Best of Peru, Argentina & Brazil Tour by Intrepid Travel

21 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Lima, Peru

Ends

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Highlights

Explore the mystical Machu Picchu – sitting high on a mountaintop in the Andes, surrounded by a cloud forest – and uncover its history with an expert local guide.

Take a boat ride out to the floating islands of Uros (made entirely of totora reeds) on Lake Titicaca and meet the Uros people who call them home.

Spend time with the Huilloc community in the Sacred Valley – join a Pachamama (Mother Earth) ceremony, learn about life in the Andean highlands and try your hand at some traditional textile techniques.

Look for rainbows in the mist from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of Iguazu Falls – higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria – as you get close to this mighty body of water.

Visit a Guarani community – one of the few remaining Indigenous peoples in the Iguazu Falls region – and learn how the serpent god M’Boy split the river in half to create the falls.

Itinerary

Unveil the spirit of South America on this 21-day journey through Peru, Argentina, and Brazil—a region bursting with energy, color, and history. Starting in Lima and ending in Rio de Janeiro, the tour weaves through the ancient Inca heartlands, Argentina’s enigmatic cities, and the pulsating rhythms of Brazil.

You’ll marvel at Machu Picchu, stroll through vibrant markets and jungles, and experience Rio’s infectious dynamism. Along the way, local encounters and wildlife sightings offer insights into the diversity of this remarkable continent.

With an easy pace and guided exploration, the unique selling point of this trip is its comprehensive sweep across three iconic countries—inviting you to experience South America’s captivating contrasts in a single, memorable tour package.

day 1 - Lima

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Kick off your adventure in the coastal capital of Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. After, join on a walking tour of the vibrant Miraflores area with your leader. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace, then perhaps regroup for an optional dinner. Whether you dine together or sample the city's renowned food scene on your own, don't miss the chance to try Peru's national dish – ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice, often served with hot peppers). If you're not a fan of seafood, there are plenty of other excellent options – just ask your leader for tips on the best local eats.

included:Complimentary Arrival Transfer, Lima - Leader-led Miraflores walking tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Paracas

Start the day with a walking tour of Lima's historic centre. Stroll atmospheric streets lined with ornate mansions, palaces and Spanish churches, taking in Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the San Francisco Monastery and the central market. Your leader will guide you through the market, where you'll find vendors selling fresh produce and regional specialties like cuy (better known as guinea pig) – a Peruvian delicacy! Then, head away from the tourist trail and visit Alameda de Chabuca Granda – a pedestrian strip where Limenos (locals from Lima) go for street food and entertainment. Later, travel by minivan to the port town of Paracas. The rest of the evening is free to relax or explore.

included:Lima - Guided tour, including San Francisco Monastery, the Catacombs and Central Market

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Nazca

Take a two-hour boat tour to Islas Ballestas – home to diverse wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and penguins. Then, hop in a private van to one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites – the Nazca Lines, stopping at the oasis town of Huacachina for lunch. Nazca dates back to the 2nd century BC, and thanks to dry desert conditions, mummies, textiles, ceramics and other relics have been remarkably well-preserved, providing archaeologists with insights into the pre-Inca civilisation. Head to the viewing tower or take an optional flight for even better views! At sunset, drive south through the desert to meet a local in their traditional mud house where you’ll share a pachamanca dinner (in the Quechua language, ‘pacha’ means earth and ‘manka’ means pot) – a classic dish of potatoes, meat and herbs baked with hot stones. Before digging in, you’ll experience a brief ceremony thanking Pachamama with chicha, or corn beer.

included:Islas Ballestas - Guided tour, Nazca Lines - Viewing tower, Nazca - Pachamanca dinner

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 4 - Arequipa

Leave Nazca behind this morning and travel to Arequipa in a private vehicle. Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and filled with baroque buildings, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname – the 'White City'. Upon arrival, maybe take a stroll to stretch your legs after a long driving day – the main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is lovely to wander.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Arequipa

Get to know Arequipa with the help of a local guide. Visit the main plaza, Santa Catalina Monastery and San Ignacio Chapel on a walking tour. After, head for lunch with your group at a picanteria for some Arequipa favourites like rocoto, relleno, solterito and queso helado. Have a go at practising your Spanish with the locals, then you're free to explore at your own pace. Maybe return to the main square to take a closer look at the cathedral, cafes and eateries or explore the Yanahuara neighbourhood. You may also like to visit the Juanita Museum, which houses Peru’s famous ‘Ice Maiden’ – the Inca mummy of a girl who died in the 1440s. Your leader will happily share tips to make the most of your free afternoon.

