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Grand Tour of South America

34 Days

from $39,580 pp

SMALL GROUP HOSTED JOURNEY
FLIGHTS INCLUDED

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Amazonian rainforest, Incan ruins, colonial towns, white sandy beaches, and unique wildlife – the wonders of South America make for an incredible experience.

Take this journey visiting six amazing countries, starting off in the Amazon jungle before cruising the Galapagos Islands. Visit the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ at Machu Picchu, explore Lake Titicaca, marvel at the mighty waterfalls of Iguazu, and embrace the beautiful cities of Quito, Lima, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro. You’ll fall in love with the rich history and vast range of cultures, colours and sights, all in comfort and style.

Your Journey at a Glance

  •  Explore the wonders of the Amazon rainforest with a three night stay at stunning Sacha Lodge

  • 5 day Galapagos Islands cruise on board the Isabela II

  • Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, the majestic Andean Mountains reflecting in the azure waters of Lake Titicaca, and the incredible Iguazu Falls

  • Quito, with the most beautiful historic centre of any Latin American capital city

  • Rio de Janeiro’s natural beauty and vibrant beach culture

  • A World Journeys host to guide you every step of the way

Special Experiences:

  • Stay in an eco-lodge in the pristine Amazon Rainforest
    Experience the wonders of the Amazon rainforest staying at the famous Sacha Lodge with the only canopy walk in the Amazon, a birdwatching tower, and butterfly house.

  • Encounter the wildlife of the Galapagos
    The wildlife both above and below the waterline in the Galapagos is incredible. With strict limits on visitor numbers, you will be one of a privileged few who get to enjoy this experience.

  • Be immersed in the ancient history of Peru
    Visit the marvellous Larco Herrera Museum located in an 18th century mansion, surrounded by beautiful gardens. We will see the museum’s amazing archaeological collection.

  • Learn to dance the tango in Buenos Aires
    Learn to dance the tango and enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a multi award-winning tango show.

What's Included:

  • Small group tour (18 max)

  • Economy Class airfares ex Auckland

  • Airline and airport taxes

  • A World Journeys host

  • Accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels and lodges

  • Galapagos accommodation on board of the elegant Isabela II

  • Transfers, sightseeing, and entrance fees as per the itinerary

  • Meals as indicated (B-L-D)

  • INGALA Transit Control Card for the Galapagos Islands

  • Gratuities

What's Not Included:

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)

  • Visas (if applicable)

  • Optional activities

  • A Galapagos Islands National Park fee of US$200 per person is payable in cash on arrival in the Galapagos

Important Notes:

  • A non-refundable deposit of $4,000 per person is required, with the final balance due 16 May 2025

  • Please note that it may be necessary to collect the airfare portion of the tour earlier than the final balance date

  • As cancellation fees apply, travel insurance is mandatory

  • Please enquire about health and medical requirements

Gratuity:

In the countries we are visiting, tipping is customary. For a hassle-free journey, tipping is included and will be handled by the World Journeys host.

Welcome Back Offer:

Travelled on a World Journeys Hosted Journey before? We would like to welcome you back with a saving of $400 per couple (or $200 per person) if you book this Grand Tour of South America.

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Your Itinerary:

DAY

01

August Tue 19: Auckland > Santiago

Fly to Santiago and transfer to our hotel.

Meals included: None

DAY

02

Wed 20 : Santiago

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Santiago.

Meals included:  Breakfast

DAY

03

Thu 21 : Santiago

Head for the coast on a full day tour to historic Valparaiso. Then visit a winery for a tour, wine tasting and a special ‘welcome to South America’ lunch before returning to Santiago

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY

04

Fri 22 : Santiago > Quito

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Quito via Lima. On arrival in Quito, transfer to our hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY

05

Sat 23 : Quito > Amazon Jungle

We take a short flight over the Andes into the Amazon jungle. Then we transfer by river to the very comfortable Sacha Lodge, set in primary rainforest.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

06

Sun 24 : Amazon Jungle

Spend the next two days on nature walks, twilight river excursions and discovering the incredible birds, butterflies and wildlife. Other activities include piranha fishing and a treetop canopy walk, a great place to watch the sunset. Superb naturalist guides will help bring this incredible environment alive!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

07

Mon 25 : Amazon Jungle

A full day of guided jungle activities.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

08

Tue 26 : Amazon Jungle > Quito

Morning transfer by river then fly to Quito for overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY

09

Wed 27 : Quito

Explore this charming city, once the northern capital of the Incan Empire and the first ever designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY

10

Thu 28 : Quito > Galapagos Islands

Fly to the Galapagos and on arrival visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to learn about its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Then see giant Galapagos tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station and Breeding Centre before joining your comfortable expedition ship, the Isabela II.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

