South American Dream

Tailor made tours

SUMMARY

24 Days

Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile

South America Dream suggested itinerary

Explore South America in Three Weeks

Ever dreamed of exploring the vast and diverse landscapes of South America? Our South American Dream is the perfect itinerary for first-time travellers to the continent! Explore South America in three weeks.

Start your adventure in Buenos Aires. Learn tango, explore the colourful Caminito in La Boca, and visit Recoleta Cemetery. Discover San Telmo’s bohemian charm and enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner with a live tango show. Next, fly to Iguazu Falls to witness their incredible power. Visit both the Argentine and Brazilian sides for breathtaking views. Experience thrilling optional activities like a river safari or a helicopter ride.

Then fly to Rio de Janeiro, where you can stroll along Copacabana Beach and marvel at the Christ the Redeemer statue. Take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views. Spend your free day exploring vibrant neighbourhoods or relaxing on the beach.

Fly across the continent to Lima. Discover its culinary delights and colonial history. Explore the Sacred Valley, ancient Inca ruins, and Machu Picchu. Visit Cuzco and enjoy the rich culture of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Then travel south to Puno where you can experience the strange sensation of walking on the famous Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca.

Cross into Bolivia to explore La Paz. Stroll through its bustling witches’ market and admire the unique Moon Valley. Conclude your trip in Santiago de Chile. Wander through its charming neighbourhoods, enjoy its vibrant art scene, and relax before your journey home.

Customise Your South American Dream

This itinerary is fully flexible. Add a visit to the Amazon or Galapagos for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Prefer active adventures? Include hiking tours in Atacama or cycling trips. Depending on the season, start in Peru and end in Argentina for the best experience.

Start Your South American Dream Today

Our expert team can tailor this trip to fit your needs, time-frame, and budget. Contact us to make your dream holiday a reality!

HIGHLIGHTS

Cultural Immersion: Experience local traditions with tango lessons and shows in Buenos Aires, weaving demonstrations in the Sacred Valley, and Andean ceremonies on Sun Island in Lake Titicaca.
Natural Wonders: Marvel at the majestic Iguazu Falls from both Argentina and Brazil, explore the breathtaking landscapes of Machu Picchu, and cruise the serene waters of Lake Titicaca with visits to its floating islands and ancient Sun Island.
Historic Treasures: Discover iconic sites like the Inca citadels of Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, colonial landmarks in Lima and Cuzco, and the fascinating street markets and ruins in La Paz.
Scenic Adventures: Take in spectacular views from Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio, hike the Express Inca Trail, or explore the Sacred Valley’s stunning trails and waterways.
Culinary and Wine Experiences: Savour regional specialties through cooking classes in Iguazu and Cuzco, indulge in Lima’s renowned gastronomy, and enjoy wine tastings in Santiago’s Casablanca Valley.
Unforgettable Landscapes: Admire the towering peaks of the Andes on train journeys, the geological wonders of the Valley of the Moon, and the panoramic cityscapes from Santiago’s San Cristobal Hill.
Enjoy Leisure Time: Explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, shop local markets, or relax in the atmosphere of each city.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Buenos Aires

Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel. Choose from Recoleta, San Telmo, or Palermo for a comfortable stay.

Day 2 Buenos Aires

Explore the vibrant Southern end of the city, from Plaza 25 de Mayo and Casa Rosada to the bohemian San Telmo. Visit Caminito in La Boca for colorful sights and Puerto Madero for waterfront dining. For the rest of the day, you can continue exploring on your own. Ask us about unique touring options including visits to Buenos Aires’ ancient passages, a bike or specialised Art Tour, the Jewish history of Buenos Aires, visits to Classic Cafes, or an architecture tour among many options.

Day 3 Buenos Aires

Northern Buenos Aires Tour. Visit the Recoleta Cemetery and stroll through Palermo’s leafy streets, cafes, and boutiques. In the evening, enjoy a tango lesson, dinner, and a captivating tango show.

Day 4 Buenos Aires/Iguazu Falls

Fly to Iguazu Falls. Spend the afternoon at leisure or join a cooking class to make empanadas and enjoy Argentine cuisine.

Day 5 Iguazu Falls

Argentine Side of Iguazu Falls. Explore the lush trails of Iguazu National Park, including the Devil’s Throat. Optionally, take a thrilling boat ride under the falls or a jungle 4WD tour.

