Explore Peru, Argentina & Brazil

Intrepid Travel · 18 days

4.8

3 Reviews

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Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

South America has many sides, from the energy of the cities and the beauty of the landscape to the spirit of the people.

Highlights

Witness two New Seven Wonders of the World – take a guided tour of the mother of all Inca ruins at Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes, then see the immense Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio.
Meet the Uros people who live on floating islands made of reeds on Lake Titicaca, then stay with a Llachon family in a traditional mudbrick house on the lake’s shores.
Discover major cities like eclectic Buenos Aires, food-filled Lima and beachy Rio with a local leader to show you around and share tips to make the most of your free time.
Explore the lush landscapes of the Ibera Wetlands in search of anacondas, otters, howler monkeys, turtles, capybaras, wildcats and over 350 species of colourful birds.
See the mighty Iguazu Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides and maybe get even closer to these epic cascades on a Zodiac boat ride.

Trip Details

Duration

18 days

Transportation

Boat, Bus, Private, Vehicle, Plane, Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Lima, Argentina

Finishes

Rio de Janeiro, Argentina

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Lima

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. You’ll meet your fellow travellers and trip leader, then head out for a stroll of the streets of downtown to check out some of the main attractions on a walking tour. Enjoy some free time before an optional group dinner this evening. The unofficial food capital of South America, there’s no better place to sample Peru’s national dish (ceviche) than Lima. As there's little time spent in Lima on this trip, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to see the sights, like Miraflores, Central Park, Lovers' Park and the National Museum.

Included Activities:

Lima - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities:

Lima - Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) (15 PEN)
Lima - Museum of the Inquisition - Free
Lima - Gold Museum Entrance Fee (35 PEN)
Lima - Museo de la Nacion (entrance fee) (10 PEN)
Lima - Private Lima: Home Cooked Tour Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (85 USD)
Lima - Coast Biking Urban Adventure (minimum 2 participants) (65 USD)
Lima - Lima Discovery Urban Adventures (minimum 2 participants) (39 USD)
Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) (50 USD)
Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) (35 USD)
Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) (85 USD)

Day 2: Cusco

This morning after breakfast, you’ll catch an early flight to Cusco. Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3450 m), then get acquainted with the blend of cultures here on a leader-led walking tour. Check out some of Cusco's main attractions, as well as its lesser-known sights, such as the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Tonight is free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites.  

Included Activities:

Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) (135 PEN)
Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) (75 PEN)
Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum (20 PEN)
Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee (40 PEN)
Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) (20 PEN)
Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (35 USD)
Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) (40 USD)

Day 3: Aguas Calientes

Travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley on the outskirts of Cusco today. This lush valley, known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces that are carved high into the valley walls. You’ll visit a community in the valley to learn about local lifestyles and activities. If your visit coincides with market day, you can browse the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Have a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Included Activities:

Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
Sacred Valley - Snack & drink at AMA Restaurant social enterprise

Day 4: Cusco

This morning, you’ll take an early bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Welcome to one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World! This is your chance to decide for yourself whether Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for the Incan nobility or as an ancient astronomical observatory. Enjoy a guided visit of the incredible site, giving you ample time to take in the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is checked off your bucket list! you’ll return to Cusco.

Included Activities:

Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour

Day 5: Cusco

Today after breakfast, you can enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore Cusco's many sights. Maybe rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market, where you can find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market is also where many locals (and daring travellers) go to eat ‘mystery soups.’ Some may be just chicken, however, the most popular among the locals usually contain frogs or offal. For those looking for something active, why not try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco?  

Optional Activities:

Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) (105 USD)
Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline (95 USD)
Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) (85 USD)
Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (35 USD)
Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) (130 USD)
Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) (170 USD)
Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) (100 USD)

Day 6: Puno

This morning after breakfast, you’ll travel through the dramatic scenery of the high Altiplano to Puno – located on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3800 m, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. Today includes a bit of a long drive in a local bus, but it’s worth the first glimpse of immense Lake Titicaca, whose seemingly endless waters stretch into the horizon. Puno is a melting pot of Indigenous Aymara and Quechuan culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve. If you're lucky, your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here. Ask your leader where you can get the best grilled trout tonight – a true local specialty perfect for dinner.   

Day 7: Puno

This morning, you’ll take a tour of the immense lake by motorboat, stopping at the floating Uros Islands that look like they could come from a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie. Built by the Uros people to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces hundreds of years ago, the islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. Get a closer look at contemporary life on the shores of the lake with a homestay in a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, try out a few words in the Quechua language and maybe even join a local soccer game to make some friends on the makeshift pitch. Tonight, sit down and swap stories with your hosts, who will cook you a feast full of traditional Peruvian favourites.  

Included Activities:

Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay

Day 8: Lima

This morning after breakfast at your homestay, say goodbye to the local family & your new Peruvian friends and take a bus to Juliaca airport. Then, you’ll take an included flight back to Lima, where you’ll have a free night. Enjoy your last night of the trip with your fellow travellers, time allowing explore the beautiful neighborhood of Miraflores including Kennedy Park, (a cat haven!) and “Parque del amor” (Love Park), entirely dedicated to all lovers. Enjoy the last night of the trip with your fellow travellers and maybe head out to a final celebratory dinner.

Optional Activities:

Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) (35 USD)
Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)

Day 9: Buenos Aires

Say hasta luego (see you later) to Lima and board a flight to Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city with Latin passion, European elegance and its own distinctive style. Your adventure continues with another welcome meeting at 6 pm. Your leader will leave a note at the hotel reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. If you arrive early, why not visit the San Telmo neighbourhood to wander cobblestone streets lined with old mansions, cafes and cool shops? Or maybe visit Recoleta (the grand cemetery) or Casa Rosada (the Pink House).

