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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Discover South America

16-day escorted rail and coach tour through Peru, Argentina, Brazil

Illustration of Discover South America

Great Rail Journeys operates this 16-day escorted tour of South America's premier destinations, departing from London Heathrow in May, September, or October 2027 and returning to London. The route spans Peru, Argentina, and Brazil, starting in Lima and ending in Rio de Janeiro. Days combine guided city exploration, scenic rail journeys, and nature excursions. In Peru, travellers visit the Sacred Valley and board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes for an ascent to Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan citadel. Days in Cusco include tours of the colonial centre and Incan temples. The itinerary then moves to Buenos Aires for guided sightseeing, an Argentine Tango performance, and a free day to explore independently. Iguazú Falls is viewed from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, with walks through the subtropical rainforest. Rio de Janeiro offers the Corcovado Rack Railway to the Statue of Christ the Redeemer and a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain. A Tour Manager accompanies the full journey, all guided tours and excursions are included, and 13 nights are spent in 4 and 5-star hotels with breakfast, selected lunches and dinners provided throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 5,999 per person) covers the package, hotel, meals, and internal rail and coach travel; the international flights from and to London Heathrow are included but departures are limited to May, September, and October 2027.
  • Groups can be up to 40 people, which is large for some travellers.
  • The single supplement (GBP 7,549) is significantly above half the per-person double rate, adding GBP 1,550 to the base price.
  • Days 9 and 15 are free for independent exploration; the remainder are guided or include structured excursions.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: In flight

    Starting your South American journey

    Your discovery tour of South America's highlights starts at London Heathrow, where we meet the Tour Manager before boarding our flight to São Paulo, Brazil. Travelling overnight, we can look forward to the days ahead, and an itinerary brimming with South America's top cultural highlights, including the celebrated Iguazú Falls, Peru's wondrous ancient sites, and the exciting cities of Lima, Cusco, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lima

    Connecting to Lima, Peru's historic capital

    On arrival in São Paulo, Brazil, we take a connecting flight to Lima in Peru. Touching down in the Peruvian capital, we transfer to our modern hotel in the Miraflores district. After time to relax, this afternoon we enjoy a guided coach tour of Lima, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage colonial centre, the Plaza de Armas, the church and convent of Santo Domingo, and the Parque del Amor in Miraflores. Dinner together this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Sacred Valley

    Into the Sacred Valley of the Incas

    We wake early to catch an internal flight to Cusco. On arrival, we transfer by coach to our hotel in the Sacred Valley, stopping en route for a Coca Kintu ceremony. The Sacred Valley was once the beating heart of the Incan empire, a peaceful region of fertile farmland, soaring mountains and traditional villages stretching for more than 60 miles. After checking in, there's time to relax before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Sacred Valley

    Touring Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley

    A full-day excursion following the Urubamba River to Pisac, where we visit the colonial town and its fabulous market selling handmade crafts, jewellery and textiles. After lunch in Pisac, we continue to Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of the ancient fortress, including the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain. If time allows, we visit a typical Chicheria. The evening is free to dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5railovernight: Cusco

    Excursion to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas

    A major highlight of the holiday. After breakfast we transfer to the station and board the scenic Expedition (or Voyager) Train to Aguas Calientes. A winding bus ride takes us up to Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel built amid floating clouds, mountains and forested peaks, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We return by coach to Aguas Calientes for free time over lunch, then return by rail to Ollantaytambo and on to Cusco for a two-night stay. Evening at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Cusco

    Touring Cusco, the 'Archaeological Capital of the Americas'

    A guided tour of Cusco this morning, visiting the Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, and the Temple of Qorikancha (Incan Temple of the Sun). Our tour continues to the Bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas, with the rest of the day at leisure. This evening we dine at a restaurant near our hotel and enjoy a traditional folk performance.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Buenos Aires

    Welcome to stylish Buenos Aires

    After an early breakfast, we transfer to Cusco airport for an internal flight to Lima and then on to Buenos Aires, arriving in the evening and transferring by coach to our central hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore the historic streets around the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Buenos Aires

    Guided tour of Buenos Aires, the 'Paris of South America'

    A guided tour of Buenos Aires' finest sights, including La Recoleta and the resting place of Eva Perón, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palermo, and Plaza de Mayo with Casa Rosada. From lunchtime, free for the rest of the afternoon. This evening, a relaxed group dinner followed by an authentic Argentine Tango show backed by a quintet covering music from the 1920s to Astor Piazzola.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Buenos Aires

