Highlights of South America

4.5/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
20 Days
 Trip Starts
Santiago
 Trip Finishes
Lima
20 Day Highlights of South America Itinerary (Travelmarvel)
Countries Explored: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru
Trip Style
Land Journey
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
IST20

Overview

Read 4 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Travelmarvel's 20 Day Highlights of South America. Embrace South America's natural wonders on this 20 day Land Journey. Discover Argentina's passionate tango, taste traditional Peruvian cuisine and feel the pulse of Rio de Janeiro.

Itinerary

Arrive in Santiago, the Chilean capital. Situated in the Santiago basin and flanked by the Andes, this metropolis enjoys one of the most stunning settings of any city in the world. On arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Reception this evening. Stay Two Nights: Santiago, Pullman El Bosque

After breakfast, head off to explore the port city of Valparaiso, one of the South Pacific's most important seaports. On arrival, set out on a tour of the World Heritage-listed town centre. Then take a drive into the surrounding hills to absorb the vistas of the bay and the colourful city below. Later, return to Santiago for your evening at leisure. (B)

This morning, see Santiago's modern and historic sites on a guided tour. Rich in history, walk around the Plaza de Armas before transferring to the airport and flying to Buenos Aires. On arrival, check into your hotel, then enjoy free time. Stay Three Nights: Buenos Aires, Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery (B)

Insider Experience: Take in panoramic views of Santiago by funicular and cable car.

Your in-depth tour of Buenos Aires starts this morning along the Avenida de Mayo. At the Plaza de Mayo, admire the pink Casa Rosada, a palatial building that houses the offices of the Argentine president. You'll also see the city's cathedral as well as the Cabildo, Buenos Aires' first city hall. Later, explore the Italian-influenced barrio of La Boca and its famously colourful pedestrian street, the Caminito. You'll also travel along Avenida 9 de Julio. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Visit Cafe Tortoni, an amazing coffee house with a rich history. Here, indulge in coffee and a selection of Spanish delicacies. This evening, indulge in an authentic Argentinian dinner while taking in an exhilarating tango performance.

Armed with the insight and advice provided by your knowledgeable Travelmarvel Tour Director, today is yours to either relax or explore more of this fascinating city. (B)

This morning, fly to beautiful Rio de Janeiro, also known as ‘Cidade Maravilhosa' – Portuguese for the Marvellous City. After checking in, enjoy time to recharge or stroll along the stunning Copacabana beachfront. Stay Three Nights: Rio de Janeiro, JW Marriott Rio (B)

Today, head to Corcovado Mountain and visit the incredible statue of Christ the Redeemer, the world's largest art deco sculpture. Admire the breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro and its stunning surroundings. See the sunset this evening on a cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Later this evening, sample Brazil's national cocktail, the caipirinha, before enjoying a sumptuous Brazilian BBQ dinner.

In a capital city as dynamic as Rio, there's always something around the corner to discover. Today you have a full day set aside to relax or explore, from beautiful landscaped parks and botanical gardens to bohemian neighbourhoods and long stretches of sandy beaches. (B)

Fly from Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu Falls, a system of 275 falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. On the Brazilian side, experience the majesty of World Heritage-listed Iguacu National Park during a half-day tour. Walk through the spectacular subtropical rainforest and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the falls. Stay Two Nights: Iguassu Falls, Mercure Iguazu (B/D)

On the Argentinian side, ride the Rainforest Ecological Train to a series of walkways and viewing points. This narrow-gauge train stops at several locations including one that leads to the 82-metre-high Devil's Throat, one of the most spectacular falls of the region. (B)

Today is yours to explore at leisure. This evening, fly to the vibrant metropolis of Lima to begin your Peruvian adventure. Stay: Lima, Wyndham Costa del Sol (B)

Wake early this morning, and fly to the World Heritage-listed city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Travel through Cusco to Chinchero, a city located in the stunning Andean highlands. See how the colourful fabrics of Peru are created during a traditional weaving demonstration. Stay Two Nights: Aranwa, Sacred Valley (B/D)

Insider Experience: Meet local weavers and learn why it is so important to preserve these ancient traditions. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Soak up the Andean atmosphere and relax in comfort at the premium Aranwa Sacred Valley.

Today explore the Ollantaytambo ruins, a unique Inca archaeological site. Then visit a local family home and be treated to a traditional home-cooked Peruvian lunch. (B/L)

Farewell the Sacred Valley this morning bound for Machu Picchu aboard the 360º Machu Picchu Train. On arrival, you'll set off to join a guided walking tour of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Stay: Aguas Calientes, El MaPi Hotel (B)

Insider Experience: Board the 360º Machu Picchu Train, settle in and soak up the stunning Andean scenery as you travel to Aguas Calientes, which is located in the Urubamba River Valley and known as the gateway to Machu Picchu.

