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Journey Through South America

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 Trip Length
22 Days
 Trip Starts
Lima
 Trip Finishes
Rio de Janeiro
22 Day Journey Through South America Itinerary (Collette)
Countries Explored: Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Classic
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
44
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
COL661A

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Collette's 22 Day Journey Through South America. Thundering waterfalls, lost cities, snowcapped volcanos, and world-renowned cuisine – all this and more awaits you in four dynamic South American countries. Uncover the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu. Take in the natural beauty of Chile's Patagonia and the Andean Lakes District. Feel the rhythm of the tango in Buenos Aires at a stunning dance performance. Stand in awe before Iguazu Falls, visiting from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. Admire the viewpoint from the statue of Christ the Redeemer. As...read more you journey through Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, encounter precisely what makes each nation as unique as they are united.

Itinerary

Embark on an adventure through four South American countries, encountering precisely what makes each destination as unique as they are united. Start your journey in Peru, a country steeped in the mysteries of its past. Peru keeps you on your toes – rocky citadels hide forgotten in the mountains yet illustrious cuisine reigns supreme along the coast. Arrive late this evening in Lima, the "City of Kings." Stay: El Pardo DoubleTree by Hilton (2 Nights)

Discover Lima's fascinating history on a tour through the city center (UNESCO). Admire the artwork at the San Francisco Monastery and enter its mystifying catacombs. Feel the energy of colonial Lima as you explore the Casa de Aliaga – the former home of a conquistador. See the suburbs of Barranco and Miraflores before getting to know your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Featuring artfully crafted Peruvian dishes, the meal will give you a taste of why Peru is consistently named the world's top food destination. (B/D)

Fly to Cuzco and make your way through the Andes to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural center of the Incan grand empire. After a short lesson on the local language, stop in the village of Pisac to browse the colorful handicraft market. Settle into your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. (B) Stay: Casa Andina Premium (2 Nights)

Begin your day at the terraced complex of Ollantaytambo, the only Incan settlement that has been continuously inhabited since its creation. Your cultural immersion continues at the Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio, where you'll gain insight into a renowned local artist's techniques and designs – all inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Experience the lifestyle of modern Andeans at a nearby Quechua community, peeking into their daily routines in small groups. Feel as if you've become an honorary member of the community when you learn their dances and music, followed by a home-hosted farm-to-table lunch. (B/L)

Admire breathtaking views through the domed windows of the Machu Picchu Vistadome train as you ride to the “Lost City of the Incas,” hidden amongst the Andes and the surrounding semi-tropical jungle. With an expert guide, uncover the mysteries of these rediscovered ruins. This evening, enjoy an exclusive cooking demonstration where you'll learn how to craft the perfect ceviche and pisco sour before a dinner featuring Peruvian specialties. Settle in at the base of Machu Picchu for a chance to further soak up its atmosphere. (B/D) Stay: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Make the most of some free time in the morning and consider wandering through the local markets of Aguas Calientes. Depart Machu Picchu by Vistadome train, making your way back to the colorful city of Cuzco. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore lively streets and captivating plazas on your own. (B) Stay: Hilton Garden Inn (2 Nights)

Start your morning with a local guide on a tour of Cuzco, visiting the San Pedro Market, the Koricancha temple, the central Plaza de Armas, and the Cuzco Cathedral. Later, it's your choice! Travel above the city to discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress -OR- embark on a walking tour of San Blas, the traditional old quarter of Cuzco, lined with restaurants and artisan shops. The rest of the afternoon is yours. This evening, you are treated to an authentic dinner highlighting local flavors in the heart of Cuzco. (B/D)

Say farewell to the land of the Incas and fly south to cosmopolitan Santiago. As Chile's vibrant capital and cultural hub, the city provides a hypnotizing energy waiting to be discovered. (B) Stay: Hotel Plaza San Francisco (3 Nights)

Embark on a panoramic city tour with an expert guide. Stroll down the Paseo Ahumada pedestrian street, wandering past Chilean boutiques. Stroll amongst the locals and fresh seafood at Mercado Central, hailed as one of the world's top food markets. Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you will join an optional tour to a local winery, getting an inside peek at the winemaking process before sampling the vintages yourself. (B/D)

The day is yours! Maybe you'll discover Cerro San Cristobal – an expansive park overlooking the city – or simply relax at an outdoor café. No matter how you chose to spend the day, join your fellow travelers tonight for a dinner featuring regional specialties. (B/D)

Fly south to the seaport town of Puerto Montt. Your journey takes you to Puerto Varas, the lakeside resort town known as the “city of roses.” With free time today, take in the view of the neighboring volcanos in the distance before hopping in and out of chocolate and wine shops. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Cabaña del Lago

Stand in awe before the breathtaking Petrohué Falls, where vibrant water thunders downstream under the shadow of a snowcapped volcano. Head through the mythical Andean Lakes District to Patagonia, encountering nature in its purest form. Travel from Chile to Argentina by coach and catamaran, crossing lakes and driving through ancient forests. End your day in Bariloche where you will settle in for a 2-night stay. (B) Stay: NH Edelweiss (2 Nights)

