South America

Tour Length:
21 Days
Next Departure:
Please advise your dates
Priced from:
On request
This is an independent non-escorted package.
Package price and dates are subject to availability.
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This is a remarkable tour in every respect, exploring South America – a spectacular continent like no other!

This is an amazing tour, witness the awe-inspiring scenery, different cultures and absorb the history of this captivating area. The itinerary is leisurely and comfortable, with an excellent standard of accommodation.

Highlights

  • Rio de Janeiro – Copacabana Beach, Corcovado and the Statue of “Christ the Redeemer”, “Sugar Loaf”
  •  Iguazu Falls – surely the most beautiful waterfall in the world, in a magical setting
  • Buenos Aires – The ‘Paris’ of South America.
  • Santiago
  • Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
  • Lake Titicaca

Tour Itinerary

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Day 1 - Arrive Santiago

On arrival at Santiago Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide who will transfer you by private vehicle to your accommodation.

Santiago, Chile’s capital and largest city, lies in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range. Founded in 1541, Santiago has been Chile’s capital since colonial times. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city and although it features many colonial buildings, it has grown into a modern metropolis and the cultural centre of the country.

 

 

Day 2 - Santiago

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel for your tour of Santiago. Shared service.

Visit both the old and new areas of the city. Highlights include the Plaza de Armas, the city’s central square and the heart of the city’s old colonial core. The Plaza de Armas is home to the beautiful 18th century Metropolitan Cathedral, the early 19th century Royal Court Palace that houses the Natural History Museum and the Central Post Office completed in 1882. We will continue along to Government Palace and there we will have the opportunity to walk through some of the most traditional streets and neighbourhoods. Visit Cerro Santa Lucia, the hill on which Santiago was founded in 1541, with panoramic viewpoint across the city.

Breakfast
Day 3 - Santiago - Lima

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred back to Santiago Airport in time to check in for your departing flight. Spanish speaking driver only.

On arrival at Lima Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide who will transfer you by private vehicle to your accommodation.

 

Lima offers travelers a chance to experience a vibrant, dynamic city that is full of history, culture, museums, and boutiques. Visit historic plazas and churches and admire adobe ruins over 1,000 years old. Take advantage of parks with ocean views and renowned museums and galleries. This capital is a melting pot of cultures, and a
food capital of the world, offering mouthwatering world-class cuisine.

 

Breakfast
Day 4 - Lima

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel for your tour of Lima by private vehicle.

We will begin our visit of the city with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, we will stop off at the Main Square, to admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima’s still-present colonial architectural opulence. We will visit the Cathedral and Santo Domingo Convent a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints. Afterwards, we will head to Larco Museum, an eighteenth-century Viceregal mansion that houses more than 3,000 years of Peru’s pre-Columbian history. Finally, we will begin a journey through the streets of modern Lima: San Isidro and Miraflores, a perfect spot to enjoy wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Breakfast
Day 5 - Lima - Sacred Valley

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred back to Lima Airport in time to check in for your departing flight.

On arrival at Cusco Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide who will transfer you by private vehicle to your accommodation in the Sacred Valley. A distance of approximately 1 ½ – 2hrs / 60kms.

As the mid-way point between Cusco and Machu Picchu and with lower elevation to Cuzco, the Sacred Valley is the perfect place to rest and acclimatise. This area is home to major archaeological sites and picturesque villages that have maintained their ancestral culture. Maras, Moray, Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo are part of this cultural richness, but the valley also offers incredible natural beauty which is the perfect setting for nature activities or simply for relaxing.

 

Breakfast
Day 6 - Sacred Valley

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel for your tour of the Sacred Valley by private vehicle. Lunch is included.

This morning, we will explore the Sacred Valley together. First we will reach Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. We will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets. A few miles away, overlooking the Vilcanota River, is the Archaeological Park of Pisac. This is considered one of the finest archaeological complexes in Peru. This site was not only an Inca citadel but also a significant religious center.
Finally, we will visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. On completion of your tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel

Breakfast
Day 7 - Scared Valley - Machu Picchu

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Ollantaytambo Train Station where you will board the train to Aguas Calientes with your English speaking guide.

The Vistadome train ride will take you from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at Machu Picchu.
On arrival, we will take a short bus ride that will drop us at the entrance to Machu Picchu citadel.

Unearthed for modernity by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we take a tour of the magical citadel led by one of our guides.

Afterwards we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Aguas Calientes to check-in to our hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.

 

Breakfast
Day 8 - Macchu Picchu - Cusco

Spend the morning at leisure in Aguas Calientes. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu or to visit Huayna Picchu. These activities must be pre-booked (subject to availability) and are at an additional cost.

This afternoon return to Aguas Calientes Train Station where you will board the train to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival from Aguas Calientes, we will continue the back to Cusco by private vehicle with English speaking guide.

