Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Starts
Cusco, Peru
Ends
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
South American Explorer
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What are customers saying about Bookmundi
4.66/5
Excellent based on 805 customer reviews from
Karen
Excellent booking process.
Easy to do online - simple and straightforward plus the 1 query I did have was quicckly solved due to customer service being on hand to help
17 hours ago
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Highlights
Cusco: Graze on cancha or cacao nibs as you browse the local wares and see historical sights.
Sacred Valley: Learn about the vibrant Andean art of weaving & goldsmithing in Pisac Qolque. Every penny you spend here helps them preserve their time-worn cultural identities & form of self-expression.
Sacred Valley: See this former heartland of the Incan Empire and hike around the Pisac ruins.
Sacred Valley: The sleepy town will give you a taste of local life in the Sacred Valley. Don’t forget to pick up some mementos at the market.
Cusco: AKA ‘corn beer’. This ceremonial bevvy was the drink of choice for Incan nobility.
Machu Picchu: Feel the goosebumps of excitement as you glide into Aguas Calientes and get ready to start this life-changing experience.
Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
Lima: Cameras ready. It’s not every day you get a bird’s eye view of the Amazon rainforest
Puerto Maldonado: We'll make our way through the lush green Amazon rainforest at our Jungle Lodge in Puerto Maldonado. There's no better way to reconnect with nature!
Puerto Maldonado:
Puerto Maldonado: Ride on a canoe over the serene waters of the Sandoval Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. Who knows? You might spot giant river otters sticking their head out to give you a show.
Puerto Maldonado: Get set to land in the gastro capital of Latin America. Where ‘olde worlde’ meets modern-day life, in this sundrenched, clifftop city.
Lima: Get some rest before you explore Argentina’s sizzling capital. A city that’s famous for amazing food, good wine, Latin passion and legendary nightlife.
Buenos Aires: Experience the passion and glamour of Argentina’s capital city, with an expert guide showing you the sights.
Buenos Aires: You can’t go to Argentina and not watch live Tango dancing! It’s wrong. Like eating a steak without a glass of red.
Buenos Aires: Get set to tick another travel goal off the bucket list. We’re jetting straight into the gateway for Iguassu Falls.
Iguazú Falls: This World Wonder is a fiesta for the imagination. The cascades of spraying waterfalls and subtropical forest make an epic backdrop
Iguazú Falls: There ain’t no BBQ like a Brazilian BBQ! Grab your Contiki fam and feast on these grilled skewers.
Iguazú Falls: These colossal falls make the ultimate backdrop for a group selfie. Strike a pose with your Contiki fam.
Iguazú Falls: Take a walk through the lush rainforest trails, finishing up at the very edge of the Devil’s Throat. You’ll have time to wander the different walkways, basking in the views and watching out for rainbows and wildlife too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, how about the optional Gran Aventura speedboat ride?
Iguazú Falls: Woohoo! We’re en route to Brazil's carnival capital. Try to catch a glimpse of the Christ the Redeemer statue from the sky
Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer. Sugarloaf. Copacabana. Ipanema. It’s all here to fill up up your heart and your Insta feed.
Rio de Janeiro: Ever heard of Favelas? They're growing neighbourhoods in Brazil. And on this tour, we'll visit Favela Cantagalo near Rio. We'll check out the Portal of Saint Roman, walk through alleyways, see the 10 paintings of the Houses-Screen, and even stop by a few viewpoints along the way. You'll even visit the Museu de Favela-MUF, a historical museum about memories and cultural heritage of favelas in the world. It's a collection about 20,000 residents and their ways of life, and how their stories are an unknown but important part of Rio de Janeiro's history. Trust us, you don't wanna miss this one.
Rio de Janeiro: This needs no introduction. Tick this iconic statue off your #travelgoals bucket list. And don’t forget your camera.
Rio de Janeiro: Take a cruise along the arcing Guanabara Bay and enjoy Caiprinas and music
Rio de Janeiro: Spend some time with your Contiki crew, while you dine on your final meal of this trip at a local spot. Goodbyes might be bittersweet, but the food sure is so much more than that!
