and the main square, where the cathedral is located. After your tour, head back to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco. (B)
After breakfast, get ready for your Sacred Valley tour by going through the Market of Piscac, where beautiful handicrafts are made. After lunch, we get to Ollantaytambo, characterized by its temple, used as a fortress during the resistance of Incas. After your tour head back to your hotel in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco. (B)
After breakfast, today you will head at Aguas Calientes by train, to later ascend through the winding way to Machu Picchu, Cultural Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This lost city of the Incas astonishes us with its terraces, ceremonial sanctuaries, stairs and urban zones. Spend sometime walking around the ruins and later have lunch. In the evening, return to Cusco for overnight stay. (B, L)
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and get transferred to the airport for your flight to Pue to Iguazu (Not included). Upon your arrival at the airport the guide will transfer you to your hotel. Check-in and rest. Overnight in Puerto Iguazu. (B)
After breakfast, depart from your hotel to visit the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls, located within the Iguazú National Park. With an extension of 67.000 hectares the park has been declared a Natural Patrimony of Humanity by the UNESCO. The Falls are integrated by 275 waterfalls that fall from an average altitude of seventy meters. The starting point is the “Central Station”, from which you can choose to take the train that goes to “Falls Station” or the one that goes to “Devil’s Throat Station”. From these points it is possible to carry out diverse excursions: The superior walk, is a walk of 800 meters on footbridges, elevated over the surface of the terrain so as not to obstruct or drive away/frighten the fauna. On this walk, visitors can observe the waterfalls from the upper part of the Two Sisters, Bosetti, Bernabé Méndez, M´Bigua falls, among others. It lasts for an hour and the range of difficulty is low, there are no stairs. From these points it is possible to carry out diverse excursions: The superior walk, is a walk of 800 meters on footbridges, elevated over the surface of the terrain so as not to obstruct or drive away/frighten the fauna. On this walk, visitors can observe the waterfalls from the upper part of the Two Sisters, Bosetti, Bernabé Méndez, M´Bigua falls, among others. It lasts for an hour and the range of difficulty is low, there are no stairs. The excursion Devil’s Throat starts at the “Devil’s Throat Station” to go walking through the footbridges for about 1,200 meters which allow the visitor to enjoy the view of the most important waterfall of the Falls. The excursion lasts two hours, and the range of difficulty is low, there are no stairs. The return is done by train up to the Visitors Center. Once the excursion ends, return to the hotel. Overnight in Puerto Iguazu. (B)
Today after breakfast, depart from the hotel crossing the bridges of Tancredo Neves and Juan D. Perón that join the Argentinian city of Puerto Iguazu with the Brazilian city of Foz de Iguazú. The trip continues towards the do Iguaçu National Park, one of the biggest vegetation reserve in Brazil, until arriving at the visitors’ center. Here you will take a bus that will take you on a tour inside the park and then to the beginning of the footbridges placed over the cliffs of the Iguazu River. During the walk it is possible to get a panoramic view of the Isla San Martín of one of the most majestic waterfalls: the Bossetti, the San Martín and the Three Musketeers. Towards the end of the walk is the view point, from which you can appreciate a unique view of the Devil’s Throat, which, at this point, is only about 150 meters away. This wonderful view is even more enhanced by the constant formation of rainbows. The itinerary ends next to the Salto Floriano Waterfall where there is a small store and access to the panoramic elevator, if you wish to. At the end of the walk there is a long stairway which leads to the place from which you will get transfer back to the hotel. Overnight in Puerto Iguazu. (B)
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and get transferred to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires (Not included). Upon your arrival at Jorge Newbery Airport, get transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B)
After breakfast, get read for your Buenos Aires city tour. The tour has its first stop in Plaza de Mayo, historical and political core of the city, to discover its main buildings and monuments, the Pirámide de Mayo, the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace), the colonial Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Next continue along Avenida de Mayo, interesting for its different architectural styles, to reach 9 de Julio Avenue, with its eight lanes embellished with lawns, fountains and sculptures, and of course the Obelisco, undisputable emblem and gravitational center of the city. Next head to San Telmo, the oldest districts in the city, where each Sunday an antiques’ market takes place. Moving on southwards, you will reach the picturesque port district of La Boca, where we will have the second stop at its famous alley Caminito whose colored tin houses and customs reflect the influence of the 19th century European immigrants in the typical "cantinas" (small restaurants) and "conventillos" (tenement houses). The visit continues to Puerto Madero, with its old port warehouses turned into offices, apartments, world-class restaurants and bars, with an amazing view of the docks and the Rio de la Plata. Finally, pass by the residential neighborhood of Palermo with its elegant mansions and ample parks, and La Recoleta, where it is remarkable the well-known cemetery, as well as the church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Cultural Center and the circular building of the Palais de Glace. Later head to San Telmo, the cradle of Tango. After you tour head back to your hotel. