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Local history and culture will come alive before your eyes on this South American tour as you travel from Rio’s sunny shores to colourful capitals and the Inca heart of Peru. Learn how to samba and to mix the perfect caipirinha before uncovering the secrets of mysterious Easter Island and its mesmerizing Moai statues.
Local history and culture will come alive before your eyes on this South American tour as you travel from Rio’s sunny shores to colourful capitals and the Inca heart of Peru. Learn how to samba and to mix the perfect caipirinha before uncovering the secrets of mysterious Easter Island and its mesmerizing Moai statues.
Immerse yourself in the tropical allure of Rio de Janeiro - your launch pad to a South American exploration of capital cities and ancient cultures. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel offering superb views of Copacabana Beach. This evening, we’ll join our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a festive Welcome Reception.
Ease into your morning Rio-style before joining your Travel Director to delve into the captivating contrasts of Brazil’s cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city). See the 18th-century Carioca Aqueduct, the colonial Candelaria church and the home of the Rio Carnival, the Sanbodromo. Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for a 'pinch me moment' of inspiring bay and city views. Enjoy a free evening.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Uncover the Sights and Flavours of Rio de Janeiro
The iconic Christ the Redeemer beckons this morning as we journey by cogwheel train to the summit of Corcovado for impressive panoramic views. Returning to the city, we visit the shores of Copacabana and Ipanema, spending the rest of the day at leisure to watch Rio’s beautiful people living life to the fullest. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect caipirinha, then indulge in a sizzling Regional Dinner barbecue at a local churrascaria.
Experience the Rhythms of Rio de Janeiro and off to Iguassu Falls
Spend the morning at leisure, then visit a Samba school where you’ll Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into how the school prepares for the pageantry of Carnival week. View the colourful costumes and sway your hips Rio-style as you learn how to Samba. We leave the city behind and fly to Iguassu Falls. This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together at our hotel.
Explore the Brazil side of Iguassu Falls, joining a Local Specialist in the UNESCO-listed Iguassu National Park for a walk through the rainforest to the base of the falls. Indulge in lunch at a local restaurant against the backdrop of the falls before returning to your resort for an afternoon at leisure. Consider joining one of our optional experiences, including a jetboat ride(^) to the base of the falls or visit a tropical bird reserve, home to more than 500 species of birds.
This family owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: $55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan Music while enjoying at traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Total duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $120.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan music while enjoying a traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $112.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Discover the Argentinian Side of Iguassu Falls
Cross the border into Argentina to see the falls from a different perspective. Meet your Local Specialist, then board an open-air ecological jungle train through the rainforest and walk along the catwalk peering down into the swirling waters of Devil’s Throat Falls. We leave this force of nature behind for the sophisticated Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Alvear Art
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Explore Buenos Aires
Connect with the seamless mix of European elegance meets Latin energy, joining your Local Specialist for a guided tour of Buenos Aires’ most notable sites, including the iconic Casa Rosada and colourful neighbourhood of La Boca. Admire the opulent façade of Teatro Colon, then visit the Recoleta Cemetery, where Argentina’s beloved former first lady, Eva Peron (Evita), is buried. This evening, indulge in the delicious flavours of Argentine beef during a Regional Dinner. Later, we’ll Dive Into Culture, ending the evening with a stirring, sensual Tango performance.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to pursue your own interests in the 'Paris of South America'. Admire the works of Degas, El Greco and Van Gogh at the Museum of Belles Artes or sample delicious dulce de leche ice-cream at the famous Café Tortoni. Feeling adventurous? Consider an optional trip into the countryside to visit a traditional estancia (ranch), including a lively equestrian show and traditional parrillada (barbecue) lunch. Later, we’ll Connect With Locals, joining a family at their home in Palermo Soho for a dinner during our Be My Guest experience.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Fiesta Gaucha With BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a great day as you head out into the pampas to visit an authentic 3,000 acre (1200 hectare) working estancia (Argentinean ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A BBQ will be served family style by Gauchos. Enjoy activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations. Total duration is approximately 7 hours. (For Private Trafalgar Transportation, a Minimum of 15 Guests is Required.)
Adult Price: $170.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Tigre Delta
Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Your tour includes a cruise on the delta and if you are visiting on Saturdays, you can stroll through the local outdoor market. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Adult Price: $74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Venture to Lima, the City of Kings
We leave one capital behind for another, travelling to Peru’s capital, Lima. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in San Isidro.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
Savour the Flavours of Lima
Francisco Pizarro’s 'City of Kings' is ours to explore this morning as we discover the colonial heritage of Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre with our Local Specialist. Admire the ornate baroque façades of the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacombs. Celebrate Lima’s status as the culinary capital of South America next, and meet Ignacio Barrios who has worked alongside many of Peru's most award-winning chefs. Visit a local market where Ignacio will explain how Peruvian fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are the basis of Peruvian cooking. Then continue to his cooking school where you'll Connect With Locals and enjoy a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular dishes. You’ll have an opportunity to sample some of these at a Be My Guest experience lunch before spending the rest of the day at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
La Dama Juana Restaurant And Folklore Show
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 11
Admire the Local Culture of Cusco and Sacred Valley
Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Dive Into Culture and visit the Pisac market displaying Quechua arts and crafts. Connect With Locals and meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver, and the first person from her village to attend university. She been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century. End the day at your Stays With Stories, a former 18th-century colonial-style monastery in the Sacred Valley.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
The Sacred Valley reveals its mysteries today as we encounter the remains of the mighty Inca empire. Our first stop this morning is the famous Inca hilltop fortress, Ollantaytambo, built from massive blocks of stone. We board the Vistadome train (light snack included) for our epic journey to the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, where a Local Specialist will lead us through the ruins of this once-great fortress. Explore the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. Tonight, we’ll dine at our hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - El Mapi by Inkaterra
We return to Machu Picchu this morning with an opportunity to explore this mythical fortress on our own terms. If you’re feeling energetic, consider hiking up to the Gate of the Sun for thrilling views over the fortress and valley below. Then it’s off to Cusco, stopping en route at a local chicheria for a taste of chicha. Dive Into Culture and learn how this Peruvian corn beer is made by local women.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 14
Explore Cusco and Sacsayhuaman
Explore the Incan and Spanish roots of the 'Imperial City', unlocking its best kept secrets, including the 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo, built atop the foundations of the Inca Temple of the Sun. Later, we’ll venture with our Local Specialist beyond the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. This evening, we’ll Dive Into Culture at a local restaurant for a Regional Dinner of Cusquenian flavours against the backdrop of a traditional dance performance.