On our way, we’ll cross the Urubamba River and continue toward the Salt Pans of Maras, also called Salineras de Maras. Still active today, these centuries-old salt pools have been maintained by local families for over 500 years, showcasing the ingenuity of Inca engineering. The stunning landscape of these salt pans, with their white and brown terraces cascading down the mountainside are in stark contrast with the green of the surrounding mountain slopes.

We will continue on until we reach the archaeological site of Moray. Used as an agricultural testing ground, the site’s system of circular terraces descends 490 feet (150m) from where we will stand, serving as a perfect testament to the level of advancement achieved by the Incas, who excelled at building masterful constructions in harmony with nature.

On arrival in Cusco, you will be dropped off to your hotel for check-in.

Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire, is a captivating city nestled in the Andes of Peru. Known for its rich blend of Inca and colonial heritage, Cusco offers visitors a unique journey through time with its ancient ruins, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture. Highlights include the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress, the sacred Qoricancha temple, and the lively Plaza de Armas. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is a must-visit destination for culture, history, and adventure seekers alike.

 

Breakfast
Day 9 - Cusco

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel for your tour of Cusco by private vehicle with English speaking guide.

In the morning, we’ll begin a half-day tour of Cusco’s main historical sites. We’ll start at Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca ceremonial fortress built with massive stones weighing up to 125 tons. Back in the city, we’ll explore the vibrant San Pedro Market, a hub of local life and Peruvian ingredients. Next, we’ll visit the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, known for its blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles, and its rich colonial art. We’ll also see the Church of the Compañía de Jesús, a stunning example of colonial architecture built over an Inca palace. Our tour continues at the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop the sacred Inca temple of Qoricancha, once covered in gold and dedicated to the Sun god. We’ll finish with a panoramic visit to San Blas, the artisan district, home to traditional handcrafted art. After the tour, we’ll return you to your hotel.

Breakfast
Day 10 - Cusco

Spend your day at leisure today, exploring Cusco at your own pace.

Breakfast
Day 11 - Cusco - Puno

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Puno by private vehicle with sightseeing stops enroute. English speaking guide and Lunch are included. A distance of approximately 386km.

 

Breakfast
Day 12 - Lake Titicaca

This morning you will be collected from your hotel for your full day Lake Titicaca Tour.

Option One: Uros Island and Taquile Islands
Today we will enjoy an extraordinary journey across the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca.
Our first stop will be the Uros floating islands. These are a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The cheerful inhabitants will invite us to get to know
their traditional lifestyle and customs. We will continue our voyage across the placid waters of the lake until arriving to the picturesque Taquile Island, a peaceful place where old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance
with modernity. We will discover a landscape distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. The rich colors of the clothing worn by the local inhabitants will amaze us as well
their beautiful hand-made fabrics. Most importantly, we will enjoy the unbelievable hospitality of the islanders, known as Taquileños, who will make our visit to the island a memorable one. Before making our way back to Puno, we will have lunch at a local home.

 

Option Two: Uros islands and Llachon community – Surcharge Applies / See notes at bottom of proposal.
Today, our first stop will be the Uros floating islands. The cheerful inhabitants will invite us to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs. Then, we will continue the voyage across the North of the city of Puno, on the western shores of Lake Titicaca, is Llachon, a community of farmers and fishermen who take pride in their village and way of life. The inhabitants promote an interesting community-based homestay tourism experience that allows visitors to learn about and understand their customs firsthand. We will spend time with the friendly villagers, participate in their farmwork, or learn to cook with local products. Take the opportunity to walk along the white sands of the lake’s shores or go out on its deep blue waters in a kayak or sailboat. Before making our way back to Puno, we will have lunch at a local home.

Breakfast
Day 13 - Puno - Buenos Aires

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Puno Airport in time to check in for your departing flight to Buenos Aires via Lima.

On arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide who will transfer you by private vehicle to your accommodation.

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the “Paris of the South” due to its European atmosphere with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca, home to art galleries and tango shows; San Telmo with its restored mansions and antique stores and Recoleta, the city’s most exclusive area.

 

Breakfast
Day 14 - Buenos Aires

This morning you will be collected from your hotel for your half day Buenos Aires city tour. Shared service.

Discover the history of the Plaza de Mayo Square, the site of Argentina’s most important historical events – see its surroundings and the most emblematic buildings and learn all about them. Continue onto San Telmo. Live and feel the original Tango in the neighbourhood of La Boca: walk along the famous Caminito Street. Here you will have the chance to wander around and soak up the atmosphere and if the timing is right, see a short tango demonstration. Pass by the Boca Juniors soccer stadium. Return to Recoleta. Here you will enter into the Recoleta cemetery with your guide. Experience shadowed walkways with towering marble mausoleums that are rich in Art Deco, Art Nouveau, baroque and neo-gothic architectural styles. You will find the final resting place of Eva Peron, “Evita”, along with many other notable people.

