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APT (APT Travel Group) · Small Group Tour

Best of South America with Belmond Andean Explorer Train

23-day South America small group tour with a luxury Andean sleeper train

Illustration of Best of South America with Belmond Andean Explorer Train

APT runs this 23-day small group tour across Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru, starting in Rio de Janeiro and ending in Arequipa, with a maximum of 24 guests led by an APT Tour Director and local guides. The route moves from Rio and Iguazú Falls, where travellers stay at Gran Meliá Iguazú inside Iguazú National Park, to Buenos Aires for a tango demonstration, then Santiago and a guided tour of Valparaíso's historic quarter. In Peru, the trip takes in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray and Machu Picchu, explored with a local guide, before reaching Cusco. From there, the Belmond Andean Explorer, described as South America's first luxury sleeper train, carries travellers on a two-night journey through the Peruvian Highlands to Arequipa, with a Piano Bar Car and refined Peruvian cuisine included. It suits travellers who want a long, fully guided tour of several South American countries built around one signature luxury train journey, rather than a rail-focused itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Most days in the evidence are listed only as a city name with a 'Freedom of Choice' or 'Signature Experience' tag, rather than a description of the specific activities; confirm day-by-day inclusions with APT before booking.
  • The evidence does not include a price for this tour; confirm current pricing and departure dates with APT.
  • Flights to and from South America are not included in the tour price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive Rio de Janeiro

  2. Day 2

    Rio de Janeiro

  3. Day 3

    Rio de Janeiro

    Freedom of Choice

  4. Day 4

    Rio de Janeiro, Iguazú Falls

    Freedom of Choice

  5. Day 5

    Iguazú Falls

    Signature Experience

  6. Day 6

    Iguazú Falls, Buenos Aires

    Signature Experience

  7. Day 7

    Buenos Aires

    Freedom of Choice

  8. Day 8

    Buenos Aires

    Freedom of Choice

  9. Day 9

    Buenos Aires, Santiago

  10. Day 10

    Santiago

    Freedom of Choice

  11. Day 11

    Santiago, Valparaíso

    Signature Experience

  12. Day 12

    Santiago, Lima

  13. Day 13

    Lima

    Signature Experience

  14. Day 14

    Lima, Sacred Valley

    Signature Experience

  15. Day 15

    Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray

    Signature Experience

  16. Day 16

    Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

    Signature Experience

  17. Day 17

    Machu Picchu, Cusco

  18. Day 18

    Cusco

    Freedom of Choice

  19. Day 19rail

    Cusco, Belmond Andean Explorer Train

    Signature Experience

  20. Day 20rail

    Belmond Andean Explorer Train

  21. Day 21rail

    Belmond Andean Explorer Train, Arequipa

  22. Day 22

    Arequipa

  23. Day 23

    Depart Arequipa

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 6A private tango demonstration in Buenos Aires is followed by a selection of tapas.
  • Day 11A guided tour of Valparaíso's historic quarter, a World Heritage listed city, includes a funicular ride with views over its colourful buildings and port.
  • Day 13A private hacienda near Lima hosts an authentic lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show.
  • Day 16A local guide leads the exploration of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, high in the Andes.
  • Day 19The Belmond Andean Explorer begins a two-night journey through the Peruvian Highlands from Cusco to Arequipa, described as South America's first luxury sleeper train, with a Piano Bar Car and refined Peruvian cuisine.

Included

  • Travel to Valparaíso for a guided discovery of the historic quarter and a funicular ride
  • Enjoy a private tango demonstration before savouring a selection of tapas in Buenos Aires
  • Experience a stay within Iguazú National Park in Argentina
  • Two-night luxury train journey aboard Belmond Andean Explorer, including all beverages
  • Relish an authentic lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show at a private hacienda in Lima
  • 20 nights in luxury accommodation
  • Locally inspired dining, a total of 45 meals
  • Expert APT Tour Director and local guides

Not included

  • Flights to and from South America

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. APT includes a two-night journey aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer from Cusco to Arequipa through the Peruvian Highlands, including all beverages.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's a small group tour, led by an expert APT Tour Director and local guides, with a maximum of 24 guests.
Which train is used?
The Belmond Andean Explorer, described as South America's first luxury sleeper train, with a Piano Bar Car and refined Peruvian cuisine.
What is included?
20 nights of luxury accommodation, 45 meals, the two-night Belmond Andean Explorer train journey with all beverages, and an expert APT Tour Director and local guides.
What is not included?
Flights to and from South America.
How many people travel together?
The tour is capped at a maximum of 24 guests.

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