Machu Picchu: Feel the goosebumps of excitement as you glide into Aguas Calientes and get ready to start this life-changing experience.
Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
Lima: Cameras ready. It’s not every day you get a bird’s eye view of the Amazon rainforest
Puerto Maldonado: We'll make our way through the lush green Amazon rainforest at our Jungle Lodge in Puerto Maldonado. There's no better way to reconnect with nature!
Puerto Maldonado:
Puerto Maldonado: Ride on a canoe over the serene waters of the Sandoval Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. Who knows? You might spot giant river otters sticking their head out to give you a show.
Puerto Maldonado: Get set to land in the gastro capital of Latin America. Where ‘olde worlde’ meets modern-day life, in this sundrenched, clifftop city.
Lima: Get some rest before you explore Argentina’s sizzling capital. A city that’s famous for amazing food, good wine, Latin passion and legendary nightlife.
Buenos Aires: Experience the passion and glamour of Argentina’s capital city, with an expert guide showing you the sights.
Buenos Aires: You can’t go to Argentina and not watch live Tango dancing! It’s wrong. Like eating a steak without a glass of red.
Buenos Aires: Get set to tick another travel goal off the bucket list. We’re jetting straight into the gateway for Iguassu Falls.
Iguazú Falls: This World Wonder is a fiesta for the imagination. The cascades of spraying waterfalls and subtropical forest make an epic backdrop
Iguazú Falls: There ain’t no BBQ like a Brazilian BBQ! Grab your Contiki fam and feast on these grilled skewers.
Iguazú Falls: These colossal falls make the ultimate backdrop for a group selfie. Strike a pose with your Contiki fam.
Iguazú Falls: Take a walk through the lush rainforest trails, finishing up at the very edge of the Devil’s Throat. You’ll have time to wander the different walkways, basking in the views and watching out for rainbows and wildlife too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, how about the optional Gran Aventura speedboat ride?
Iguazú Falls: Woohoo! We’re en route to Brazil's carnival capital. Try to catch a glimpse of the Christ the Redeemer statue from the sky
Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer. Sugarloaf. Copacabana. Ipanema. It’s all here to fill up up your heart and your Insta feed.
Rio de Janeiro: Ever heard of Favelas? They're growing neighbourhoods in Brazil. And on this tour, we'll visit Favela Cantagalo near Rio. We'll check out the Portal of Saint Roman, walk through alleyways, see the 10 paintings of the Houses-Screen, and even stop by a few viewpoints along the way. You'll even visit the Museu de Favela-MUF, a historical museum about memories and cultural heritage of favelas in the world. It's a collection about 20,000 residents and their ways of life, and how their stories are an unknown but important part of Rio de Janeiro's history. Trust us, you don't wanna miss this one.
Rio de Janeiro: This needs no introduction. Tick this iconic statue off your #travelgoals bucket list. And don’t forget your camera.
Rio de Janeiro: Take a cruise along the arcing Guanabara Bay and enjoy Caiprinas and music
Rio de Janeiro: Spend some time with your Contiki crew, while you dine on your final meal of this trip at a local spot. Goodbyes might be bittersweet, but the food sure is so much more than that!
Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about South American Explorer
5.0
based on 6 reviews
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What's Included
Accommodation
Selina Saphi (or similar) HotelTunupa Lodge Ollantaytambo (or similar) HotelInka Tower Machupicchu Hotel (or similar)Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge (or similar) HotelSelina Miraflores (or similar) HotelM Concept Hotel (or similar)Foz Plaza Hotel (or similar)Selina Copacabana (or similar) Hotel
Want a taste of Peru, Argentina & Brazil? This colorful collision of cultures follows Incan footsteps in Machu Picchu, dives into some jungle adventures in the Amazon, teaches you the tango and tastes empanadas in Buenos Aires and gets the party started in the home of Carnival: Rio. Forget just getting a taste - this 18 day odyssey is a feast for the senses.
day 1 - Start Cusco
Welcome to Cusco Contiki crew! After getting acquainted today we'll have the chance to shop for artisan jewellery and woodworks, roam the cobblestone streets or just stroll the San Pedro markets eating cacao buds and sipping on coca leaf tea. Today really is what you make it!
