Ultimate South America

Ultimate South America

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19 Days From

$5952

$5499

Ultimate South America

19 Days Starting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and ending in Puno, Peru

Visiting: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puno, Lake Titicaca

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

1200-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Budget

From: $5952 $5499 Operator discount: -$454

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover some of South America's greatest cities—Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Lima—and some of its most spectacular sites on this South America tour to Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. You'll overnight in Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. Highlights of this South America tour include time at Iguassu Falls, one of the world’s most impressive sites. Experience the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, hear the thundering roar, be amazed at the brilliant rainbows created by the clouds of spray, and stand in awe as you witness these 275 falls spanning nearly two miles! You’ll also be amazed at Machu Picchu, set in a majestic mountainside with ruins dating back to the 15th century. Glimpse the ancient history and culture as you enjoy this stunning and mystical place. Other tour highlights include a visit to the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, where stones weighing up to 350 tons piece together to form a complex housing up to 10,000 men. Time in Peru's Lake Titicaca, a lake of floating islands maintained over centuries by the local Indians, gives you a chance to experience the world's highest navigable lake and to learn about local practices. Guided sightseeing in each of the cities features the must-see sites. In Rio, take the cog railway to the summit of Corcovado to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Your time in Buenos Aires includes a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial place for Eva Perón, and a Tango show highlighting this sensuous dance. In Lima, sightseeing focuses on the city's colonial heritage with a visit to the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery. All of this and more are included on this South America tour designed for the value-minded traveler who wants to experience it all!

Highlights

  • Guided sightseeing tours in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Puno.

  • Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the City of Cusco, Historic Center of Lima, Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and Iguazu National Park.

  • Take the cog railway to the summit of Corcovado to view the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Journey to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls to see the 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice.

  • Visit the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls and take a ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train.

  • Explore Buenos Aires' landmarks including the Teatro Colón Opera House, Plaza de Mayo, and Recoleta Cemetery.

  • Tour the terraced ruins of Machu Picchu, the sacred refuge of the Incas.

  • Embark on a motorboat tour of Lake Titicaca and visit the Uros floating islands.

Places You'll See

Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

Recanto Park

Jose Antonio Lima Hotel

Kenton Palace

Sonesta Posadas Del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay

El Mapi By Inkaterra

Jose Antonio Cusco

Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Windsor Plaza Copacabana

Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro! After arrival, settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration.

Day 2 : Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Windsor Plaza Copacabana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Guided sightseeing begins with a drive along Rio’s famed Leblon, Ipanema, and more. Take the cog railway 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovado to view the Christ the Redeemer statue and enjoy 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay and the bustling city below. The famed statue was completed in 1931 becoming emblematic for both the city and the Brazilian nation as a whole. Your afternoon is free to explore.

Day 3 : Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Windsor Plaza Copacabana

Meals Included: Breakfast

A free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the beaches or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Petropolis.

Day 4 : Rio De Janeiro - Iguassu Falls

Location: Iguassu Falls

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Recanto Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Iguassu Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Journey to the Brazilian side of the falls to see the 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, where clouds of mist, a thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience!

Day 5 : Iguassu Falls

Location: Iguassu Falls

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Recanto Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the Brazilian border by motorcoach and visit the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the surrounding rainforest. A series of boardwalks takes you above the falls for a look over the edge to see the water crashing down below into the Devil’s Throat. This afternoon, you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds as well as flora from the area.

Day 6 : Iguassu Falls - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kenton Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, cross the Brazilian border into Argentina by motorcoach to transfer to the Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, you may wish to familarize yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafés, and charming shops.

Day 7 : Buenos Aires

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kenton Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city’s well-known landmarks, including the Teatro Colón Opera House and Plaza de Mayo, site of La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), and Metropolitan Cathedral. Also, visit La Boca and San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods, and Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón is buried. End your day with an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous Tango show highlighting this alluring dance so popular here.

Day 8 : Buenos Aires

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kenton Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for independent activities, or you can take an optional excursion to visit a local estancia (ranch) to experience the life of the gauchos (cowboys) on a traditional Argentine ranch complete with a barbecue lunch.

Day 9 : Buenos Aires - Lima, Peru

Location: Lima

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Board a flight for Lima, Peru. Heralded as the “City of Kings” by Spanish conquistadors, Lima still carries vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums.

Day 10 : Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Sightseeing today focuses on Lima’s colonial heritage. Founded in 1535, Lima was once the capital of Spain’s South American Empire. Visit the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery, with Spanish and Moorish architecture throughout. Continue to Plaza Mayor, where you will see the Government Palace that houses the presidential palace and was once the home of Francisco Pizarro, founder of Lima and conqueror of Peru. Nearby, see the cathedral where Pizarro’s remains are buried. The remainder of your day is free to explore on your own. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Day 11 : Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley

Location: Sacred Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas Del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and, upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at Awanakancha and learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca cultures. See them up close and learn how their coats are transformed into colorful weaving fibers that are then used in ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to Pisac, a charming village with a famous Indian market, where you have plenty of time to browse the many colorful stalls selling handicrafts ranging from alpaca sweaters and blankets to painted vases and sterling silver. Later, arrive at your hotel, nestled in the peaceful Sacred Valley.

Day 12 : Sacred Valley

Location: Sacred Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas Del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with a visit to Ollantaytambo and the Inca ruins of the same name. Explore the archaeological site that was the scene of the Inca resistance during the Spanish conquest—the only place ever to resist Spanish attacks. You will see how the temple area at the top of the terraces was the perfect defensive stronghold. Next, visit a local home to experience life in this traditional village, which has been remarkably well preserved. Then, visit the Seminario Ceramics Workshop to learn about Peruvian ancient and modern art. End your day at a local chicheria for a taste of a typical Inca drink in Peru called chicha.