With the morning free, you might like to step out and wander around the colourful stalls of the Mercado de Artesanias craft market in Aguas Calientes. Later today, you'll re-board the 360º Machu Picchu Train for a wonderful journey to Ollantaytambo station, before a coach returns you to Cusco. Enjoy a delicious Peruvian dinner and traditional folklore show at the Tunupa Restaurant Bar and Grill this evening. Stay Two Nights: Cusco, Hilton Garden Inn (B/D)

A guided walking tour through Cusco today will take you to the city's historic heart, the Plaza de Armas. During your tour you'll visit the sacred site of Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, thought to be the most important temple of the Inca Empire. Ruined during the 16th century, today its stonework forms the foundations of the baroque Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. Following the tour, the afternoon is yours to absorb the atmosphere of this city at your own leisure. (B)

Take a coach to the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, you'll stop at the small town of Andahuaylillas to visit San Pedro Apostol, a small Baroque chapel built in the 16th century that is called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes owing to a dazzlingly ornate interior of murals and decorations. You'll also stop for a hearty buffet lunch. Later, on arrival in Puno, this evening is at your leisure. Stay: Puno, GHL Lago Titicaca (B/L)

Set on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is considered the highest navigable lake in the world. Enjoy a free morning here with the option to visit Sillustani Burial site should you wish. After lunch at the hotel, set off on today's Insider Experience where you'll gain an insight into the Uros way of life. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Stay Two Nights: Lima, Hilton Garden Inn Miraflores (B/L)

Insider Experience: Set out on a cruise over the lake to the extraordinary home of the Uros people – a group of more than 40 man-made islands created from floating reeds. Enjoy an insight into the Uros' unique way of life and experience the spectacular scenery, typical of this region.

On a tour of Lima’s historic centre, admire the Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Built in the 16th century, this pink convent is also the resting place for three Peruvian saints. (B/D)

Insider Experience: This evening, indulge in a Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Huaca Pucllana, set within the ruins of an archaeological compound beside an illuminated adobe pyramid.

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Take in views of Santiago by funicular and cable car
  • Enjoy an authentic Argentinian dinner and see a tango show in Buenos Aires
  • Travel aboard the 360º Machu Picchu Train to World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu

  • 19 nights in premium accommodation
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and expert local guides
  • All flights within South America
  • Tipping and airport transfers

  • 28 fine meals – 19 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Prices include tipping, transfers and all internal flights (including airport taxes, which are subject to change), as per itinerary
  • Surcharges on internal air will apply if not flying internationally from Australia with LATAM Airlines
  • Extend your journey – add a Galapagos, Amazon or Patagonia extension to your escorted journey, enquire for details
  • For those with a good level of fitness, there is an option to replace Day 14 touring with a full-day hike to Machu Picchu - additional expense applies and this must be pre-booked (enquire for details). You'll then revisit Machu Picchu the next morning for a tour.

Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Highlights of South America' Reviews

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
4 Reviews
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Fantastic tour of South America   1 , WA, Australia, Nov 2018
This was a fantastic tour with a very friendly and informative tour director and knowledgeable local guides. All the included meals were excellent as was the accommodation.
Highlights of South America   2 , NSW, Australia, Jul 2016
Travel marvel was the operator of the tour, a pretty good operator, the TD was excellent, his name was Felip. We booked the trip through Global Journeys as we had done with previous trips and found the service good. The weather on the trip was fantastic, we always travel spring or autumn. In July we found we did not need a lot of warm clothes. Aussies ...read more don't feel the cold like the locals, however we found the hotel rooms to hot. In saying that generally the accommodation was very good, a few problems but got sorted out, don't get a room near the lifts or top floor. There were 18 in our group & only 4 men. All got on well, although the walking pace was a bit slow. Not always a lot of time to shop. Chile and Argentina ticked the boxes but Rio, the Iguazu falls and Peru were great.
Streamlined organisation by Global Journeys & Travelmarvel 1 , WA, Australia, Feb 2016
20 days, 4 countries, 12 flights in South America. Simply too much! Although with a group of 32 from Australia and the UK and with continuous stimulation, there were no hitches, but improvements could be made. Excellent but often remote hotels - rather hotels should be close to the CBDs so during free time could walk around and get the feel of the place. ...read more More time in cities Santiago, Buenes Aires, Rio & Lima less in country side Peru. This would also mean less travel time which was ridiculous eg. from Cusco to Puna.
Very well organised and operated 1 , Australia, Sep 2014
The tour was very well organised and operated. The tour director, Nick Tozer, made it even better with his full attention but no fuss style. The standard of accommodation was very good throughout the tour and the included meals were all 3 courses and very good quality. The local tour guides really knew their subject matter well and were happy to answer ...read more questions and assist with the general operation of the tour. I would have no hesitation in recommending this tour, TravelMarvel and Global Journeys to anyone wanting to holiday in South America.
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Travelmarvel. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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