Exploring South America -13 days Tour with 5 Reviews by Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys

13 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

99 peopleMaximum group size

5 - 79 yearsAge range for participants

English, SpanishGuide language

Easy

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

Starts

Cusco, Peru

Ends

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Highlights

Visit the famous Machu Picchu in Peru

Explore the beauty and culture of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Enjoy Rio de Janeiro´s beaches

Admire breath-taking Iguazu Falls

Itinerary

Craving a whirlwind introduction to South America’s most iconic sites? This 13-day tour delivers an epic adventure, moving from Peru’s ancient Incan ruins in Cuzco to the cosmopolitan flair of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and onward to the natural spectacle of Iguazu Falls. Wrap up in sun-soaked Rio de Janeiro, reveling in beachside bliss and vibrant city life. Geared toward young adults eager for variety and excitement, this trip offers a seamless blend of culture, history, gastronomy, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Its unique selling point is the multi-country scope, letting you savor the diversity of South America—from Andean peaks to tropical waterfalls and urban marvels—all in one unforgettable tour package.

day 1 - From Cuzco to Sacred Valley

Upon arrival at Cusco, you will be transferred to your selected hotel.

Type of service: Private

Included: Transportation mentioned above, guide assistance during transfer

Cusco Tourist Ticket Entrance included

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

day 2 - Sacred Valley - Full Day Chinchero/ Vivo Museum/Ollanta

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel, and visit Pisac, a picturesque town located 19.8 miles or 32 Km. northeast of Cusco. It is famous for its colonial Church, where masses in Quechua are held every Sunday. Its colorful fairs also take place every day. Here merchants offer for sale all sorts of handicrafts, the most important of which are the textiles and ceramic goods such as ceremonial goblets called "Q'eros"; plates, ashtrays, necklaces, and replicas of pre-Hispanic pottery.

Later, you will visit the remarkable fortress of Ollantaytambo, built by the Incas. A very steep stone staircase leads into the fortress. Across an esplanade, there is a temple with 10 niches, and beside it is a block of partially unworked stones. Beyond another esplanade, six huge rectangular monoliths (estimated weight: 50 tons) form the Temple of the Sun. Vestiges of rooms are seen on top and on the other side of the hill a four-story building, either a military school or prison.

At the end of the excursion, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Type of service: Private

Duration: 9 hours

Included: Transportation mentioned above, excursions mentioned above, bilingual guide (English-Spanish), Cusco Tourist Entrance Ticket, Lunch

Difficulty: Low

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 3 - Sacred Valley: Machu Picchu Ruins / Aguas Calientes

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes.

This town is also known as "Machu Picchu pueblo" and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. In Aguas Calientes, there is a train station, a craft market, restaurants, and hotels of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night at the foot of the mountain and climb it early.

Finally, after a short transfer by bus, you will reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec. Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain", is considered a World Heritage by UNESCO and one of the world's new seven wonders.

At the end of the tour, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and have lunch at ¨Cafe Inkaterra¨ Machu Picchu. The rest of the afternoon will be free.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Type of service: Shared

Included: Shared transfer from the hotel in Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo train station. Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu (the journey usually takes about 1 hour 40min). Lunch in a local restaurant. Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, entrance fee to Machu Picchu. Visit Machu Picchu with a bilingual guide. Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

Notes: It is important to note that there is usually a waiting time between the train's arrival to Aguas Calientes and the boarding of the bus to Machu Picchu. In high season, there are usually long lines both on the way there and on the way back.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR LUGGAGE ON BOARD OF THE TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU: Carry the same ID card submitted to the agency, as train tickets and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information. In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger may only carry hand luggage (backpack, purse, or briefcase), with a maximum weight of 5kg / 11lb. You will find your luggage at your chosen hotel. Size allowance: 62 linear inches, 157cm (height + length + width)

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Ruins / Cuzco

In the morning we suggest you return to Machu Picchu and visit any of the attractions of the citadel (second-day entrance not included, but may be requested.

You can visit the Intipunku or "Sun Gate", where the sun rises every day through this door if viewed from the most important buildings of the citadel; the Inca Bridge, an incredible stone building that served as entrance or exit of the citadel; and you can also climb the Wayna Picchu (subject to space availability), which means "Young Mountain" as opposed to Machu Picchu. This ascent takes about an hour and its main attraction is the "Temple of the Moon", a complex of underground constructions likely to have been used by the elite (re-entry to Machu Picchu and ticket to Wayna Picchu not included in original pricing).

In the afternoon you will head to the train station of Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco.

Included: Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco, train tickets

Roundtrip Vistadome train ticket included

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Cuzco: City Tour & Archaeological Sites

Half-Day City Tour

We will pick you up at your hotel, to start your tour with a visit to the Coricancha, also known as the "Temple of the Sun" (or "Premises of the Gilded One"), the construction of which was ordered by Inca Pachacútec (1438-1471) and was used as a base for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent upon the arrival of the Spaniards. This is when the Sun (Inti, in Quechua) was worshipped during the Inca Empire and at the time of the Incas its walls were fully covered with gold sheets and its courtyards were planted with golden corn and life-size llamas.

