16 Day Enchanting South America
You will be accompanied by various multi-lingual local guides during the tour, who will be responsible for guiding you through the various cities and attractions that you will be visiting. In each new city that you visit, you will likely be introduced to a new local guide who is an expert in that region. Depending on the itinerary chosen and your group size, your local guide may provide commentary in multiple languages.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Includes Return International Flights
✓ Small group tour, up to 20 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing including a guided city tour and Tango & dinner show in Buenos Aires, the tour of Iguazu Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, and a full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro including a traditional Brazilian BBQ lunch
✓ Experience the best of Peru including quaint Cusco, the Inca treasures of the Sacred Valley, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu
✓ Ride the iconic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in 360° “sky dome” carriages
✓ 13 nights in central handpicked 4-star accommodation throughout
✓ Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
✓ Fully escorted by an expert, English-speaking guide in each country (excluding internal flights)
✓ All internal domestic flights included
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
Explore South America's wonders: vibrant Buenos Aires, majestic Iguazu Falls, lively Rio de Janeiro, historic Lima, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Enjoy local tours, cultural shows, and breathtaking landscapes, creating unforgettable memories. Perfect for those seeking an immersive and diverse adventure through iconic cities and natural marvels.
Welcome to Buenos Aires!
Born on the banks of Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires is a city of contrasts. Avenues which display sensational European buildings and architectural pieces of work and neighbourhoods oozing with intense cultural, artistic and gastronomic surprises around each corner.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Note: Check-in at the hotel is at 3.00pm. If arriving before this time, you are welcome to leave your bags at the hotel until your room is ready.
Note: Some flights may depart a day earlier
After breakfast, meet your local guide and fellow travellers to discover Buenos Aires through the eyes of a local on a half day city tour covering all the main sites. Start off by visiting Plaza de Mayo, the heart of Buenos Aires and the place where the city was founded. Then, head to Puerto Madero, known as the gateway of the founders of Argentina. There you will appreciate the transformation of one of the most modern neighbourhoods in the city. Continue to La Boca and Caminito, where you will feel Argentinians’ passion for football. Pass by the Bombonera Stadium and the Riachuelo River, populated by Italian immigrants.
Next, a visit to San Telmo, the place where the elegant and sensual dance, Tango, originated. Finally visit Palermo and Recoleta to learn more about Porteños’ customs, habits and behaviours, also pass by the Recoleta Cemetery (entrance ticket is not included) and the beautiful Floralis Generica.
Tonight, enjoy an Inspiring Site with a special Tango-show and dinner at one of the city’s premier theatres. You will be escorted from your hotel to the historic venue showcasing the authentic representation of the Buenos Aires culture through the ages. With an array of artists on stage you will experience tango orchestras, a collection of folk music, dancers and singers all while feasting on international and local Argentinian dishes and a selection of Argentine wine. Following the show, you will be transferred back to your hotel for the evening.
Today is free for you to explore Buenos Aires on your own.
Transfer to the airport today for your included flight to Puerto Iguazu where on arrival you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.
Welcome to Iguazu Falls - one of the most famous world-wide attractions! Made up of 275 individual waterfalls, they are divided between Argentina and Brazil and provide vastly different views and experiences depending on which side they are viewed from. In the "Land of the Falls," you can revel in the splendour of the natural forests, rivers and lakes.
After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Please note that your internal flight will have a luggage limit of 15kg per person (33lbs). Unfortunately, Inspiring Vacations cannot increase this limit and is limited by the airlines luggage policy. Any fees for excess baggage incurred at the airport will be the responsibility of the traveller and payable directly to the airline during check in.
These spectacular falls can be viewed from both sides; the Brazilian side offers a broader, panoramic view, and the Argentinian side offers a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls up close.
This morning you’ll explore Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side. Beginning at the visitor’s centre, you’ll take a ride on the Rainforest Ecological Train before exploring the upper and lower circuit footbridges. These footbridges, raised off the jungle floor, provide panoramic views from above and below the falls.
A visit to monumental, roaring Devil’s Throat – arguably the most spectacular of the falls – is one of the day’s highlights. It’s the heart of the falls and the highest, at about 80 metres. The noise as these mighty falls plunge to the bottom of the narrow canyon is almost deafening. There’s the chance of getting under the falls, with an optional ride on the Gran Aventura.
