Explore Peru, Argentina & Brazil
Explore Peru, Argentina & Brazil
Explore Peru, Argentina & Brazil
18 Days Starting in Lima and ending in Rio de Janeiro
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Puno, Buenos Aires, Ituzaingo, Foz do Iguazu, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GGSGC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$8116
$7103 (USD)
Operator discount: -$812
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$201
-12%
NB: Prices correct on 15-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
South America has many sides, from the energy of the cities and the beauty of the landscape to the spirit of the people. On this 18-day discovery, you’ll wind through the Inca heartlands and jungles of Peru, the enigmatic cities and natural wonders of Argentina and the dynamism of Brazil's vibrant Rio. See animals, meet locals, traverse trails and marvel at all the contrasts of this very special corner of the world. If you’re looking for a trip that hits not one, but two Wonders of the World off your bucket list – you’ve come to the right place. Take a guided tour of Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes Mountains, then visit Christ the Redeemer, overlooking breathtaking Rio. Wild ride, anyone?
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Location: Lima
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. With Indigenous cultures dating back millennia, this country is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and soaring mountains. Your adventure begins in Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm at your hotel in Lima. After, head downtown for a guided walking tour of the city's historical centre to take in the colonial mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets. Then, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free. You might visit the Museum of the Inquisition to learn about Spanish colonialism in Peru. Otherwise, wander around the city until night falls, then embark on an optional Lima Bites and Sights Tour with Urban Adventures, taking you to the bohemian Barranco district to sample the best local street food and Pisco cocktails.   
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 2: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning after breakfast, you’ll catch an early flight to Cusco. Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3450 m). Then, get acquainted with this charming city and its intriguing blend of cultures on a leader-led walking tour. Check out some of Cusco's main attractions, as well as its lesser-known sights, such as the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Tonight is free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites.  
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 3: Aguas Calientes
Location: Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley on the outskirts of Cusco today. This lush valley, known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces that are carved high into the valley walls. You’ll visit a community in the valley to learn about local lifestyles and activities. If your visit coincides with market day, you can browse the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba for afternoon tea – this café is dedicated to working with single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley, where there are few opportunities for childcare and employment. As all the ingredients used here are grown and purchased locally, the establishment also prides itself on its organic and locally focused practices. Enjoy a coffee, tea or juice with a slice of vegan beet cake or a homemade cookie and then board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes – nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 4: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, you’ll take an early bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Welcome to one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World! This is your chance to decide for yourself whether Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for the Incan nobility or as an ancient astronomical observatory. Enjoy a guided visit of the incredible site, giving you ample time to take in the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, you’ll return to Cusco.
Included Activities:
-
Day 5: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today after breakfast, you can enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore Cusco's many sights. Maybe rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market, where you can find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market is also where many locals (and daring travellers) go to eat ‘mystery soups.’ Some may be just chicken – however, the most popular among the locals usually contain frogs or offal. For those looking for something active, why not try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco?  
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 6: Puno
Location: Puno
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning after breakfast, you’ll travel through the dramatic scenery of the high Altiplano to Puno – located on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3800 m, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. Today includes a bit of a long drive, but it’s worth the first glimpse of immense Lake Titicaca, whose seemingly endless waters stretch into the horizon. Puno is a melting pot of Indigenous Aymara and Quechuan culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve. If you're lucky, your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here. Ask your leader where you can get the best grilled trout tonight – a true local specialty perfect for dinner.   
Day 7: Puno
Location: Puno
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning, you’ll take a tour of the immense lake by motorboat, stopping at the floating Uros Islands that look like they could come from a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie. Built by the Uros people to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces hundreds of years ago, the islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. Get a closer look at contemporary life on the shores of the lake with a homestay in a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, try out a few words in the Quechua language and maybe even join a local soccer game to make some friends on the makeshift pitch. Tonight, sit down and swap stories with your hosts, who will cook you a feast full of traditional Peruvian favourites.  
Included Activities:
-
Day 8: Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning after breakfast at your homestay, take a bus to Juliaca airport. Then, you’ll take an included flight back to Lima, where you’ll have a free night. Maybe head out with your fellow travellers for a celebratory dinner (some of your group will be leaving the trip tomorrow). 
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 9: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Say ‘hasta luego’ to Lima and board a flight today to Argentina’s fiery capital, Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city, with Latin passion, European elegance and its own distinctive style. Your adventure continues with another welcome meeting at 6 pm. Your leader will leave a note at the hotel reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. If you arrive early, why not visit San Telmo and its weekend antiques market and artists' displays? Or maybe visit Recoleta (the grand cemetery) or Casa Rosada (the Pink House).
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 10: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning, head out on an orientation walk through this bustling city. You'll be introduced to some of Buenos Aires' major sights – the Colon Theatre, the Obelisco and Plaza de Mayo. Along the way, learn a little more about Argentina's independence from Spain. Tonight, you’re free to hit one of the many incredible restaurants with your new group.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 11: Ituzaingo
Location: Ituzaingo
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, you’ll catch a short flight to Posadas, then drive to Ituzaingo – your base to explore the beautiful Ibera Wetlands region in the north of Argentina. Spanning more than 15,000 square km, the Ibera wetlands are roughly the size of Belgium! The biodiversity here is incredible – the swamps, lakes and lagoons are home to otters, alligators, deer, wolves and black howler monkeys. Keep a look out for capybaras, too! These cousins of guinea pigs are the largest rodents in the world.
