Independent Brazil, Argentina, & Peru
Independent Brazil, Argentina, & Peru
Independent Brazil, Argentina, & Peru
16 Days Starting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ISG1-2025
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Tour Overview
When my baby smiles at me, I go to Rio…and Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Cusco! You’ll be smiling from ear to ear on this epic 16-day Globus Independent tour of South America with plenty of much needed I-time in Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. And, while it takes two to Tango, it only takes you to choreograph the perfect day on a Globus Independent tour in South America. Rio sizzles with Brazilian barbecue, beaches, and bustling nightlife, bringing you a little closer to heaven atop Corcovado Mountain where the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue stands watch. With the freedom to design your days and fill your nights with Latin flair that ignites your independent spirit, you’ll be swaying to the samba in no time! Go chasing waterfalls in Iguassu National Park, where thunderous cascades plummet 300 feet into Devil’s Throat Canyon. Head to Buenos Aires, bursting at the seams with bold buildings, European energy, and bustling boulevards on this Globus Independent tour. Walk down the world’s widest avenue where the Colon Theater and Plaza de Mayo burst onto the scene. From the exciting enclave of La Boca to the old district of San Telmo, you can shop ‘til you drop and dine on the deliciousness of dozens of local cafes. Linger in the legendary Recoleta Cemetery where Argentina’s famous First Lady Evita Perón rests in peace, and then join the land of the living with a lively Tango show. Horse around with gauchos on an Argentinean estancia where ranch life is alive and kicking. Then, set your compass to the heart of Peru to ignite your independent spirit in Lima, Cusco, and magnificent Machu Picchu to find the “Lost City of the Incas.” Explore ancient ruins that defy explanation and encounter the captivating cultures that live on in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Timeless temples, textiles, and tantalizing dishes are all on the menu on this free-spirited sojourn in South America.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Hilton Rio Copacabana
Welcome to South America’s capital of glamour—Rio de Janeiro, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Hilton Rio Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
RIO DE JANEIRO • Today, your private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay is one of the New7Wonders of the World and home to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below. • The afternoon and evening are at leisure. • Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats that are marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style. (B)
Day 3: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Hilton Rio Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
RIO DE JANEIRO • Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest some options for your free time. (B) Today’s I-Time Tips This afternoon, you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II or take an optional excursion to visit iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Day 4: Rio De Janeiro,Iguassu Falls
Location: Iguassu Falls
Accommodation Name: Bourbon Cataratas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS • Fly to Iguassu Falls. This masterpiece of nature encompasses 275 separate falls and spans almost two miles. • Upon arrival, you will be met by your Local Guide who will take you on a private tour dedicated to enjoying the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrent from the Brazilian side. See the mammoth series of waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience!(B)
Day 5: Iguassu Falls
Location: Iguassu Falls
Accommodation Name: Bourbon Cataratas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
IGUASSU FALLS • Your Local Guide will take you on a private tour of the Argentine side of the Iguassu Falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the rainforest. • From atop the falls, a series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down more than 300 feet below into the Devil’s Throat. (B)Today’s I-Time Tips Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of indigenous birds as well as flora from the area.
Day 6: Iguassu Falls,Buenos Aires,Argentina
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation Name: Hotel Emperador
Meals Included: Breakfast
IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA • Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. • After arriving at your central hotel, you will have time to become acquainted with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. (B)
Day 7: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation Name: Hotel Emperador
Meals Included: Breakfast
BUENOS AIRES • After breakfast, your private tour takes you along the widest avenue in the world to see the Teatro Colón Opera House, the pride of Buenos Aires. You’ll also visit the Avenida de Mayo and Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), and the Cabildo, which was the first City Hall. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Continue to the oldest district in Buenos Aires, San Telmo, then stop by colorful La Boca and Palermo. Finish your city tour with a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón and a highlight of the city. • This evening, you may opt to enjoy dinner and a traditional Tango show—Argentina’s famed passionate dance. (B) Today’s I-Time Tips The Tango and Argentina go hand in hand. Tonight, perhaps opt to visit a local tango house, where professional tango dancers will delight you in Tango Show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages. Plus, dine on Argentine specialties and wine too!
Day 8: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation Name: Hotel Emperador
Meals Included: Breakfast
BUENOS AIRES • Today is free to explore this extraordinary city. Consider an optional excursion to visit a traditional estancia (ranch) to experience the lifestyle of the gauchos, or cruise down the Tigre River surrounded by beautiful landscapes and impressive homes. (B) Today’s I-Time Tips Estancias date back to the 16th Century during Spanish colonization when conquistadors where gifted land to raise and breed cattle. Today, these lands and traditions that go along with them have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, you have the chance to step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinean heritage during an optional trip to an estancia.
