Charming South America
14 Days, 13 Nights
Brazil, Argentina
& Peru Highlights
​
Experiences
Overview
Beauties of Rio de Janeiro
Iguazu Falls & bird watching
Discover Buenos Aires Tango & Gaucho Culture
Food and history in Cusco
Explore the Sacred Valley of Inkas
Dawn in Machu Picchu
Prices from
Prices per person from
Boutique U$D 7,500
Luxury U$D 10,990
YOUR ITINERARY
All our itineraries are 100% customized for you!
Rio de Janeiro "Natural beauty, Carnival, samba & bossa nova"
DAY
01
Welcome to Brazil! Arrive in Rio de Janeiro. Reception at Rio de Janeiro airport and transfer to your hotel.
Highlight: Stay in Copacabana Beach, in front of the most famous promenade beach in the world! A design from Lisbon was the promenade’s inspiration, and all stones used to build it in 1906 came from Portugal.
At the scheduled time, Welcome meeting with your experienced local guide. We will also provide our contacts, available 24hs, taking care of the details of your trip to make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
​
Did you know?
-
Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil for almost two centuries and was once the capital of one of the largest empires in the world, Portugal. The official language of Brazil? Portuguese, of course.
-
Rio is also the cradle of Samba and Bossa Nova, two of the most important cultural manifestations in the country.
Meals: no meals included today. Accommodation: Hotel Copacabana Palace, Rio.
​
Optional dinner upon request. We’ll suggest our favorite places to taste the best local Brazilian dishes.
DAY
02
Rio de Janeiro’s Postcards: Christ Statue and Sugar Loaf
Today, a day full of spectacular views is waiting for you. You’ll visit the Iconic Christ Redeemer Statue and the Sugar Loaf Mountain. We include a great lunch between both places so you can enjoy the local cuisine of Rio while exploring its memorable trails and views.
Highlight #1: See one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the magnificent Christ the Redeemer, the iconic statue on top of Corcovado Hill, Rio’s most famous landmark. Corcovado Hill is part of the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. On the way to its top is the Dona Marta belvedere, from where it is possible to see the Maracanã Stadium, the famous Guanabara Bay, and the beautiful Sugar Loaf. Once at the top of Corcovado Hill, it is possible to admire breathtaking views of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and the Botanical Garden.
Highlight #2: Every year, over a million visitors visit the famous Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf Mountain), an iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro.
You’ll journey to the top in a glass cable car. The first cable car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 meters above sea level, and it will offer you spectacular views of the entire bay and its surrounding islands.
At Urca Hill, you’ll take the second cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf, which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360 degrees view of the entire city, including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado Hill, and Rio’s downtown.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch with drinks. Accommodation: Hotel Copacabana Palace, Rio.
Carnival & Samba Experience
DAY
03
You’ll learn about the Carnival, not only as a celebration but as the most relevant competition in Brazil. The Carnival is the biggest Brazilian cultural celebration where everyone has fun regardless of their origins.
Highlight: you will go behind the scenes of the Carnival and explore the complex of Samba City, where all Samba schools have their creation warehouses. Your expert local guide will tell you about the parade and customs.
Bonus: you’ll have the opportunity to see the progress on the confection of the costumes, and you’ll even have the chance to try the outfits.
Bonus 2: Are you looking for a fun afternoon and learning to dance the Samba? You can introduce yourself to the world of Samba. Enjoy a Dance lesson and head to nightclubs to try your first steps of Samba in Rio. You’ll interact with the locals, called the “Cariocas,” who will show you how to dance the Samba.
Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel Copacabana, Rio.
From Rio to the uniqueness of Iguazu Falls, Brazil
DAY
04
Today, you will fly to Foz de Iguassu, Brazil. Transfer from the hotel to Rio de Janeiro´s airport. Once you arrive at Foz do Iguassu Airport, your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel.