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B)
Today morning after breakfast, check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your depaue flight. (B)
What is included
Included
- 02 nights accommodation in Rio de Janeiro
- 01 night in Lima
- 03 nights in Cusco
- 03 nights in Puerto Iguazu
- 02 nights in Buenos Aires
- Daily Breakfast
- 01 Lunch (Set Menu)
- All transfers & Sightseeing on SIC as per itinerary
- All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
Not included
- Early check in/late check out, unless specified in the itinerary
- International airfares
- Airport Taxes
- Insurance
- Local city taxes where they apply
- Beverages
- Extras and Personal Expenses & Tips
- Optional sightseeing tours
- Meals and drinks
- Porterage
- Any other services not mentioned under ‘INCLUSIONS’
Frequently asked questions
1. How many days are ideal for a South America tour?
A 10–14 day tour is a good introduction to South America, allowing you to combine major destinations and highlights across multiple countries.
2. What is the best time to visit South America?
The best time depends on the countries you plan to visit. December to March is ideal for many southern destinations, while May to September is generally better for Peru, Bolivia and the Andes.
3. Which countries are popular on a South America tour?
Popular destinations include Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Colombia and Bolivia, each offering unique landscapes, cultures and attractions.
4. What are the must-see attractions in South America?
Major highlights include Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, the Amazon Rainforest, Patagonia and the Andes Mountains.
5. Is South America suitable for a first-time traveller?
Yes. With a well-planned itinerary, guided tours and reliable transfers, South America can be an exciting and rewarding destination for first-time visitors.
6. Can I visit multiple countries on one South America tour?
Yes. Multi-country itineraries are popular and can combine destinations such as Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Chile, depending on your travel duration and interests.
7. What type of experiences can I enjoy in South America?
Travellers can enjoy cultural sightseeing, wildlife experiences, adventure activities, food tours, scenic journeys, trekking and relaxing in beautiful natural surroundings.
8. Is South America suitable for families?
Yes. Many destinations offer family-friendly attractions, wildlife experiences, scenic tours and cultural activities suitable for travellers of different ages.
9. What food should I try in South America?
South America offers diverse cuisines, including Peruvian ceviche, Argentine steak, Brazilian feijoada, empanadas and Chilean seafood.
10. What should I pack for a South America tour?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, versatile clothing, sun protection and a light jacket. Layered clothing is particularly useful when travelling between cities, mountains and different climates.
11. How do I travel between countries in South America?
International and domestic flights are the most practical option for longer distances, while trains, buses and private transfers can be useful for selected routes.
12. Why should I choose a South America tour?
A South America tour combines iconic landmarks, ancient civilizations, spectacular landscapes, vibrant cities, diverse cultures and unforgettable adventures, making it an incredible continent to explore.
Best Time to Visit South America
The best time to visit South America depends on the destinations included in your itinerary, as the continent has diverse climates across different regions. For a multi-country highlights tour, September to November and March to May are often excellent choices, offering pleasant weather in many destinations and ideal conditions for sightseeing.
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September–November: Spring season in much of the southern region with pleasant temperatures and beautiful landscapes.
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March–May: Comfortable autumn weather, fewer crowds and excellent for cultural and scenic travel.
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June–August: Best for Peru, Bolivia and the Andes, with drier conditions for mountain exploration.
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December–February: Ideal for Patagonia, Argentina and southern Brazil, with warm summer weather.
Best overall: September to November or March to May for a balanced South America multi-country holiday.