Day 9: Buenos Aires,Lima,Peru
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
BUENOS AIRES–LIMA, PERU • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, where you will be met by your Local Guide. (B)
Day 10: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
LIMA • Your included city tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias. (B) Today’s I-Time Tips This evening, you may choose to head over to a nearby park to witness the largest electronic water fountain complex in the world, certified by the Guinness Book of Records. You will enjoy a wonderful show of water, lights, music, and images.
Day 11: Lima,Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
LIMA–CUSCO • Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes, where you will be met by your Local Guide. • Your guided tour visits the cathedral in Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Monastery, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. • Take a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons. Followed by the amphitheater of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara. (B)
Day 12: Cusco,Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY • Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. • Continue to the market town of Pisaq, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry at bargain prices. • At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry. (B,L)
Day 13: Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU • Embark on a train trip bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.• On a guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Machu Picchu,Sacred Valley,Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO • A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. • Return to Cusco by train. (B)
Day 15: Cusco,Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
CUSCO–LIMA • Fly to Lima today. (B)
Day 16: Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
LIMA Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels including Hilton Rio Copacabana, Bourbon Cataratas Hotel, Hotel Emperador, Hotel Pullman Miraflores, Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas, and Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.
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Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 1 three-course dinner.
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Guided Tours
Private tours in various locations including Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
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Transportation
Flights between Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Cusco. Train trip to Machu Picchu.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various attractions including Christ the Redeemer, Iguassu Falls, Machu Picchu, and other historical sites.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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International Flights
International flights to and from South America are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Brazil, Argentina, and Peru are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 1 three-course dinner
Notes
Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and include private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Local guide service is provied in Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu. Intra-vacation flights are not included but can be added. Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Maximum elevation on this tour is 12,200 ft.
UNESCO Sites
City of Cusco|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu|Iguazu National Park
Accommodation
Rio de Janeiro: Hilton Rio Copacabana, Iguassu Falls: Bourbon Cataratas Hotel, Buenos Aires: Hotel Emperador, Lima: Hotel Pullman Miraflores, Cusco: Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Sacred Valley: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas, Machu Picchu: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used between destinations on this tour?
Travel between destinations is by flights and trains, including a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu through the Sacred Valley.
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What types of meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes a buffet breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 1 three-course dinner.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees to various attractions including Christ the Redeemer, Iguassu Falls, Machu Picchu, and other historical sites are included.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in various hotels including Hilton Rio Copacabana, Bourbon Cataratas Hotel, Hotel Emperador, Hotel Pullman Miraflores, Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas, and Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.
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What activities are included in the tour of Rio de Janeiro?
In Rio de Janeiro, the tour includes a private visit to the Cosme Velho district, a cog-wheel train ride through Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain, and a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
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What can I expect during the visit to Iguassu Falls?
At Iguassu Falls, you will enjoy a private tour of the Brazilian side, witnessing the mammoth series of waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. You will also walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, surrounded by clouds of mist, thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows.
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What will I see in Buenos Aires?
In Buenos Aires, you will have time to explore the city known as the 'Paris of South America,' with its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés.
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What historical sites will I visit in Cusco?
In Cusco, the tour includes visits to the cathedral in Plaza de Armas, Santo Domingo Monastery, and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, as well as the amphitheater of Kenko and the red fortress of Puca Pucara.
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What is included in the Sacred Valley tour?
The Sacred Valley tour includes a visit to Awanakancha to learn about alpaca and ancient weaving techniques, a stop at the market town of Pisac, and a visit to Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry.
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What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?
At Machu Picchu, you will embark on a train trip through the Sacred Valley to the 'Lost City of the Incas.' The guided tour includes exploring the intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. You also have the option to hike to the Sun Gate.
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Is there an opportunity to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu?
Yes, you will have a second entrance to the ruins of Machu Picchu, allowing you to wake up early and witness the sunrise over this iconic site.
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Are there any special notes or restrictions for this tour?
Yes, maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. The maximum elevation on this tour is 12,000 ft. For overnight stays in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, you are only allowed to bring an overnight bag weighing no more than 11 pounds due to luggage restrictions on the train. Your main luggage will be stored at the Cusco hotel where you will return for an additional overnight.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.