Best of South America

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
Our Price From 14,177 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,618 Per Person
 Trip Length
18 Days
 Trip Starts
Santiago
 Trip Finishes
Cusco
18 Day Best of South America Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Land Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
28
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
IS18

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 18 Day Best of South America. Journeying through four countries, discover South America’s incredible sights including Christ the Redeemer, Iguassu Falls and gaze in wonder upon Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Welcome to Santiago. We'll meet and transfer you to your hotel, before a guided discovery of Chile's capital, wedged between the snow-capped Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Tonight, join a welcome reception. Stay Two Nights: The Singular Santiago

Travel to the coastal city of Valparaiso, where you'll find colourful cliffside houses sloping down to the sea. Known to Chileans as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific,' the city is an eclectic, sometimes chaotic mix of art, culture and commerce. Enjoy a Signature Experience before relaxing over lunch and then returning to Santiago. (B/L)

Signature Experiences:
  • Explore this World Heritage-listed city's historic quarter, before a funicular ride offering great views over Valparaiso.

Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina's elegant capital. On arrival, we'll transfer you to your hotel in the city's prominent Recoleta district. Home to some of Argentina's wealthiest families, Recoleta is a leafy neighbourhood dotted with beautiful parks and grand mansions just north of the city centre. Stay Three Nights: Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel (B)

Signature Experiences:
  • In Buenos Aires, enjoy a taste of local culture with a tango demonstration and a selection of tapas.

Join a guided discovery of the city, which includes the Italian-influenced barrio La Boca, a neighbourhood known for its Latino vibe and brightly painted pedestrian streets. Explore the bohemian district of Palermo, filled with trendy eateries and galleries, before arriving at La Recoleta Cemetery. This is the resting place of Argentine notables such as the nation's former First Lady Eva Peron. (B)

Design your day one of three ways with Freedom of Choice Touring. (B/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Perhaps journey to the island of Tigre for a cruise along the waterways of the Parana Delta. Discover daily life within this maze of rainforest and tiny islands, which is also a haven for birdlife. Or you might like to explore the Parisian influence on Buenos Aires during a walking tour. Alternatively, join a fascinating tour of the iconic and majestic Teatro Colon, considered the world's leading opera house by acoustic finesse, and immerse yourself in the city's sophisticated high arts scene.
  • Tonight, choose from three dining options: dinner and a tango show; dine in style at Alvear Grill; or sit down to a traditional Argentinian Asado experience.

This morning, fly to Iguazu Falls. This natural wonder straddles the Argentina-Brazil border. Arriving on the Argentinian side, set off on the Rainforest Ecological Train to a series of walkways and viewing points, including one to the 80-metre-deep Devil's Throat. Then continue to your hotel for a Signature Experience. Stay Two Nights: Iguazu Falls, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Stay within Brazil's Iguacu Falls National Park for two nights, enjoying the property's unrivalled location.

Spanning an area of some 2.7 kilometres, Iguazu Falls is made up of roughly 275 waterfalls waiting to be explored today. Soak up panoramic views of the falls with a leisurely walk between each of the viewing platforms. Later, Freedom of Choice Sightseeing ensures you'll see the falls from different perspectives. At the day's end, enjoy a quintessentially Brazilian Signature Experience at your hotel. (B)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Get up close to the roaring cascades of Iguazu Falls on an included jet boat safari or for a special bird's-eye-view, soar over the falls on a helicopter flight.
Signature Experiences:
  • Indulge in a cachaca tasting this evening at your hotel, which boasts one of the largest cachaca collections in Brazil. In celebration of Brazil's national spirit, well known as the key ingredient in the Caipirinha cocktail, a cachaca sommelier will lead you on a delightful journey of flavours.

Begin your day with a visit to Parque das Aves bird park, where you'll see colourful native South American birds.

Later, fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's most visited and naturally blessed city, set between lush, forested mountains and sandy shores.

On arrival, we'll meet and transfer you to the elegant art deco grandeur of your hotel opposite the golden sands of iconic Copacabana Beach. Stay Three Nights: Rio de Janeiro, Belmond Copacabana Palace (B)

See Rio from above with a visit to Corcovado, the mountain famed for its Christ the Redeemer statue, thought to be the world's largest art deco-style sculpture. From here, enjoy sweeping city views. Towards evening, board a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain to toast the sunset and incredible views with a drink.

