Treasures of South America

Authentic Experiences

Our Treasures of South America Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

• 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.

• Live like a Gaucho

  Visit a traditional Argentinian estancia (ranch) for a lesson in local folklore, including the history of the legendary gauchos, before enjoying a typical asado lunch, deliciously cooked on an outdoor parrilla (grill).

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

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Additional Price Information

Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 12 August 2020, subject to change.

Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.

Customary tipping amount approximately US$180pp (AU$260pp) is paid locally in Peru.

Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request

Land only (Lima-Rio De Janeiro) 19 days from $11,220 per person, twin share

Single Supplement from $2,480

Price listed is based on new bookings only

Treasures of South America - Tour Itinerary

DAY 1: FLY TO LIMA

Fly to Peru's historic and sophisticated capital Lima, arriving the same day. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner.

DAY 2: EXPLORE LIMA

Originally named the City of the Kings, Lima is rich in heritage, which you'll see for yourself today. Start at the archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana before discovering the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre and admire its colonial magnificence. Enjoy lunch and then explore the bohemian district of Barranco, home to Peru and Latin American artists. Conclude the day with a Pisco Sour tasting experience followed by dinner.

DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY

Fly from Lima to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley. Enroute visit Ccaccaccollo a remote village and home to over 50 families. Spend time interacting with them.

DAY 4: PISAC MARKET

Today visit the colourful market of Pisac and archaeological site. Continue to Potato Park which is a community led conservation project where approximately 2,300 to 4,000 known potato varieties in the world are grown. Then explore the ruins of Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU

This morning you will ascend to the magnificent ancient city of Machu Picchu. Long abandoned by the Inca, Machu Picchu came to international attention when it was stumbled upon by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and is considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Take the train back to Poroy and transfer to Cusco.

DAY 6: CUSCO

Discover Cusco, home to an incredible Incan legacy, with a morning city tour taking in the Temple of the Sun and other ancient ruins. Also visit the Inca fortress site Sacsayhuaman, which sits on a hill above Cusco.

DAY 7: TRAVEL TO PUNO

Take the Titicaca train across the Andean altiplano from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The train boasts dining cars, a bar car and an observation car.

DAY 8: LAKE TITICACA

Journey by boat across Lake Titicaca to the floating islands of Uros, which are constructed entirely from reeds. Spend time exploring and meeting the local Uros people before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taquile. Once a stronghold of the Inca, you'll find wonderful textiles here. After your tour of the island, head back to Puno.

DAY 9: TRAVEL TO LIMA

Enroute to the airport visit the archaeological site of Sillustani which is located on a protected island reserve. Spend time around the site and also enjoy a typical Andean lunch. Fly to Lima and stay overnight.

DAY 10: FLY TO BUENOS AIRES

Bid farewell to Peru and fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina's flamboyant capital city. Later, enjoy a quintessential Argentine experience; the tango! Take a dance class before sitting down to enjoy dinner and a sultry tango show.

DAY 11: EXPLORE BUENOS AIRES

An irresistible combination of Latin flair and European elegance, Buenos Aires is a delight to explore and that's exactly what you'll do today on a city tour, discovering the vibrant districts of La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo and Puerto Madero.

DAY 12: DAY TRIP TO URUGUAY

Enjoy a day trip to Uruguay, taking a ferry across the Rio de La Plata to Colonia del Sacramento. A picture-perfect colonial town, Colonia was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful Barrio Historico, which occupies a small peninsula that juts out into the river, is a maze of old cobbled streets that are a delight to wander. Admire the main square, see the ruins of San Francisco Church and visit the lighthouse amongst much more.

DAY 13: THE PAMPAS

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 a gaucho, and after a typical Argentinian asado lunch, there will be a fun folklore show.

DAY 14: PUERTO IGUAZU

Say farewell to Buenos Aires and board a plane over to Puerto Iguazu, the town closest to the incredible natural wonder that is Iguazu Falls. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 15: DISCOVER IGUAZU

On the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu is the largest waterfall system in the world, with hundreds of cascades pouring off the edge of the Parana Plateau. Today you will wander along the Argentinian side of Iguazu which offers a fantastic overview of the whole of the falls and showcases its power and magnificence. Don't miss the viewpoint of one of the falls' most impressive sights, the Garganta del Diablo. This afternoon, take a unique opportunity to learn about the indigenous culture of the Mbororé Aldea people, who open the doors of their community and share fascinating stories of their ancestors, rituals, myths and legends.

DAY 16: FLY TO RIO DE JANEIRO

Enjoy your morning on the Brazilian side of the falls - this side offers a completely different experience with paths and boardwalks to wander. These will lead you to some of the numerous smaller cascades that dance their way along gullies and through lush greenery. In the afternoon, hop on a plane to Brazil's 'Cidade Maravilhosa', Rio de Janeiro, where you can enjoy the last rays of sun on the world-famous Copacabana Beach.

DAY 17: CHRIST THE REDEEMER

Clamber into a jeep to venture to some of Rio's many wonders! Starting at the foot of Corcovado, travel up to the peak by cog railway to the spot where the iconic Christ the Redeemer watches over the city. Next, wander through the tropical Tijuca Forest, a rainforest in the heart of the city, before exploring the 19th-century hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, an area with a wonderfully bohemian atmosphere, and enjoying a traditional Brazilian BBQ lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 18: RIO DE JANEIRO CITY TOUR

Continue exploring Rio with a morning tour, absorbing the city's vibrant atmosphere as you enjoy the sights, including the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. Later in the evening, visit a samba club, where you can simply tap your feet to the infectious beat and watch the dancing, or dance the night away yourself!

DAYS 19-21: FLY RIO TO AUSTRALIA

Fly to Australia, arriving home two days later.

Useful Information

Visas

Australian passport holders do not require a visa to travel to this destination. Other passport holders should arrange visas well in advance of departure, if required.

Communication

While travelling overseas, the Wendy Wu Tours contact number during business hours is +61 2 9224 8888. Emergency Assistance (24-hours) is 0044 1888 288 288. You will find mobile phone coverage to be quite high throughout South & Central America. We recommend contacting your mobile carrier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated call and data costs before you leave Australia. Some hotels may have Wi-Fi, which usually comes at a cost.

Tipping

Tipping is not commonplace in Australia. In this destination however, it is anticipated that a tip be given to reward good service. With that in mind, we have a tipping system for our group tours. Each passenger ‘tips’ a set amount to the National Escort at the start of the tour or on arrival in each country. They then distribute this as appropriate. Tipping is appreciated for Private and Tailor-Made travel. In your final documents, we include guidelines for tipping when travelling independently.

Food

We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or too unusual. Breakfast at your hotel includes local and western dishes. In remote areas, we suggest embracing local specialities. Drinks such as beer, soft drinks or bottled water are at your own expense locally.

Shopping

Shopping is a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests while on holiday, your tour includes a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. Included are visits to establishments that provide locally produced goods, unique to your destination. Witness the creation of these products, and see first-hand how their production supports the local economy. As most travellers like to take home souvenirs, we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Accommodation

Wendy Wu Tours inspects all hotels to ensure they meet the high levels of service, which we require for our guests. We pick the right hotel for the specific destination, meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family-run guesthouse in a smaller town. Chosen hotels are also chosen for ease of navigation around tourist sights.