Day 13 : Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: El Mapi By Inkaterra

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Board the Vistadome train that cuts a path through the picturesque Urubamba Valley bound for Aguas Calientes, the quaint town closest to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Ascend the mountainside through tropical forest to the sacred refuge of Machu Picchu. Your guide recounts the many accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century. Abandoned when the Inca Empire fell to the Spanish, these remarkable ruins remained undiscovered for nearly 400 years. For this reason, many of the mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu remain to this day.

Day 14 : Machu Picchu - Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy some free time this morning to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes; perhaps visit the local market, quaint boutiques, or take a walk along nearby trails. Later this afternoon, return to Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire.

Day 15 : Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco that focuses on the city that was once the political, military, and cultural epicenter of the Incas. In fact, Inca foundations can still be found in Cusco, with the Spanish baroque structures built on top. Visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, where these two forms of architecture are melded together with the temple of both cultures atop one another. Also, see the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas before a visit to the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Some of the best examples of Inca masonry can be found at this fortress, where stones weighing up to 350 tons are pieced together to form a complex that could house up to 10,000 men. Learn about the ceremonies and battles that took place here on your tour. Also, see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara before returning to Cusco. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by an evening at leisure.

Day 16 : Cusco - Juliaca - Puno

Location: Puno

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Puno

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly to Juliaca, then transfer to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Legend says the first Inca, Manco Capac, arose from the waters of the lake by the power of the sun god to found the Inca Empire.

Day 17 : Puno , Excurion To Lake Titicaca

Location: Lake Titicaca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Puno

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Experience fascinating Lake Titicaca today as you embark on a motorboat tour of the highest navigable lake in the world and its manmade islands. On Taquile Island, see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past. Continue to the Uros floating islands, a group of approximately 40 artificially made islands. Learn how the Uros Indians construct their islands, homes, boats, and many other resources completely of tortora reed, a centuries-old practice. Enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director this evening.

Day 18 : Puno - Juliaca - Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

En route to Juliaca, stop at the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani. See the above-ground tombs, chullpas, in which the Aymara Indians buried their high priests. You will be welcomed into a local home for an inside look at life here. Fly to Lima and transfer to your hotel.

Day 19 : Lima

Location: Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at the Windsor Excelsior Copacabana in Rio, Recanto Park in Iguassu Falls, Kenton Palace in Buenos Aires, Jose Antonio Lima Hotel in Miraflores, Sonesta Posadas del Inca in Sacred Valley, El Mapi by Inkaterra in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Jose Antonio Cusco in Cusco, and Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel in Puno, each offering unique amenities and exceptional comfort.

  • Meals

    18 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners are included.

  • Guided Sightseeing

    Guided sightseeing tours in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Puno.

  • Transportation

    Flights between Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, and Juliaca are included.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the City of Cusco, Historic Center of Lima, Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and Iguazu National Park.

  • Local Experiences

    Unique local experiences such as visiting a local home in Sacred Valley, tasting chicha at a local chicheria, and a motorboat tour of Lake Titicaca.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as visiting the historic city of Petropolis, the Bird Park in Iguassu Falls, and a local estancia in Buenos Aires are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any other entry/exit fees are not included.

UNESCO Sites

City of Cusco|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu|Iguazu National Park

Meals

18 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay at various hotels including Windsor Excelsior Copacabana in Rio, Recanto Park in Iguassu Falls, Kenton Palace in Buenos Aires, Jose Antonio Lima Hotel in Miraflores, Sonesta Posadas del Inca in Sacred Valley, El Mapi by Inkaterra in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Jose Antonio Cusco in Cusco, and Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel in Puno. Each hotel offers unique amenities and exceptional comfort.

  • What activities are included in the visit to Iguassu Falls?

    You will visit both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguassu Falls. On the Brazilian side, you will see the 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice and walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon. On the Argentine side, you will take a ride on the Ecological Jungle Train and walk above the falls to see the water crashing down into the Devil’s Throat. There is also an optional visit to the Bird Park.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?

    You will board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and then ascend to Machu Picchu. A guide will take you through the terraced ruins, explaining the history and significance of the site. You will learn about the Inca Empire and the mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu.

  • What will I see during the guided tour of Cusco?

    The guided tour of Cusco includes visits to the Santo Domingo Monastery, the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. You will also see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara. The tour will focus on the city's Inca and Spanish heritage.

  • What is included in the Lake Titicaca excursion?

    The Lake Titicaca excursion includes a motorboat tour of the lake and its manmade islands. You will visit Taquile Island and the Uros floating islands, learning about the local people's integration of Inca and Spanish past and their use of tortora reed for constructing islands, homes, and boats.

  • What historical sites will I visit in Lima?

    In Lima, you will visit the San Francisco Monastery, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the cathedral where Francisco Pizarro’s remains are buried. The tour will focus on Lima's colonial heritage and its significance during the Spanish Empire.

  • What unique experiences are included in the Sacred Valley visit?

    In the Sacred Valley, you will visit the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, a local home to experience traditional village life, and the Seminario Ceramics Workshop. You will also visit a local chicheria to taste the traditional Inca drink called chicha.

  • What is the significance of the Sillustani burial grounds?

    The Sillustani burial grounds are pre-Incan and feature above-ground tombs called chullpas, where the Aymara Indians buried their high priests. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local home to gain insight into life in the area.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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