Location Visited:Cusco
Accommodation:Selina Saphi (or similar)
day 2 - Cusco to Sacred Valley
Heading out of Cusco and bound for the Sacred Valley on our private coach, this is where our journey into the ruins and mystique of this land truly begins. But first, llamas. An iconic symbol of Peru, well be stopping off at a llama farm to show some love to these furry favourites up close, and were talking the whole humpback family llamas, vicuna and alpacas. Well then stop off to witness the ancient Incan art of weaving in practise by a group of talented local artisans. Throughout the journey, play close attention to your surrounds theres the chance to spot the Incan farming technique of terracing and other local ways of life. Want to know what the Peruvians do for fun? Youll get the chance to play the traditional game of Sapo, and exactly what that entails well leave to the imagination Our explorations of the Sacred Valley will begin with a guided tour of the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. Our Local Guide will give you the d-l on both, visiting the circular terraced Pisac ruins first which date back to the 1400s. Moving on to Ollantaytambo, base camp for those taking the trek tomorrow, well appease dry mouths with some homemade Chicha de Jora brew. This tiny town may be small in geographical terms, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude, with artisan shops and cafes spilling out onto streets, and the roaring Urubamba river providing the perfect natural background noise. For those embarking on the Inca trail tomorrow this is your final chance to stock up on last minute essentials (socks, socks and more socks). For all others, spend your time soaking in the vibes, hanging with other travellers and just getting a feel for this iconic little town.
day 3 - Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes via Inca Trail Trek
For those embarking on our epic 1-day trek, well grab a packed lunch and catch the train to KM104 and the start of a day to remember. With just 6 hours on foot and 13-kilometers to cover, the enchanting site that awaits us will make it all worthwhile. Descending into the site well take overseeing Huayna Picchu 'Little peak' the iconic peak youll have seen in every picture ever marvelling at the incredible handiwork of the ancient Incas. Satisfaction levels at an all-time high and with a big ol smile on your tired face, well head back to Aguas Calientes and a squishy hotel bed you couldnt be more deserving of. Can you feel the excitement mounting? Yep those are pretty much the feels when Machu Picchu is quite literally on the horizon. This afternoon well enjoy Aguas Calientes, a cute town in its own right complete with roaring river, quaint bridges and local haunts, but most famously known as the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Well meet up with those who opted for the train journey, and basically spend the evening hyping each other up for whats to come tomorrow.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes
Accommodation:Inka Tower Machupicchu Hotel (or similar)
day 4 - Aguas Calientes to Cusco via Machu Picchu
Excitement levels at an all-time high, the day weve all been waiting for is finally here its Machu Picchu time! This is one big old tick off the life goals list, so enjoy every single second of it. Built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the new world. Well be treated to a guided tour of the site taking in such wonders as the Temple of the Three Windows and Huayna Picchu (the peak youll of seen in every Machu Picchu image ever), and of course youll have some alone time to explore the area as only you can do. Back on the train well de-brief on our once-in-a-lifetime experience as we head back to Cusco. Last time round was all about getting acquainted with the city, so now youve got youre bearings you can really get lost amongst the market stalls and cobbled streets, maybe even going truly local by trying out a serving of cuy.
