19 Day Inspiring South America Small Group Tour

Welcome to Argentina! This beautiful city, on the banks of the Río de la Plata, is a city of contrasts. You'll find grand avenues with fine European architecture, and vibrant neighbourhoods buzzing with Latin American flair – it is the birthplace of tango, after all. The food scene in Buenos Aires is happening. If you're a fan of steak, a visit to a parrilla (steakhouse) is in order – Argentines are known for their love of beef and asado (barbeque). Make like a Porteño and grab a choripán, a classic Argentinian hot dog made with chorizo. There are plenty of food stands dotted around the city where you can buy an empanada, the classic Argentine snack. You'll also find great ice cream, especially the Argentine favourite dulce de leche flavour. People eat dinner late around here – and head out to nightclubs even later! Argentina's oldest and arguably most famous café, Café Tortoni, is a great place for coffee and people watching – and to see the tango performed onstage. Café con leche, anyone? Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. Upon check-in at the hotel, you'll be handed a welcome note with your meeting time for tomorrow.

In the morning, meet your local tour guide at approximately 8am for a welcome meeting and a briefing on the trip ahead. This meeting will be followed by a city tour of Buenos Aires before transferring to the airport for your flight to Iguazu. During the city tour we'll head to Plaza de Mayo (Main Square) and see the pink-hued Casa Rosada (Government Palace) – this is, of course, where Juan and Eva Perón delivered famous speeches from the balconies. See Metropolitan Cathedral and City Hall followed by some free time for lunch (not included). Learn more about Argentina's passion – fútbol (football) – by visiting vibrant La Boca. We'll pass by La Bombonera, the iconic stadium of the Boca Juniors, and see Puerto Madero on the waterfront, the most modern neighbourhood of the city. We'll finish with a visit to the upscale Recoleta neighbourhood, with its elegant buildings and the most exclusive pocket of the city, Alvear Avenue. The flight to Puerto Iguazu is approximately 1.5hrs long. On arrival you will be transferred across to the Brazil side of the falls for your accommodation. The Iguazu Falls are located where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of the Paraná Plateau, created by an enormous volcanic eruption more than 130 million years ago. Straddling the Argentine-Brazil border, the falls are made up of up to 275 individual waterfalls, lining a 2.7km-wide horsesh-shaped gorge. It's a truly breathtaking sight to see the unyielding force of nature in such a magnificent setting. Inspiring Highlights Buenos Aires Plaza de Mayo La Boca Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 15kg (33 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free. On your departure from Buenos Aires you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local guide in Iguazu, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life. Brazil has introduced an online visa requirement. Please refer to thePre-Tour Essentials section below for further information.

These spectacular falls can be viewed from both sides; the Brazilian side offers a broader, panoramic view, and the Argentinian side offers a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls up close. This morning after breakfast you'll explore Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side. Beginning at the visitor's centre, you'll explore the upper footbridges. These footbridges, raised off the jungle floor, provide panoramic views from above the falls. The noise as these mighty falls plunge to the bottom of the narrow canyon is almost deafening. There's the chance of getting under the falls, with an optional excursion, the Gran Aventura. You'll return to the hotel in the afternoon to enjoy the evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Iguazu Falls - Argentinian Side

After breakfast, you'll tour the relatively dry Brazilian side of the falls, with breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Uninterrupted vistas of the Floriana Falls, the Devil's Gorge canyon and the Iguazu River are spectacular and guaranteed to impress. You'll then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Bem vindo ao Rio - Welcome to Rio! You'll be met at Galeao International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Copacabana, on the city's dazzling iconic shoreline. Nicknamed a cidade maravilhosa (the marvellous city), Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its dazzling landscapes and location, nestled between steep, green mountains and crystal-clear seas. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for not only its ‘staggeringly beautiful location', but its cultural landscape. The city is full of energy. Cariocas, the locals of Rio, are known for their carefree spirit and charm. Rio is one of the most important cultural and economic cities in Brazil and is home to some of the country's most famous attractions, like Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Corcovado Hill, and Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. The city comes alive for Carnival celebrations each winter, an extravagant pre-Lenten spectacle with street parades and samba parties. Enjoy a free night to explore this fantastic city. Inspiring Highlights Iguazu Falls - Brazilian Side Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. On your departure from Iguazu you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local guide in Rio de Janeiro, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.

