South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend East Cruise
South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend East Cruise
South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend East Cruise
21 Days Starting in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Iguassu National Park, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, North Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands, San Cristobal Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LSRECN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend East Cruise" tour, exploring the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador. Begin in the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, marvel at the majestic Iguassu Falls, and immerse yourself in the tango rhythms of Buenos Aires. Discover the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, and savor the culinary delights of Lima. The adventure continues with a cruise through the Galápagos Islands, where you'll encounter unique wildlife and stunning natural beauty. This tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from cultural encounters with local communities to scenic train rides and immersive nature walks. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a focus on sustainable travel, this journey promises to be both enlightening and exhilarating.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals Included: Dinner
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 travelers for a festive dinner.
Day 2: Enjoy Rio De Janeiro And Sugarloaf Mountain
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ease into your morning Rio-style before joining your Travel Director to delve into the captivating contrasts of Brazil’s cidade maravilhosa (marvelous 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.
Day 3: Uncover The Sights And Flavors Of Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Experience The Rhythms Of Rio De Janeiro And Off To Iguassu Falls Dive Into Culture
Location: Iguassu Falls
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey into some of South America’s most beautiful natural landscapes taking a flight from Rio to Iguassu Falls, the UNESCO-listed magnificent falls that straddle the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, 'Big Waters', in Iguassu National Park with a Local Specialist. Hike to the cascading falls through giant clouds and sprays of water feeling refreshed in the humidity. You’ll learn that while hot and humid, this lush micro-climate supports diverse fauna in its subtropical rainforest of over 2,000 species of vascular plants. Conclude your day crossing the border to Argentina to your hotel.
Day 5: Iguassu National Park Argentinian Side With Local Specialist
Location: Iguassu National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get a different perspective of grandeur on the Argentinian side of the falls at the Devil's throat. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience finds you paying a visit to the Guarani community of Fortín M'bororé who open their doors to reveal the secrets of the jungle, their natural medicine, culture, songs, dances, crafts, philosophy and beliefs. Discover with the Guarani the "Spirit of the Trees", a walk where you learn to walk through the interior of the Jungle guided by aboriginal experts. This afternoon, join an optional experience on Gran Aventura boat tour or an Argentinean experience learning about Argentine culture, tasting local dishes in a five-course dinner, sampling four Argentinean wines and mingling with travelers from around the world.
Day 6: Iguassu Falls - Buenos Aires
Location: Iguassu Falls
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a flight from Iguassu Falls to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Check into your hotel located in the heart of the cultural center at the historic Plaza San Martin and, with the rest of the day free, perhaps take a stroll around this upscale part of the city. This evening dive into culture watching the passionate fiery and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires most talented tango dancers. Here at El Viejo Almacen in the neighborhood of San Telmo, you’re in the most classic house of tango putting on shows since 1969 and preserving the architecture and atmosphere of Tango culture.
Day 7: Buenos Aires Sightseeing And At Leisure
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take in the sights of Buenos Aires on a City Tour to the pink palace, cathedral and La Boca neighborhood. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore this exciting city on your own or join one of our tempting optionals. Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta, a popular weekend getaway of scenery, summer residences, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Or venture on a wine tasting trip to “El Querandi,” a big house located in the historical district and considered a living testimony of the city originally founded as a bar in 1920.
Day 8: Buenos Aires Your Way Connect With Locals Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leave Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the gaucho traditions in the pampas region, for a tour along its quaint streets lined with silversmiths. Take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visiting a local project of the Local Association for disabled people who are keeping up the tradition of making the alpargatas shoes. Appreciate more artisans paying a visit to a local artist's studio observing how masterpieces are created. Cap off your day with a Be My Guest experience, complete with sizzling asado steak, at a family-owned gaucho ranch where your watch cowboys show off the horsemanship accompanied by music and dance.
Day 9: Venture To Lima, The City Of Kings
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the upscale shopping district of Miraflores. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at 6 p.m.
Day 10: Savor The Flavors Of Lima Connect With Locals
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Francisco Pizarro’s 'City of Kings' is ours to explore this morning as we discover the colonial heritage of Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center 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.
Day 11: Admire The Local Culture Of Cusco And Sacred Valley Connect With Locals Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® when you visit Manos de la Comunidad, a Weaving Center where you’ll uncover the traditions of the Sacred Valley, called “lindaje”. Then continue to a former 18th century colonial-style monastery, our hotel for the night. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and learn more about the artisan traditions meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as your visit helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
Day 12: Journey To Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: El MaPi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 13: Continue In Machu Picchu Then Return To Cusco Dive Into Culture
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
We return to Machu Picchu this morning with an opportunity to explore this mythical fortress on our own terms. 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.
Day 14: Step Back In Time In Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of Cusco this morning with your Local Specialist, admiring the 16th century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. The afternoon is free to explore on your terms.
Day 15: Onward To Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima late this morning. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, join 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.
