Days
16
Price from
Dine, dance and discover in Peru, Argentina and Brazil.
Immerse yourself in three bold and rugged destinations on this tour. This 16-day adventure through South America will have you exploring the lofty ruins of Machu Picchu, perfecting your steps at a private tango class in Buenos Aires and sipping a caipirinha in Rio de Janeiro.
- Code
- PSBAC
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
This trip is no longer operating but a new adventure is waiting for you
Why you'll love this trip
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Marvel at the scale and design of Machu Picchu on a guided tour of the ruins and during free time
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Stop in at the incredible floating Uros Islands, constructed by the Uros people as a form of protective isolation in ancient times
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Discover Buenos Aires, Argentina's ostentatious capital, and enjoy a private tango lesson from a professional dance couple
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See the marvellous and breathtaking Iguazu Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides
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Walk cobbled streets in Santa Teresa and gaze down at the city from the feet of Christ the Redeemer during a guided tour of Rio de Janeiro
Is this trip right for you?
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Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
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There are a couple of long journeys on this trip, in particular from Cusco to Puno, which is a 7-hour drive in a private van. Although this may be tiring, it's a great chance to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery and chat to your fellow travellers.
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Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes, adequate sun protection and comfortable clothes. There are a number of days when you’ll spend time walking around sites or on tours.
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Visitors are not permitted to explore Machu Picchu without a Machu Picchu guide (not our trip leaders) and must follow set routes within the site. This trip includes two guided visits of Machu Picchu and each visit is approximately 1.5 - 2 hours long. Once your guided visits conclude, you will need to leave the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Your leader will provide more information to ensure you get the most out of your visits to this incredible site.
Gallery
Itinerary
On arrival to Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport you will be met by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet your leader and fellow travellers at the hotel for a pre-trip briefing, usually held at 2 pm. After the meeting, your leader will take you on a brief orientation tour of the Miraflores area. Your in-depth city tour will be tomorrow morning. Lima has some of the best cuisine in South America and is especially renowned for its seafood. Perhaps sample Peru's national dish of ceviche this evening, raw fish marinated in lime juice and often served with hot peppers.
Accommodation
- Hotel Antigua Miraflores or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary airport arrival transfer
- Lima - Leader led orientation walk of Miraflores
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
Some people can suffer altitude sickness in Lima, regardless of age, gender or fitness! Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Take a flight from Lima to lofty Cusco today, then make a two-hour minivan journey to Urubamba. Set in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Inca, Urubamba is a small town named for the river that cuts through the mountains and mainly functions as a transport hub and base from which to explore the surrounding ruins.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda del Valle or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lima - Guided tour, including San Francisco Monastery, the Catacombs and Central Market
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Some of the region’s most captivating historical sites are on the itinerary today. First up is the small town of Maras. Known for the thousands of individual salt pools set into the surrounding hillside that date back to Inca times, these white terraces stand out even in an environment known for its physical and man-made beauty. From here, continue to Moray, an Inca archaeological site on a high plateau featuring a series of concentric terraces that are sure to stun in their design and scope. Enjoy lunch at the small community of Chichbamba, then continue by train to the town of Aguas Calientes in preparation for tomorrow's visit to mighty Machu Picchu.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hatun Inti Classic or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
- Sacred Valley - Maras Salt Mines Visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Rise early for a 5.30 am for a 30-minute bus ride along the winding road to Machu Picchu. The first views of Machu Picchu against a backdrop of forested mountains will likely stun even experienced and worldly travellers. Enjoy a 1.5- to 2-hour guided tour through the magnificent ruins and learn about the site’s known history and the ancestral people of the region. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu may always be a mystery, since no historical records of the complex exist. In fact, none were made in the first place, since the Inca had no written language. Some historians have argued it was a place of spiritual worship; others, a military stronghold, and some even think it was a prison. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of ‘he who shook the earth’, Emperor Pachacuti. Later return by bus and train to Cusco, where you'll spend the night. At 3450 metres (11,150 feet) above sea level, it’s important to take time to acclimatize to the city’s altitude, so perhaps take it easy this evening.