Once settled at the hotel, you will visit the Falls from the Brazilian side. The National Park do Iguaçu in Brazil was declared World Natural Heritage by UNESCO in 1986 after the nomination of the Iguazu National Park in Argentina.
The day's highlight: You’ll enjoy awe-inspiring panoramic views, visiting the only circuit of walkways in front of the Falls.
Bonus: Enjoy the afternoon at the Belmond Iguazu, Brazil; Surrounded by lush rainforest, this pastel-pink hideaway will grant you exclusive access to the park—minus the crowds.'
Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Belmond Iguazu Falls.
Explore the Iguazu Falls National Park Argentina
DAY
05
Today, you will explore Iguazu Falls National Park with your bird & nature-obsessed expert guide.
We recommend entering the Iguazu Falls Park early in the morning to increase your chances of observing the different species of birds and fauna.
Today’s highlights:
-
You’ll enjoy a scenic walk with an introduction to the geological formation of the Iguazú Falls, creating a special connection between humans and the natural environment.
-
Be dazzled with more than 200 waterfalls from a natural scenery that places the human being in a unique context.
-
Enjoy the most diverse fauna and flora. During this day, you’ll see birds, butterflies, mammals, flowers, and plants that contribute exceptional value to this experience. The main goal of this exploration is to enjoy the time in the open air and awaken your sensations' potential toward natural sounds, colors, images, and characteristic smells of the jungle.
Bonus: A visit to the falls isn't complete with "The Great Adventure," which includes a truck ride through the jungle and navigation that will take you very close to the waterfalls. Prepare yourself to get wet! (Minimum 12 years old).
Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Belmond Iguazu Falls.
National Park Iguacu, Brazil
DAY
06
You’ll have free time to see the Falls early in the morning in near solitude, just before the crowds arrive.
After breakfast, your transfer will wait for your drive to Puerto Iguazu Airport on the Argentine side. ​
Flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive at the domestic airport and transfer to your hotel.
Highlight: stay in one of our favorite neighborhoods in Buenos Aires: Recoleta.
Upon arrival, transfer to the selected hotel. Welcome meeting with our experience manager to get acquainted with the Capital city of Argentina.
We will book you in a local barbecue and Argentinian steak restaurant. Let us know if you want other specialties (vegetarian, Latin, Italian influence, etc.). Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in South America. Let us know what you love, from fancy restaurants to authentic little places.
​
You'll discover why this large South American city is the most exciting capital in the region;
among other things, Buenos Aires will amaze you with the following:
-
Bookstores everywhere (locals love to read!)
-
The metro system, the oldest in Latin America
-
The widest street in the world: Avenida 9 de Julio
-
One of the most visited attractions is a graveyard at the Recoleta Cemetery.
-
And the vibrant mix of European style with South American flair.
Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Alvear Palace, Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires: Passionate Tango and cosmopolitan city
DAY
07
You'll enjoy a fun and informative exploration of the Historic District of Buenos Aires.
We will see Buenos Aires's history through its iconic buildings in Mayo Square and then head to the San Telmo district to explore the city's architecture in this beautiful neighborhood. You'll learn about the history of this famous neighborhood and its culinary artisans, including some of Buenos Aires' best street eateries.
Bonus: taste the best local empanadas, “choris,” and medialunas.
Bonus 2: An evening full of Tango enjoying top-class dancers and a fine dining experience paired with excellent Malbec Red wines will complement this tasty day perfectly.
​
Meals: Breakfast., street food, lunch, and dinner with wines. Accommodation: Alvear Palace, Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires Culture Opera House, Recoleta Cemetery, Evita’s Traces
DAY
08
You will visit the fantastic Teatro Colon. The Colon Theatre is the iconic Opera house of Buenos Aires and one of the most important opera houses in the world. We will continue to Recoleta Cemetery to explore this magnificent place. We will continue to Evita’s Peron’s museum to see the great collection and enjoy a pleasant lunch. We will finally head to Palermo Soho to enjoy a nice walk through its colorful streets and learn about this trendy neighborhood's street art.
