17-Day South America Discovery with Puno and Lake Titicaca Optional Extension
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US$5265 ￥35274 €4587 C$7371 Rs.505397
US$5850 ￥39193 €5097 C$8190 Rs.561552
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Child age: 0-12
Highlights
Starting in the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’, experience the sheer force of nature at Iguassu Falls before country hopping to Argentina for big steaks, fiery tango and a slice of gaucho living. Ending in Peru, cuddle llamas and walk in the footsteps of the Incas at mighty, magnificent Machu Picchu.
- Explore Copacabana, Ipanema and Christ the Redeemer
- Visit the world's widest cascading waterfalls and see Devil's Throat
- Discover Recoleta Cemetery, the Plaza de Mayo and 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world
- Visit the famous Chinchero Market
- Journey to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Discover Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha and the famous San Pedro market before enjoying a magical evening featuring an entertaining folklore show
Dates & Prices
Price in USD (per person, based on double occupancy)
Itinerary
Golden swathes of famous coastline, tropical landscapes and a certain joie de vivre will welcome you to one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Rio de Janeiro. Energy pulses through every pore of this passionate and fun loving city, flooding from the favelas to the football fields and cumulating in nightly parties where the caipirinhas are free flowing and the samba rhythm is infectious. Rio may be best known for its annual Carnival, but visiting here you’ll realise that every day is cause for celebration. Settle in to your hotel before meeting up with your Travel Director this afternoon. Then perhaps hit the sands of Copacabana to watch the sun set whilst you sip your first Cachaça.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Usually referred to simply as "Rio," this Brazilian coastal city is famous for its annual Carnival celebration. Rio de Janeiro sees millions of tourists every year, more than any other South American city.
The picturesque Cosme Velho district will be your first stop today, where 1920s neo-colonial buildings will surround you as you board the Corcovado Rack Railway, an old cogwheel train. Hopping on board, you’ll wind your way through the Tijuca Forest to the very top of Mount Corcovado, standing in awe as you catch a first glimpse of the 30-meter-high Christ the Redeemer. The undisputed icon of Rio, this magnificent art deco statue is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and offers the best vantage point of the ‘Marvelous City’ stretching out below. Take your time exploring here before heading on to visit lively Copacabana and beautiful Ipanema, Rio’s best beaches. Tonight, celebrate the culture of South America at the Carretão Ipanema Churrascaria. Distinctly a South American-style rotisserie, it owes its origins to the fireside roasts of the gauchos of southern Brazil, traditionally from the Pampa region, centuries ago.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Usually referred to simply as "Rio," this Brazilian coastal city is famous for its annual Carnival celebration. Rio de Janeiro sees millions of tourists every year, more than any other South American city.
Your last full day in Rio is all yours—so make it count. You could keep the energy high with one of our Choice Experiences, from high-flying cable cars up Sugar Loaf to samba-fuelled nights at dazzling shows like Aquele Abraço at the Roxy Dinner Show. Nature lovers might want to head into the Tijuca Forest or stroll the Botanical Park under Christ the Redeemer. Into your history or prefer city vibes? Explore colonial landmarks, street markets and Rio’s modern icons on a panoramic city tour. Or, do Rio your own way: hit the beach, grab an icy caipirinha and watch the world go by. However you spend it, one thing’s for sure—this city knows how to leave a lasting impression.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Usually referred to simply as "Rio," this Brazilian coastal city is famous for its annual Carnival celebration. Rio de Janeiro sees millions of tourists every year, more than any other South American city.
Leaving the colorful costumes and infectious rhythms of Rio behind, this morning you’ll head to the airport to catch your flight to Iguassu Falls. Words can’t really describe the magnificence of the world’s largest series of waterfalls (275 to be exact), which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil and are surrounded by lush expanses of national park. Settle in to your hotel this afternoon and spend the evening relaxing, no doubt bubbling with excitement for the natural spectacle that tomorrow will bring.
Iguassu Falls, Brazil
Iguazu Falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River on the border of the Argentina province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Parani. The falls are shared by the Iguaz' National Park (Argentina) and Iguau National Park (Brazil). The two parks were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 and 1987, respectively.
This afternoon, you can opt to join a Choice Experience with a visit to a bird park on a Make Travel Matter® Experience where you can spot more than 150 different species of birds.
Iguassu Falls, Brazil
Iguazu Falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River on the border of the Argentina province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Parani. The falls are shared by the Iguaz' National Park (Argentina) and Iguau National Park (Brazil). The two parks were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 and 1987, respectively.
Country hopping between Brazil and Argentina, today you’ll cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, otherwise known as Fraternity Bridge, to explore the Argentinian side of the falls. Adding a new stamp to your passport as you cross through customs, you’ll drive through the lush and wildlife rich Argentinian Iguassu National Park to reach the falls and cascades which are equally as impressive from this side of the border. Boarding the open sided and near silent Ecological Jungle Train which is every bit as scenic and sensual as it sounds, you’ll pay a second visit to Devil’s Throat before heading to the airport to catch a flight to passionate, sexy, European influenced Buenos Aires.
