South America Discovery
From $6,204 /person
Twin room

South America Discovery

Operated by: Costsaver
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Overview
15 days
7 places
3 countries
5+ yrs
From
$6,204 /person
Twin room
Call +61 2 9051 1815
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Rio de Janeiro
Iguassu Falls
Rio de Janeiro
Iguassu Falls
Buenos Aires
Lima
Sacred Valley
Cusco
Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley
Cusco

Starting in the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’, experience the sheer force of nature at Iguassu Falls before country hopping to Argentina for big steaks, fiery tango and a slice of gaucho living. Ending in Peru, cuddle llamas and walk in the footsteps of the Incas at mighty, magnificent Machu Picchu.

Overview
15 days
7 places
3 countries
5+ yrs
From
$6,204 /person
Twin room
Call +61 2 9051 1815
Choose a tour option
Itinerary & map
What you'll see
Rio de Janeiro

Golden swathes of famous coastline, tropical landscapes and a certain joie de vivre will welcome you to one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Rio de Janeiro. Energy pulses through every pore of this passionate and fun loving city, flooding from the favelas to the football fields and cumulating in nightly parties where the caipirinhas are free flowing and the samba rhythm is infectious. Rio may be best known for its annual Carnival, but visiting here you’ll realise that every day is cause for celebration. Settle in to your hotel before meeting up with your Travel Director this afternoon. Then perhaps hit the sands of Copacabana to watch the sun set whilst you sip your first Cachaça.

Inclusions
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro

The picturesque Cosme Velho district will be your first stop today, where 1920s neo-colonial buildings will surround you as you board the Corcovado Rack Railway, an old cogwheel train. Hopping on board, you’ll wind your way through the Tijuca Forest to the very top of Mount Corcovado, standing in awe as you catch a first glimpse of the 30-metre-high Christ the Redeemer. The undisputed icon of Rio, this magnificent art deco statue is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and offers the best vantage point of the ‘Marvellous City’ stretching out below. Take your time exploring here before heading on to visit lively Copacabana and beautiful Ipanema, Rio’s best beaches. Tonight, celebrate the culture of South America at the Carretão Ipanema Churrascaria. Distinctly a South American-style rotisserie, it owes its origins to the fireside roasts of the gauchos of southern Brazil, traditionally from the Pampa region, centuries ago.

Inclusions
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Breakfast and Dinner
Rio de Janeiro

Waking up to your final full day in Rio, today is free to explore your way. For those keen to get a closer look, you could also opt for a half day city tour of Rio which includes ascending the Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for absolutely stand out views of Guanabara Bay.

Inclusions
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Breakfast
Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro

Leaving the colourful costumes and infectious rhythms of Rio behind, this morning you’ll head to the airport to catch your flight to Iguassu Falls. Words can’t really describe the magnificence of the world’s largest series of waterfalls (275 to be exact), which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil and are surrounded by lush expanses of national park. Settle in to your hotel this afternoon and spend the evening relaxing, no doubt bubbling with excitement for the natural spectacle that tomorrow will bring.

Inclusions
Viale Cataratas Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner
Iguassu Falls

Pack your raincoat and your sense of adventure this morning as you’re off to visit the Iguassu National Park, entering on the Brazilian side of the falls. You’ll be venturing down to the ominously named and utterly exhilarating Devil’s Throat, the tallest and most impressive of Iguassu’s waterfalls. Remember that raincoat? Now’s the time to use it! This afternoon opt to go on an open-air tram ride^ through the jungle to the Macuco Falls, where you’ll then board a custom-designed inflatable motorboat for a high intensity ride to the base of the falls. If keeping things a little more sedate is more your style, opt to visit a bird park on a Make Travel Matter Experience® where you can spot more than 150 different species of birds.

Inclusions
Viale Cataratas Hotel
Breakfast
Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires

Country hopping between Brazil and Argentina, today you’ll cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, otherwise known as Fraternity Bridge, to explore the Argentinian side of the falls. Adding a new stamp to your passport as you cross through customs, you’ll drive through the lush and wildlife rich Argentinian Iguassu National Park to reach the falls and cascades which are equally as impressive from this side of the border. Boarding the open sided and near silent Ecological Jungle Train which is every bit as scenic and sensual as it sounds, you’ll pay a second visit to Devil’s Throat before heading to the airport to catch a flight to passionate, sexy, European influenced Buenos Aires.

Inclusions
NH City
Breakfast
Buenos Aires

Waking up in sultry, red bloodied Buenos Aires this morning is a prospect that should fill you with excitement. This meat loving, tango obsessed capital city is a mix of sultry charm and gritty splendour, with European inspired buildings and street art pops from every corner. Dive in to all Buenos Aires has to offer on a sightseeing tour that will visit 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world, outstanding Colon Theatre, Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and San Telmo, the oldest district in the city. Finishing up in colourful and charming La Boca you’ll then have time to explore by yourself with the remainder of day at your leisure.

