Only in South America will you find the capitals of two mighty empires existing side-by-side. Only in South America can you spend your morning on a wide sandy beach and your afternoon in the rainforest. Only in South America can you witness the majesty of Carnival and the passion of an Argentine football game. There truly is no place like South America; and it’s waiting for you on this best of South America tour.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima – Landing in Peru
Arrive this morning in lovely Lima, the capital of Peru, and the home to the oldest institute of higher learning in the Americas. A private driver will be waiting to take you to your centrally located and elegant hotel, where you can drop off your bags before hitting the highlights of this eclectic city. The Historic Center of Lima was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, and it is home to some of the most amazing edifices in all of Latin America, from the colonial façade of the Cathedral of Lima to the baroque Convento de San Francisco. Regardless of what strikes your fancy, you are sure to find it in Lima.
What's Included:
Day 2
Cusco – Exploring the Ancient Capital of the Incas
Day 3
Cusco – The Awe-Inspiring Sacred Valley of Peru
Day 4
Aguas Calientes – Climbing the Andes to Unforgettable Machu Picchu
Day 5
Aguas Calientes – Primeval Cities and Pristine Nature
Day 6
Rio de Janeiro – Heading to Brazil
Day 7
Rio de Janeiro – The Treasures of Rio, from Sugar Loaf to the Harbor
Day 8
Rio de Janerio – An Imperial City and the Brazilian Samba
Day 9
Iguazu – A Natural Wonder in the Brazilian Borderlands
Day 10
Iguazu – Crossing into Argentina in Spectacular Style
Day 11
Buenos Aires – From Roaring Waters to a Cosmopolitan Capital
Day 12
Buenos Aires – The Charming Town of Tigre
Day 13
Buenos Aires – Shopping in the Paris of Latin America
Day 14
Buenos Aires – The End of Your South American Adventure
Trip Highlights
- Begin in Lima, Peru’s pristine capital, and see the many sights of the Historic City Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has some of the most astounding architecture in all of South America
- Discover the many marvels of the Incan Empire, from the former capital at Cusco to the fertile rift of the Sacred Valley, to the iconic remains of Machu Picchu that clings like a dream to the slopes of the Andes
- Revel in Rio de Janeiro, the capital of Carnival and the center of the samba, where you’ll be taken in by the beautiful beaches and swept off your feet by Sugar Loaf and Corcovado
- Ogle at the incredible puissance of Iguazu Falls, one of the most astounding waterfalls in the world, from both sides of the Brazilian-Argentine border
- Live it up in Buenos Aires, where the spirit of the tango haunts the streets and where an insatiable and infectious love of life fills the air
- Explore the smaller suburbs of the great South American cities, from regal Petropolis to quaint and charming Delta del Tigre
Detailed Description
From the highlands of Peru to the river lands of Argentina, from Machu Picchu to Christ the Redeemer, South America is filled with the majesty of nature and the miracles of humanity. This 14-day best of South America tour will give you the perfect introduction to this spellbinding continent, and will fill you with an undeniable itch to learn about the charismatic countries that comprise it.
Encounter the attractions of bountiful Brazil, from the gorgeous city of Rio de Janeiro to the awe-inspiring cataracts of Iguazu Falls. See the great cities of the past and present in Peru, where the legacy of the Incas and the Spanish run side by side through time and space. And experience the very best of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city that is known throughout the world as the Paris of Latin America.
Whether you’re a nature lover or shopaholic, a beach-going sun goddess or a mountain man, enamored with history or driven by the promises of the future, South America has something for everyone. From the summit of Huayna Picchu to the swelling waters of the Atlantic, this is sure to be a South America adventure that you’ll never forget.
Starting Price
$5,900 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.87 stars based on 1772 reviews.
It was a totally unique travel experience, with wonderful flora and fauna sights in the Amazon area near Manaus, first by boat and then in an eco lodge two hours from Manaus in the jungle. We could look out from our balcony at birds and monkeys in the trees. The food and juices were delicious and healthy for every meal, and all the people we met were friendly and fun.
Reviewed By Joseph W.
Zicasso’s travel agent managed to ensure we were able to see and do all the things on our list, plus more! It was an amazing family adventure. We only had one issue with an airline delay, but she went above and beyond to help us. The guides and drivers were also spectacular.
Reviewed By Pamela N.
Zicasso's travel consultant planned the perfect itinerary for our family trip to Peru. She really listened to the types of experiences we wanted to have and absolutely delivered on everything she planned. All of our travel logistics went smoothly, with no issues, hiccups, or delays. She was also very responsive prior to our trip and the few times we reached out during our travels. And the app she used was extremely intuitive and helpful. I would highly recommend Zicasso's tour operator!
Reviewed By Jenifer Z.
It was a great trip. This trip started as an idea to do a jaguar safari and we ended up including Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon as well. We really enjoyed the entire trip.
This was our second time working with this Zicasso travel partner (Argentina in 2018) and our positive experience the first time was a part of the reason we chose to work with them again.
Our travel agent has always been really helpful and just great to work with. He knows the region well and gives excellent advice. He has been responsive and very flexible; the planning has been efficient and all arrangements dependable. Everything went smoothly this time and last time. It has been a true pleasure and I really look forward to working with him again.
Reviewed By Huan W.
My wife and I recently embarked on a breathtaking journey through South America, visiting Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Iguazú Falls in Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. We entrusted Zicasso's tour agency with planning our trip and it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions we've ever made.
From the very beginning, the team at the tour company was attentive and responsive, taking the time to understand our preferences and interests. They crafted a personalized itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Buenos Aires: Our adventure began in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. The agency arranged for a knowledgeable local guide who took us through the historic neighborhoods, tango shows, and culinary delights. The accommodations were centrally located, allowing us to explore the city with ease.
Mendoza: Next, we traveled to Mendoza, where we were immersed in the world of wine. The tour agency organized exclusive vineyard tours and tastings, providing us with a unique insight into the region's winemaking traditions. The picturesque landscapes and charming boutique hotel made our stay unforgettable.
Iguazú Falls: The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls. The agency ensured we had the best vantage points and arranged for a thrilling boat ride that brought us up close to the cascading waters. Their attention to detail and seamless logistics made this experience truly magical.
Rio de Janeiro: Our journey concluded in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. The travel company curated a perfect blend of iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, along with hidden gems that showcased the city's unique culture. The beachfront hotel provided stunning views and a relaxing end to our adventure.
Throughout the trip, the tour company was always available to assist with any questions or adjustments, ensuring a stress-free experience. Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction were evident in every aspect of our journey.
We wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone seeking a well-organized and memorable travel experience. We look forward to planning our next adventure with them!
Reviewed By Nathan P.
Our trip from start to finish was absolutely fantastic. The Amazon jungle was a blast. I paid for an extra full-day excursion to fish for piranhas, which was definitely a great decision and one of the highlights of our trip (we had the piranhas for lunch, and they were delicious).
The Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu were fabulous. And then, the Galápagos were extraordinary, from the unexpected serenity of the place to the crew of the boat, and, of course, the proximity to wildlife, including snorkeling with sea lions. It was especially meaningful to be in these places with our entire family (10 of us). Everyone understood how special it was and we will all cherish the experience all of our lives.
The Zicasso travel company was fantastic from start to finish. Our travel specialist went far beyond the call of duty to help us, especially when one family members could not make the trip. He helped us with replacing that person with another. He was remarkably prompt, clear, and informative in all communications, both in planning the trip and during it. He has a very kind heart and is a great human being. I cannot say enough positive things about him.
Reviewed By bradley P.