Day 6 Foz do Iguacu/Rio de Janeiro

This morning cross the border to Brazil and visit the Brazilian side of the falls. The Brazilian Park offers visitors a panoramic view of all 275 cascades that form the world’s most voluminous waterfalls. Walk along the paths inside the park and see the imposing Bozzeti Falls across the border. The path continues to the spectacular lookout over the Garganta del Diablo, or Devil Throat Falls, just 150m away. Ask us about the special optional tour of a helicopter ride over the falls for the ultimate experience.

Day 7 Rio de Janeiro

A full-day tour of Rio’s most beautiful and famous sights. Admire the spectacular views from Mount Corcovado and see the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. After a traditional BBQ lunch, ride the cable car to the top of iconic Sugarloaf Mountain.

Day 8 Rio de Janeiro

This day is yours to explore this captivating city on your own. We suggest a tour of the Botanical Gardens, a visit to the Museum of Tomorrow, or participating in a percussion class. Ask us about more active tours in Rio such as bike or hikes.

Day 9 Rio de Janeiro/Lima

Fly to Lima, where you’ll transfer to your hotel for a relaxing evening. Take a cocktail class or enjoy dinner overlooking ancient ruins.

Day 10 Lima

Tour Lima’s historic centre, seaside suburbs, and the Larco Museum. Optional culinary or art tours are available.

Day 11 Lima/Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco. On arrival, you will transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley is a great place to spend your first few days acclimatising due to the altitude of 2,700m above sea level before moving up to the more challenging heights of Cuzco (3,400m).

Day 12 Sacred Valley

A full-day tour through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the picturesque village of Chinchero where you can learn about ancient weaving techniques. Afterwards, explore Ollantaytambo village and fortress, one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire.

Day 13 Sacred Valley

Embark on an active adventure through the Sacred Valley. Choose from exhilarating kayaking or invigorating hiking trails. Alternatively, immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to an Andean village. Learn traditional weaving techniques and gain insights into daily life in this captivating community.

Day 14 Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu

Today is sure to be a highlight of your trip! Experience the magic of Machu Picchu. Journey by Vistadome train or opt for the unforgettable Express Inca Trail, a 6-hour moderate hike through stunning Andean landscapes. Arrive at the Sun Gate for a dramatic entrance to the ancient Inca citadel. After a guided tour, spend the night in the cosy town of Aguas Calientes.

Day 15 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Return to Machu Picchu this morning to continue your unguided exploration of this extensive site. Optionally hike to Huayna Picchu for panoramic views. Catch an afternoon train to Cuzco where you will overnight.

Day 16 Cuzco

Tour Cuzco’s Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Koricancha Temple, and nearby Sacsayhuaman ruins.

Day 17 Cuzco

Enjoy a free day to explore Cuzco at your own pace. Immerse yourself in local culture with a cooking class, embark on a challenging trek to Rainbow Mountain, or discover the city’s rich history at one of its nine museums. Our team can assist you in customising your day.

Day 18 Cuzco/Puno

Depart by bus this morning on a full-day tour across the altiplano to Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This daily service from Cuzco to Puno steadily climbs up the Vilcanota Valley to the highest point of the trip, Abra La Raya at 4321m and eventually down to the lake’s edge where Puno sits. Alternatively, you can board the overnight Belmond Andean Explorer Train.

Day 19 Puno

Visit the unique floating islands made of totora reeds. Optionally explore Taquile or Amantani Islands to learn more about these unique communities. Or ask us about staying overnight in a home-stay or a first-class hotel on Amantani Island.

Day 20 Puno/La Paz

Experience the magic of Lake Titicaca on a full-day excursion. Visit the picturesque town of Copacabana and board a catamaran to Sun Island. Explore ancient Inca ruins, witness a traditional Andean ceremony, and learn about the Aymara culture. You’ll even have the chance to see a demonstration of reed boat making. After a delicious lunch, journey by road to La Paz. Ask us about an overnight on Sun Island Lodge or onboard a catamaran.

Day 21 La Paz

Depart this morning on a half-day sightseeing tour of La Paz, including the city’s fantastic street markets, rich in handicrafts, weaving and witchcraft artefacts. Finally, admire the natural geological formations of the Valley of the Moon.

Day 22 La Paz/Santiago de Chile

Fly to Santiago, Chile, and transfer to your hotel. Or travel to Uyuni.

Day 23 Santiago de Chile

Discover the best of Santiago. Visit world-class museums, hike up San Cristobal Hill for panoramic city views, and stroll through the bohemian Lastarria district. Enhance your trip with a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Valparaiso or a wine tasting tour in the renowned Casablanca Valley.