Inclusions
NH City
Breakfast
Buenos Aires

Make the most of your free day in Buenos Aires with a variety of exciting Choice Experiences. One option is to head out into the glorious pampas (grasslands) surrounding Buenos Aires to visit a working ranch to learn more about the gaucho culture, enjoying folk music, traditional dances and carriage rides before rounding off the experience with a juicy BBQ lunch. You also have the option of visiting the lush countryside region of Tigre Delta, which offers a laid-back vibe and a chance to see a different side of Argentine life. Or, soak in another type of culture with a visit to “El Querandi,” a house in the historical district considered a living testimony of the city for a wine tasting. You can also join an Argentinean Culinary Experience making your own empanada and sampling Argentinean steak. Lastly, take a lesson in the iconic tango.

Inclusions
NH City
Breakfast
Buenos Aires, Lima

From Argentina you’ll fly to Peru this morning, bound for the ‘City of the Kings’, Lima. Rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs the city has a real sense of faded yet romantic grandeur, with historical sights a plenty and a culinary scene that is revered the world over. Arriving here you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore, which isn’t hard to do in this cultural and artsy city. Head to Parque del Amor to admire the Gaudi style architecture with beautiful views over Lima Bay, or take a wander around popular and bustling Miraflores.

Inclusions
Hilton Garden Inn Lima
Breakfast
Lima

Visit the famous Plaza Mayor and Cathedral as well as the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Delve into the dark history of the San Francisco Monastery, a museum featuring mysterious catacombs. Your afternoon and evening are free to join one of our exciting choice experiences. Take a walking tour with a local expert of the lively Miraflores district highlighting the Boardwalk of Miraflores, a cliff rising above the ocean at around 130 feet and the Larcomar shopping area. Or, indulge your taste buds on a food tour through Barranco or a street food tour – from coffee to churros – through Lima’s city centre. In the evening, opt to visit the colourful, musical Magic Water Fountains of Lima.

Inclusions
Hilton Garden Inn Lima
Breakfast
Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco

Flying into Cusco, welcome to the Incan capital of the world! Boasting the richest heritage of any South American city, Cusco is a wealth of archaeological greatness and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. It’s also the gateway to Machu Picchu, so throbs day and night with visitors exploring its ancient streets. Take in the ornate temples and Incan ruins as you arrive here. On the way to Sacred Valley, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to Chinchero Sunday market, still a very original market where you can find fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the occasional souvenir stall. Your guide will introduce you to some local produce such as potatoes, and if you wish, you can also taste some of the fruit. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you learn about Chicha, a local drink made of corn and admire llamas and alpacas before making your way to the hotel.

Inclusions
Ava Valle Sagrado Spot
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Today’s the day! Up bright and early this morning, you’ll travel to the ancient little town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the Incan village at the base of Machu Picchu. Slowly chugging your way through the rugged lands of the Sacred Valley, feel the excitement levels build as you pass by village settlements and towering mountains, the landscape changing as you descend. Making the last leg of the journey via shuttle, you’ll finally arrive at the most famous archaeological site of South America and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Catching a first glimpse of this awe inspiring ancient city above the clouds is a moment you’ll never forget, so be sure to take a few minutes just to soak it all in. Take your time exploring the vast complex of fascinating ruins and let the mind boggle at how it was all built, before descending the mountain and making your way back to the Sacred Valley. Visit the local home of Mrs. Rosa. Her house goes at least 7 generations back and is a fine example of Incan architecture. Learn more about how guinea pigs are raised, as well as ancient traditions kept alive until this day.

Inclusions
Ava Valle Sagrado Spot
Breakfast
Sacred Valley, Cusco

Begin your day in Pisaq, famous for its local market and empanadas. Taste the local food at a women-owned and operated empanada workshop. Learn from Mrs. Ernestina how to make empanadas out of seven different kinds of flour before enjoying the empanadas for lunch. Continuing on to Cusco you’ll also stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 13th century, before arriving at the Incan capital of Cusco. Embark on a sightseeing tour of ancient Cusco visiting Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun and most important temple in the Incan Empire, before admiring the bounty of colonial art on display in the Cathedral.

Inclusions
San Agustin Plaza
Breakfast
Cusco

Kick off the final day of your tour joining for an optional experience. Head to Moray and Maras to see Incan farming and salt mining techniques at play or visit 17th century Piquillacta to view the pre-Incan citadel built by the Wari people. Another option is to indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Choco Museum to learn more about the Peruvian chocolate making process. In town, tour Cusco after dark learning the secrets of this ancient city or experience Cusco off the beaten track visiting tiny stores and cemeteries with plenty of personal stories along the way. If you’re looking for an all-day adventure, join a trip to Rainbow Mountain where you’ll take a rigorous hike through breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes.

Inclusions
San Agustin Plaza
Breakfast
Cusco

3 countries, 2 New Wonders of the World and 1 incredible adventure later, your trip will finally come to an end this morning. Leaving with priceless memories, a wealth of new knowledge and a wonderful group of new friends, you’ll make your way to the airport today. Departure is at leisure from Cusco Airport.