The last few days have been pretty full on, so today is all about seeking out some much needed rnr. Grab a lie in at the hotel then sip fresh mountain coffee in the Plaza de Armas, or maybe take a stroll around town to pick up an alpaca sweater or ten (they are super snuggly). Cant shake that taste for adventure? We hear you.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Cusco
Accommodation:Selina Saphi (or similar)
day 6 - Cusco to Jungle Lodge
Saying a final farewell to Cusco, well hop on our included flight over the Andes to the city of Puerto Maldonado. With the sound of macaws and toucans welcoming us in, this can only mean one thingits jungle time. A quick tour of the city will reveal colourful fruit stalls, open air markets and locals going about their day. But now we're back underway and we just want to get to the jungle Whats accessible only by boat, is made from wood and clay and surrounded by the sounds and colours of nature? Answer our rainforest lodge, your blissful home for the night. Well work up a pre-dinner appetite by hiking to the canopy tower, then after a tasty home-cooked dinner continue our outdoor pursuits by heading out to spot caimans a member of the alligator family native to the Amazon. Tonight promises to be one for the story bank as you fall asleep in your open-walled room to the exotic sounds of the surrounding jungle.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location Visited:Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Jungle Lodge
If the vibrant morning song of the jungle birds hasnt roused you early doors, the prospect of the Sandoval Lake teeming with wildlife will. Our morning canoe cruise will have us spotting prehistoric hoatzin birds and giant river otters. Satisfaction levels on high, the rest of the afternoon is all yours. Tired and hungry after another adventure filled day, well head back to the lodge for the night. After such an epic day of jungle antics, were guessing a good nights sleep and some sweet group hangs are pretty high on the agenda.
Today marks our last day in Peru before heading east to Argentina and Brazil, so how better to spend it than one last night in the city where it all began? We'll catch our flight to our familiar destination, Lima. Options for your free evening in Lima are varied and endless. Maybe make for the trendy district of Miraflores, hang in Parque Kennedy or opt for one last plate of fresh to death ceviche in the city its best known for. One things for sure, we know youll be toasting your Peruvian leg with a final pisco sour, as tomorrow the nectar takes a decidedly red and rich turn as we enter Argentina.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Jungle Lodge, Puerto Maldonado, Lima
Accommodation:Selina Miraflores (or similar)
day 9 - Lima to Buenos Aires
Whos ready for a new country? Thats right globetrotters, were up, up and away again this morning (how many included flights is that now?) in the direction of the Country of Seven Continents. Everything about Argentina gives us the tingles, and we know you're going to love it just as much as we do. But enough waxng lyrical, we've got a new city to conquer South Americas most cosmopolitan city will spread out before us like a treasure box waiting to be opened as we descend on Buenos Aires, and with 4 nights to spend in the Argentinian capital damn right those are excitement butterflies in your stomach. If the 4.5 hour flight zonked you a bit (just be glad you didn't do it overland) maybe keep it chilled in the afternoon, but for the balls of energy amongst you weve got plenty to keep you entertained. Tonight you'll meet those joining for the next epic 10 days!
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Lima, Buenos Aires
Accommodation:M Concept Hotel (or similar)
day 10 - Buenos Aires
Now's your opportunity to get the full Porteno (locals from Buenos Aires) experience. This morning why not go check out the colorful La Boca neighbourhood? Tonight we'reheading to a tango show. Have a go yourself, enjoy the first of the Argentine food you're sure to love, and then watch the pros show you how it's done.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Buenos Aires
Accommodation:M Concept Hotel (or similar)
day 11 - Buenos Aires
Today you've got the opportunity to take a day trip to Tigre. Learn about the history and culture of the inhabitants of the "isleos". If you're more comfortable out on the water, opt to experience the Tigre Delta for the day on a relaxing boat ride, or if you want to stay on dry land enjoy a short bike ride around the surrounding areas. No matter what you choose, we'll all dive into a delicious regional lunch. Weather permitting you can even swim and kayak. If you'd prefer to stay the other side of the border, Buenos Aires is yours to explore today, your way.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Buenos Aires
Accommodation:M Concept Hotel (or similar)
day 12 - Buenos Aires
Now that you know Buenos Aires like a Porteo the day is yours to explore! Join in a day at the Polo where you'll learn about the traditional Argentine game, learn how to play and even partake in a game of your own. In love with the city life? Then spend some time exploring the museums and/or the shops in Palermo. There truly is something for everyone.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Buenos Aires
Accommodation:M Concept Hotel (or similar)
day 13 - Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls
Landing in Puerto Iguazu well hop over the border and dig our toes into Brazilian soil for the first time, clapping eyes on yet another astounding natural wonder. Listen out for all those oohhs and aahhs. A collection of 275 individual waterfalls, Iguassu Falls sprawls both Brazil and Argentina, with both sides offering up stunning UNESCO World Heritage parks and views. Today though, is all about the Brazilian side, and what better way to see the falls from every angle than with an optional helicopter ride, taking the term birds eye view to a whole new level. Go on treat yo self! For those keeping feet on the ground, take your time exploring the Parque Nacional do Iguau. Tonight, dinners packing a serious punch well be treating you to an authentic Brazilian BBQ dinner. Say hello to the meat sweats
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls
Accommodation:Foz Plaza Hotel (or similar)
day 14 - Iguassu Falls
Iguassu were not done with you yet! Yesterday was all about the Brazilian side, but today were hopping back over to Argentina to see what the deal is from this side of the falls. Well take a hike to the very edge of Devils Throat, the highest of the 275 falls, and for those keen theres even the option to take to the water with a speed boat ride through the spray of the falls. Refreshing? Oh you could say thatWith a full day spent here, take your time exploring, trying to figure out the age old debate which side wears it better?