You will then go to the Cathedral, the most important building on the Main Square and one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America, which is shaped as a Latin Cross and houses about 400 colonial paintings from the Cusco art school, and impressive goldsmith, silversmith and precious stones works. Its construction lasted almost a century, it started in 1560 and ended in 1654.

The Ecclesiastical Chapter ordered to extract and transport hundreds of stones from the Sacsayhuamán fortress for this purpose. You will then visit the said fortress, en emblematic work of the Incas, which protected the Holy City.

Conceived and built by Inca Pachacútec in the 15th century, The Sacsayhuamán complex was built with megalithic blocks, which transportation and construction continue to be a mystery.

The Inti Raymi Festival, which worships the Sun, is reenacted on June 24 of each year, during the winter solstice.

You will then go to Qenqo, located four kilometers away from Cusco City, an archaeological complex mainly used for religious purposes, and it is believed that agricultural rituals took place there.

You will finally visit the vestiges of Puka Pukara, located seven kilometers away from Cusco.

Puka Pukara, which means "red fortress", was an architectural complex presumably used for military purposes; it has many rooms, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls and towers, and it is believed that the Incas entourage used it while he rested at Tambomachay.

At the end of the tour, we will take you back to your hotel.

Type of service: Shared

Duration: 4 Hours

Included: Transportation mentioned above, excursions mentioned above, local bilingual guide (English-Spanish) Cusco tourist ticket

Note: On Sundays, Qoricancha is closed in the mornings

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Cuzco to Buenos Aires

At the appropriate time, we will pick you up at the hotel to take you to Cusco Airport

Type of service: Private

Included: Transportation mentioned above

Transfer from Ezeiza airport to hotel, private service with English-speaking guide

Welcome to Argentina!

Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day to enjoy at your own pace.

Buenos Aires is a marvelous and furious cosmopolitan city, full of colors and different kinds of architecture. Capital of Argentina and described as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires proudly embraces this title, as well as showing off plenty of its own culture!

Argentines are usually eager to host visitors: if you walk the streets with a map, someone will surely stop and ask if you need directions. That’s our spirit! So, for this first day, feel free to wander the cobblestone streets lined with outdoor cafes, enjoy the mouthwatering aroma of prized Argentine beef sizzling on an open “parrilla” (barbecue) and browse the local antique and artisan markets that offer plenty of bargain shopping. And to travel deeper and have a firm grip of the Argentine spirit, find the perfect leather jacket or handbag (Buenos Aires is home to some excellent local designers) and explore the colorful Palermo Soho neighborhoods.

Type of service: Private

Included: Transportation mentioned above, English-speaking guide

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Buenos Aires City Tour & Tango Show

Today you will be picked up at your hotel to explore Buenos Aires's major tourist attractions on this tour that hits all of the highlights of this cultural metropolis. Guided by a knowledgeable guide, learn about Porteño’s lifestyle, vibrant culture, and music.

We will visit important historical monuments on your way to Plaza de Mayo and take a moment to admire significant buildings such as the Casa Rosada or the Congress.

We will experience the European flair that has given the city its fame strolling around eclectic neighborhoods; from antique San Telmo and colorful working-class La Boca to fancy and chic Recoleta with its famous Cemetery, representing the elegant and historical Buenos Aires and containing the graves of many Argentina’s emblematic figures, such as Eva Peron.

At the end of the tour, you will have a transfer back to your hotel.

Type of service: Private

Duration: 5 hs

Included: Transportation mentioned above, bilingüal guide (Spanish / English), snack and water

Note: As a private service, the tour can be customized according to your interests and preferences as long as they fit with the schedule

Guide assistance during city tour

Recoleta's cemetery entrance fee included.

Dinner & Tango Show

In the evening you will be picked up from your hotel to be driven to a mythical place where you will discover one of our most ancient traditions.

You will have a memorable night out in Buenos Aires and will experience the passion of the Argentine tango. Tango is: our immigrant origins, the talent of our local artists, the sensuality of the Argentine woman and our way to deal with a broken heart, dancing our way through tragic and yet eternal love stories.

While having dinner, you will enjoy a professional display of tango and music with a group of local artists on stage immersed in an elegant and alluring place. The manners, ambience, clothes and dance steps which tango lovers used to practice 100 years ago will come to life again and you will travel in time for a night.

At the end of the evening, around midnight, you will be driven back to your hotel, fully in love with the bohemian spirit of our beloved Buenos Aires.

Type of service: Shared

Duration: 3/4 hs

Included: Transportation mentioned above, dinner with beverages, tango show

Note: Formal dress is not required

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 8 - From Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls

At the appropriate time, you will be taken to the domestic airport to take your next flight.

Type of service: Private

Included: Transportation mentioned above

Guide assistance during transfer.

Transfer Puerto Iguazú Airport / Hotel in Puerto Iguazú

Welcome to Puerto Iguazu!!

The small border town of Puerto Iguazú is the gateway to visit the impressive Iguazú Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Argentina. You will have the day to relax and enjoy the tropical climate and jungle setting.