You’ll return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Today, you’ll tour the relatively dry Brazilian side of the falls, with breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Uninterrupted vistas of the Floriana Falls, the Devil’s Gorge canyon and the Iguazu River are spectacular and guaranteed to impress.
To enhance your tour, you may wish to see the falls from another perspective with an optional Helicopter ride.
Following your morning tour you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival you will be met and tranferred to your hotel.
You’ll then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Bem vindo ao Rio - Welcome to Rio! On arrival and transferred to your hotel located just steps from the city’s dazzling iconic shoreline .
Nicknamed a cidade maravilhosa (the marvellous city), Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its dazzling landscapes and location, nestled between steep, green mountains and crystal-clear seas. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for not only its ‘staggeringly beautiful location’, but its cultural landscape. The city is full of energy. Cariocas, the locals of Rio, are known for their carefree spirit and charm.
This morning, you’ll meet your local guide and embark on a full day tour of Rio de Janeiro to see the city’s famous landmarks, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
We’ll take a scenic drive from Copacabana Beach, continuing along Botafogo Beach and passing the imposing Guanabara Palace on the way to Corcovado Hill. At the top we’ll find the greatest national icon, Christ the Redeemer, standing tall over the city with arms outstretched. This giant Art Deco statue was recently named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The panoramic views of the city are lovely from up here, 709 metres at the summit.
We’ll then continue on to the district of Urca and the world-famous rocky peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, where you’ll board the first cable car to the top of Urca Hill, enjoying spectacular views of Guanabara Bay. A second cable car takes you on to Sugarloaf, with 360-degree views of the city and surrounds. Sugarloaf Mountain towers over the harbour, 400 metres above the mouth of Guanabara Bay.
Afterwards, we’ll pass through the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema en route to a traditional Brazilian lunch at a local churrascaria, an all-you-can-eat barbeque.
After lunch, we’ll visit the Maracanã Stadium, home of Bellini’s statue and the Hall of Fame. Brazilians also love their football (soccer) and this is their biggest stadium. Entrance to the stadium is not included. And there will be a stop at the Sambadrome, the stadium for the city’s main Carnival parade.
As we pass through the city’s historic centre, you’ll have a chance to see the Lapa Arches. Built in the middle of the 18th century, this aqueduct is an impressive example of colonial architecture and engineering. We’ll also make a quick stop to see the colourful Selaron Stairs, an amazing urban work of art by the late Jorge Selaron. These steps are decorated with more than 2,000 brightly coloured tiles and mirrors.
We’ll return to the hotel along Aterro de Flamengo (Flamengo Park), passing by the Monument to the Dead of World War II and the beaches of Flamengo and Botafogo.
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Lima.
Welcome to Lima, the "City of Kings". Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where the rest of today is at leisure.
Later today, meet your local guide for a welcome briefing and some tips during your stay in Lima.
Please note: Depending on the day of departure, some flights arrive into Lima late in the evening. In this instance you will meet your local guide and conduct your welcome briefing the following morning.
Enjoy breakfast before heading out for a half day morning tour of the fascinating city of Lima. You start your tour with a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent clay platform pyramid located in the center of the city. This ceremonial and archeological centre was built in the 4th century A.D. and is considered a sacred village by the Incas.
Then, you’ll visit the colonial side of the city where you'll see attractions like the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, the main places of Lima's Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace, the City Hall, and other important monuments. Later, you’ll visit the Convent of San Francisco, a seventeenth-century architectural complex that includes a church, a convent and a square. The facade of the church, which has an image of the Immaculate Conception painted on it, was carved in stone, and is characterised by its Corinthian columns. You will also see the catacombs, a dark chamber found under the church. After visiting the centre of Lima you’ll head to the modern section of this great metropolis and will visit the district of Miraflores with its spectacular clifftop walking path overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the “Parque del amor” (Love Park).
Following your tour, return to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
In the morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to allow you time to acclimatise to the altitude change in preparation for our visit to Maccu Picchu.
Today, we enjoy a full day exploration of the incredible Sacred Valley of the Incas including lunch.
Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls. You will head to a community in the Valley to learn about local lifestyle and activities and if our visit coincides with market day you can spend time browsing the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and maybe practising some of the local language, Quechua.