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Iguazú Falls
Accommodation:Foz Plaza Hotel (or similar)
day 15 - Iguassu Falls to Rio De Janeiro
Catch you later Iguassu Rio, were coming in hot...If Rio knows one thing, its how to p-a-r-t-y, so having fun in this life loving city is already a given. But first things first lets get acquainted with our surroundings a little better. After a quick orientation tour, the afternoon is then yours to explore as you please, though given our hotel's beachfront location, we reckon you'll only have one thing on your mind.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Iguazú Falls, Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation:Selina Copacabana (or similar)
day 16 - Rio De Janeiro
Today check out the city from above, hang gliding to see Rio in all its scenic glory. Then this afternoon is all yours, and it sounds like Copacabana Beach is calling your name. Or if a game's in town watch the masters of football do it like no one else can, while you soak in the crazy atmosphere that goes alongside the national sport.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation:Selina Copacabana (or similar)
day 17 - Rio De Janeiro
Excuse us while we cry into our caipirinhas - today is our last full day on trip. But before the emotions run too high, let's make sure we see it out with a bang, Rio style. First up is a visit to Christ the Redeemer, a New Wonder of the World. Standing at an impressive 30m high (98ft), this religious monument casts an almighty shadow over the city below, and will be a moment you won't be forgetting anytime soon. This afternoon, how does a boat cruise sound? Featuring cocktails, tunes and good times, it'd be rude not to. Afterwards, we'll enjoy an included farewell dinner together.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation:Selina Copacabana (or similar)
day 18 - End Rio De Janeiro
This morning, this adventure of epic proportion will finally come to an end. Hug it out with the new friends you now class as family, and damn right youre already on those reunion tour plans. Europe next summer, anyone?
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Rio de Janeiro
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
Fast-paced in the best way. I didn't feel like i missed out on anywathing as no time wasted.
R
Rhiahn M.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
The South American explorer was amazing. Lots of fun and unique experiences I wouldn’t have experienced without contiki. It was a good balance of partying and non partying. Our trip manager was also the best, he was awesome and so fun, he really looked after us. One of the guides on the Inca trail was amazing too
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
I really enjoyed the trip. The guide () really went above and beyond to make everything special. He even helped organise activities that weren’t on the itinerary. There were a few flights within the tour that were too late in the day resulting in a wasted day. Every place we went to was amazing. I wasn’t overly happy with the local guide at Iguazú Falls, but everything else was great
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
Our trip leader was fantastic! Both very knowledgeable and very passionate about the places we were visiting and the local history and culture, and went above and beyond to organise activities for us to do. He even organised for us to go to a local football game in Brazil when it lined up with a free evening!
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
The trip was really good with lots of standout places and experiences. Our trip manager was brilliant. He was friendly and knowledgeable and made everything easy. Some of the accommodation wasn’t the best (poor showers, uncomfortable beds, no safety lock box, no elevator) but for the most part acceptable.
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