Ultimate South America
Ultimate South America
Ultimate South America
29 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Visiting: Lima, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puno, Copacabana, La Paz, Uyuni, Salt Flats, San Pedro de Atacama, Calama, El Tatio, Santiago, Mendoza Province, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, State of Rio de Janeiro
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1531
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The ultimate tour of South America, this all-encompassing journey will take you through the landscapes of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil on an epic adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Days 1: Fly To Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Lima! You will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. Check-in before the welcome dinner this evening.
Day 1 : Days 1: Fly To Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Lima! You will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. Check-in before the welcome dinner this evening.
Day 2: Explore Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Originally named the City of the Kings, Lima is rich in heritage, which you'll see for yourself today. Start in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre before stopping at several other of Lima's most famous sites.
Day 2: Explore Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Originally named the City of the Kings, Lima is rich in heritage, which you'll see for yourself today. Start in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre before stopping at several other of Lima's most famous sites.
Day 3: The Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Fly to Cusco before transferring to the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to hillside citadels and striking foothills. Stop at a small, scenic town hidden in the Peruvian Andes to participate in various workshops like weaving or pottery, led by local artisans. Afterwards visit Pisac town, strolling the vibrant markets where locals sell their wares. Transfer to your hotel in Sacred Valley.
Day 4: Train To Machu Picchu
Location: Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At Moray, you’ll be shown the impressive terraced structures carved in a circular pattern, believed to be an agricultural testing ground for the Incas. Head to Maras, where over 3,000 salt ponds catch salty water from a mountain spring, producing the famous sal de Maras. Then you will continue to Ollantaytambo, an Inca town built by Emperor Pachacuti. Afterward, you’ll head to the train station for the journey to Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Machu Picchu/ Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu, Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will visit the world famous citadel of Macchu Pichu. A guided tour will give you some insight into the Inca Empire and an understanding of how its inhabitants lived many centuries ago. The tour includes up to four hours of sightseeing, plus some free time to explore on your own. Return to the village of Machu Picchu before riding the train back to Poroy followed by your transfer to Cusco.
Day 6: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Modern Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fascinating combination of Incan and colonial heritage. Your explorations will include visits to the Plaza de Armas and the Convent of Santo Domingo, both built on the foundations of significant Incan sites. Then, visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an old Incan fortress overlooking the city. Experience a traditional ritual with a Shaman, including offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the use of sacred plants.
Day 7: Train Through The Andes
Location: Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today take a train from Cusco to Puno. Journey through amazing Andean landscapes to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, passing through the spectacular Peruvian highlands. The train has 4 dining cars, a bar car and an observation car. Along the way you will enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared with exquisite Andean ingredients and there will be music and dance shows on board.
Day 8: Lake Titicaca
Location: Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Puno today, travel to the lakeside town of Copacabana, Bolivia. Visit the shrine and Dark Indian Virgin followed by a Hydrofoil cruise to Sun and Moon Island. Visit the Inca Garden, Stairs and Fountain and Sun Virgins Temple Iñak Uyu. After cruising back take a short trip to Hautajata where you will experience an Eco Village, The Altiplano Museum and the chance to meet a local Bolivian tribe. Enjoy dinner along with a Folkloric show before spending the night at the Native Observatory Alajpacha and watch the Southern constellations.
Day 9: Hautajata To La Paz
Location: La Paz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the magnificent snow-capped Andes as you travel by road to the stunning city of La Paz. With a half-day tour of the city, you'll get to experience the rich history and culture of La Paz. Visit the famous Indian Market & Witch Doctor's market, while enjoying the breathtaking panoramas of the Illimani mountain in the background. Continue on to the Moon Valley, an area of tall clay spires, formed by erosions of the mountains in the area and take a breathtaking teleferico-cable car ride for an incredible aerial view of La Paz. This day is at altitude.
Day 10: Explore Sala De Uyuni
Location: Uyuni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Uyuni today for a fascinating tour of the world-famous Bolivian Salt Flats. Start exploring straight away, visiting the Train Cemetery and Salt Museum before continuing to the ancient mummies of Tunupa Volcano. After, retire to your hotel – made entirely out of salt - where you will spend the night.
Day 11: Sala De Uyuni
Location: Salt Flats
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend a full day in the Salar de Uyuni, where depending on weather conditions, you'll visit either the local museum or view the Coquesa Mummies in a cave close to Tunupa Volcano. Later, enjoy a picnic on the salt flats.