11

Fri 29 : Galapagos Islands

This morning visit Bartolome Island for magnificent views, before enjoying a zodiac ride searching for the amazing Galapagos penguin and many other species of marine bird life. Later explore Santiago Island, an excellent location to see many different species of Galapagos finches, along with mockingbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks and colourful flamingos.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

12

Sat 30 : Galapagos Islands

Explore Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, the ideal place to spot enigmatic land iguanas, and follow this with a chance to swim or snorkel. In the afternoon, explore the coastline of Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island, which is very rich in bird and marine life.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

13

Sun 31 : Galapagos Islands

Two of the best islands in the Galapagos await you today. In the morning cruise in zodiacs along the coast of Iabela Island spotting birds including the delightful blue footed boobies. Those interested can then snorkel with the sea turtles or alternatively, non-snorkellers may take a glass bottom boat cruise. The afternoon sees a landing on the youngest island in the archipelago, Fernandina. This area has an amazing volcanic landscape, with incredible vegetation and a huge number of marine iguanas sunning themselves on rocks.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

14

September Mon 1 : Galapagos Islands > Lima

Fly late morning to the mainland and connect to Lima

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY

15

Tue 2 : Lima

A full day of great sightseeing in this historic city, including a visit to the wonderful Larco Herrera Museum.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY

16

Wed 3 : Lima > Sacred Valley of the Incas

We take a short flight to Cuzco and then transfer to the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, situated at a lower altitude which will help us acclimatise to being at altitude.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY

17

Thu 4 : Sacred Valley of the Incas

This morning explore this picturesque valley. Visit the Inca salt mines at Maras and the amazing Inca ruins of Moray before enjoying a Peruvian Paso Horse show at our special lunch.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY

18

Fri 5 : Sacred Valley of the Incas > Machu Picchu

This morning visit the very impressive Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo before catching the train to Machu Picchu, the incredible ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at the amazing Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

19

Sat 6 : Machu Picchu > Cuzco

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu and then lunch before returning by train and coach to Cuzco.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY

21

Sun 7 : Cuzco

Morning tour of historic Cuzco, including the beautiful Cathedral and the impressive Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Then enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore.

Meals included: Breakfast 

DAY

20

Mon 8 : Cuzco > Puno

A very scenic and interesting day is spent travelling to Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Meals included:  Breakfast & Lunch

DAY

22

Tue 9 : Puno > Lake Titicaca > La Paz

Cross into Bolivia and cruise Lake Titicaca for a fascinating visit to Sun Island, the birthplace of the Incas. From here marvel at the azure blue lake and magnificent alpine views of the Royal Chain of the Andes. Continue to La Paz.

Meals included:  Breakfast & Lunch

DAY

23

Wed 10 : La Paz 

Morning tour to the markets of the most ‘Indian’ of South American capital cities. Also visit the mysterious Moon Valley and Mario Sarabia, a world-famous ceramics artist.

Meals included:  Breakfast 

DAY

24

Thu 11 : La Paz > Buenos Aires

We fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to our hotel

Meals included:  Breakfast

DAY

25

Fri 12 : Buenos Aires

Tour Buenos Aires, the ‘Paris of the Americas’.

Meals included:  Breakfast

DAY

26

Sat 13 : Buenos Aires

Explore, shop or relax in this great city. In the evening we will enjoy a tango lesson before a special dinner and tango show.

Meals included:  Breakfast & Dinner

DAY

27

Sun 14 : Buenos Aires > Iguazu Falls

Fly to the mighty Iguazu Falls before transferring to our hotel situated inside the National Park.

Meals included:  Breakfast 

DAY

28

Mon 15 : Iguazu Falls

Morning tour with amazing falls views then the highlight, the Devil’s Throat Cataract – the most impressive in the world.

Meals included:  Breakfast 

DAY

29

Tue 16 : Iguazu Falls > Rio de Janeiro

Tour the Brazilian side of the falls and visit a wonderful bird and wildlife park before flying to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival transfer to our hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach.

Meals included:  Breakfast

DAY

30

Wed 17 : Rio de Janeiro

Visit the historical centre of old Rio, then take two cable cars to the summit of Sugarloaf. Afternoon at leisure.

Meals included:  Breakfast

DAY

31

Thu 18 : Rio de Janeiro

Visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer and later pass by Rio’s famous beaches. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Meals included:  Breakfast 

DAY

32

Fri 19 : Rio de Janeiro > Auckland

Afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight home via Santiago.

Meals included:  Breakfast 

DAY

33

Sat 20 : In Flight

In flight from Rio de Janeiro to Auckland

Meals included:  None

DAY

34

Sun 21 : Auckland

Early morning arrival into Auckland.

Meals included:  None

Geography

Highlights:

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