This morning after breakfast, you'll meet your local guide who will welcome you and brief you on the next couple days. Then we'll embark on a full day tour of Rio de Janeiro to see the city's famous landmarks, like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. We'll take a scenic drive from Copacabana Beach, continuing along Botafogo Beach and passing the imposing Guanabara Palace on the way to Corcovado Hill. At the top we'll find the greatest national icon, Christ the Redeemer, standing tall over the city with arms outstretched. This giant Art Deco statue was recently named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The panoramic views of the city are lovely from up here, 709 metres at the summit. We'll then continue on to the district of Urca and the world-famous rocky peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, where you'll board the first cable car to the top of Urca Hill, enjoying spectacular views of Guanabara Bay. A second cable car takes you on to Sugarloaf, with 360-degree views of the city and surroundings. Sugarloaf Mountain towers over the harbour, 400 metres above the mouth of Guanabara Bay. Afterwards, we'll pass through the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema en route to a traditional Brazilian lunch at a local churrascaria, an all-you-can-eat barbeque. After lunch, we'll head to the city's historic centre, where you'll see the Lapa Arches. Built in the middle of the 18th century, this aqueduct is an impressive example of colonial architecture and engineering. Another important sight that you'll appreciate is the Metropolitan Cathedral, known for its unique conical shape, inspired by Mayan pyramids, and massive stained-glass windows. We'll also make a quick stop to see the colourful Selaron Stairs, an amazing urban work of art by the late Jorge Selaron. These steps are decorated with more than 2,000 brightly coloured tiles and mirrors. We'll return to the hotel along Aterro de Flamengo (Flamengo Park), passing by the Monument to the Dead of World War II and the beaches of Flamengo and Botafogo. Tonight will be another night at your leisure to soak up the nightlife of Rio. Inspiring Highlights Christ the Redeemer Sugarloaf Mountain Copacabana Beach, Churrascaria Lunch Selaron Stairs

Today is a free day for you to enjoy the rhythm of this vibrant, bustling city. Your tour guide will be at hand to assist with suggestions and optional activities. Relax on the legendary beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema or take one of the tours on offer to explore more of this iconic city. The famous crescent-shaped beach of Copacabana is a tourist hotspot. It's lively, vibrant and busy… round-the-clock busy. The golden sand stretches nearly four kilometres long, from Copacabana Fort to Leme Beach. It's lined with high-rise hotels, including the iconic Copacabana where Barry Manilow penned that hit in the 1970s. Wander the iconic black and white promenade – it's everything you imagined. Swaying palm trees, skimpy bikinis and people sunning themselves, playing volleyball, dancing and swimming. Beach vendors stroll up and down the shore, selling all manner of snacks, souvenirs and drinks. Ipanema Beach is more upscale, the place to see and be seen. You'll find more locals chilling out here. If you are planning to take a dip in the warm Carioca waters, make sure you leave your belongings at your hotel. Unfortunately, opportunistic theft can be a regular occurrence. If you want to relax off the beach, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens are lovely for a stroll. There's a Japanese garden, a pond filled with water lilies and 600 species of orchids. Head to the Benedictine Church and Monastery of São Bento, founded in 1590. The unassuming exterior is in complete contrast to the intricate interior, covered with gilded carved wood and decorated with exquisite wooden statues. São Francisco da Penitência is an elaborate church – you have to see inside to believe it, with its rich gold leaf interior. The choir ceiling has the earliest trompe-l'il painting in the country, painted by Caetano da Costa Clho in 1736. For a taste of Rio nightlife – or just great people watching – head to the Lapa neighbourhood in downtown (where you saw the Lapa Arches yesterday). As Rio's party district, it's home to samba bars and a huge street party every weekend. Try the national drink caipirinha, a cocktail of sugar, cachaça and lime.