Day 12: Ituzaingo
Location: Ituzaingo
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Today, you’ll head on a full-day walking tour and car safari with a local guide, including stops for a tasty lunch and plenty of snacks. You might see any number of species, including caimans or swamp deer, armadillos or a flock of rhea (a South American equivalent of an emu). Anacondas, though particularly hard to spot at certain times of the year, are also known to inhabit these wetlands. Keep an eye on the sky as well today, as you're bound to glimpse some of the 350 bird species that live here, too, from the sharp-tailed tyrant to the gorgeous yellow robin.
Included Activities:
-
Day 13: Foz Do Iguazu
Location: Foz do Iguazu
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, you’ll have a long travel day today. From Ituizango, take a comfortable local bus to Puerto Iguazu. As soon as you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station, you’ll take a minivan across the border into Brazil and continue to your hotel in Foz do Iguazu. Take a good book or play some road trip games with your fellow travellers as you watch the scenery pass you by. Tonight, you’re free to relax at your hotel or find a cosy spot for dinner.
Day 14: Iguazu Falls
Location: Iguazu Falls
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning you'll visit the mighty waterfalls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. At over two km long, Iguazu Falls are actually a series of cataracts. There are over 270 falls, some reaching up to 80 m in height. They are wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls! Enjoy the magnificent panoramas on the Brazilian side – seeing the falls from this side means you’ll have a unique view of San Martin Island. You might also like to take a helicopter ride over the falls while you're here, which your trip leader can help you book. This optional excursion offers spectacular views of the falls and the lush green parklands surrounding it.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 15: Foz Do Iguazu
Location: Foz do Iguazu
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, you’ll head to the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls, where you can follow a series of boardwalks to get up close and personal to the thundering waters – so close you can almost touch them! Later, visit a Guarani community for the rare opportunity to meet some of the region’s few remaining Indigenous people. Swap stories and then head back to your hotel, where you have a free evening.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 16: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today you’ll travel by plane to Rio de Janeiro, the festive heart of Brazil. Settle into your hotel and then set out on an orientation walk with your leader. Rio is a fascinating and diverse city best known for its contrasting images of favelas (shanty towns) and the glitz and glamour of Carnaval. With loads of free time today, you can choose from many optional activities. Maybe head to a football game, take a cable car ride between Praia Vermelha and Sugarloaf Mountain for incredible views over Rio or just explore on foot with one of the many walking and hiking options!
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 17: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: breaksfast
You’ll be picked up at your hotel first thing in the morning today to head straight to Christ the Redeemer – the second Wonder of the World on this action-packed trip! Soak up the early morning air, revel in the joy of beating the crowds and take some epic photos of this iconic statue before heading to a local farmer's market. Your local leader will show you some of the best foods to try as well as provide plenty of interesting facts about the market traditions. Today you'll have a free afternoon, so may wish to return to the hotel with your leader to relax. Otherwise, visiting Sugarloaf Mountain (if you haven’t yet) is a great way to spend the rest of the day. Tonight, maybe head out with your group for an optional farewell dinner.
Included Activities:
-
Day 18: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: breaksfast
There are no activities planned for the final day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
-
-
What's Included
-
Rio de Janeiro - Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer & Farmer's Market Urban Adventure
-
Lima - Leader-led walking tour
-
Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
-
Cusco - Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate
-
Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
-
Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
-
Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
-
Buenos Aires - Orientation walk
-
Ibera Wetlands - Day tour
-
Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
Transport
- Boat , Bus , Private , Vehicle , Plane , Train
Included Activities
- Lima - Leader-led walking tour
- Cusco - Orientation Walk
- Cusco - Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
- Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
- Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
- Buenos Aires - Orientation walk
- Ibera Wetlands - Day tour
- Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
- Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
- Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit
- Rio de Janeiro - Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer & Farmer's Market Urban Adventure
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1. From 2020 the flight from Lima to Buenos Aires on Day 9 is included in the tour cost.
- 2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase tickets to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary
- 3.A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 7 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are internal flights included in this tour?
Yes, Lima to
-
Is this trip right for you
This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
There are several orientation walks and city tours during this trip, so there will be quite a lot of walking. It’s important to always bring plenty of water, wear comfortable walking shoes and ensure you use adequate sun protection. Wearing layers is a good way to tackle the heat.
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the itinerary for details. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
tourhub Discount Available - Sign In
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025
Friday - Monday
May 24, 2024 - Jun 10, 2024Friday - Monday
Jun 07, 2024 - Jun 24, 2024Friday - Monday
Jun 21, 2024 - Jul 08, 2024Friday - Monday
Jul 05, 2024 - Jul 22, 2024Friday - Monday
Jul 12, 2024 - Jul 29, 2024Friday - Monday
Jul 26, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Friday - Monday
Aug 16, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024Friday - Monday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Friday - Monday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024Friday - Monday
Sep 20, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Friday - Monday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024Friday - Monday
Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024Friday - Monday
Oct 18, 2024 - Nov 04, 2024Friday - Monday
Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 11, 2024Friday - Monday
Nov 01, 2024 - Nov 18, 2024Friday - Monday
Nov 08, 2024 - Nov 25, 2024Friday - Monday
Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024Friday - Monday
Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 13, 2025Friday - Monday
Jan 03, 2025 - Jan 20, 2025Friday - Monday
Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 24, 2025Friday - Monday
Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025Friday - Monday
Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025Friday - Monday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Friday - Monday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Friday - Monday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 12, 2025Friday - Monday
May 09, 2025 - May 26, 2025Friday - Monday
May 23, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025Friday - Monday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025Friday - Monday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025Friday - Monday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Friday - Monday
Jul 18, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Friday - Monday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Friday - Monday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Friday - Monday
Aug 15, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Friday - Monday
Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Friday - Monday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 17, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025Friday - Monday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025Friday - Monday
Nov 14, 2025 - Dec 01, 2025Friday - Monday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025Friday - Monday
Dec 19, 2025 - Jan 05, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
Terms and Conditions
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."