Day 12: San Pedro De Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you will bid farewell to Bolivia and cross the Atacama Desert to reach San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. This day is at altitude.
Day 13: Atacama Desert
Location: Calama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, drive out into the otherworldly landscapes to visit the Salar de Atacama and the quaint desert village of Toconao. This afternoon, you’ll continue to Death and Moon valleys.
Day 14: El Tatio
Location: El Tatio
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise early and travel for around 2 hours deeper into the Atacama to visit El Tatio Geysers. Enjoy a guided walk amongst the mud craters and bubbling geysers. After, travel through the Andes Mountain Range to the small desert village of Machuca. Later this evening, take advantage of some of the darkest skies in the world and participate in a stargazing session whilst enjoying a glass of wine.
Day 15: Explore Santiago
Location: Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to Calama to fly to Chile's capital city, Santiago. Discover this vibrant city, including visits to the Plaza de Armas and Cerro Hill. End the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 16: Valparaiso
Location: Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel to the coast to visit the bohemian port town of Valparaiso. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valparaiso is unique, charming and a little bit roguish. Home to some of the best street art in Latin America, Valparaiso’s magnetism simply needs to be experienced first-hand.
Day 17: Across The Andes
Location: Mendoza Province
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Chile as you head to the airport for your flight to Argentina. On arrival you will be transferred to the city of Mendoza.
Day 18: Mendoza Wine Tour
Location: Mendoza Province
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a relaxed city tour of Mendoza before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.
Day 19: Maipu Valley
Location: Mendoza Province
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a full day tour of Maipu Valley, where you will taste some delicious local wines from the Malbec grape followed by a delicious lunch.
Day 20: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a morning flight to Argentina's flamboyant capital, Buenos Aires. The Paris of South America, Buenos Aires is a romantic and lively city.
Day 21: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy the irresistible combination of Latin flair and European elegance on a Buenos Aires city tour. Visit the vibrant districts of La Boca, San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo and Recoleta. This evening sit down for dinner and an exciting tango show.
Day 22: The Pampas
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the day just outside the city on the vast, fertile grasslands known as the pampas, on a traditional estancia (ranch). Here you’ll get some insight into the life of folk heroes, the gaucho and after a typical Argentinian asado lunch, there will be a fun folklore show.
Day 23: Iguazu Falls
Location: Iguazu Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Say farewell to Buenos Aires to board your plane over to Puerto Iguazu, the town closest to the incredible wonder that is Iguazu Falls. The incredible Iguazu Falls spans the border of Argentina and Brazil and features hundreds of rushing cascades, set in a lush rainforest scene.
Day 24: Meet The Mbororé Aldea People
Location: Iguazu Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the day on the Argentinian side of Iguazu falls, with a trip to the most impressive observation point – the Devil's Throat. Visit the Mbororé Aldea community this afternoon where you will learn about this ancient tribe's way of life.
Day 25: Fly To Rio Do Janeiro
Location: State of Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the border to visit the Brazilian side of the falls, followed by a transfer to the local airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's 'Cidade Maravilhosa'.
Day 26: Explore Rio
Location: State of Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you willl experience many of Rio's most iconic sites including Mount Corcovado where Christ the Redeemer sits, Tijuca Forest, Urca neighbourhood and two cable car journeys to Sugarloaf Mountain. From here, you will be able to gaze down upon the city, Corcovado and the surrounding islands.
What's Included
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Domestic transportation
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3* plus – 4* accommodation
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Meals as stated
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Touring with National Escort and entrance fees
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Drinks with Meals
Experiences
Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca
Visit the indigenous Uros people, a community who live on floating islands made of reeds on the waters of Lake Titicaca, and spend some time learning about their fascinating culture.
Discover Chile & Argentina's Lake District
Travel from Chile's Santiago to Argentina's Mendoza by road, journeying through the majestic Andes Mountains, passing through spectacular panoramas of snow-capped peaks, azure lakes and hidden valleys.
Sleep in a Salt Hotel
After exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, spend the night in a salt hotel right on the edge of the salt flats, where the uninterrupted views from your room will be second to none.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4* accommodation
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Over the age of twelve
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
18 people
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This trip has a physical rating of 2: Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, international flights from/to the UK
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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