Today you'll be up early in the morning to fly to Lima, City of Kings. Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Your local guide will meet you for a welcome briefing and offer some tips for this leg of your adventure. While Peru's capital officially began life in 1535, Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city's attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical centre. You'll also find excellent museums – a given considering the history and culture of its surroundings – and interesting colonial architecture. One such museum, the Museo de la Nación, is the largest museum in Lima and an ideal place to begin exploring Peru's ancient history. At night, the Magic Water Circuit show in the Parque de la Reserva is a tourist drawcard. Every one of the 13 fountains at the park is illuminated with different colours and synchronised to music. Enjoy a free night to explore this vibrant city. Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 9 hours. On your departure from Rio de Janeiro you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local guide in Lima, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.

Get ready to discover Lima today! In the morning after breakfast, your local guide will meet you for a welcome briefing and offer some tips for this leg of your adventure, before enjoying a tour of the city. On the way to the historic centre, we'll see the outside of the pre-Columbian site Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent ceremonial and archaeological centre built in the fourth century – considered a sacred village by the Incas. We'll continue on to the colonial side of the city where we'll pass by the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, the Government Palace, City Hall, and other important monuments. We'll visit the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the historical centre of Lima. Although most of the buildings of the original city were lost in the earthquake of 1746, the bronze fountain in the centre of the square dates back to 1651. Later, we'll visit the Bodega Y Quadra Museum, in a well-preserved house of the Peruvian Republican period. Then we'll see the 16th-century Santo Domingo Convent, one of Peru's oldest churches. There may be a chance to climb the bell tower for stunning views of Lima. Finally, we'll see the changing of the guards at Government Palace (subject to the Palace's program) before returning to the hotel. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore on your own. Your local guide will be with you to assist in anything you may need. Feel free to head to the modern section of this great metropolis and visit the district of Miraflores with its shopping mall Larcomar, built on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the traditional ‘Parque del amor' (Love Park). Miraflores is home to the pyramid-shaped temple of Huaca Pucllana. If you have time, a leisurely stroll down the Miraflores Boardwalk will showcase the coastline views. With its vibrant, varied flavours, Peruvian food will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip and Lima is the country's gastronomic capital. Ceviche is Peru's most popular dish, and with the Pacific Ocean just west of the city, you'll find it everywhere – from cevicherias to street stalls to fine dining restaurants. You might like to end the day with the ubiquitous pisco sour, a popular cocktail made with the nation's favourite brandy. Inspiring Highlights Plaza Mayor Bodega Y Quadra Museum Government Palace

Today will be an early start, as you'll be taken to the airport to board your flight for the Peruvian jungle town of Puerto Maldonado – gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, the staff will welcome you and take you to the nearby office to pack your bag for the jungle stay (a small duffel bag will be provided). Your luggage will be stored in a secure place while you are exploring the jungle. We will then travel to the port where we will board our motorboat for our journey along the warm, calm waters of the Tambopata River. Travel time is about 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach our lodge. A picnic lunch box will be provided to enjoy onboard. This area is the least populated territory in Peru, with its lush tropical rainforest. Of course, it's more than a rainforest – it's a complex ecosystem, with a dazzling array of flora and fauna. You'll observe life in the jungle, its thrilling landscapes and the fascinating wildlife that call it home. When you arrive at the lodge you will be provided with useful information to enhance your stay. Accommodation at your lodge is simple but comfortable, designed to enjoy the ambience of the jungle. Rooms have private bathrooms (cold water). You will then have free time to settle in and perhaps take a short walk to watch the sunset. After dinner, you'll search for caiman. We'll return to the river with flashlights in search of the red reflection of caiman eyes lurking along the riverbank. With any luck, we'll see some nocturnal animals as well. It's a magical experience to witness them in the wilderness. Inspiring Highlights Amazon Jungle Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free. For assistance with a packing list, please see our ‘Packing Essentials' in the ‘Your Tour Experience' section for this tour. On your departure from Lima you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met in Puerto Maldonado by a local guide, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in the jungle and be reachable to assist you as needed. The order and schedule of the activities during your stay may be modified according to weather and the wellbeing of the group. When purchasing a single supplement please be aware that on rare occasions, this might not cover the jungle stay depending on passenger numbers and rooming configurations for your departure date.

