The Best Two Weeks in South America Travel

The Best Two Weeks in South America

14 Days / 13 Nights

This 14-day tour takes you to five of the most popular destinations in South America, across three countries - Brazil, Argentina and Peru.

Starting in Brazil, you visit Rio de Janeiro, to stay by Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches and visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. After visiting the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls, you then cross into Argentina for a close-up look at the falls on that side. The Tango City comes next, with a few days in Buenos Aires.

The final country is Peru, with the Inca Capital of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Inca and the majestic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu high on a mountain top making your final destination of an amazing two weeks in South America.

This tour can very easily be reversed as well to match better flight options or seasonal and festival necessities, to begin in Peru and finish in either Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires.

from $ 3,350 USD

The Best Two Weeks in South America

14 Days / 13 Nights


Destinations Visited

  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Iguazu Falls
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Peru

Trip Style

Traditional

Activities Included

  • Wildlife Observation
  • Ecotourism
  • Beaches

Tailor Made Tours

All our Brazil and South America Tours, are completely flexible with regards to dates, duration or the tours, activities and accommodation that we can include. All the tours featured on our website are our recommendations based on our experience of how to make the very best of your time in South America. We can adjust these details in any way that you wish. We are here to organise a tour that suits you after all!

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Destination: Rio de Janeiro

After being welcomed on your arrival in Rio de Janeiro, your Brazil Adventure Tours guide describes the Marvellous City during the journey to your hotel. You pass along the edge of Guanabara Bay, with first glimpses of the city, the statue of Christ The Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain before you arrive at Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches. After arriving at your hotel, we will go through the details of your Brazil Tour and give you some local tips for your time in the city. The day is then free to explore Rio and perhaps enjoy your first caipirinha cocktail at sunset from Arpoador, the headland between the two main beaches.
Day 2
Through Rio to Christ the Redeemer

Destination: Rio de Janeiro

Your first tour of Rio takes you to see the historic side of Rio, the Municipal Theatre and the grand buildings that date from the 19th Century and earlier. The modern Metropolitan Cathedral and the antique Arches of Lapa are two more of Rio's postcard sights. You then travel to the top of Corcovado, the steep 710m/2,340ft high mountain topped by the 31m/102ft statue of Christ The Redeemer. The views from the base across Rio, its beaches and mountains, over the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are as spectacular as city views can be. The afternoon and evening are free to relax.
Day 3
Cable Cars and Sugar Loaf Views

Destination: Rio de Janeiro

Morning brings a journey around the lagoon to the Botanical Gardens in the shadow of Corcovado. The gardens contain an array of tropical species, with palms, orchids and the pau brasil tree that gave its name to the country watched over by monkeys and toucans. You then travel to the bottom of Sugar Loaf Mountain to ride the two cable cars to the 396m summit. The city views take in of Copacabana Beach, the mountains behind the statue of Christ the Redeemer and also those surrounding Rio on a clear day. The afternoon and evening are free once more, with a typical Brazilian churrascaria barbeque being one dinner option.
Day 4
Iguazu Falls Views

Destination: Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls

The morning flight takes you to Iguazu Falls, and your first chance to see the 275 separate falls of the Iguazu River comes as you land. On arrival you will be met for an immediate tour of the Brazilian national park, where you can enjoy the majestic panoramic views of Iguazu from across the gorge. Options include viewing the falls from above with helicopter rides above them. In the late afternoon you transfer to your hotel with the evening free. Please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for Iguazu Falls, as the walkways, paths and yourselves become wet from the spray. Camera protection is also a good idea.
Day 5
Mesmeric Iguazu

Destination: Iguazu Falls

After breakfast you cross to the Argentinean national park, where walkways allow you to experience the majesty of Iguazu from very close quarters. The undoubted highlight is the mesmeric experience of looking down into The Devil's Throat as the falling water pounds the bottom, creating the roar and mist that mean Iguazu Falls can be seen and heard for miles around. The afternoon finishes with the adventure boat ride which takes you right under the falling curtains of water. In the evening you may like to take in a Latin American Dance Show, or in the period around Full Moon, you can visit the falls to view Iguazu By Moonlight.
Day 6
On to the Tango City

