18-Day South American Explorer | with Inca Trail Trek

Lima: A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.

Lake Titicaca: Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Latin America. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is gonna look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control. 

Mexico City: You’ll now book and pay for your Free Time Add-Ons through WeTravel — a simple website link where you can browse all the FTAs, pick what you’re keen on, and pay directly by card, in any currency. You’ll get the link in your Welcome Email, usually 3–5 days before your trip starts. Once you’re in, it’s easy: check out the pics, descriptions and prices, add your chosen experiences to your cart, then check out online. You can book before your trip starts or while you’re on the road, up until each activity’s booking deadline.Missed the link? No stress. Your Trip Manager can share it with you on trip too.

Iguazú Falls: You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted).  

Iguazú Falls: You’ll usually receive a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. But tipping isn’t a requirement. Either way, if you’re pleased with your service, a tip will always be appreciated! We recommend tipping 12% of the total bill. 

Iguazú Falls: Your Trip Manager brings the group together with all the info, fun facts and food recommendations you'll ever need. Plus, they’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and address any issues. They’ll be there with you throughout the trip and will be your go-to person if you need anything. They’ll also fill you in on the cultural and historical context of the places you visit with some informal talks when relevant. 

Iguazú Falls: Drinking tap water isn’t recommend. So, please stick to bottled water (even when brushing your teeth). There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water during the trip. 

Parts of this trip go above 2800 metres (9200 feet) where it's common for some travellers to experience shortness of breath, nausea or light-headedness. While it's usually not severe in most cases, it’s always best to be prepared. That’s why we recommend that you carry your own medication and read a trusted health advisory for tips on how to combat altitude sickness. Plus, your Trip Managers will give you loads of helpful advice and before and during the trip.

Lake Titicaca: If you’ve selected to do the Inca trail one-day hike, you’ll be walking 13 km or 8 miles on foot for about 6-7 hours. This is a moderate hike with the highest elevation being 2,720m / 8,924 ft - so there’s no need to do any prior training as long as you’re relatively fit and active.There’s no road access during the hike, so you’ll have to complete the trek in its entirety once you start. Not sure what to bring? Check out your guest document for all the info.

Iguazú Falls: Most places use similar plugs to the US and Europe, but it’s a good idea to bring a circular two-prong adapter just in case. No voltage converter is needed for devices like phones and laptops, but you may need one for high-powered devices (e.g., hairdryers).

Lima: Safety: You’ll stay in expert-picked areas that are safe and convenient. While you’re on your own, it’s best to stick to safe areas, follow your gut & of course, use your common sense (avoid dark alleys, don’t leave valuables unattended, use crosswalks).  Water & Food: It’s best to avoid drinking tap water in any of these countries. Stick to bottled water (even for brushing your teeth!). You’ll have plenty of opportunities to purchase them on your trip.  Toilets: We’ll make a service stop along the way where you can use a toilet. But remember to toss used toilet paper in the trash, not the toilet (don’t wanna clog it up!)  WiFi/Cell Service: WiFi is available at most accommodations and restaurants, but it can be slow. It’s best to check with your phone provider about international plans. 

Iguazú Falls: It depends on where you’re travelling to. Cities in Peru, Argentina and Brazil have lots of ATMs (just be careful of those sneaky fees). But you’re better off carrying cash when visiting rural places. 

Lima: Peru’s climate varies by region - subtropical desert on the coast (AKA la Costa), rainy and tropical in the Amazon forest (AKA la Selva), and temperate in the Andes (AKA la Sierra), with cold peaks. Summers are wet in the mountains and dry on the coast. Annual temperatures range from 83°F (28°C) in the rainforest to 45°F (7°C) in the highlands.  Argentina’s climate is wildly diverse - think warm, moderate, arid, and cold zones. Buenos Aires has hot, humid summers (up to 100°F) and mild winters (rarely below 40°F). Brazil? Equatorial in the north, tropical in the center, and subtropical down south. Rio stays warm year-round, with a hot, muggy season from December to March. Pack accordingly!  

Lima: Please check the latest travel info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if you're travelling to Argentina, Peru and Brazil. We also recommend that you consult your local health clinic or doctor for more details.

Machu Picchu: You can bring 1 carry-on + 1 suitcase or backpack.   Internal flights are included, and your Trip Manager will have your tickets ready. You’re allowed 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on (think: small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag). Your checked bag size needs to be within the airline's limits. And your carry-on can’t exceed 114 cm (45”). Got an overweight bag? You might have to pay a fee to the airline (usually US$ 25-100, so keep that in mind).  Train Option  On the train to Machu Picchu? You’re limited to 5kg of hand luggage. Don’t worry, we’ll hand you a duffle bag for the journey. Your main luggage and extras will be stored at the Cusco hotel. And don’t forget: you’ll need a passport (or a copy) to board the train!   One-Day Hike   For the hiking portion of this trip, we’ll sort you out with a duffle bag to pack your essentials. Just be sure to keep it all under 6kg (the train’s not a fan of big bags). On hike day, you’ll hop off the train at KM 104 and do your 13km trek with just your daypack. Meanwhile, your duffle rides the rails to Aguas Calientes and gets delivered straight to your hotel. Easy.   Once you’ve ticked Machu Picchu off your bucket list, the whole crew returns to Cusco. Here, you can hand over the duffel bag back to your Trip Manager. 

Machu Picchu: Keep it light but essential:  comfy hiking boots, moisture-wicking clothes, layers for all conditions, a rain poncho, a small daypack, sun protection, water, energy snacks, a basic first aid kit, and any personal medications. Don’t worry tho, your Trip Manager will send a full list of things you should pack before your trip starts.