 

This evening you will enjoy a dinner and tango show at Café de los Angelitos. You will be collected from your hotel and transferred by shared service to the venue.

This historic café and haunt of legendary tango singer Carlos Gardel opens its secret backroom drapes every night and transforms into a grand ballroom tanguería. Twenty-one professional dancers glide through the history of tango in Argentina, inside this tanguería with more than 100 years of history.

Breakfast
Day 15 - Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Buenos Aires Domestic Airport in time to check in for your departing flight.

 

On arrival at Iguazu Falls Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide who will transfer you by shared service to your accommodation.

 

The spectacular Iguazu Falls that straddle the Argentine-Brazil border, are made up of 275 individual waterfalls lining a 2.7km wide horseshoe-shaped gorge. The Falls can be viewed from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides, the Brazilian side offering a broader, panoramic view, with the Argentinian side offering a series of
catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls from close range.

 

Breakfast
Day 16 - Iguazu Falls

This morning you will be collected from your hotel to commence your full day touring of the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls. Shared service. National Park fees included.

Visit the Argentinian side of Parque Nacional Iguazu, which offers up to 8 kilometers of trails across three circuits: the Upper Circuit, the Lower Circuit, and the Trail to the incredible Devil’s Throat, accessible by the Ecological Train of the Jungle.

The Devil’s Throat is a group of 80-meter-tall waterfalls that pour into a small canyon, creating the most intense rush at Iguazu Falls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest waterfalls, an excellent and unique spectacle.

You may choose to take a jetboat ride and go under the waterfalls or a helicopter flight to view the falls from above – these activities can be added on to your itinerary at an additional cost. There are a number of stairs to get to where the jetboat departs, so it may not be suitable for those who have mobility issues.

Breakfast
Day 17 - Iguazu Falls - Rio De Janeiro

This morning you will be collected from your hotel to commence your morning touring of the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls. Shared service. National Park fees included.

Due to the fact that 80% of the falls belong to Argentina, the Brazilian park offers a panoramic view of the falls with just one walking trail of approx. 1000m in length. Enjoy a wonderful view of the Brazilian park and the “Floreano” fall during your morning tour.

You may choose to add a visit to Parque de Aves (Bird Park), a 16.5-hectare bird park housing 500+ birds of 165 species in their natural habitat. Or consider a helicopter flight over the falls for a different perspective. These activities can be added at an additional charge. Please discuss this with your travel agent.

 

This afternoon you will be transferred to Iguazu Falls Airport in time to check in for your departing flight.

On arrival at Rio de Janeiro Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking driver who will transfer you by private vehicle to your accommodation.

 

Breakfast
Day 18 - Rio De Janeiro

This morning you will be collected from your hotel to commence your half day Santa Teresa tour by shared service.

Explore Rio’s bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, famous for being home to several artists, on this half-day tour. Take a guided tour through the streets where you can find local bars, craft shops, artists’ workshops, and 20th-century mansions. You also visit Ruinas Park where you can enjoy stunning views of downtown Rio and visit the cultural center. As you make your way back down the hill, drop by Carmelitas’ Convent and walk down the famous Selarón Staircase, created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón.

Breakfast
Day 19 - Rio De Janeiro

This morning you will be collected from your hotel to commence your full day Corcovado & Sugarloaf tour by shared service. Lunch included. Note: This tour can be split into two half days if preferred.

Today you will visit two iconic Rio sights – Corcovado Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue. In 2007, the statue was declared one of the new seven wonders of the world. Standing at 30 meters tall, on an 8 meter pedestal and with an arm span of 28 meters, the statue needs to be seen in person to fully grasp its size and scope! We will also visit Sugar Loaf Mountain, where you will board a cable car to the top of Urca Hill, with spectacular views of Rio’s famous beaches, bays, hills, and the city. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian BBQ for lunch and continue exploring more of the city and beaches on your way back to your hotel.

Breakfast
Day 20 - Rio De Janeiro

Spend the day at leisure exploring Rio at your own pace.

Breakfast
Day 21 - Depart Rio De Janeiro

Today you will be transferred back to Rio de Janeiro International Airport in time to check in for your departing flight.

Breakfast
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Inclusions

  • All breakfasts
  • All sightseeing as mentioned

Exclusions

  • All airfares
  • Visas
  • Gratuities
  • Meals other than specified.

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The size and composition of the tour party from tour leaders Annie, tour guides, and the travellers was very good. All about the same age and compatibility amongst the tour party was excellent.

Doug M Austria & Switzerland

When you have reached a "mature" age what better way to travel than to participate in a Maher Escorted Tour! A seamlessly organised, well constructed tour, with all the stress of travel eliminated!

Lousie M Scandinavia & Northern Europe

I loved it all!! A great bunch of folks to travel with and at the right time of year. A totally enjoyable travel and companionable experience, well organised.

SB Southern africa inc. zambia & botswana