Visit Moray, the Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory that consists of four platforms that seem to disappear into a crater. At a depth of 500 feet (150 meters), the overlapping concentric circular stone rings widen as they rise. It was an experimental location the Incas used to study the adaptation of plants with agriculture. Next is the village of Maras, renowned for its ancient salt mines and wells. The salt has been used for economic purposes since the time of the Inca. You will meet the villagers who explain ancient salt mining techniques and have a chance to participate. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 5 Guests)
Adult Price: $86.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum
Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker. Space is limited. Total duration approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 15
Onward to Lima
A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima late this morning. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, then Dive Into Culture with your Local Specialist at the Larco Museum for an evening exploration of its collection of pre-Columbian art. We’ll indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner in the museum’s garden.
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end. Head to Lima and fly to Santiago International Airport (flight not included in holiday price). Stay the night in Chile's vibrant capital of Santiago before heading on to your Easter Island extension tomorrow.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Holiday Inn Santiago Airport
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 17
Voyage to Easter Island
Fly to Easter Island (flight not included in holiday price) and connect with the legend and lore of one of the world’s most remote and remarkable islands, delving into the ancient culture of the Rapa Nui who once prospered on this land. Our first stop on this mystical adventure is Ahu Akivi, where we’ll enjoy a private guided excursion with our Local Specialist to view its seven Moai statues, facing the ocean. Learn about their astronomically precise location and how they were placed there to use their mana to protect the inhabitants of the nearby village. Continue to ancient Ahu Hanga Poukura to see the tumbled Moai statues that stand as a testament to ancient battles. Then, visit the Puna Pau quarry with its red scoria stone.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Taha Tai
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 18
The Maoi of Easter Island
Embark on a privately guided excursion with our Local Specialist to the southern coast and witness the perfectly preserved ceremonial Ahu Vaihu in the bay of Hanga Te'e. Set out with your boxed picnic lunch and proceed to Rano Raraku, a quarry of almost 900 stone statues - 397 of them still located at the slopes of the Rano Kau volcano. Visit Ahu Tongariki, the largest ahu on the island, then continue to the eastern coast and visit Ahu Te Pito Kura with its Paro Maoi, the largest maoi statue ever erected. Afterward, visit scenic Anakena beach, where the king first set foot on the island.
Journey to the UNESCO-listed Rapa Nui National Park. Join a private excursion with our Local Specialist up the extinct Rano Kau volcano. Admire views of the island from its slopes, then drive to the village of Orongo, where you’ll view petroglyphs revealing the local culture. Later, catch a glimpse the three islets of Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao on the opposite coast. Then it’s on to Ahu Vinapu for further evidence of the pre-Incan architectural influence. Our final stop is at the Ana Kai Tangata to view the ornate cave paintings from its mouth. Return to your hotel this afternoon before being transferred to the airport. Airport arrival is at 12 p.m., please be aware when booking your flights.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 5
Bird Park
This family owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: $55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan Music while enjoying at traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Total duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $120.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan music while enjoying a traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $112.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Fiesta Gaucha With BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a great day as you head out into the pampas to visit an authentic 3,000 acre (1200 hectare) working estancia (Argentinean ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A BBQ will be served family style by Gauchos. Enjoy activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations. Total duration is approximately 7 hours. (For Private Trafalgar Transportation, a Minimum of 15 Guests is Required.)
Adult Price: $170.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Tigre Delta
Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Your tour includes a cruise on the delta and if you are visiting on Saturdays, you can stroll through the local outdoor market. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Adult Price: $74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
La Dama Juana Restaurant And Folklore Show
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 14
Moray And Moras
Visit Moray, the Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory that consists of four platforms that seem to disappear into a crater. At a depth of 500 feet (150 meters), the overlapping concentric circular stone rings widen as they rise. It was an experimental location the Incas used to study the adaptation of plants with agriculture. Next is the village of Maras, renowned for its ancient salt mines and wells. The salt has been used for economic purposes since the time of the Inca. You will meet the villagers who explain ancient salt mining techniques and have a chance to participate. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 5 Guests)
Adult Price: $86.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 14
Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum
Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker. Space is limited. Total duration approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Lima, Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
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Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
South America Revealed with Easter Island trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Land and Intra Air prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights between Rio de Janeiro-Foz do Iguacu, Cataratas del Iguazu-Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires-Lima, Lima-Cusco and Cusco-Lima and require purchase of round-trip air travel on LATAM between your gateway city and the itinerary’s start and end gateway cities.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Note: On the train to Machu Picchu, only hand luggage (overnight bag) can be taken. Your primary suitcase will be securely stored and returned to you in Cusco.
Please note: In some locations you will be required to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs without handrails. You should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance.
Passport: Guest passport information for flights is required at time of final payment.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional) Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