Bonus 1: See the Colon Theatre from the inside and learn about the impressive architecture.
Bonus 2: Explore the Recoleta Cemetery, an “open museum” full of rich art and sculptures—an ideal place to learn a part of Argentine history.
Today’s highlight is seeing Eva Peron’s resting place at the Recoleta Cemetery.
Bonus: Are you looking to enjoy more Tango in Buenos Aires? What about a fun afternoon learning how to dance the Tango? Enjoy a Tango lesson and head to the Local Milonga with one of our coaches to try your first steps of Tango while you interact with the locals; they will show you how to do it properly.
(this is an optional experience we can add to your trip-let we know in advance when we design your custom trip).
​
Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Alvear Palace, Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires - Lima, Peru Gastronomic Capital
DAY
09
Say goodbye to Argentina. Today you’ll fly to Lima, Peru. Transfer to Buenos Aires International Airport. Upon arrival, your private transportation will take you to your hotel.
A highlight of your visit to Peru:
-
You’ll witness how the Inca descendants have successfully and proudly preserved their culture and traditions.
-
The Quechua and the Aymara are the two primary native cultures of Peru, and they still speak their native languages.
Good to know for your visit to Lima: Make sure you try the local food! Lima is considered the Gastronomic Capital of Latin America.
A personalized historical and culinary visit to Lima, the capital of Peru, is the first highlight of this fantastic trip’s leg!
What you’ll do:
-
You’ll enjoy the most spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean when you visit the famous Love Park in Miraflores, followed by a city center visit.
-
Food Lovers! Taste different meals and Peruvian drinks in Barranco, the neighborhood bohemian from Lima.
-
You’ll have a great time learning to prepare the famous ceviche and pisco sour, taste the lomo saltado and participate in a fruit and chocolate tasting.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner with drinks and Cocktails. Accommodation: Hotel B
Lima - Cusco, a gem of a city
DAY
10
After breakfast, your private transportation will take you to Lima’s airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, our friendly local representative will wait for you to take you to your hotel.
Highlight: You are high up in the Peruvian Andes! Cusco was once the center of the Incan Empire. It is the launching point for Machu Picchu – Peru's largest tourist attraction – but the city is well worth a visit to acclimate and experience the mix of the Incan and Spanish influences that define it.
After checking in at the hotel, you’ll meet your local expert guide for a personalized visit to the imperial city of Cuzco, a place with abundant ancient Inca culture.
You’ll explore the best archeological remains from the Incan times in the surroundings of Cusco. We also suggest that you spend some time seeing the great Colonial Art sites such as The Cathedral, famous for its gold and silver baroque style; Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun;
Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel.
Inca's Sacred Valley, Pisac Market & Maras, and Moray
DAY
11
Enjoy today a visit to the Inca´s Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chincheros, Maras, and Moray. You’ll travel crossing beautiful Quebradas, rivers, and a colorful landscape that allows you to appreciate archaeological monuments and indigenous towns with the beautiful Inca culture.
Highlights you’ll enjoy today:
-
Get to see a particular place once the Inca center of religious ceremonies, which included enormous palaces, estates, and a temple, the Sacred Valley; Be transported in time while you visit the Ollantaytambo and Pisac Ruin.
-
You are seeing one of the largest salt extraction centers of prehispanic origin in the region of Cusco and of the current territory of Peru: the salt mines of Maras.
-
See a mysterious archeological site that was an experimental farm by the Incas over 500 years ago.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Accommodation: Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel.
Conquering Machu Picchu
DAY
12
Today you will head to Machu Picchu, located 50 miles from Cuzco, and it’s not the most straightforward place to get to.
Fun facts about Machu Picchu:
-
Machu Picchu is a symbol of the Incan Empire, built around 1450AD;
-
UNESCO designated Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
-
“Machu Picchu” means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain” in the Quechua Indian language.