From snow covered mountains to the shores of glacial Lake Nahuel Huapi, the alpine village of San Carlos de Bariloche is full of natural wonders. Travel along the renowned Chico Circuit to the top of Cerro Campanario, taking in panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Back in town, enjoy time to browse handicraft shops, indulge in mouthwatering chocolate or take a stroll along the scenic lake path. (B)

Fly to Buenos Aires, where European décor blends seamlessly with the beat of Latin culture. Stretching along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, Argentina's capital exhibits a dynamic cultural scene of street art, songs, and steak. (B) Stay: Emperador (3 Nights)

Choose how you see the city because it's your choice! Take a panoramic tour of Buenos Aires with several stops along the way featuring the city's most famous sites -OR- get a closer perspective of the city on foot as you discover the Recoleta and Palermo neighborhoods with a local guide, followed by a subway ride on the continent's oldest subway line. The remainder of the day is yours to create your own adventure. Tonight, head to a tango house to indulge in Argentine cuisine and wine before watching a thrilling tango performance. (B/D)

Cross the Pampas – fertile plains that are considered to be Argentina's version of the “Wild West.” Step into a world of cowboys, corrals, and cattle with a tour of San Antonio de Areco, a country village best known as the birthplace of lasso-slinging gaucho traditions. Visit with some local artisans and silversmiths before heading to an estancia (cattle estate) to dine on a hearty asado lunch – a traditional Argentine barbecue. While on the ranch, it's your choice! Go horseback riding through the countryside -OR- take a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride around the property. Get to know what life is like in the countryside as the gauchos share stories about their experiences. Enjoy time to relax on the estancia grounds before heading back to Buenos Aires for a free evening. (B/L)

Fly to Iguazu Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Begin your discovery on the Argentine side and board the Rainforest Ecological Train inside the national park. Feel the mist against your face as you walk the platform overlooking the powerful Devil's Throat, watching playful birds darting in and out of the spray. Admire your vantage point from on top of the falls. Cross over to the Brazilian side to check into your resort, ending your day of adventure with a relaxing dinner. (B/D) Stay: Bourbon Cataratas Convention & Spa Resort (2 Nights)

Embrace a different personality of the falls when you spend the day exploring the Brazilian side of Iguazu. A local insider leads you through the park, providing insight on how Brazil and Argentina have partnered together to protect the natural beauty of the falls. On a clear day, allow your eyes to drift for miles above the tree topped-horizon and gaze out upon misty rainbows. The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the many amenities at your resort. (B)

Fly to Rio de Janeiro, a coastal hub of rich culture and lively energy. Sandy beaches, vibrant costumes, savory cuisine and friendly people – all this and more await you in Rio. Take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, offering an incomparable view of the city standing in the shadow of the mountains. After your descent, enjoy free time to explore the famous beach-side Copacabana. (B) Stay: Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort (3 Nights)

Start your morning with a panoramic tour of Rio's sites including the Metropolitan Cathedral – whose architecture was inspired by a Mayan pyramid – and the Sambadrome. Head behind-the-scenes of Carnival and meet the artists that design the floats and costumes. Learn how to craft caipirinhas – Brazil's famous cocktail made with sugar cane liquor and lime. The rest of the evening is at leisure. (B)

Journey to Corcovado by train to see the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, the city's well-known icon. Take in the 360-degree panoramic vistas from the statue's base in Tijuca Forest National Park. Return to the city to spend time with the locals at one of the city's open-air markets. Partner up with a local guide in small groups to discover and taste over a dozen different types of exotic Brazilian fruits. The afternoon is yours to do as you please. With your free time, perhaps you will relax by the beach or take in the city's hidden sights on your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell feast in a traditional Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue), where you will indulge in caipirinhas and savor meats slow-roasted to perfection. (B/D)

Wish South America goodbye as your tour draws to a close this morning. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • See the passionate rhythms of tango at a performance in the dance's home country.
  • Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Carnival and meet the artists who design the floats, costumes and dances for Rio's biggest event.
  • Stand in awe before Iguazu Falls, visiting both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
  • Spend the afternoon with a guide uncovering the mysteries of Machu Picchu.
  • Visit Corcovado and the mighty Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
  • Experience the natural beauty of the Andean Lakes as we sail from Chile to Argentina.
  • Venture to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
  • Delight in a home hosted farm-to-table lunch at a local Quechua community.
  • Dine on a traditional Argentinian barbecue at a countryside estancia (estate).
  • Learn how to craft caipirinhas - a Brazilian cocktail with sugar cane liquor and lime.
  • Dine in a typical Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue).

  • Expertly crafted itineraries
  • 4-star+ accommodation
  • Skilled and engaging tour managers
  • Expert local guides with insider knowledge
  • Attraction entrance fees
  • Many meals full of local flavour
  • Unparalleled sightseeing
  • Enriching cultural experiences
  • Comfortable on-tour transportation
  • Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
  • Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour

  • To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.

  • Arriving Flight: The closest arrival airport is Lima (LIM) Airport
  • Departing Flight: The closest departure airport is Rio De Janeiro (GIG) Airport

  • Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.

  • Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.