Accommodation
- Hotel San Agustin Plaza or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Machu Picchu - Guided visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6–6.30 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.Due to Peregrine's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
Today, enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of Cusco. This city is South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and was the home of the Inca for two centuries before the Spanish invaded and built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. This tour includes a visit to the Cusco Cathedral with specialist guide, Professor Alfredo Hinojoza Galvez, a born and raised Cusconian and academic considered an icon in the colonial art and tourism world. Alfredo is uniquely placed to offer special insight into Cusco Cathedral, which is also a World Heritage site. Following the tour, perhaps ask you leader for a restaurant recommendation or seek out aji de gallina (creamy chicken) or Quechan classic causa (potato casserole).
Accommodation
- Hotel San Agustin Plaza or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cusco - Walking Tour: Main Square, San Blas Square, Coricancha Temple, San Pedro Market & 12 Angle Stone.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own pace. Perhaps visit the San Pedro market in the morning and wander among the colourful produce and early-bird crowds. You could pick up some fruit and other snacks and make the 45-minute walk to Sacsayhuaman. Another incredible example of Inca ingenuity, Sacsayhuaman was an important religious site that features imposing stones stacked together to form a wall complex. Photographs do not do these towering walls justice. If you are still struggling with the altitude or simply prefer to relax, maybe take a seat at a cafe overlooking the Plaza de Armas and watch the world go by with a pisco sour or two.
Accommodation
- Hotel San Agustin Plaza or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Depart today for Puno, the ‘Folklore Capital of Peru’, which lies on the shore of vast Lake Titicaca. The journey will take around seven hours, though there will be a stop en route at Juliana, a lively town known for its traditional street dancing. Upon arrival in Puno at around 3.30 pm, take a lead-led orientation walk around town. Puno is known for the vibrant celebration of many festivals, particularly February’s Virgen de la Candelaria, a blend of town-wide feasting, Catholic devotion and flamboyant carnival. Even if your visit does not coincide with a festival, Puno is sure to delight with boundless joviality and good cheer year-round. In the evening perhaps head out for dinner with the group, your leader will be able to recommend some fantastic places to eat.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Plaza or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Depart the hotel before 7 am and set off to explore Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable body of water in the world. Be enchanted by the striking scenery and encounter waterfront communities on a cruise around the lake today. Stop in at the incredible floating Uros Islands, constructed by the Uros people as a form of protective isolation in ancient times. Built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, the structures are constantly replenished with fresh material as the reeds beneath rot away. Next call into Taquile Island, where knitting is a strictly male pursuit and women do the spinning, resulting in famed woollen handicrafts. Return to Puno for a final evening in the Altiplano.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Plaza or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Titicaca - Floating Uros Islands & Taquile Island
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Please be aware that the altitude means the sun can be extremely strong, so make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Today, on the way to the airport, visit the crumbling chullpas (funerary tours) of Sillustani, the tallest of which is 12 metres. Spend some time wandering among the remnants of this pre-Inca cemetary and look closely for the ancient carvings that are still visible on many of the structures. Later, catch a flight to Lima. Perhaps head out for a final meal with your fellow travellers and toast to the adventure that has been.
Accommodation
- Hotel Antigua Miraflores or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Puno - Sillustani archaeological site
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today, transfer to Lima Airport and take an included flight to Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. Depending on the time you arrive and transfer to your hotel, you might have some time to discover the city at your own pace. Perhaps you could explore the antique markets of San Telmo or browse the museums in the well-to-do neighbourhood of Recoleta. Keep in mind that your adventure continues with another meeting for the entire group so you can all get acquainted at 6 pm. Afterwards, perhaps head out and be swept away by the dance of love at an optional tango show.
Accommodation
- Tango de Mayo Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Enjoy a morning exploring some of Buenos Aires’ most iconic sites with your leader on a walking tour. First stop is the Plaza de Mayo to visit the original town hall, as well as the presidential palace known as the Pink House. Walk around La Boca and its ‘Caminito’ district, before moving on to the lesser-known Barracas neighbourhood and stop in at a local NGO to learn about their agroecological model of food production and community collaboration. Help prepare a meal – much of the ingredients for which are grown in the co-op garden – and then dine on the results, including alfajores (classic South American cookies) for dessert. Your leader-guided tour continues after lunch in Recoleta Cemetery, a labyrinth of ornate mausoleums. After a stop at the grave of Eva Peron, head to Palermo to see beautiful parks and the unique Floralis Generica – a huge metal flower. Enjoy a few hours of free time in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a professional tango performance, followed by an hour-long beginner’s class. The dancers will explain the origin of the style and its rich history.