    A day at leisure in Buenos Aires

    A full day to explore Buenos Aires at your own pace. Suggested visits include La Boca with its colourful Caminito Street, San Telmo's cobbled streets and antique shops, and cultural centres such as the Teatro Colón, Teatro General San Martin, or Teatro Nacional Cervantes. Dinner independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 10overnight: Puerto Iguazú

    To Puerto Iguazú, on the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay

    We leave Buenos Aires and drive to the airport for a two-hour flight to Iguazú. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Puerto Iguazú, which overlooks the Iguazú River. This evening we dine together at our hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: Puerto Iguazú

    Viewing the Iguazú Falls from Argentina

    A coach excursion to the Argentine side of the spectacular Iguazú Falls. We enter the lush subtropical rainforest of the national park, walking into the heart of the falls, 275 powerful cascading falls. We take the lower circuit and continue to the Upper Falls and the dramatic U-shaped Devil's Throat, where water descends from a height of 269 feet. The remainder of the afternoon is free.

    Meals: Breakfast

  12. Day 12overnight: Rio de Janeiro

    The Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls, and on to Rio de Janeiro

    A half-day tour on the Brazilian side of the Iguazú Falls, following the main circuit with a local expert. We follow an elevated route of 3,280 feet above river level, with an elevator up to the Salto Floriano viewing platform. After a short lunch break, we transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Rio de Janeiro. Arriving this evening, we transfer to our hotel opposite Leme beach. Evening free to dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  13. Day 13railovernight: Rio de Janeiro

    Exploring Rio and visiting the statue of Christ

    A sightseeing tour of Rio. We board the Corcovado Rack Railway to ascend Corcovado Mountain and view the awe-inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Wonders of the World. We then visit the Botanical Gardens. Continuing by coach to a local restaurant, we enjoy a typical Brazilian churrascaria-style barbecue lunch. The rest of the day is free.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  14. Day 14overnight: Rio de Janeiro

    A cable car trip to iconic Sugarloaf Mountain

    After breakfast, a journey by cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain (almost 1,300 feet), with breathtaking panoramic views across the harbour and Guanabara Bay. After an independent lunch, our tour continues to the Sambadrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Municipal Theatre. Final group dinner at the hotel this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  15. Day 15overnight: In flight

    Leaving South America

    Free time to enjoy your surroundings before regrouping in the late afternoon. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport for a short flight to São Paulo, where we join our connecting flight to London Heathrow.

    Meals: Breakfast

  16. Day 16

    Homeward bound

    Landing in London Heathrow this afternoon, you are free to continue your journey homewards. This South American journey has taken us from the exquisite ancient temples of Peru to the glorious waterfalls and rivers of Argentina and Brazil, the treasure of Lima, the cultural heritage of Buenos Aires and the dazzling landmarks of Rio de Janeiro.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 5Board the Expedition Train from the station to Aguas Calientes, then ride by coach up to Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan citadel set among clouds and forested peaks.
  • Day 8Watch an authentic Argentine Tango performance backed by a quintet at a group dinner in Buenos Aires.
  • Day 11Walk the lower circuit into the heart of Iguazú Falls on the Argentine side, then continue to the U-shaped Devil's Throat where water descends 269 feet.
  • Day 13Board the Corcovado Rack Railway to ascend Corcovado Mountain and view the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, then visit the Botanical Gardens.
  • Day 14Travel by cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views across Rio de Janeiro harbour and Guanabara Bay.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 13 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flights from London Heathrow to Lima via São Paulo
  • Return flights from Rio de Janeiro to London Heathrow via São Paulo
  • Flights usually depart London Heathrow late afternoon or evening
  • All internal flights
  • Breakfast each day
  • 2 lunches
  • 6 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Tips

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes the Expedition Train from a station to Aguas Calientes (for the Machu Picchu excursion), the Corcovado Rack Railway in Rio de Janeiro, and a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain. All rail and coach travel throughout the tour is included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is fully escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides a Tour Manager from London Heathrow through the entire 16-day journey, and all excursions are guided.
What is included in the price?
The package includes 13 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels, breakfast every day, 2 lunches, 6 dinners, the Tour Manager, all guided tours and excursions, all internal flights, and all rail and coach travel in South America. International flights from London Heathrow to Lima via São Paulo and return from Rio de Janeiro via São Paulo are also included, along with tips.
When do departures run?
Great Rail Journeys offers three departures: May 2027, September 2027, and October 2027.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes city walking tours in Lima, Cusco, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro, a winding bus ride up to Machu Picchu, walking the lower circuit and upper falls at Iguazú Falls (with an elevator up to one viewing platform), and ascending by cable car and rack railway. Most days involve moderate walking, but Days 9 and 15 are at leisure.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be purchased separately.

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