included:Arequipa - Walking tour, Arequipa - San Ignacio Chapel, Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery Admission Fee, Arequipa - Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 6 - Puno

This morning you’ll travel by minivan to Puno – a town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It's a long drive, but the views of the high plateau of the Andean Altiplano make it an exceptionally scenic one. As you approach Puno, stop to visit the ruins of Sillustani. Tucked between small villages on a scenic peninsula near Lake Umaya, the pre-Inca ruins comprise circular towers called chullpas that served as burial sites for noblemen. Continue to Puno, a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indigenous culture. Traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented here, earning the town the title of Folklore Capital of Peru.

included:Puno - Sillustani archaeological site

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - Puno / Lake Titicaca

Start the day with a tour of Lake Titicaca. At 3820 m above sea level, this is the world’s highest navigable lake. Cruise the waters in a motorboat and learn about the lake’s spiritual significance for the Quechua. Then, stop off at Uros Titinos – floating islands made from totora reeds. Reeds are used to make everything on the island, including the boats to get to the mainland, which can last up to 12 months. Continue to Taquile Island, where the locals make a living from textiles. Here, knitting is strictly men's domain, while women do the spinning. To reach the main part of the island, there’s a one-hour uphill walk on a paved path with great views of the lake. Sit down to an optional set lunch of quinoa soup, washed down with a cup of muna tea (Andean mint tea), then descend about 500 steps and jump back on the boat to Puno.

included:Puno - Lake Titicaca day tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Cusco

Take a scenic bus ride across the Altiplano towards Cusco today. You’ll travel by public tourist bus, and while there’s a rest stop along the way, it’s best to stock up on snacks before the journey. Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and colonial buildings are built upon foundations that remain from Inca times. Set out to discover some of the city's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour – visiting the facade of Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. For dinner tonight, why not try adobo cusqueno (pork stew) or alpaca steak? If you need recommendations, just ask your leader.

included:Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 9 - Cusco

Enjoy a free day in Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to visit the city’s many museums and archaeological sites with your included boleto turistico (tourism ticket). This includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum, and the Inca ruins of Q'enqo, Pica Pakara, and Pisac. The most easily accessible among these sites is Qoricancha, which was once the Inca empire's richest temple until the Spanish built a Dominican church on top of it.

included:Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 10 - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo

Take a bus through the Sacred Valley today. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, it has been a source of livelihood for the locals for hundreds of years, with maize crops covering the terraced valley walls. On the way, stop for a guided tour of Sacsayhuaman – an imposing Inca fortress built from massive stone blocks, and the ultimate example of the Incas' military strength. Then, visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – a cafe that provides employment opportunities for single mothers. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise supports economic growth and gender equality, then continue onto the Huilloq community – tourists are an uncommon sight here! Be welcomed with an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth), learn about ancestral textile techniques and tuck into a guinea-pig lunch (vegetarian option available upon request). Then, drive to the day’s final stop – Ollantaytambo. Do a guided tour of the town’s archaeological site, followed by free time to relax.

included:Sacred Valley - Community visit, Sacred Valley - Coffee & cake

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 11 - Aguas Calientes

This morning, catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley, climbing to Aguas Calientes – this seriously scenic journey will surely give your camera a good workout! If you’d like to give your legs a workout too, your leader can recommend some great walks around Aguas Calientes. The city is in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu, so it’s the perfect place to kick back and take in your surroundings.

One Day Inca Trail
You can choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail today (11 km or 7 miles) with a local guide. Keep in mind that you must pre-book this option at least 30 days before departure. The day begins bright and early with a 6:30 am train ride to the starting point. The trail is a mix of up and downhill, passing a few archaeological sites, including Chachabamba and Winay Wayna (2680 m altitude) –also known as 'Forever Young'. Considered the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail, it’s made up of a terraced agricultural centre, religious sector and urban sector. From here, it's about a 1.5-hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where you'll enjoy unforgettable views (weather permitting) over the Lost City of the Incas. Depending on how long the trek takes, you'll have time to snap some pics and look around before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes to rejoin the group and go to your hotel.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 12 - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Take an early bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Inca nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Inca site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters and decide for yourself. After the tour, catch the bus back to Aguas Calientes, followed by a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo and a drive to Cusco where you’ll spend the night.

included:Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 13 - Cusco

Enjoy free time today to delve deeper into all Cusco has to offer. You might like to use your boleto turistico to check out any sites you missed the last time you were here, or just grab a coffee from a cafe at Plaza de Armas and do some people-watching. For those seeking an active adventure, the hills surrounding Cusco are well-suited for mountain biking. Ask your leader about optional activities and how to make the most of your day.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 14 - Lima

Take a short flight from Cusco to Lima today. You’ll be unescorted on your flight today, and when you arrive in Lima, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and met by a new local leader who can assist with any optional activities or final arrangements. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Visit some of the sites you missed at the beginning of the trip or maybe do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Tonight, why not gather the group for one final night out on the town? Your leader will be happy to give you pointers to make the most of your last day in Peru.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 15 - 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. Argentinians enjoy dining late so there will be plenty of time after the welcome meeting to take up any of your leader’s restaurant suggestions for those wishing to sample Argentina’s world-renowned steak.

included:Complimentary Arrival Transfer

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 16 - Buenos Aires

Today explore Buenos Aires on a half-day tour with an expert local guide. Starting in Plaza de Mayo, explore the city’s most famous sights with highlights including San Telmo, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires, and La Boca where you’ll visit iconic Caminito Street, which gives the neighbourhood its distinctive spirit. After lunch, your tour continues towards Retiro and Recoleta, where you’ll learn about the families who sought to build a small‐scale Paris in the heart of Buenos Aires and see the ornate mausoleums at one of the world’s most famous cemeteries. This evening is free to enjoy your way.

included:Buenos Aires - City tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 17 - Foz do Iguazu

Fly to Puerto Iguazu in the northeast corner of Argentina where mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil. Iguazu Falls are higher than Niagara Falls, wider than Victoria Falls, and a truly epic sight. Take a trip across the border to Brazil to admire panoramic views of multiple thundering waterfalls. You may like to take an optional helicopter flight over the top of the falls for a more panoramic view. Tonight, spend the night in Foz do Iguazu (Brazil), resting up before a big day exploring the Argentinian side of the falls tomorrow.

included:Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 18 - Iguazu Falls

A visit to the Argentinian side of Iguazu today allows you to get up close to the waterfalls via a series of boardwalks. According to Guarani legend, Iguazu Falls was created when the serpent god M’Boy, enraged by the betrayal of a chieftain’s daughter who was promised to him, split the river in half. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls. This afternoon, join your leader for a visit to a Guarani community where you’ll meet some of the region’s few remaining indigenous people. Learn about the Guarani way of life and how they have preserved their traditions on the edge of one of the world’s most popular attractions. Return to your hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.

included:Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit, Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 19 - Rio de Janeiro

Take an early morning flight from Foz do Iguacu to Rio. The locals say that 'if God made the world in six days, he devoted the seventh to Rio'. The day is yours to do what you like. For relaxation and people watching, head to the beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema. If the time of year is right, check out a football game or a Carnival rehearsal. As evening approaches, perhaps take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to watch the sunset before getting sweaty with the locals in the samba clubs of bohemian Lapa.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 20 - Rio de Janeiro

It's an early start this morning as we embark on a guided tour of Rio, starting at Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over Rio from the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue before the crowds arrive. Discover the eclectic architecture, restaurants, and art galleries of the artistic neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. Then continue to the colourful Selaron Steps to see artist Jorge Selaron’s gift to the Brazilian people, a staircase with 215 steps that’s decorated with thousands of tiles collected from over 60 countries around the world. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish, before rejoining your group for a farewell dinner. A fun local restaurant, specialising in smoky grilled seafood and meat with fresh, zesty salads, is the ideal place to celebrate your time together.

included:Rio de Janeiro - City tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 21 - Rio de Janeiro

With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end. If you would like to continue soaking up the sun in Rio, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability).

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (20 nights)

Meals

20 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Transport

Plane, Train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Boat

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Complimentary Arrival TransferLima - Leader-led Miraflores walking tourLima - Guided tour, including San Francisco Monastery, the Catacombs and Central MarketIslas Ballestas - Guided tourNazca Lines - Viewing towerNazca - Pachamanca dinnerArequipa - Walking tourArequipa - San Ignacio ChapelArequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery Admission FeeArequipa - Basilica Cathedral of ArequipaPuno - Sillustani archaeological sitePuno - Lake Titicaca day tourCusco - Leader-led orientation walkCusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)Sacred Valley - Community visitSacred Valley - Coffee & cakeMachu Picchu - Entrance and guided tourBuenos Aires - City tourIguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the fallsIguazu Falls - Guarani community visitIguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the fallsRio de Janeiro - City tour

What's Excluded

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