You will be accompanied by various multi-lingual local guides during the tour, who will be responsible for guiding you through the various cities and attractions that you will be visiting. In each new city that you visit, you will likely be introduced to a new local guide who is an expert in that region. Depending on the itinerary chosen and your group size, your local guide may provide commentary in multiple languages.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Embark on a South American adventure: explore Santiago’s history, tango in Buenos Aires, marvel at Iguazu Falls, enjoy Rio’s beaches and Christ the Redeemer, and end with the wonders of Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.
✓ Small group tour, max 20 guests
✓ 29 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels, including 2 nights at an eco-friendly Peruvian Amazon lodge
✓ Ride the iconic train from Ollantaytambo to the foothills of Machu Picchu
✓ Fully escorted by expert guides
✓ Breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 2 dinners
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
Embark on a vibrant journey through South America, beginning in Santiago’s rich history. Explore Buenos Aires' tango-filled streets, then marvel at Iguazu Falls. Soak in Rio's iconic beaches and Christ the Redeemer, before discovering Peru's ancient wonders like Machu Picchu. Conclude in the serene, wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands.
Welcome to Santiago!
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this cosmopolitan city.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
After breakfast, meet your local tour leader at approximately 8am who will provide an overview of the day’s activities. Then, embark on a half-day walking tour of this fascinating city. We’ll begin by walking to Santa Lucia Hill, where Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago on February 12, 1541. Next, we’ll stroll through "Paseo Ahumada," the city's main shopping and commercial hub, to see the iconic La Moneda Government Palace and the Stock Exchange.
From there, we’ll continue to the Plaza de Armas, where you’ll have the chance to admire Santiago’s grand Cathedral. Next, we’ll take a short transfer across the city to explore the beautiful Parque Bicentenario. Nestled on the slopes of Cerro San Cristóbal, this expansive park spans 27 hectares and features over 4,000 trees, including more than 1,300 native species protected by the Chilean Ministry of the Environment.
Take some time to enjoy the tranquil North Lagoon, home to black-necked swans, flamingos, coots, and herons, before returning to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
In the morning at 8.00am we will travel to Valparaíso, a vibrant city known for its seaport, educational institutions, and rich cultural heritage. Located 111.8 kilometers (69.5 miles) northwest of Santiago, Valparaíso is Chile’s second-largest metropolitan area and one of the most significant seaports in the South Pacific. Since 2003, its historic center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour through the city's colorful neighborhoods, starting with Plaza Echaurren—the area where the city was founded. You'll also visit the old banking district, as well as Concepción and Alegre hills, where you'll find a concentration of artisan workshops and art galleries. A traditional lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, begin your return journey to Santiago, but not before making a stop in the scenic Casablanca Valley. Here, you’ll visit a local vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting. Situated between the capital and Valparaíso, Casablanca Valley is Chile’s fastest-growing wine region. Explore a vineyard dedicated to sustainable and organic viticulture, before continuing your journey back to Santiago, arriving at approximately 5.00pm.
Inspiring Taste
At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport to board your international flight to Buenos Aires.
Welcome to Buenos Aires! Upon your arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.
This beautiful city, on the banks of the Río de la Plata, is a city of contrasts. You’ll find grand avenues with fine European architecture, and vibrant neighbourhoods buzzing with Latin American flair – it is the birthplace of tango, after all.
The remainder of the day is free for you to start exploring. Why not drop into one of the many wine bars, coffee shops or restaurants serving traditional Argentinian cuisine.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
On your departure from Santiago you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local representative in Buenos Aires, who will meet and greet you, and transfer you to your hotel
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.
Today is a full free day to explore on your own.
Some recommended sites to visit include the grand Teatro Colón, one of the world’s finest opera houses, or wander through El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a breathtaking bookstore housed in a former theater. Enjoy the trendy Palermo neighborhood, known for its parks and cafes, or stroll along the modern waterfront in Puerto Madero. For art lovers, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and MALBA showcase impressive collections, while Café Tortoni offers a historic atmosphere for coffee and culture.
Why not experience the essence of Buenos Aires with an optional Tango show with dinner.
Tomorrow you will meet your fellow travellers joining your tour in Buenos Aires.
Experience the sensual dance of tango in a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Querandi El Tango is a Tango Center in an intimate setting, which is very distinctive from its
counterparts. The building dates from 1867 and was classified as a "living testimony to the memory of the city" by the city of Buenos Aires. International cuisine, regional dishes, desserts and a selection of Argentine wines will be offered followed by the performance of Tango and traditional music.
