Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Discover South America

Discover South America, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

Colorful culture and once-in-a-lifetime experiences pave the course as you explore Argentina, Peru and Brazil - on this two-week escorted journey.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lima

    Starting your South American journey

    Arrive in Lima and transfer independently to the four-star hotel in Miraflores. Welcome meeting with the Tour Manager, then a guided coach tour of Lima's UNESCO World Heritage historic center, the Plaza de Armas, the church and convent of San Francisco, and Parque del Amor in Miraflores. Three-course dinner this evening.

  2. Day 2overnight: Sacred Valley (Yanahuara)

    Into the Sacred Valley of the Incas

    Early internal flight to Cusco, then a two-hour coach transfer into the Sacred Valley, including a Coca Kintu ceremony en route. Check in to a mountain chalet-style hotel with Sacred Valley views.

  3. Day 3overnight: Sacred Valley (Yanahuara)

    Touring Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley

    Full-day excursion along the Urubamba River to Pisac's colonial town and market, lunch in Pisac, then a guided tour of Ollantaytambo's fortress (Sun Temple, Princess Baths fountain) and Inca-era Old Town.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Cusco

    Excursion to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas

    Board the scenic Expedition (Voyager) Train to Aguas Calientes, then a bus ride up to Machu Picchu, rediscovered in 1911, with a local guide. Return by rail via Ollantaytambo to Cusco for a two-night stay.

  5. Day 5overnight: Cusco

    Touring Cusco, the 'Archaeological Capital of the Americas'

    Guided tour of the Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, and the Temple of Qorikancha (Incan Temple of the Sun). Free time in the San Blas artistic quarter. Evening dinner with a traditional folk performance.

  6. Day 6overnight: Buenos Aires

    Welcome to stylish Buenos Aires

    Internal flight from Cusco via Lima to Buenos Aires, arriving in the evening; coach transfer to the central hotel. Evening free near the Palacio Barolo.

  7. Day 7overnight: Buenos Aires

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

    Guided tour taking in La Recoleta, Eva Perón's resting place, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palermo, and Plaza de Mayo (Casa Rosada). Afternoon free. Evening group dinner followed by an Argentine Tango show with a live quintet.

  8. Day 8overnight: Buenos Aires

    A day at leisure in Buenos Aires

    Full free day to explore districts such as La Boca (Caminito Street) or San Telmo, or visit cultural centers like the Teatro Colón.

  9. Day 9overnight: Puerto Iguazú

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

    Two-hour flight to Iguazú and transfer to a hotel overlooking the Iguazú River, for a two-night stay near Iguazú National Park.

  10. Day 10overnight: Puerto Iguazú

    Viewing the Iguazú Falls from Argentina

    Coach excursion into the Iguazú National Park rainforest with a local guide, walking the lower circuit among the falls' 275 cascades and continuing to the Devil's Throat viewing point (269-foot drop).

  11. Day 11overnight: Rio de Janeiro

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

    Half-day tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls along an elevated walkway to the Salto Floriano viewing platform, then an afternoon flight to Rio de Janeiro and transfer to a hotel opposite Leme beach.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Rio de Janeiro

    Exploring Rio and visiting the statue of Christ

    Board the Corcovado Rack Railway up Corcovado Mountain to the Christ the Redeemer statue, then visit the Botanical Gardens. Churrascaria-style barbecue lunch. Afternoon free.

  13. Day 13overnight: Rio de Janeiro

    A cable car trip to iconic Sugarloaf Mountain

    Cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views over Guanabara Bay, then visits to the Sambadrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Municipal Theatre. Final group dinner in South America.

  14. Day 14

    Traveling home

    Relaxed final morning before an independent transfer to the airport for the journey home.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 13 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • All internal flights and airport transfers
  • Breakfast each day, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Arrival and departure (international) flights

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