Day 16: Travel To Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Sheraton
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Ecuador (flight not included in holiday price). Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Day 17: Uncover Historic Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Sheraton
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the historical center of Quito, which was the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel to the 'Middle of the World' to stand on the Equator. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 18: Sea Lions And North Seymour Island
Location: North Seymour Island
Accommodation Name: M/V Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover a land that inspired Darwin to form his Theory of Natural Selection. On arrival at Baltra airport, transfer to the M/V Galápagos Legend. Set sail to North Seymour Island, an important spot to see magnificent frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions.
Day 19: Bartolome And Santiago Island
Location: Galapagos Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our first destination today is Bartolome Island, hiking to its summit for soul stirring views, then enjoying snorkelling and an opportunity to see the famous Galapagos Penguins.
Day 20: Uncover San Cristobal Island
Location: San Cristobal Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We journey to Pitt Point this morning, ascending to a high point on the steep volcanic tuff hill to see if we can spot all three of the booby species simultaneously. Cerro Brujo’s coral sand beach is our next destination, where we can connect with the resident sea lions or snorkel in the shadow of Witch’s Hill.
Day 21: Depart San Cristobal Island
Location: San Cristobal Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a first-hand encounter with the giant tortoises of La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a tortoise reserve that protects the island’s tortoise population. Your Galápagos exhibition at its end, transfer to San Cristobal Airport for your return flight to Quito. Airport arrival time in Quito will be at 7 p.m.; please be aware when booking your flights.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and gratuities at restaurants are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing experiences and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Transportation is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu are included.
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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
All intra-air flights between Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Cusco are included, along with porter service at all airports.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into the countries visited are not included.
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Gratuities for Tour Director and Driver
Gratuities for the Tour Director and Driver are not included and are at the traveler's discretion.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with air-conditioned coaches, intra-air flights between major cities, and scenic train rides such as the Vistadome to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the convenience of included porter service at all airports and the flexibility of alternative transportation options.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Windsor Excelsior Copacabana in Rio, Hotel Mercure in Iguassu, Alvear Art Hotel in Buenos Aires, Iberostar Hotel Lima, Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay in the Sacred Valley, El MaPi in Machu Picchu, Novotel Cusco, and the Sheraton in Quito, offering comfort and local charm.
Dining Summary
6 Dinner (D)20 Breakfast (B)2 Regional Dinner (RD)6 Lunch (L)1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Dive Into Culture
Rio de Janeiro: At dinner there will be a mixology demonstration where you will learn how to mix a caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil.Buenos Aires: Experience the beauty of the Tango and learn about its traditions.Buenos Aires: Uncover San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the “gaucho” traditions in the “pampas” region. Walk around the small village’s cobblestoned streets appreciating its quaint historical center. See the main square, the church, and meet some of the locals along the way. Also known as the ‘Cradle of Tradition’ the colonial town was founded over 280 years ago and is filled with old bars (“pulperías”) and artisan shops with over 30 silversmiths. Known as “platería criolla”, the traditional Argentinean silverworks include knives, jewelery and other traditional items.Buenos Aires: Visit a gaucho painter’s studio to view his works, appreciate the diverse subjects of his paintings, learn the history of the gaucho town followed by a fascinating drawing demonstration.Lima: You’re treated to a lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru’s native drink. In the good hands of professional chef Ignacio, the results are sure to be delicious. Ignacio will explain the history of Pisco – a type pf wine, the typical Pisco Sour, and an internationally less known but locally more popular drink called “Chilcano”. This cocktail of pisco, lime juice, Ginger ale and bitters is a refreshing twist on the pisco sour that will have you eager to share the recipe with your friends.Sacred Valley: Visit the Pisac market displaying indigeneous Quechua arts and crafts from communities from the surrounding highlands.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique experiences such as visiting the Guarani community for an immersive cultural experience, learning about traditional weaving techniques in the Sacred Valley, and enjoying a Be My Guest experience at a family-run gaucho ranch in Buenos Aires.
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What cultural activities can I expect during the tour?
You can expect to enjoy a Tango and Dinner Show in Buenos Aires, learn how to mix a caipirinha in Rio de Janeiro, and visit a local market with a chef in Lima to learn about Peruvian cuisine. Additionally, there are opportunities to learn about traditional weaving and chicha brewing in Cusco.
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How does the tour support local communities?
The tour supports local communities through MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, such as visiting the Guarani community, supporting a workshop for people with special abilities in Buenos Aires, and helping preserve traditional weaving techniques in the Sacred Valley.
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What natural attractions will I visit on this tour?
The tour includes visits to natural attractions such as Iguassu Falls, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Galápagos Islands, where you can see unique wildlife like sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises.
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What historical sites are included in the itinerary?
The itinerary includes visits to historical sites such as Machu Picchu, the colonial center of Lima, the historical center of Quito, and the Inca hilltop fortress of Ollantaytambo.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
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