Enjoy a regional lunch with the community and later continue the tour visiting the ancient salt ponds near the village of Maras, where salty springs emerge from the hillside and the Incas built terraces to capture the flows and harvest salt. Continue the excursion to Moray, where huge circular agricultural terraces were built by the Incas on limestone sinks served to plant various crops. It is said to have a cosmological significance, however, the Incas used the terraces as an agricultural laboratory to determine the optimum conditions for each species in varying altitudes.
Return to your hotel late this afternoon where the evening is at leisure.
After breakfast, we´ll drive for 20 mins to the train station in Ollantaytambo to board the train towards Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, a modern little town close to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Included is a ride aboard "The 360°" carriages from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. This incredible journey allows you to explore the Andean landscape in “sky dome” carriages offering wider panoramic windows and an observation outdoor carriage. The train is the only one in Peru with an on-board app that will allow you to learn more about the train ride and the Inca civilization.
After passing through the Sacred Valley of the Incas the train starts to descend gradually along the edge of the Urubamba River, till you finally reach the cloud forest. After arriving into Aguas Calientes we'll take a short bus ride up the steep, zigzagging road to the impressive Lost City of the Incas. This is one of those genuinely magical places, and your first glimpse of these ruins in the mist is something to remember. The site is perched high in the Andes, surrounded by verdant cloud forest, with the river Urubamba running through the gorge far below. Hidden away on a ridge, Machu Picchu is invisible from below, so it's no surprise it remained a secret until 1911.
Explore the upper terrace with your guide first, making sure to get that great portrait! You will then take a guided tour of the ruins, learning more about these 200 or so houses and temples. It's fascinating to be able to gaze down on the city from above and imagine how it would have looked during the height of the Inca empire.
Catch the bus back into town and enjoy some spare time to have lunch and a look around. In the afternoon, then take the tourist train in “The Voyager” carriage back to Ollantaytambo and make the rest of the journey to Cusco by vehicle. On arrival in Cusco, check into your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Note:
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a predetermined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences, exiting and reentering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
In the morning, set out to discover some of Cusco's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour. Visit the Cusco Cathedral and the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square.
Then, you will visit the ruins near the city of Cusco, beginning the visit to the archaeological remains of Sacsayhuaman, continuing to the Temple of Quenqo, and Puca Pucara and ending with the impressive temple of Tambomachay where you will be able to observe a series of water fountains, this place was dedicated to the worship of water.
Today it’s time to say goodbye to South America and make your way to the airport for your flight home.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
This flight takes you across the International Date Line so today will be spent flying to your home destination.
Welcome home, we hope you had a truly inspiring vacation.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This package is a flight inclusive package
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
No strenuous or fast-paced walks are required to complete this itinerary. However, you must be able to walk for approximately 2 to 3 kilometres in (at times) hot and humid conditions, or muddy and slippery paths.
Travelling at altitude Cusco sits at 3,399 metres above sea level where it’s common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to altitude – regardless of age, gender and fitness. It's important that you discuss this itinerary and your travel plans with your doctor beforehand. Prescription medication to prevent altitude sickness is available. If left untreated, altitude sickness can lead to serious health complications or even be fatal. While on tour, safety is paramount and it’s important that you discuss any altitude sickness symptoms with your local guide, so that appropriate medical attention can be provided. Follow this link for more helpful information on altitude sickness.
Yellow fever According to the World Health Organisation, yellow fever is present in some destinations on this itinerary (Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro & the Amazon Jungle in Peru). The best prevention of mosquito bites is to simply wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved, breatheable garments and to use mosquito repellent.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”
3 - Balanced
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets
In order to secure entrance tickets into Mach Picchu, it is essential we receive your passport details no later than 70 days prior to your trip commencement. Please ensure you have added your passport details to your booking via the Traveller Hub. Failure to do so may result in inability to obtain the best possible route for your visit to Machu Picchu.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry and is a welcome way to show your appreciation. If you feel that your guide/s and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
The suggested tipping amounts are: USD 2-3 per person per day for local guides; USD 1-2 per person person day for your driver and USD 2-4 per person per day for your tour leader. In restaurants and cafes a 10% of the bill is normally expected. Please note that this information is to be used as a guideline only and it’s based on the recommendation from our ground teams and past travellers. Tipping in local currency is the norm.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,245.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip.
Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after the tour.
Triple Share
Not available.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Group Size
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 20
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
$175.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
$175.00 per room, per night for solo travellers
Post Tour Accommodation
$250.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
$250.00 per room, per night for solo travellers
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.