Tonight, dine at a local restaurant for Brazil's famously delicious barbecue fare. (B/D)

Today, join a Freedom of Choice Touring activity to experience more of Rio. (B)

Freedom of Choice:
  • This morning is set aside for you to sail the waters of Guanabara Bay aboard a schooner sailing ship. If you'd prefer to stay on dry land, perhaps join a colonial walking tour, where the legends woven through the city's narrow colonial-era streets are brought to life.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before lunch at Confeitaria Colombo, an ornate coffeehouse considered one of the most beautiful cafes in the world and an iconic landmark of downtown Rio.

Afterwards, we'll transfer you to the airport for your included flight to Lima. In Lima, we'll meet and transfer you to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Country Club Lima Hotel (B/L)

Discover the Peruvian capital's World Heritage-listed historic centre with a guide today. Afterwards enjoy a Signature Experience at a private hacienda. (B/L)

Signature Experiences:
  • Pay a visit to a private hacienda to enjoy lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show.

After breakfast today, we'll transfer you to the airport for your included flight to Cusco, the pre-Columbian Inca capital of Peru. From here travel to Chinchero, a small village in the Sacred Valley, tucked into the Andean highlands. Enjoy a special welcome from the local Misminay community, followed by today's Signature Experience, which demonstrates a craft passed down through generations. Stay Two Nights: Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Enjoy a traditional weaving demonstration which reveals how South America's colourful materials are created by hand.

Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a guide, including today's Signature Experience. Then enjoy lunch overlooking the Andes and Huaypo Lagoon. (B/L)

Signature Experiences:
  • See the glistening salt pools spill over the terraced slopes at the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras. Then, visit the circular Moray Inca terraces archaeological site.

Today is set aside for a full immersion in the natural setting and incredible heritage of Machu Picchu. Board PeruRail's Sacred Valley Train for your Signature Experience. On arrival, set off on a locally guided exploration of the lost city of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. An eight-hour hike to Machu Picchu is also available at an additional coast (must be pre-booked). Stay: Machu Picchu, Sumaq Hotel (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Board Inca Rail's First Class Train and travel through forested landscapes to the lost Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board while taking in the view.

This morning, relax at your hotel and perhaps join a culinary demonstration to learn the secrets of South American cuisine. Board the 360° train for your return trip to the Sacred Valley. Here, transfer by coach to Cusco and settle into your hotel in the heart of this historic city. Stay Two Nights: Cusco, Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel (B)

A guided discovery of Cusco takes you to Plaza de Armas, a square at the city's historic heart. You'll also visit the sacred sites of Koricancha and Cusco Cathedral.

This evening, join a farewell dinner at MAP Cafe, located in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. (B/D)

After breakfast, your South America adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Travel to Valparaiso for a guided discovery of the historic quarter, a funicular ride and a delicious lunch at a local vineyard
  • Sit down to a private tango demonstration before enjoying a selection of tapas
  • Experience a stay within the Iguacu Falls National Park, Brazil
  • Enjoy lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show in Lima at a private hacienda
  • Join Inca Rail's First Class Train to Machu Picchu with a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board

  • Expert APT Tour Director and local guides
  • Prices include transfers, meals, accommodation, porterage, all internal flights within South America as per itinerary (including airport taxes which are subject to change) and gratuities

  • 28 included meals over the course of your trip.

  • 17 nights luxury accommodation

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
  • Flights to and from South America are not included
  • Atacama and Easter Island extensions-available. Enquire for details

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Best of South America' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Enjoyed some fantastic experiences 1 , VIC, Australia, Jun 2015
Our tour was outstanding. The attention to detail was excellent and our tour guide ensured that everything ran smoothly at all times. We enjoyed some fantastic experiences and excursions both in the tour inclusions and in the optional excursions.
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Saturday 13 Apr 2024
Tuesday 30 Apr 2024
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Saturday 11 May 2024
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Monday 17 Jun 2024
Thursday 04 Jul 2024
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Monday 22 Jul 2024
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Monday 12 Aug 2024
Thursday 29 Aug 2024
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From: $15,795 $14,177
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Saturday 14 Sep 2024
Tuesday 01 Oct 2024
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Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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