​
How you’ll get to Machu Picchu:
​
On this trip, You’ll travel by train towards the station of Aguas Calientes; You’ll arrive after a 4-hour journey and a short bus ride for a 30-minute uphill ride up to the entrance of the fabulous Machu Picchu citadel.
There are different categories of trains:
We suggest the Vistadome, which will offer you great views during the journey. For a luxurious experience, we can upgrade to the Hiram Bingham for an extra fee.
A day you will never forget:
​
You will explore the Ruins of Machu Picchu with your expert local guide, who will teach you all about the Inca empire.
You’ll admire Machu Picchu’s stairways, temples, sanctuaries, and terraces;
You will learn how the Ruins is a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Inca empire.
Relax! There is no rush since you’ll spend the night in Aguas Calientes; you can enjoy the ruins at your own pace. In addition, you will be able to do some extra exploration the following day.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Accommodation: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
DAY
13
Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Before returning to Cusco, you will have some free time to rest or walk around Aguas Calientes.
Bonus: If you want to revisit Machu Picchu Ruins or climb Huayna Picchu (limited places - book in advance), it is possible to do it during this free morning; however, you’ll need another admission ticket we can include with anticipation.
During the afternoon, you’ll travel back to Cusco for your last night in the city.
Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel.
DAY
14
Cusco - Farewell!
Today is the end of this fantastic 14-day journey through the most amazing places in South America.
​
Your transportation will take you to the airport at the scheduled departure for your flight back home.
Do you have a late flight? We can include a late check-out at the hotel so you can conveniently organize your return; you can also leave the luggage at the hotel and enjoy some free time before your departure.
(Your late checkout involves an additional charge and will be subject to availability).
Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel (check out 10 am).
​
14-days
Boutique & classic 5* Hotels U$D 7,500.-Per person
Luxury Hotels U$D 10,978.-Per person
​
Prices are expressed in USA Dollars Per Person / Double occupancy. Single rates are available on request.
Peak season supplement approx. 15% ( from December 19th to January 5th )
All Breakfasts All Transfers Excursions mentioned in the itinerary in private only for you. Meals as mentioned in the itinerary/ Hotel tab. Your personal concierge Serive (24/7) that will guarantee a stress-free travel experience.
Included in your trip
International or Domestic ( can be included upon request ) Flights for this trip: Rio de Janerio - Iguazu Falls // Iguazu Falls - Buenos Aires// Buenos aires - Cusco// Cusco-Lima Travel / Medical Insurance. ​ ​
NOT Included in your trip
Want a More Personalized Itinerary?
This trip is one of our suggested trips for visiting South America. You can check more of our suggested trips to South America HERE, OR book your trip consultation with us and we can design a CUSTOM TRIP FOR YOU. We are local experts in South America and founded Across South America our boutique travel agency more than 15 years ago. We are eager to design a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for you. Read Here about our custom Trip Service.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS TRIP?
Don’t forget to Join our Private South America Facebook Group now and flick us a question!
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR TRAVELERS
Our trip through Across SouthAmerica was magical! It had definitely fulfilled our expectations and everyone in the company went above and beyond to ensure our trip was fabulous! Many thanks to Lilian, Valentina, Claudia and everyone from Across South America.
OUR COMMITMENT
​
Let us bring you your dream South American vacation to life.
For Us, IT IS ALL About You!
Authentic & Off The Beaten Track Experiences
We believe experiencing new countries in an authentic, real-life way is the best way to see the world.
Boutique & Family Company by
local experts
We’re able to craft South American vacations that are one-of-a-kind – nobody knows our backyard as we do.
100% Customized Trips Designed around You
Experience South America the way you want it. We create trips that are tailored to your needs and dreams.
Travel
Made Easy
We take the hassle out of travel planning for you.
We’re always on hand to help.
Sustainable & Community Conscious
Our trips seek to minimize the negative impacts on the environment and have a positive impact on local communities
Every Corner a Story
Our South American Travel Blog