Inclusions
Breakfast
Highlights & inclusions
The following are included in your tour package:
  • 14 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • Explore iconic sights such as Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, Christ the Redeemer and the stunning Tijuca Forest from your cogwheel train
  • Iguassu Falls: Step out onto catwalks along the world’s widest cascading waterfalls and be awed by Devil’s Throat before boarding your jungle train through the sub-tropical Iguassu National Park.
  • Discover Recoleta Cemetery, the Plaza de Mayo and 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world before being whisked away to your dinner and Tango show, where you travel back to the glory days of this colorful city
  • Explore the “City of the Kings” and see the Cathedral, Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall and visit San Francisco Monastery, famous for its catacombs
  • Visit the famous Pisac Market
  • Journey to the marvelous citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Explore Copacabana, Ipanema and Christ the Redeemer
  • Visit the world’s widest cascading waterfalls and see Devil’s Throat
  • Discover Recoleta Cemetery, the Plaza de Mayo and 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world
  • Journey to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Visit the famous Pisac Market
  • Discover Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha and the famous San Pedro market before enjoying a magical evening featuring an entertaining folklore show
  • All internal air included in trip cost
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Many meals included
  • Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
  • City orientation tours
  • Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
  • All internal air included in trip cost
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Many meals included
  • Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
  • City orientation tours
  • Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Dates & pricing
26 June 2025
Thursday
10 July 2025
Thursday
Sold out!
Give our team a call on +61 2 9051 1815 for more tour options
28 Aug 2025
Thursday
11 Sept 2025
Thursday
From
$6,204 /person
Twin room
18 Sept 2025
Thursday
2 Oct 2025
Thursday
Sold out!
Give our team a call on +61 2 9051 1815 for more tour options
6 Nov 2025
Thursday
20 Nov 2025
Thursday
From
$6,479 /person
Twin room
19 Feb 2026
Thursday
5 Mar 2026
Thursday
From
$6,869 /person
Twin room
5 Mar 2026
Thursday
19 Mar 2026
Thursday
From
$6,869 /person
Twin room
2025
2026
Things to know

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

  • Date changes can be made on request by contacting us via phone or email. Prices and spaces on the tour and are subject to availability.

For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, we will:

  • allow you to change the dates of your tour
  • offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that we can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
  • refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that we can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)

Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase, and are outlined in more detail in the “Highlights and Inclusions” section, as well as in the itinerary. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.

  • If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact our trusted, third-party tour partner for further information.
  • If booking a Twin Share package, transfers are based on two people sharing the one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles
  • Flight details must be advised as per our trusted third-party tour partner’s requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by our trusted, third-party tour partner may result in forfeiting your transfer.

Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, Motorcoach Drivers and other ; laundry; phone calls; minibar; drinks and meals not detailed in the itinerary; and all items of a personal nature.

  1. International Flights (either side of tour)
  • Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your tour’s start destination on your chosen tour start date. Please ensure you allow for travelling time, and please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed.
  1. Visas
  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 12 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
  • When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
  1. Personal Expenses
  • Optional activities and day tours are not included in your tour package, nor are meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary.
  1. Tipping & Gratuities
  • Tipping and gratuities are included for the services included in your trip, but are not included for your Motorcoach Driver and (where applicable) your Trip Manager, Wellbeing Director, Local Hosts or Local Guides. These are at your own discretion, and should be extended on a voluntary basis at the end of your journey. As a guide, approximately A$5 – A$10 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
  1. Travel Insurance
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
  • we can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
  • COVID-19 requirements vary from country to country and region to region and you may be required to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of vaccination. Evidence of negative COVID tests may also be required. Airlines and other transport providers may also have separate requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your holiday due to your failure to comply with these requirements. You will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation.
  • Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (are we or the tour provider liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
  • In most cases the tour operator can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
  • Any dietary requirements must be received by the tour operator at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
  • Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
  • we reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Costsaver gives you the power to choose how you travel. We think amazing travel memories shouldn’t cost the earth, so our budget trips cover all the essentials while providing you the building blocks to tailor your dream trip. It’s the ultimate unpackaged tour - an experience that you can customise and make your own.
  • With over 100 years of experience and local knowledge on tap, you can count on our team to deliver solid itineraries that tick the boxes. We select our hotels for their quality, amazing service and comfort, and the majority of the hotels have air-conditioning. Plus, we’re always keeping an eye out for ways to make them even better. So give Google a break and leave the research and planning to us. It’s kind of our thing, after all.
  • We know that when it comes to travel, different people enjoy different things. That’s why we take care of all your travel essentials, while you tailor the rest. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Yep, we think you should experience the world, your way. You simply choose the experiences you want from a curated range of over 500 Choice Optionals, and we’ll make it happen. Enjoy perfect itineraries that have been carefully created so that you get the best out of the places you choose to go.
  • You will gain access to travel expertise and dedicated service to support you at every step, making travel in these recent times worry-free. Our amazing Travel Directors come from a range of backgrounds but they all share a deep passion for travel and their home countries. These experienced travel professionals offer you what the guidebooks can’t – a true insider’s perspective of each place you visit. Each Travel Director has undertaken a bespoke training program and most have at least five years’ experience in guided travel.
  • The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe. Our tours run with an average of 40-45 guests depending on the destination.
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