Embark on a curated adventure through South America’s most iconic destinations, rich in heritage and breathtaking scenery. Experience the timeless charm of Buenos Aires, where tango and history come alive. Stand in awe before the majestic Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Explore the lush Amazon rainforest with expert guides, then unwind in carefully selected hotels known for their elegance and welcoming atmosphere. In Rio de Janeiro, take in panoramic views from Christ the Redeemer and soak up the city’s vibrant energy. Finally, discover the ancient mysteries of Machu Picchu- the crowning jewel of this extraordinary itinerary through Argentina, Brazil, and Peru. Thoughtfully planned from start to finish, this journey promises comfort, discovery, and lasting memories. 

Get Printable PDF Itinerary for this holiday

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return economy class airfares from Brisbane to Buenos Aires and Cuzco to Brisbane

• All internal flights as per the itinerary

• 22 nights in 4-5 star hotel accommodation
• Hosted by an experienced Tour Host
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
• Local English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Tips & porterage
• Visas for Australian Passport holders
• Meals included as per itinerary

Group size: Minimum 15, Maximum 25

DAY 1 - 8TH OCTOBER - BRISBANE TO SYDNEY

This afternoon we will meet at the Brisbane Domestic Airport for the start of our Hosted Holiday to South America. Tonight, will be spent at the airport hotel in Sydney, where you can get to know your fellow travellers at our welcome dinner.

Meals: D

Accommodation: Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel

DAY 2 -9TH OCTOBER - SYDNEY TO BUENOS AIRES

Our travels to South America start today, flying from Sydney to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival we’ll be met by our local tour leader and transferred to our hotel. This evening is at leisure.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Sofitel Recoleta

DAY 3 -10TH OCTOBER – BUENOS AIRES

Today we explore Buenos Aires through its most iconic landmarks starting at the Plaza de Mayo, to San Telmo’s cobbled streets and historic sites. Visit La Boca’s colourful Caminito and La Bombonera stadium and finish the morning at the modern neighborhood of Puerto Madero, a port area that has become known for its upscale dining and residential charm. We continue our tour to the Teatro Colón and uncover over a century of cultural history with a guided tour. Tonight’s included dinner is at a local steakhouse.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Sofitel Recoleta

DAY 4 - 11TH OCTOBER – BUENOS AIRES

Venture through the elegant northern neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. In Retiro, see the majestic Plaza San Martín. In Recoleta, Avenida Alvear brings together some of the main fashion design stores on the planet. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar and Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of Eva Perón. We continue through Palermo, the most multifaceted neighbourhood in the city and finish at the ‘World’s most beautiful bookstore’ El Ateneo. Enjoy a free afternoon before our Tango Dinner Show. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Sofitel Recoleta

DAY 5 - 12TH OCTOBER – IGUAZU FALLS

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Iguazú. Our hotel is located on the Argentinian side of the falls and here we enjoy our first night in this tropical paradise.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Gran Melia Iguazu

DAY 6 - 13TH OCTOBER – IGUAZU FALLS

Explore the wonder of Iguazú Falls from the Argentine side, crossing the Iguazú River via the famous Tancredo Neves Bridge. Enjoy a scenic train ride to the breathtaking Devil’s Throat, the largest and most powerful waterfall in the park. Our adventure continues, exploring the Upper Circuit, a 1.2km trail offering stunning views of other waterfalls. Surrounded by lush rainforest and the thunderous roar of cascading water, this journey is a sensory immersion into one of nature’s most spectacular wonders. Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel  

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Gran Melia Iguazu

DAY 7 - 14TH OCTOBER – IGUACU FALLS

Today we explore the Brazilian side of the falls, following an impressive walking trail that takes you virtually under the falls. The Mirador de las Cataratas provides a sweeping perspective of the falls’ grandeur—perfect for photography and awe-inspiring moments. Visit the Parque das Aves Bird Park, which is dedicated to the conservation of the birds of the Atlantic Forest. Encounter majestic toucans, herons, elegant flamingos, imposing harpy eagles, owls and even some reptiles such as anacondas and boa constrictors. We include two amazing experiences today: a 10-minute helicopter flight offering breathtaking views of Iguazu Falls and Macuco Boat Safari, that combines a jeep ride, a short a walk to Macuco Falls, and finishing on zodiacs to the base of the majestic falls. Tonight, we are on the Brazilian side of the falls, with a free evening.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Sanma Hotel

DAY 8 - 15TH OCTOBER – RIO DE JANEIRO

This morning, we depart Iguazu and fly to the cosmopolitan city of Rio de Janiero.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Windsor Leme Hotel

DAY 9 - 16TH OCTOBER – RIO DE JANEIRO

Enjoy a full day exploring Rio’s iconic sights. Ride through Tijuca Forest (the world’s largest urban forest) to the Christ the Redeemer monument atop Corcovado for sweeping city views. Visit the colourful Selarón Stairs, then ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for another stunning panorama, with an included lunch at a local restaurant. Today is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and unforgettable scenery.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Windsor Leme Hotel

DAY 10 - 17TH OCTOBER – RIO DE JANEIRO

Step into the vibrant world of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival today with a guided visit to the barracão (workshop) of Acadêmicos da Grande Rio, one of the city’s most iconic samba schools. Learn about samba’s rich history, try on dazzling costumes, and join a lively dance class. Create your own costume elements and toast the experience with a refreshing Caipirinha – Brazil’s most famous cocktail – as you savour the energy and creativity that define the spirit of samba. This evening, we will enjoy a traditional Rodizio-style dinner in a local restaurant.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Windsor Leme Hotel