Optional Activities:

Buenos Aires - Coastal train (10 USD)
Buenos Aires - Tango show ticket prices from (120 USD)
Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from (120 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Buenos Aires

After breakfast, head out on an orientation walk of the city with your leader. You'll be introduced to some of Buenos Aires' major sights – the likes of the Colon Theatre (considered one of the most beautiful opera theatres in the world), the historic monument of Obelisc and Plaza de Mayo – home to the original town hall and the presidential palace known as the Pink House. The rest of the day is free to explore as you like – how about a beginner’s tango class or some people-watching with a glass of malbec? For dinner tonight, you could ask your leader where to find the best traditional asado (barbecue).

Included Activities:

Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Buenos Aires - Polo day (185 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Ituzaingo

This morning, take a short flight to Posadas followed by a drive to Ituzaingo – a riverside city on the banks of the Parana River and your base to explore the Ibera Wetlands region. Spanning over 15,000 square kilometres, these wetlands are roughly the size of Belgium, which gives you an idea of how much there is to explore. The biodiversity is incredible, and the swamps, lakes and lagoons are home to many creatures including otters, alligators, deer, wolves and black howler monkeys to name a few. Also keep a look out for those oddly noble-looking creatures, the capybaras – cousins of the guinea pig and the largest rodents in the world.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Ituzaingo

Today you’ll do full day tour and safari of the wetlands with a local guide. You could see an array of mammals, reptiles and birds – maybe caiman or swamp deer, an armadillo, or a flock of rhea (which are like a South American equivalent of an emu). Anacondas, though particularly hard to spot at certain times of the year, are also known to inhabit these wetlands. Keep an eye to the sky, as you're bound to catch a glimpse of some of the 350 bird species here, from the sharp-tailed tyrant to the gorgeous yellow robin. For lunch, tuck into a delicious asado and maybe even have a go at kneading some dough for Argentinian bread. The evening is free to unwind or grab dinner with the group.

Included Activities:

Ibera Wetlands - Day tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Foz do Iguazu

Have a hearty breakfast and prepare for a long travel day. Take a comfortable local bus to Puerto Iguazu. From here, you’ll transfer to a minivan and drive to a Guarani community. The Guarani are one of the region’s remaining Indigenous peoples, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their way of life and how they've preserved their traditions on the edge of one of South America’s most popular attractions. Later, cross the border into Brazil and continue to your hotel in Foz do Iguazu.

Included Activities:

Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Iguazu Falls

Today you'll visit the mighty Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. At over two km long, the falls are actually a series of cataracts (large waterfalls). There are over 270 in total, with some reaching up to 80 m tall, and they're wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara. Enjoy the panoramas on the Brazilian side – including a view of San Martin Island which you don't quite get from the Argentinean side. You might like to take a helicopter ride over while you're here. This optional activity gives you spectacular views of the cascades and the lush parklands that surround it.

Included Activities:

Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls

Optional Activities:

Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls (90 USD)
Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride (130 USD)
Iguazu Falls - Bird Park Entrance (80 BRL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Foz do Iguazu

Today you'll go to the Argentinean side of the falls where it’s possible to follow a series of boardwalks and get up close to the thundering waters – so close you can almost touch them. For a more exhilarating experience, you could also jump on a Zodiac tour that takes you around the base the cascades. Return to your hotel later in the afternoon to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to Rio de Janeiro.

Included Activities:

Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls

Optional Activities:

Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls (90 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Rio de Janeiro

Today you'll take a flight to Rio de Janeiro, the festive heart of Brazil. When you arrive, settle into your hotel and then join your leader for an orientation walk. Rio is a diverse city best known for its beaches, Carnaval and contrasting images of favelas (informal settlements) and luxury districts. After, enjoy some free time to explore your way – your leader can provide recommendations. Perhaps head to a football game, take a cable car ride between Praia Vermelha and the Sugarloaf Mountain for views over the city or enjoy a caipirinha at a beachside bar.

Optional Activities:

Rio de Janeiro - Carnival rehearsal (June to Carnival only) from (120 BRL)
Rio de Janeiro - Football Game (schedule dependent) from (400 BRL)
Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car (entrance) (160 BRL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Rio de Janeiro

This morning you'll be picked up at your hotel and head straight to Christ the Redeemer to try and beat the crowds. Soak up the early morning air and take some photos of this iconic statue before heading to a local farmers’ market. Your leader will show you some of the favourite local foods to try and introduce you to market traditions. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore more of the city. As it’s your last night together as a group, you could head out for a farewell dinner and say saude (cheers) to your adventure.

Included Activities:

Rio de Janeiro - Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer & Farmer's Market Urban Adventure

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Rio de Janeiro

With no activities planned, you’re free to leave your hotel after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your time in Rio, just let us know and we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Optional Activities:

Ilha Grande - Day trip (390 BRL)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $10,260

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 18 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

South America has many sides, from the energy of the cities and the beauty of the landscape to the spirit of the people.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 27 Feb 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Diana

Traveled, March 2024

04/03/2024

If you like primitive camping this is the trip for you. Disconnecting was just what I needed to reset. Make sure you bring long pants and plenty of insect spray if mosquitoes bother you. List of animals I saw: caman, river otter family, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, macaws, cabibarras, piranhas, tucanes and many more. Words can not express how much I loved it.

5.0

Lea

Traveled, September 2023

10/03/2023

Very great experience, good organization, great guides, great group

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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