Essence of South America 22 Day Tour

Come along on this amazing tour that takes you through the most unforgettable places in South America. This 22-day escorted tour covers the essence of South America with a dedicated guide that travels with you throughout your itinerary. Including International Airfares, this tour is not to be missed!

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Escorted tour

Small groups with a maximum of 16 guests and a tour guide.

Tour Overview

Come along on this amazing escorted tour that takes you through the most unforgettable places in South America. Be captivated by Cuzco the capital city of the ancient Inca civilisation, the picturesque Sacred Valley, the memorable ruins of Machu Picchu and the beautiful Lake Titicaca.

Discover the witch’s market in La Paz before visiting Santiago, set amongst the Andes Mountains. Feel the rhythm of the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, discover the magnificent Iguazu Falls, and enjoy the elegant cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires.

Choose from a range of optional pre and post tour extensions, including Galapagos Islands, the Amazon and Patagonia.

 

Highlights
Rio de Janeiro
La Boca, Buenos Aires
Visit machu picchu
Machu Picchu
South American Voyager
Iguazu Falls

Itinerary

DAY 1
Australia/New Zealand/USA -Santiago - Lima

Fly into Lima.  On arrival, transfer to hotel

DAY 2
Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley

Morning city tour of colonial and modern Lima. Transfer to airport for your flight to Cusco. Transfer to Sacred Valley.

Breakfast
DAY 3
Sacred Valley

Full day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including Ollantaytambo ruins and the colorful Pisac market.

Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

Train journey to Machu Picchu then a comprehensive tour of the citadel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Machu Picchu - Cusco

Morning free to visit ruins. Return train and land transfer to Cusco.

Breakfast
DAY 6
Cusco

Half day city tour of some of the sites in and around Cusco including the cathedral, Coricancha (the Temple of the Sun) and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Breakfast
DAY 7
Cusco - Puno
Spectacular Peru Rail Titicaca train journey across the Altiplano Puno to the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8
Puno

Full day tour of Uros and Taquille Island, to visit the communities that live on these reed islands.

Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9
Puno - La Paz

Cross from Peru into Bolivia, via the lovely lakeside village of Copacabana, boarding a comfortable catamaran to begin the scenic crossing of the magical Lake Titicaca. Stop at the complex on Sun Island for an introduction to the mysterious Tiwanaku civilisation on the way to La Paz.

Breakfast
DAY 10
La Paz

Half day city tour including the rock formations of Moon valley. Learn about the local “Pacenos” customs and traditions including a trip to the local witchery market.

Breakfast
DAY 11
La Paz - Buenos Aires

Transfer to airport for flight to Buenos Aires . Transfer to hotel.

Breakfast
DAY 12
Buenos Aires

Half day tour of South America’s stylish capital, Buenos Aires, whose architecture and boulevards are steeply influenced by a European heritage. Visit the bohemian street market of La Boca, the tango barrio of San Telmo and the famous Recoleta cemetery, home to the resting place of Eva Peron.

Breakfast
DAY 13
Buenos Aires

Day at leisure.

Dinner and Tango Show: Tango Porteno – Tonight you will experience one of the best Tango Show in Buenos Aires. You will be met at your hotel and transferred to Tango Porteno. After the dinner and show, you will be transferred back to you hotel.

Breakfast
DAY 14
Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls

Transfer to airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls. Transfer to hotel.

The Iguazu Falls. This is the region of great rivers, humid tropics, red earth and magnificent jungle. Just 18kms from Puerto Iguazu you enter the National Park of the same name where the famous falls sit. The deep flowing waters of the river fall from heights of 70 metres through 275 falls spread over 2.7 kms. The frontier with Brazil goes through the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) where the falling water gives the illusion of magic rainbows. The national park is full of exotic subtropical vegetation which surounds the falls and has 2000 plant species – gigantic trees, ferns, lianas, orchids – 400 birds species – parrots, colibris, toucans – jaguars and yacares (caimans).

A visit to these falls is a truly unforgettable experience.

Breakfast
DAY 15
Iguazu Falls

Guided walk along the many trails on the Argentine side of the falls, including a small train journey to the impres- sive Devil’s Throat, the spectacular point through which the most water flows over this magnificent cascade.

Breakfast
DAY 16
Iguazu Falls - Rio De Janeiro

Tour to the Brazilian side of the falls for a panoramic view of the 275 falls spanning nearly 3 kilometres and running along the border of Brazil and Argentina.

Once you have finished your tour, you will be transferred to Foz Iguaçu airport (Brazilian side) for your onward flight.

Breakfast
DAY 17
Rio De Janeiro

Tour and cable car trip to one of the city’s favourite landmarks Sugar Loaf mountain, the famous granite and quartz peaks overlooking Guanabara bay for a fantastic view.

Breakfast
DAY 18
Rio De Janeiro

Half day trip to the top of Corcovado mountain, catching a small train through the Tijuca forest before reaching the top to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

Tonight you will enjoy a samba show and a barbecue dinner.

Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 19
Rio De Janeiro - Santiago De Chile

Transfer to airport for flight to Santiago. Transfer to hotel.

Breakfast
DAY 20
Santiago De Chile

Half day city tour of Santiago, dramatically set at the foot of the Andes mountains to discover the city’s many layers of cultural influence. Visit “La Moneda” government house and San Cristobal Hill for fantastic city views.

Breakfast
DAY 21
Santiago De Chile -Australia/New Zealand/USA

Transfer to the airport for flight home.

DAY 22
Arriving Home

Arriving Home

Tour Inclusions

  • International economy airfares ex MEL/BNE/SYD/AKL/MIA/LAX/NYC
  • All internal flights within South America
  • Accommodation in selected class hotels with private facilities
  • Meals as indicated (19 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners)
  • Return economy Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
  • First class catamaran journey across Lake Titicaca
  • Transport by air conditioned vehicles
  • Comprehensive sightseeing and excursions
  • Meeting service and airport transfers
  • English speaking local guides
  • Tour Escort (minimum 10 people)
  • Tipping

Tour Exclusions

  • Air Taxes (taxes invoiced as tickets are issued – approx $1180p.p)
  • Pre/post extensions
  • Surcharges apply for Easter, New Years, Rio Carnival.
  • Any items not listed in the inclusions and the itinerary

Tour Dates

Tour Pricing

Essence of South America
Single
Twin
08 April 2024
$14,585 pp
$11,957 pp
02 September 2024
$15,281 pp
$12,444 pp
07 October 2024
$15,281 pp
$12,444 pp
03 March 2025
$16,086 pp
$13,289 pp
07 April 2025
$16,086 pp
$13,289 pp
01 September 2025
$16,086 pp
$13,289 pp
06 October 2025
$16,086 pp
$13,289 pp

Tours Add ons

Days
6
From (USD)
$3,361

Patagonia Extension (Essence)

  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Patagonia
Days
9
From (USD)
$2,917
Days
6
From (USD)
$1,353

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