DAY 11 - 18TH OCTOBER – LIMA

Today we fly to Lima. Dinner this evening is included at the hotel.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Innside By Melia Lima Miraflores

DAY 12 - 19TH OCTOBER – LIMA

Enjoy a full day exploring Lima with it’s vibrant contrasts, from the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro to its UNESCO-listed historic centre. Visit architectural gems like the Museum of Italian Art and Plaza San Martín, stroll through the Main Square and visit the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum. Then discover Lima’s bohemian soul in Barranco, a district rich in art, history, and coastal charm. Stroll past Gothic-style mansions on Saenz Peña Boulevard, visit museum studios dedicated to the works of Jade Rivera and Victor Delfin, and enjoy ocean views from the boardwalk. See the iconic Bridge of Sighs, colourful murals, and enjoy a tasting at El Cacaotal, a haven for Peruvian chocolate and coffee lovers. Browse local arts and crafts before returning to Miraflores.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Innside By Melia Lima Miraflores

DAY 13 - 20TH OCTOBER – PUERTO MALDONADO

This morning we travel to Puerto Maldonado, known as the Capital of Biodeversity. We begin our Amazon Adventure with a motorised wooden boat ride along the Madre-de Dios River, to the eco-lodge, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica - our base for the next three nights. This afternoon you can choose from a wide range of guided excursions that will introduce you to flora and fauna of this diverse ecosystem, such as the Twilight River excursion where you can witness the jungle’s transformation from diurnal to a nocturnal world.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

DAY 14 - 21ST OCTOBER – PUERTO MALDONADO

Explore the surroundings with a morning excursion to Lake Sandoval, a glassy oxbow lake nestled within the protected Tambopata National Reserve. After lunch, discover breathtaking vistas from the 30 metre high Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. Later in the evening you can take a guided rainforest-by-night excursion, listening to the melodies of the nocturnal wildlife.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

DAY 15 - 22ND OCTOBER – PUERTO MALDONADO

Journey by boat to Gamitana Farm and Creek to discover more of the rainforest’s wonders. At Gamitana, a model farm, you’ll see how local farmers grow a variety of produce and have the opportunity to sample some seasonal forest fruits. After lunch, we explore Inkaterra’s sister lodge, Hacienda Concepcion, located on the site of an old cocoa and rubber plantation. The afternoon finishes with a canoe ride looking for turtles, sun grebes, nightjars, and herons before returning to the lodge.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

DAY 16 - 23RD OCTOBER – SACRED VALLEY

This morning, we venture back down the river to the airport for our flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco we are met by our local guide. Enroute to the Sacred Valley we visit Awanakancha, a living Andean Museum where we can learn everything about the textile art of the area and watch the artisans work their looms. Enjoy a picturesque drive to Pisac with a stop at the Taray viewpoint. Pisac is a traditional town characterised by its quiet streets and market where its millenary heritage is represented in its textile art, ceramic, jewelry pieces and other handicrafts.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness

DAY 17- 24TH OCTOBER – SACRED VALLEY

Today, we immerse ourselves in Peru’s ancient civilizations with a visit to the Inkariy Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and artifacts from cultures like Caral, Moche, and Inca. We then explore the stunning Maras salt mines in the Sacred Valley, where fine salt is still harvested from a mosaic of terraced ponds—perfect for unforgettable photos.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness

DAY 18 - 25TH OCTOBER – SACRED VALLEY

Enjoy a special experience this morning, where we take part in the Preparation of the ancestral Chicha de Jora beverage. In the afternoon we explore Ollantaytambo, where Manco Inca defeated the Spanish in 1537. We visit the Temple of the Sun, learning about Inca astronomy and the impressive architecture reflected in the site.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness

Day 19 - 26TH OCTOBER – AGUES CALIENTES

Enjoy a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, a picturesque town at the foot of the emblematic Inca citadel. Then a short bus ride takes us to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, learning all about the history and mysteries of this mystical place. We explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World; an unforgettable sight. At the conclusion of our guided visit we will return to Aguas Calientes where we will have free time to have lunch and explore the streets and markets of this charming town.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Day - 20 27TH OCTOBER – AGUES CALIENTES

This morning we ascend Machu Picchu Mountain, whose summit offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the citadel and the Urubamba Valley. See Machu Picchu in all its splendour, with a renewed perspective, surrounded by the towering Andes mountains. Upon descending, we will once again explore the temples and enclosures, exploring further and appreciating details that may have gone unnoticed on our first visit.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Day 21 - 28TH OCTOBER – CUZCO

Enjoy another scenic train journey from Agues Calientes to the City of Cuzco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon we will enjoy a Pisco Sour experience at a local restaurant – the Peruvian national drink features Pisco brandy as its core ingredient.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Palacio Del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel

DAY 22 - 29TH OCTOBER – CUZCO

Embark on a guided tour of Cuzco, offering history, living culture, and art. We will be able to appreciate how the Andean and Spanish cultures, as well as the past and the present, coexist in harmony in the Imperial City. Walk the halls of the San Pedro market, which brings together hundreds of merchants selling local products. Visit the Koricancha (Golden Temple) and San Christobal Church, fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the archaeological sites Qenko and PukaPukara. Enjoy a special farewell dinner in Cuzco.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Palacio Del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel

DAY 23/24 - 30TH & 31ST OCTOBER – CUZCO – SANTIAGO - BRISBANE

This morning we say farewell to Cuzco and start our journey home.

Meals: B

DAY 25 - 1ST NOVEMBER – BRISBANE

Our South American Hosted Holiday ends as we farewell our new friends and head home with wonderful memories of a spectacular adventure.