Accommodation
- Tango de Mayo Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Buenos Aires - Full-day guided tour
- Buenos Aires - Tango demonstration by professional dancers
- Buenos Aires - Tango lesson
Optional Activities
- Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) ticket prices from - USD80
- Buenos Aires - Tango show ticket prices from - USD60
- Buenos Aires - Malbec Trail of Palermo Urban Adventure - USD113
- Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
This morning, transfer to the airport and board your flight to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina (2 hours). While you are flying into Argentina, today will actually be spent exploring the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, so please be sure you have any necessary visas. At over two-kilometres in length, and are made up of 275 waterfalls in total, Iguazu is higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls. The Brazilian side of the falls offers great panoramic views, which you’ll get to spend time taking in today. Return to your hotel in Argentina for the evening.
Accommodation
- Hotel El Pueblito or Similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
Optional Activities
- Iguazu Falls - Bird park - BRL60
- Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride (min 3 people) - BRL430
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
You will be visiting the Brazilian side of the falls today and the Argentinean side of the falls tomorrow. However, your accommodation tonight is in Argentina.The flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu has a strict luggage allowance of 15 kilograms (one piece) for checked luggage.
Rise and shine for a 7.30 am departure to the Argentinean side of the falls today, where you will be able to get up close to this incredible feat of nature. There is a system of boardwalks on the Argentinian side of the falls that allow you to access some incredible viewing points, or you could choose to take an optional Zodiac (panga) ride beneath them for an even more exhilarating approach (chat to your leader for details). At about 3 pm, you'll have to chance to accompany your leader on a visit to a Guarani community or, if you wish, you can continue admiring Iguazu Falls. Return to the hotel at approximately 5 pm and enjoy a free evening.
Accommodation
- Hotel El Pueblito or Similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
- Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Cross the border into Brazil this morning and take an included flight (2 hours) from Foz do Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro. Once you have transferred to your hotel and settled in, you are free to explore lively Rio at your own pace. Maybe head to the white sands of Cobacapana and Ipanema beaches for an interesting snapshot of local life. If you’re interested in listening to some live music, maybe head to Lapa and join the locals for some dancing.
Accommodation
- Hotel Arena Copacabana or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Embrace an early start this morning and embark on a full-day guided tour of Rio. Start with a visit to Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over the city from the base of the Christ the Reedemer statue. Next, head to Santa Teresa and discover the eclectic architecture, restaurants and art galleries. Continue to the famous Selaron Steps to see Chilean artist Jorge Selaron’s famous artwork. Give your feet a break during a lunch stop at an incredible NGO called Gastromotiva, where dishes are made by marginalised members of the community who receive free culinary training. The meals are even made using donated produce. Finish the day with a walking tour of the Port area, which is recognized for its historical significance to the African slave trade in Brazil. You’ll be joined by a local guide from the Pretos Novos Institute (Institute of Research and New Black Memory) during your walk who will illuminate the history of slavery and resistance in the area. When your tour ends at approximately 4 pm you are free to use the rest of your day however you please.
Accommodation
- Hotel Arena Copacabana or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacabana
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning.
Optional Activities
- Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Bike Tour: Beaches, Bays & Carioca Sunset Urban Adventure - USD119
- Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain (entrance fee) - BRL110
- Rio de Janeiro - Football game tickets from - USD50
- Rio de Janeiro - Carnival rehearsal (June to Carnival only) - BRL90
- Rio de Janeiro - Samba show - BRL200
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
13 breakfasts, 4 lunchesTransport
Boat, Bus, Private vehicle, Plane, TrainAccommodation
Hotel (15 nights)Included Activities
- Complimentary airport arrival transfer
- Lima - Leader led orientation walk of Miraflores
- Lima - Guided tour, including San Francisco Monastery, the Catacombs and Central Market
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
- Sacred Valley - Maras Salt Mines Visit
- Machu Picchu - Guided visit
- Cusco - Walking Tour: Main Square, San Blas Square, Coricancha Temple, San Pedro Market & 12 Angle Stone.
- Lake Titicaca - Floating Uros Islands & Taquile Island
- Puno - Sillustani archaeological site
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Buenos Aires - Full-day guided tour
- Buenos Aires - Tango demonstration by professional dancers
- Buenos Aires - Tango lesson
- Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
- Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
- Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit
- Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacabana
Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information