Iguazu Falls
When she first saw the falls, Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly exclaimed, "Poor Niagara!" Indeed, the spectacular Iguazu Falls are three times the size of New York's Niagara Falls. Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu is an experience.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. Its center is the Plaza de Mayo, lined with stately 19th-century buildings including Casa Rosada, the iconic, balconied presidential palace.
Waking up in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires is sure to excite. This tango-loving, meat-obsessed capital blends European charm with urban edge, where street art adds color to every corner. Start your day with a sightseeing tour, taking in 9 de Julio Avenue—the widest in the world—along with the stunning Colon Theater, Plaza de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the historic district of San Telmo. End your tour in the colorful streets of La Boca, where you'll have free time to explore this renowned neighborhood at your own pace. Later this afternoon, continue exploring with a variety of Choice Experiences. For a cultural twist, visit "El Querandi" for a wine tasting or you can always choose to embrace the spirit of Buenos Aires with a tango lesson!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. Its center is the Plaza de Mayo, lined with stately 19th-century buildings including Casa Rosada, the iconic, balconied presidential palace.
Free day in Buenos Aires? You’ve got options, and they’re good ones. You could swap the city for the pampas on a Choice Experience filled with gaucho culture, folk music, dancing and a barbecue lunch, or take things down a notch with a Choice Experience through the Tigre Delta. Feeling hungry? Another Choice Experience eats its way through San Telmo with bars, market stops and local favorites, while the Argentinean Culinary Experience gets you making empanadas before sitting down to a local steak. Not bad for a day with no plans.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. Its center is the Plaza de Mayo, lined with stately 19th-century buildings including Casa Rosada, the iconic, balconied presidential palace.
From Argentina you’ll fly to Peru this morning, bound for the ‘City of the Kings’, Lima. Rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs the city has a real sense of faded yet romantic grandeur, with historical sights a plenty and a culinary scene that is revered the world over. Arriving here you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore, which isn’t hard to do in this cultural and artsy city. Head to Parque del Amor to admire the Gaudi style architecture with beautiful views over Lima Bay, or take a wander around popular and bustling Miraflores.
Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, was founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. This city's historic places include the National University of San Marcos, which was established in 1551 and is the oldest university in the Americas.
Visit the famous Plaza Mayor and Cathedral as well as the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Delve into the dark history of the San Francisco Monastery, a museum featuring mysterious catacombs. Your afternoon and evening are free to join one of our exciting Choice Experiences. Take a walking tour with a local expert of the lively Miraflores district highlighting the Boardwalk of Miraflores, a cliff rising above the ocean at around 130 feet and the Larcomar shopping area. Or, indulge your taste buds on a food tour through Barranco or a street food tour – from coffee to churros – through Lima’s city center. In the evening, opt to visit the colorful, musical Magic Water Fountains of Lima.
Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, was founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. This city's historic places include the National University of San Marcos, which was established in 1551 and is the oldest university in the Americas.
Flying into Cusco, welcome to the Incan capital of the world! Boasting the richest heritage of any South American city, Cusco is a wealth of archaeological greatness and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. It’s also the gateway to Machu Picchu, so throbs day and night with visitors exploring its ancient streets. Take in the ornate temples and Incan ruins as you arrive here. On the way to Sacred Valley, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to Chinchero Sunday market, still a very original market where you can find fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the occasional souvenir stall. Your guide will introduce you to some local produce such as potatoes, and if you wish, you can also taste some of the fruit. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you learn about Chicha, a local drink made of corn and admire llamas and alpacas before making your way to the hotel.
Cusco, Peru
This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Many of its most popular sights are the ruins of this once-great people, such as the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. Cuzo itself also has many sights.
Sacred Valley, Peru
The heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is the region of Peru surrounding the city of Cusco. The valley is full of the ruins of this once-powerful empire, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Tipon.
Today’s the day! Up bright and early this morning, you’ll travel to the ancient little town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the Incan village at the base of Machu Picchu. Slowly chugging your way through the rugged lands of the Sacred Valley, feel the excitement levels build as you pass by village settlements and towering mountains, the landscape changing as you descend. Making the last leg of the journey via shuttle, you’ll finally arrive at the most famous archaeological site of South America and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Catching a first glimpse of this awe inspiring ancient city above the clouds is a moment you’ll never forget, so be sure to take a few minutes just to soak it all in. Take your time exploring the vast complex of fascinating ruins and let the mind boggle at how it was all built, before descending the mountain and making your way back to the Sacred Valley. Visit the local home of Mrs. Rosa. Her house goes at least 7 generations back and is a fine example of Incan architecture. Learn more about how guinea pigs are raised, as well as ancient traditions kept alive until this day.
Sacred Valley, Peru
The heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is the region of Peru surrounding the city of Cusco. The valley is full of the ruins of this once-powerful empire, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Tipon.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The famous citadel of the Inca sits atop a scraggy mountain peak overlooking the valley that was sacred to those people. These ruins feature many temples and the famous terraced-gardens the Inca developed for agriculture in the Andes.