A day of adventure awaits! In order to have the best chance of observing fauna the day will start early. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge before taking a 30 minute boat ride and 2km hike to “Tres Chimbadas Lake”, a fascinating unique habitat in the Amazon basin. This small lake located inside the Infierno Community Reserve is home to many species, including the endangered Giant River Otters. You will explore the lake by catamaran as your guide helps you to seek out wildlife such as black caymans, hoatzins, horned screamers and other aquatic birds as well as lush vegetation surrounding the river banks. Return to the Lodge for lunch. After a well-deserved break, your naturalist guide will take you to a 42 metre (137 ft)- high tower to get an overview of the Amazon Rainforest from above. This is the first tower made to measure the effects of climate change. The tower is equipped with a wide variety of devices to measure solar radiation and carbon flux emission in the Peruvian rainforest. From the tower we have a unique opportunity to see the flora and fauna at all the different forest levels. With luck you may spot flocks of canopy birds and macaws at close proximity. Return to the lodge for dinner. After dinner, an excursion into the Amazon rainforest promises real adventure. Explore this thrilling jungle on one of the lodge's trails, home to nocturnal animals with intriguing behaviour patterns. Experience this hidden world in the dark and search for insects, amphibians, bats and nocturnal birds. If lucky, we'll see some nocturnal mammals. Return to the lodge for the night where you will sleep to the sounds of the jungle. Inspiring Highlights Amazon Jungle Tres Chimbadas Lake

After breakfast, we'll take a ride back to Puerto Maldonado by motorised can. You'll pick up your belongings and transfer to the airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you'll be met by your local leader and transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley was once the epicentre of the Inca Empire, running from the ancient capital of the empire, Cusco, to the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu. This lush green valley's agreeable climate and fertile plains provided an unusual abundance for the high Andes. Here the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation channels. Tonight you will have a free night to explore at your leisure. Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours. On your departure from the Amazon you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a tour leader in Cusco, who will spend the next few days in Peru with you. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.

In the morning we'll head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We'll visit a community in the valley to learn about daily life for the locals. If the visit coincides with market day, you'll have time to browse the stalls for hand-painted beads or warm ponchos – or a chance to practise the local language, Quechua. Lunch will be served at the community. In the afternoon, we'll visit the town of Ollantaytambo and there is the option of visiting the ruins here. Inspiring Highlights Sacred Valley Community Visit

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this is the jewel in South America's crown – today we'll visit the breathtaking archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Early in the morning you'll be taken to the station to board the fabled tourist train towards Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes). It's a modern little town close to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys you can experience in Peru. It's an almost two-hour journey that passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then descends gradually along the edge of the Urubamba River, before finally reaching the cloud forest. The train reaches its last stop in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), on the foothills of Machu Picchu. From here it's a short bus ride – about 30 minutes – up the steep, zigzagging road to the famed ancient site. Upon arrival, we'll enter the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu and the tour guide will show you the most important sectors of this great Inca City. Now the most recognisable icon of the Inca civilisation, Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then, in 1911, explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon its remains. At 2430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing creation of the Inca Empire at the height of their reign. The stonework has to be seen up close to truly comprehend its intricate beauty. Giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. After the tour, we'll return to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes) by bus before taking the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo town, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco to enjoy a relaxing night after a big day of exploring. Inspiring Highlights Machu Picchu Train Machu Picchu Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. 2027 Departures: After the tour, we'll return to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes) by bus before taking the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo town, followed by a private transfer back to your hotel in Sacred Valley.