Meeting Point: Hotel Reception
How to get there: Your tour leader will escort you to the venue and back, just a 5 minute walk from your hotel
Includes: 3 course a la carte dinner, drinks (beer, wine & soft drinks)
Start Time: Doors open at 8.00pm, show commences at 10.15pm
End Time: Approximately 11.30pm
In the morning, meet your local tour guide at approximately 8am for a welcome meeting and a briefing on the trip ahead. This meeting will be followed by a city tour of Buenos Aires before transferring to the airport for your flight to Iguazu.
During the city tour we’ll head to Plaza de Mayo (Main Square) and see the pink-hued Casa Rosada (Government Palace) – this is, of course, where Juan and Eva Perón delivered famous speeches from the balconies. See Metropolitan Cathedral and City Hall followed by some free time for lunch (not included). Learn more about Argentina’s passion – fútbol (football) – by visiting vibrant La Boca. We’ll pass by La Bombonera, the iconic stadium of the Boca Juniors, and see Puerto Madero on the waterfront, the most modern neighbourhood of the city. We’ll finish with a visit to the upscale Recoleta neighbourhood, with its elegant buildings and the most exclusive pocket of the city, Alvear Avenue.
The flight to Puerto Iguazu is approximately 1.5hrs long. On arrival you will be transferred across to the Brazil side of the falls for your accommodation.
The Iguazu Falls are located where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of the Paraná Plateau, created by an enormous volcanic eruption more than 130 million years ago. Straddling the Argentine-Brazil border, the falls are made up of up to 275 individual waterfalls, lining a 2.7km-wide horseshoe-shaped gorge. It’s a truly breathtaking sight to see the unyielding force of nature in such a magnificent setting.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 15kg (33 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.
If you require a Brazil visa, please ensure it allows for multiple entry as you will cross the border twice during your time in Iguazu.
On your departure from Buenos Aires you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local guide in Iguazu, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.
These spectacular falls can be viewed from both sides; the Brazilian side offers a broader, panoramic view, and the Argentinian side offers a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls up close.
This morning after breakfast you’ll explore Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side. Beginning at the visitor’s centre, you’ll explore the upper footbridges. These footbridges, raised off the jungle floor, provide panoramic views from above the falls.
The noise as these mighty falls plunge to the bottom of the narrow canyon is almost deafening. There’s the chance of getting under the falls, with an optional excursion, the Gran Aventura.
You’ll return to the hotel in the afternoon to enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
The best way to experience the falls is to get right in the action. You’ll travel through lush landscape by specially designed tracks. This five-kilometre long ride ends at Puerto Macuco. Board a small jet boat and explore Lower Iguazu River for as long as six kilometres, heading towards the waterfalls area to enjoy the sight of plenty of small cascades. From the Tres Mosqueteros Falls, see the falls on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides crowned by the view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Afterwards, it’s surely a highlight when you face the incomparable San Martín waterfall. After that we’ll navigate downriver to Puerto Macuco. You’ll walk up the hill, about 150 metres, and ride a truck back to the starting point. Following your tour you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Meeting Point: Iguazu Falls Visitor Centre or nearby designated areas
Includes: Jungle ride by truck, jet boat ride, lifejacket and professional guides
Start Time: 11:30 am or 12:45pm
Duration: 2 hours
Please note: This tour is unsuitable for pregnant women, people with back injuries, heart conditions or those with hearing aids. Children under 12 are not permitted to join this tour. Poncho’s or raincoats are not provided so be prepared to get very wet!
After breakfast, you’ll tour the relatively dry Brazilian side of the falls, with breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Uninterrupted vistas of the Floriana Falls, the Devil’s Gorge canyon and the Iguazu River are spectacular and guaranteed to impress.
You’ll then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Bem vindo ao Rio - Welcome to Rio! You’ll be met at Galeao International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Copacabana, on the city’s dazzling iconic shoreline.
Nicknamed a cidade maravilhosa (the marvellous city), Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its dazzling landscapes and location, nestled between steep, green mountains and crystal-clear seas.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for not only its ‘staggeringly beautiful location’, but its cultural landscape. The city is full of energy. Cariocas, the locals of Rio, are known for their carefree spirit and charm.
Rio is one of the most important cultural and economic cities in Brazil and is home to some of the country’s most famous attractions, like Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão
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