Sacred Valley, Peru
The heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is the region of Peru surrounding the city of Cusco. The valley is full of the ruins of this once-powerful empire, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Tipon.
Begin your day in Pisaq, famous for its local market and empanadas. Taste the local food at a women-owned and operated empanada workshop. Learn from Mrs. Ernestina how to make empanadas out of seven different kinds of flour and enjoy a tasting. Continuing on to Cusco you’ll also stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 13th century, before arriving at the Incan capital of Cusco. Embark on a walking tour of ancient Cusco to admire the Twelve-Angled Stone and Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun and the most important temple in the Incan Empire.
Cusco, Peru
This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Many of its most popular sights are the ruins of this once-great people, such as the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. Cuzo itself also has many sights.
Kick off the final day of your tour joining for an optional experience. Head to Moray and Maras to see Incan farming and salt mining techniques at play or visit 17th century Piquillacta to view the pre-Incan citadel built by the Wari people. Another option is to indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Choco Museum to learn more about the Peruvian chocolate making process. In town, tour Cusco after dark learning the secrets of this ancient city or experience Cusco off the beaten track visiting tiny stores and cemeteries with plenty of personal stories along the way. If you’re looking for an all-day adventure, join a trip to Rainbow Mountain where you’ll take a rigorous hike through breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes.
Cusco, Peru
This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Many of its most popular sights are the ruins of this once-great people, such as the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. Cuzo itself also has many sights.
Leave the ancient streets of Cusco behind and settle in for a spectacular drive across the Andes. With a Costsaver Representative by your side, you’ll take in epic mountain views and learn a thing or two along the way. Stop to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch—yes, it’s included—before crossing the dramatic La Raya Pass. Snow-dusted peaks, high-altitude plains and unforgettable photo ops make this one seriously scenic ride. Sit back, relax, and soak it all in. Puno is calling!
Cusco, Peru
This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Many of its most popular sights are the ruins of this once-great people, such as the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. Cuzo itself also has many sights.
Puno, Peru
Puno is a city in southeastern Peru, located on the shore of Lake Titicaca. It is the capital city of the Puno Region and the Puno Province. Puno has several churches dating back from the colonial period; they were built to service the Spanish population and evangelize the natives.
Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you explore the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca, once believed by the Andeans to be the 'birthplace of the sun'. With your Costsaver Representative guiding the way, visit the floating Uros Islands, where locals live much like their ancestors did—crafting homes, boats and more from Totora reeds. Cruise on to Taquile Island, where vibrant weaving traditions and ancient stonework tell the story of a proud culture. Red sands, deep blue waters and plenty of local insight make this an unforgettable day. Cap it off with a fresh fish lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Puno to unwind.
Lake Titicaca, Peru
In Andean belief, Titicaca is the birthplace of the sun. Set between Peru and Bolivia, itâs the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable body of water in the world. Bright days contrast with bitterly cold nights. Enthralling, deep-blue Lake Titicaca is the unifying, longtime home of highland cultures steeped in the old ways.
Taking one final look a that gorgeous expanse of blue, you'll leave Puno this morning as you travel back to Juliaca, to catch your included flight to Lima. Departure times for the included flight from Juliaca to Lima vary. Please book international flight from Lima on departure day at earliest from 6pm onwards. Whether heading home immediately or spending a few extra days in Peru's bustling capital city, we'll look forward to meeting you again some time soon!
Puno, Peru
Puno is a city in southeastern Peru, located on the shore of Lake Titicaca. It is the capital city of the Puno Region and the Puno Province. Puno has several churches dating back from the colonial period; they were built to service the Spanish population and evangelize the natives.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Additional Notes
- DAY 1: Guests are to arrive into Rio de Janerio at Galeão International Airport (GIG) or Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport (SDU).
- DAY 17: Guests are driven to the Juliaca airport for the included flight to Lima, where the tour comes to an end. Guests to depart from Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). It is not recommended to book flights departing before 18:00 on the last day of the trip.
- BRAZIL: USA passport holders require a visa for Brazil. Visa must be obtained prior to departure. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure.
- IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.
- VACCINATION: Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all tours visiting Peru. We encourage guests to check with their doctor for recommended immunizations and vaccinations prior to travel.
- ELEVATION: ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿Highest elevation is in Cusco: 11,152 ft/ 3.399 m.
- PLEASE NOTE: In some locations, guests will be required to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs without handrails. Guests should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance.
- PORTERAGE: Porterage is not included. Guests will be required to handle their own luggage throughout the tour.
- TRAIN LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE: Guests are allowed to bring one bag or backpack on board that weighs a maximum of 5 kg/11 lb and does not measure more than 157 cm (5 ft) (height + length + width). Guests primary luggage will be securely stored and returned to guests on arrival in Cusco. Train operated by Peru Rail Expedition¿.¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
- GROUND HANDLER: This trip is operated by South American Tours.
Policies
All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book airline tickets until you have received the confirmation.
Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.
Travel Documents
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Cancellation penalties per person (request day and departure day are not counted)
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% of purchase amount as penalty.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% of purchase amount as penalty.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
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