Enjoy a free morning to relax in Cusco before an afternoon guided walking tour. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas, Cusco has a long and fascinating history, from the first Inca ruler through to the Spanish conquest and on to its life today as a major tourist destination. The walking tour takes in vivid examples of the blend of Inca and Spanish cultures. We'll start with the Stone of Twelve Angles at the Inca Roca Palace on Hatun Rumiyoc Street, before visiting the most sacred Inca building, the Temple of Qorikancha, the Inca temple of the sun. From there we head to the heart of the city, the busy main square of Plaza de Armas, a great place to people watch, and on to the San Pedro Market for some food and souvenir shopping, where you'll find local cheese and chocolate, herbal medicines and handicrafts. As you wander the streets and side alleys, you'll see the perfect tapering Inca stonework that forms the foundations of many of Cusco's colonial and modern buildings. Enjoy a free evening to sample the tastes and nightlife of Cusco. Inspiring Highlights Temple of Qorikancha Plaza de Armas Special Information 2027 departures:After spending your final night in Sacred Valley, we drive back to Cusco after breakfast and take a guided walking tour on arrival. After the tour, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free evening in Cusco.

You'll have a free day to see Cusco at your own pace today. Perhaps a visit to the traditional, picturesque neighbourhood of San Blas is in order – you can reach it by taking a short but steep walk from the Plaza de Armas. Here you'll find art studios, artisan workshops and many of the best bars and restaurants. It's a great place to wander and soak in the atmosphere.

You will have an early start today and will be leaving the hotel at approximately 7:30am, we'll set off for Puno, a ten-hour bus journey. This is a gorgeous scenic journey. The first half is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains towering over deep valleys, then you'll reach the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where vicuñas and alpacas can be spotted. Along the way, we'll visit charming landmarks with a rich history, like the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, or the Andahuaylillas Church, built during the 17th century, and the archaeological site of Raqchi (also known as Temple of Wiracocha). You'll get a beautiful view of the Chimboya glacier from the La Raya Pass. There will be a stop at the Pukara Lithic Museum, where you'll find archaeological gems like stone sculptures and impressive pottery among the artefacts. Inspiring Highlights Andahuaylillas Church Chimboya glacier View Pukara Lithic Museum Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 10 hours. Today, your guide will accompany you on your journey to Puno. Upon arrival, you'll meet your new local guide, who will be with you through Puno and Lake Titicaca.

Another early start today as we set off at approximately 7:00am for the boat to explore Lake Titicaca, an ancient treasure trove of Andean culture that straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia. We'll spend the day touring by boat on this high altitude lake. There are numerous islands here whose inhabitants live with the same customs and traditions of their ancestors. We'll spend time on the Uros Islands (floating islands). Centuries ago, the indigenous Uros tribe harvested totora reeds in the shallows of the lake, bundled them tightly and built floating island platforms with reed houses and cans. We'll then continue to Taquile Island, about an hour away. The Taquileños, Quechua-speaking locals who live here – about 2,200 of them – are known for their ancestral weaving skills (a UNESCO-protected art). Their fine handwoven handicrafts are incredibly high quality. In the afternoon we'll return to Puno by boat. Inspiring Highlights Lake Titicaca Uros Floating Islands Taquile Island

After breakfast today we'll head to the airport to board a flight to Lima. Time permitting, on the way to the airport, we'll visit the pre-Incan cemetery of Sillustani, on the shores of Lake Umayo. You'll see the most important sectors of this archaeological site, for a deeper insight into Andean culture. Tombs at this burial ground were built above ground in tower-like structures called chullpas. The remains of the Qulla people's elite are here – they were conquered by the Inca in the 15th century. We'll also enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the lake. Upon arrival in Lima, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel, where you'll enjoy a free night. Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed.

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your South American adventure comes to an end. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.