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Ultimate South America with Arequipa & Colca Canyon (1206)
23 days from Rio de Janeiro to Lima
2024 Tour Details2023 Tour Details »
Discover some of South America's greatest cities—Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Lima—and some of its most fascinating sites and spectacular scenery on this South America tour. You'll overnight in Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, and Colca Canyon. 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 Peron, and a Tango show. In Lima, your sightseeing focuses on the city's colonial heritage. Highlights of this South America tour include time at Iguassu Falls on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Experience the falls, 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, with stones weighing up to 350 tons. 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. At Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, you’ll witness condors soaring majestically above the canyon walls, marvel at the canyon, and relax at La Calera hot springs before time in Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its buildings made of volcanic rock. This South America tour designed for the value-minded traveler is a dream vacation!
To know more about the visas for this vacation, click here
Tour Highlights
Sightseeing:
RIO DE JANEIRO Guided sightseeing, visit Corcovado to see the statue of Christ the RedeemerIGUASSU FALLS Guided sightseeing of the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of the falls; Ecological Jungle train rideBUENOS AIRES Guided sightseeing, visit Recoleta Cemetery; Tango show and dinnerLIMA Guided sightseeing, visit San Francisco MonasterySACRED VALLEY Guided sightseeing of Awanakancha and Pisac Indian Market; Visit Ollantaytambo, a local home, Seminario Ceramics Workshop, and a chicheriaMACHU PICCHUVistadome train to Machu Picchu; Guided sightseeing of the Machu Picchu ruins; stay overnight in Machu Picchu regionCUSCO Guided sightseeing, visit Santo Domingo Monastery, the Cathedral, and Sacsayhuaman, see Kenko and Puca PucaraLAKE TITICACA Guided sightseeing of Taquile Island and the Uros Floating Islands; farewell dinnerSILLUSTANI Guided sightseeing, visit a local homeAREQUIPA & COLCA CANYONGuided sightseeing of Arequipa & Colca Canyon including Condor’s Cross
Transportation:
Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring
Meals
Meals & Itinerary
22 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
Itinerary
Day 1
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL 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 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. 
Breakfast
Day 3
RIO DE JANEIRO 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. Breakfast
Day 4
RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS 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! Breakfast 
Dinner
Day 5
IGUASSU FALLS Cross the border for a visit to 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. Breakfast
Day 6
IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafés, and charming shops. Breakfast
Day 7
BUENOS AIRES 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. Breakfast Dinner
Day 8
BUENOS AIRES 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. Breakfast
Day 9
BUENOS AIRES–LIMA, PERU 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. Breakfast
Day 10
LIMA 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. Breakfast Dinner
Day 11
LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY 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. Breakfast Dinner
Day 12
SACRED VALLEY 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. Breakfast
Day 13
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU 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. Breakfast Dinner
Day 14
MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO 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. Breakfast
Day 15
CUSCO 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. Breakfast Dinner
Day 16
CUSCO–JULIACA–PUNO 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. Breakfast
Day 17
PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA 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. Breakfast 
Lunch Dinner
Day 18
PUNO–COLCA CANYON This morning, depart Puno for a scenic drive to Colca Canyon. Enjoy scenery of Pre-Columbian terraces populated with vicuñas and a variety of birds, and stop for lunch in the town of Chivay. This afternoon, arrive in Colca Canyon. Breakfast Lunch
Day 19
COLCA CANYON Today, spend time in the Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Visit Condors’ Cross, an observation point, where you can view the Andean condor in flight at eye level, followed by a visit to the town of Yanque. This afternoon is free for independent exploration. Breakfast Lunch
Day 20
COLCA CANYON–AREQUIPA Drive to Arequipa located in the Chili River Valley and flanked by three snowcapped volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Known as the “white city,” Arequipa definitely does justice to its nickname, as its buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock found throughout the area. The stone embellishes the facades of the city’s homes and churches. Breakfast Lunch
Day 21
AREQUIPA This morning, a city tour of Arequipa shows off the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral before visiting the Jesuit church, considered the best example of the mestizo baroque style. Continue to the residential districts of Yanahuara and Chilina, where you enjoy a magnificent view of Arequipa’s countryside and the Mount Misti volcano. Breakfast
Day 22
AREQUIPA–LIMA Fly to Lima today. Breakfast
Day 23
LIMA Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. Breakfast
Tour Director
With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.
FERNANDO BORDALLO
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
"Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, I speak English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. I became a Tour Director in 1986, and I love my work. It's so great to see guests engage with the diversity of South American countries -their traditions and contrasts. I love sharing the history of these countries, watching the group interact during the trip, and knowing I play a fundamental role in the success of the trip."
FERNANDO CASARIEGO
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
"Born and raised in Buenos Aires, I studied English in London, French in Paris, Italian in Siena, and Tourism with the focus on the American market in Rio de Janeiro. I have been a Tour Director for more than 30 years, and enjoy helping guests better understand the customs, cultures, and people. The friendships that are created within each group lead to an energy that revitalizes me, bringing happiness and satisfaction to the end of each tour."
FERNANDO BORDALLO
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
"Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, I speak English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. I became a Tour Director in 1986, and I love my work. It's so great to see guests engage with the diversity of South American countries -their traditions and contrasts. I love sharing the history of these countries, watching the group interact during the trip, and knowing I play a fundamental role in the success of the trip."
Accommodation
RIO DE JANEIRO
IGUASSU FALLS
BUENOS AIRES
LIMA
MACHU PICCHU
CUSCO
PUNO
COLCA CANYON
AREQUIPA
SACRED VALLEY
Optional Excursions
Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).
Get Your Vacation Quote
We can make planning your tour easy – all you need to do is complete the information below. A Cosmos specialist will get in touch with you to provide you a quote on your escorted tour. You can also call us at 1800 425 3575 to speak to someone right away.
GET A GROUP VACATION QUOTE
We can make planning your tour easy – all you need to do is complete the information below. A Cosmos specialist will get in touch with you to provide you a quote on your escorted tour. You can also call us at 1800 425 3575 to speak to someone right away.