South America 2012: South America Revealed 2012
Tour Type: South America Discovery
Brochure Type: South America 2012
Immerse yourself in the music, cuisine and culture of South America while exploring the celebrated sites of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Stroll the energetic streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina and discover the Mayan archaeological sites of Machu Picchu, Cuzco and Lima in Peru. Stand in awe at Iguassu Falls and take in Sacred Valley for a taste of South America's famed natural beauty.
Sightseeing Highlights
Brochure Type: South America 2012
Immerse yourself in the music, cuisine and culture of South America while exploring the celebrated sites of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Stroll the energetic streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina and discover the Mayan archaeological sites of Machu Picchu, Cuzco and Lima in Peru. Stand in awe at Iguassu Falls and take in Sacred Valley for a taste of South America's famed natural beauty.
Sightseeing Highlights
- Rio de Janeiro Discover the city's sights; ride up Corcovado Mountain by cogwheel train to see Christ the Redeemer; ride a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain; experience a Samba Show.
- Iguassu Tour the falls from both Brazil and Argentina; ride the Ecological Jungle Train.
- Buenos Aires Explore the city's sights; visit the Evita Museum and Recoleta Cemetery; enjoy a tango show.
- Lima Visit San Francisco Monastery and the catacombs; explore Lima's historic center.
- Sacred Valley Get up close with llamas, alpacas and vicunas; browse the Pisac market; explore the fortress of Ollantaytambo.
- Machu Picchu Discover these famed Inca ruins.
- Cusco Explore the Plaza de Armas; visit the church of Santo Domingo and Temple of the Sun; explore the citadel of Sacsayhuaman and nearby shrines and Inca warehouses.
- Welcome Reception with your Tour Director in Rio de Janeiro.
- 15 full breakfasts.
- 1 lunch.
- 4 three-course or buffet dinners.
- 1 Highlight Lunch in Iguassu Falls.
- Highlight Dinner with wine and Samba Show in Rio de Janeiro.
- Be My Guest Peruvian Lunch with wine in Lima.
- Be My Guest Dinner with wine in Buenos Aires.
- Farewell Dinner with wine and folklore show in Cusco.
- Includes all First Class features - please refer to page 5.
- A Trafalgar bonus: guaranteed early hotel check-in and immediate use of your room on arrival in Rio de Janeiro on Day 2.
- A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Rio to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Lima, Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
- Qualified local guides in Iguassu, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
- Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
Details
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Duration
- 16 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Days 1-2 | Rio de Janeiro | DEPART GATEWAY - ARRIVE RIO DE JANEIRO (4 NIGHTS): Board your overnight flight to South America (not included in vacation price). Bemvindo ao Rio! Upon your early morning arrival, you'll be met and taken to your luxury oceanfront hotel, where your room is available for immediate check-in. The rest of the morning is at leisure. This afternoon, take a classic cogwheel train to the summit of Corcovado, home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Descend the mountain and see the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches on your way back to the hotel. Enjoy a festive Welcome Reception with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at the hotel. (Full Breakfast) Rio Othon Palace (Moderate Deluxe) |
| Day 3 | Rio de Janeiro | RIO DE JANEIRO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME: Spend the morning exploring the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city) and its many contrasts - from the 18th century aqueduct and colonial Candelaria Church to the 20th century Opera House, Sambadromo and city Cathedral. Then stretch your legs in lovely Flamengo Park before ascending Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for astounding views over the city and the bay. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaca, and indulge in a traditional Brazilian Highlight Dinner at a local churrascaria followed by a lively Samba show, highlighting the costumes and traditions of Rio's world-famous Carnival parade. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) |
| Day 4 | Rio de Janeiro | RIO DE JANEIRO FREE TIME: Enjoy a full day to discover the wonders of Rio on your own. Or choose to embark on an optional half-day journey by jeep and foot into the lush Tijuca National Park - the world's largest urban rainforest. Perhaps explore Petropolis, the Imperial City of Brazil, or, if you prefer, cruise the emerald waters of Sepetiba Bay, stopping at an island for lunch and a swim. Your Tour Director will be happy to help you plan your day. (Full Breakfast) |
| Day 5 | Iguassu Falls | RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUASSU FALLS (2 NIGHTS): This morning you will be introduced to one of Brazil's most famous specialities: gemstones. Learn and watch the fascinating creative process as precious metals and rough gemstones are transformed into works of art, design and luxury. Then fly southwest to Iguassu Falls, on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. This evening, enjoy a convivial dinner with your travelling companions at the hotel. (Full Breakfast / Dinner) Mabu Thermas & Resort (First Class) |
| Day 6 | Iguassu Falls | IGUASSU FALLS SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME: Enter Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Brazilian side of the cascades with an expert guide, including a scenic walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. Enjoy a Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant with a view of the falls, then return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. You may choose to take an optional excursion into the lush Macuco rainforest to get up close and personal with jungle nature and then cruise the river to see the falls from below. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch) |
| Day 7 | Buenos Aires | IGUASSU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES (3 NIGHTS): Cross the border into Argentina to see the falls from a different perspective. Stop at the Visitors Center to learn about the geography of the area. Take a guided walk along a scenic catwalk and board the open-air Ecological Jungle Train to view the mighty falls and see the thunderous Devil's Throat Falls. Then fly to Buenos Aires and arrive at your stylish hotel, located in the heart of Argentina's exciting capital with easy access to designer boutiques, fine restaurants, museums, theatres and the famous Teatro Colon. This evening enjoy a light buffet dinner with drinks at your hotel, followed by a Local Expert presentation on the essence and roots of being Argentinean and learn about Argentina's culture, traditions and passions. (Full Breakfast / Dinner) Sheraton Libertador Hotel (Superior First Class) |
