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 not only one of the Seven Wonders of the World but two! Take a guided tour of the mother of all Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, nestled on the top of the Andes, then see the immense Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
The floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are like something out of a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie! Take a boat tour on the world's highest navigable lake and then stay with a local family in a traditional mudbrick house.
Discover colourful capital cities Buenos Aires in Argentina's sultry centre, and party-town Cusco in Peru. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore on your own and a local leader who knows all the best spots.
Explore the lush landscapes of the Ibera Wetlands in search of anacondas, otters, howler monkeys, turtles, capybaras, wildcats and a vast array of colourful birds.
With included visits to Iguazu Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, you'll get every perspective of these epic cascades.

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. With Indigenous cultures dating back millennia, this country is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and soaring mountains. Your adventure begins in Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm at your hotel in Lima. After, head downtown for a guided walking tour of the city's historical centre to take in the colonial mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets. Then, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free. You might visit the Museum of the Inquisition to learn about Spanish colonialism in Peru. Otherwise, wander around the city until night falls, then embark on an optional Lima Bites and Sights Tour with Urban Adventures, taking you to the bohemian Barranco district to sample the best local street food and Pisco cocktails.   

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 this charming city and its intriguing blend of cultures 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, 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, 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 in Peru 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’ to Lima and board a flight today to Argentina’s fiery capital, Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the ultimate 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 San Telmo and on Sundays it’s antiques market and artists' displays? 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

Enjoy some breakfast, then embark on an orientation walk through this fantastic city. You'll be introduced to some of Buenos Aires' major sights – the likes of the Colon Theatre, the Obelisc and Plaza de Mayo. Along the way, learn a little more about Argentina's independence from Spain.

Included Activities:

Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Buenos Aires - Polo day (185 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Ituzaingó

This morning catch a short flight to Posadas, followed by a drive to Ituzaingó (approximately 1 hour). Ituzaingó will serve as your base to explore the beautiful Ibera Wetlands region in the north of Argentina. Spanning more than 15,000 square kilometres, the Ibera 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 such creatures as otters, alligators, deer, wolves and black howler monkeys, just to name a few. Keep a look out too for those oddly noble-looking creatures, the capybaras. These cousins of guinea pigs are the largest rodents in the world.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Ibera Wetlands/Ituzaingó

Take part in a full day (approximately 8-10 hour) walking tour and car safari with a guide. You might see any number of obscure species – maybe caiman or swamp deer, perhaps even 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 and garish yellow robin. For lunch enjoy a delicious barbecue (asado) and even have a go at kneading some dough to bake Argentinian bread. Chat to your friendly hosts and gain insight into everyday life in Argentina while sampling some traditonal mate (tea).

Included Activities:

Ibera Wetlands - Day tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Foz do Iguazu

Enjoy some breakfast and prepare for a long travel day. From Ituizangó take a comfortable local bus to Puerto Iguazu (approximately 7 hours). Arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station and take a mini van to visit a Guarani community for the rare opportunity to meet some of the region’s few remaining indigenous people. Later, cross the border into Brazil and continue to your hotel in Foz do Iguazu (approximately one hour, depending on traffic at the Argentina–Brazil border).

Included Activities:

Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Foz do Iguacu

Here at Iguazu, you'll visit the mighty waterfalls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. At over 2 kilometres long, Iguazu Falls are actually a series of cataracts. There are over 270 falls in all, and with some reaching up to 80 metres in height, they are wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara. Enjoy the magnificent panoramas on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Seeing the falls from this side has its perks, such as 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 the falls while you're here. This optional excursion gives you spectacular views of the falls and the lush green 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: Iguazu Falls

Today we go to the Argentinean side of the Falls where it’s possible to follow a series of boardwalks to get up close to the thundering waters – so close you can almost touch them.

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

Travel by plane to Rio de Janeiro, the festive heart of Brazil. Settle into your hotel and then set out on an orientation walk with your leader. Rio is a fascinating and diverse city best known for its contrasting images of favelas (shanty towns) and the glitz and glamour of Carnaval. With free time, you can choose from many optional activities. Perhaps head to a football game, take a cable car ride between Praia Vermelha and the Sugarloaf Mountain for incredible views over town. For further options, chat to your leader.

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 first thing in the morning and head straight to Christ the Redeemer to beat the crowds. Soak up the early morning air and take some photos of this iconic statue before heading to a traditional local Farmer's Market. Your local leader will show you some of the best foods to try as well as providing plenty of interesting facts about the market traditions. Today you'll have a free afternoon, so may wish to return to the hotel with your leader to relax. Otherwise, a visit to Sugarloaf is a great way to spend the rest of the day.

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

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $10,305

(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 20 Nov 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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