Upon arrival to Puerto Iguazú you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Type of service: Semiprivate

Included: Transportation mentioned above

Guide assistance during transfer

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 9 - Iguazu National Park: Argentine Side

Today we will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Iguazú National Park, on the Argentine side. The falls are surrounded by a humid subtropical forest where the exuberant vegetation is home to many different species of wildlife. Our guide will help you spot some of them: toucans, parrots and coatis, just to name a few!

Lower and upper walkways weave in and around the falls, permitting up-close and personal experiences with this magnificent spectacle of nature. The Argentine side of the falls is filled with a myriad of paths, and walkways which allow you to have an experience from many different perspectives.

You will also have the chance to visit the “Devil's Throat”; the largest of the falls and for many, the most spellbinding. To get to the Devil's Throat, you’ll take the ecological train and then walk out along boardwalks.

After walking around and taking pictures of waterfalls, animals and plants, you will have some free time to eat lunch in this amazing environment. This exciting, 7-hour excursion is highly recommended in order to experience the true power of Iguazú Falls!!

Type of service: Semi private

Duration: 7 hours

Included: Transportation mentioned above, bilingual guide (English/Spanish), ecological train

Not included: Entrance fee to the Iguazú National Park (Argentinian side), meals (lunch/box lunch)

Duration:6-8 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - Iguazu Falls - Brazilian side/ Rio de Janeiro

Today we will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Foz do Iguazú National Park, on the Brazilian side. Don't forget your passport!

While Argentina has 80% of the falls on its side, Brazil has the best panoramic view. On the Argentinian side, you have the sensation of being right inside the falls, but only by visiting the Brazilian side you will fully appreciate the immensity of Iguazú falls.

At the entrance of the National Park, you will get a bus with accompanied by a guide that will take your to the falls.

Take your time to enjoy it and feel it. Stroll the different walkways and feel the spray of water in your face. Take the boardwalk over the Salto Santa María, it feels like walking on the water! Get closer to the Devil's Throat and feel the power of water!

Once the tour is over, take the bus that will leave you at the access gate from where you will be driven to your hotel.

Type of service: Semi private

Duration: 2-3 hours

Included: Transportation mentioned above, bilingual guide (English/Spanish)

Not included: Entrance fee to the Iguazú National Park (Brazilian side), meals (lunch/box lunch), Visa to enter Brazil (please check the requirement with the consulate of your country)

Transfer Hotel Puerto Iguazú / Puerto Iguazú Airport

At the appropriate time you will be transferred to Puerto Iguazú airport to take your flight.

Type of service: Semiprivate

Included: Transportation mentioned above

Guide assistance during transfer

Transfer Rio de Janeiro Airport / Rio de Janeiro Hotel

Upon arrival, you will be driven to the hotel and have the rest of the day to explore this lively city or spend time relaxing by the beach.

Type of service: Private

Included: Transportation mentioned above

Guide assistance during the transfer

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 11 - Santa Teresa, Corcovado & Tijuca Forest by Jeep

We will pick you up from your hotel and start the tour to Corcovado Hill on a jeep. The 709m humpbacked Corcovado is famous for the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer located at the top, one of Rio's most famous postcards and it is located in the Tijuca Atlantic Forest.

You will get by car to the top of the mountain where it is possible to see the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Botanical Gardens, Maracanã stadium, the Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf. After enjoying the view you will continue with a small walk inside the forest, a trail up to the Cascatinha Fall.

To end the day, you will visit Santa Teresa, a traditional district with a mild climate and big houses from the beginning of the century, built mainly by English railroad managers. In our days, it became an art center with lots of craftsmanship galleries and the only district in Rio where we can find the trolley car.

After the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel.

Type of tour: Shared

Duration: 5 hours

Includes: Transportation from/to your hotel, bilingual guide (English/Spanish), corcovado entrance fee

Note: minimum 2 passengers

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 12 - Rio de Janeiro: Expedition to Sugar Loaf

We will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the neighbourhood of Urca, where Sugar Loaf is located. The visit is made in two steps by cable car. The first one will take us to Urca Hill, which is 705 feet high and has a breathtaking view of the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói bridge and Corcovado hill. From there, we will board a second cable car that will go up to the top of the mountain, with 1296 feet high and a splendid view from Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress and some beaches of Niterói.

At the end of the tour, we will take you back to your hotel.

Type of service: Private

Duration: 4 Hours

Included: Transportation mentioned above, bilingual guide (English / Portuguese), Entrance Fees,

Note: We recommend you to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and water

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 13 - Rio de Janeiro

At the appropriate time you will be transferred from your hotel to Rio de Janeiro Airport.

Type of service: Private

Included: Transportation mentioned above

- Guide assistance during transfer

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

All transfers/transportation as mentioned in the itinerary3 nights in Cuzco, 1 night in Sacred Valley, 1 night in Aguas Calientes, 2 nights in Buenos Aires, 2 nights in Iguazu and 2 in Rio de JaneiroBreakfastsDinner and Tango show on day 7Tours described in the itineraryEntrances fees to sites in PeruBilingual guide (English / Spanish)

What's Excluded

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