| Day 8 | Buenos Aires | BUENOS AIRES SIGHTSEEING: Embark on an in-depth tour of the passionate city where the tango was born. See the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral and other government buildings; world-renowned Teatro Colon; La Boca; San Telmo with its famed outdoor market and lovely Palermo. Stop at the workshop of a master leather artisan and learn how Argentine leathers are turned into fine leather goods. Lastly, visit the elegant Recoleta where you visit the museum dedicated to Eva Peron (Evita) as well as the impressive cemetery where she is buried. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for an exclusive Be My Guest experience as you are welcomed by a local family into their elegant mansion. Your hosts share their passion for art and invite you to learn how to make delicious empanadas - rolled pies stuffed with an array of delicious fillings. Sample these treats and other hors d'oeuvres while learning about and tasting some of Argentina's best vintages and varietals from the Cafayate and Mendoza wine regions. (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner) |
| Day 9 | Buenos Aires | BUENOS AIRES FREE TIME: Relish a morning and afternoon at leisure to pursue your own interests in the 'Paris of South America.' The possibilities are endless. Visit one of the country's finest museums at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Or, take an optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Colonia del Sacramento across the Rio de la Plata in Uruguay. And if you'd like to experience a different side of Argentina, take an optional trip out into the countryside to spend the day at a traditional estancia (ranch), including a lively equestrian show and traditional parrillada (barbeque) lunch. This evening, linger over a Highlight Dinner and a chance for an authentic taste of world-renowned Argentinean beef! Cap off the evening watching the best tango dancers in Buenos Aires perform the tango and experience the passion and power of Argentina's beloved, traditional tango music. (Highlight Dinner / Full Breakfast) |
| Day 10 | Lima | BUENOS AIRES - LIMA: Bid Adios to Buenos Aires and Hola to Lima as you fly to Peru. Enjoy a unique Be My Guest experience at Casa Diez Canseco, the private home of an illustrious Lima family. Meet the friendly owner and learn about the history of your host's ancestors as he leads you on a tour of his home. Then celebrate your arrival in Peru with a sumptuous home-cooked meal of traditional Peruvian delicacies. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Peru's capital. Visit Lima's colonial sights, including the Plaza San Martin with its impressive cathedral and the stately government palace. Then tour the splendid Church of San Francisco with its atmospheric catacombs and interesting library. Conclude your afternoon sightseeing with visits to the upscale suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, home to fashionable shops, cafes and restaurants. (Be My Guest dinner) Novotel Lima (First Class) |
| Day 11 | Sacred Valley | LIMA - CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY: This morning, fly to Cusco, and head for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at Awanakancha, where you can see and touch llamas, alpacas and vicunas and learn about traditional Andean textiles as you see weavers at work. Enjoy a box picnic lunch before visiting the vibrant market of Pisac, where local Quechua people gather to sell their produce and handicrafts. Later this afternoon, arrive at your lovely hotel, a former 18th century monastery, in the heart of the Urubamba Valley. Enjoy dinner with your travelling companions at the hotel. (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Sonesta Posadas del Inca (First Class) |
| Day 12 | Machu Picchu | SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU: After breakfast, head to Ollantaytambo to visit this famous Inca hilltop fortress built from immense blocks of stone. Then board the Vistadome train and view incredible scenery through panoramic windows as you journey up to the great citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, take a short bus ride to the entrance gate and begin your exploration of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your expert guide takes you through the ruins of this once-great fortress, built in the 15th century and abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. See the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial or calendar by the ancient Incans. This evening, share your stories with your travelling companions over dinner at the hotel. (Full Breakfast / Dinner) Hatuchay Tower Machu Picchu Hotel (Moderate First Class) |
| Day 13 | Cusco | MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (2 NIGHTS): Your morning is free to return to Machu Picchu and continue your discoveries on your own. If you're feeling adventurous, hike up to the Gate of the Sun for stunning views over the fortress and the valley below. In the early afternoon, descend from your mountaintop aerie and head toward the great colonial city of Cusco. On the way, stop at a local chicheria for a taste of chicha and to learn how this Peruvian corn beer is made by women only. (Full Breakfast) Novotel Cusco (First Class) |
| Day 14 | Cusco | CUSCO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME: Take a morning tour of Cusco, the capital of the Incas during their reign. See the highlights of the city, including the incredible baroque cathedral on the main Plaza de Armas. Visit the 17th century Church of Santo Domingo, which was built atop the foundations of the Inca Temple of the Sun, or Korikancha. Just outside of town, explore the impressive ruins of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hill overlooking the Sacred Valley. Back in Cusco, meet with Kike Pinto, founder and Director of the Museum of Andean and Amazon Musical Instruments, for an entertaining presentation on Andean instruments and music. This evening, celebrate your travels through the lands of the Incas at a festive Farewell Dinner of delicious Cuscuenian dishes served at a popular local restaurant with demonstration of ancestral dances. (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner) |
| Day 15 | Cusco | CUSCO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME: Fly back to Lima this morning and enjoy a day at leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Larco Museum, pick up some souvenirs or just relax. (Full Breakfast) Novotel Lima (First Class) |
| Day 16 | Depart Lima | DEPART LIMA: Say hasta luego to Lima and transfer to the airport for your flight home (not included in vacation price). Depending on your next destination and flight schedule, you may be transferred to Lima International Airport in the late evening of Day 15 for overnight flights with an arrival home on Day 16. (Continental Breakfast / Buffet Breakfast) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- All above prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin room.
2013 dates are subject to price and itinerary changes. Final details will be confirmed July 2012.
These departures operate as per the 2011 brochure. Hotels and inclusions vary. Please inquire at the time of booking.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