Destination: Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires

With your flight from Iguazu to Buenos Aires possible at any time of day, you may like to visit more Iguazu attractions. The Bird Park has hundreds of colourful tropical species free to fly around the huge aviaries, including parrots, macaws and toucans. They are accompanied by huge butterflies too. A tour to Itaipu Dam takes you to see one of the world's largest engineering projects on the Rio Parana. The dam was the largest hydroelectric plant on earth until recently. After flying to Buenos Aires you transfer across the city to your hotel, with the rest of the day is then free to explore the area around the famous Recoleta Cemetery.
Day 7
Buenos Aires By Day & Night

Destination: Buenos Aires

In the morning your Buenos Aires tour takes in the major city sights including Plaza de Mayo with the Pink Palace (Casa Rosada), the cathedral, colonial Cabildo and the old Town Hall. You also visit the coloured houses of La Boca and the old tango district of San Telmo, as well as the Congresso Parliament building and the Recoleta cemetery before returning to your hotel. After the afternoon to yourselves, you will be picked up and taken to one of Buenos Aires traditional Tango Shows. After dinner, the dancers entertain you with some of the classic tango numbers that have made the dance famous worldwide. Transfers are included.
Day 8
Free Time in the Tango City

Destination: Buenos Aires

The day is free to enjoy Buenos Aires. Many tours are available in and around the city or you can choose to explore on your own. One option is a trip outside of the city to visit an estancia, where Argentinean Gaucho cowboys maintain their traditional lifestyle. Boat trips around the Tigre Delta an hour outside the city are also popular, as is the trip across the Rio de la Plata to the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. Tango lessons can also be arranged if you want to learn the basic steps before visiting a milonga, the tango clubs, to practice them with the local dancers.
Day 9
Over The Andes to Peru

Destination: Buenos Aires to Lima to Cusco

An early flight takes you over The Andes to Peru. On arrival in Lima, you fly on to Cusco, the Inca Citadel nestling amongst the Andes Mountains. You will be met at the airport for the short journey to your hotel in the historic areas of the city. Once there, you can check in, drink some coca tea and begin the process of acclimatising to the altitude. Taking things easy is essential on your first day in the mountains, and a gentle wander around the city in the afternoon is recommended. Your first meals at altitude should be light, but there are still plenty of options for lunch and dinner in Cusco.
Day 10
The Inca Capital of Cusco

Destination: Cusco

Your first morning in Cusco can be spent at your leisure, either exploring the city or relaxing at your hotel. Your guided tour of the city and its archaeological sites will begin in the afternoon, starting with a visit to the impressive colonial cathedral, followed by Korikancha (The Temple of the Sun). From here you will travel to the outskirts of Cusco for a tour of the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, later visiting the ruins of Puca Pucara, Qenqo, and Tambomachay. The evening is free to enjoy dinner at a restaurant in some historic building set amongst the cobbled streets, or perhaps even at the Pre-Colombine Art Museum.
Day 11
The Sacred Valley of the Inca

Destination: Cusco to the Sacred Valley

Today you head up and out of Cusco to the Urubamba Valley. Your first stop will be at the village of Pisac and its local market, with Tuesday, Thursday and especially Sunday being the most colourful days. In the early afternoon you will enjoy lunch with a view of the valley. The afternoon will be spent exploring the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo, climbing up and down the steep terraces with views down the three valleys that meet there, and made Ollantaytambo a strategic point for any travellers. You finish at your hotel for the evening amongst the scenic splendour of the Sacred Valley.
Day 12
The Lost City of Machu Picchu

Destination: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes

You leave during the morning for your train ride through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the station in Aguas Calientes your guide will retrieve your luggage and escort you to your transportation to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu. Following a guided tour of the ruins, in which you will learn all about the origins of this archeological wonder, you have the rest of the afternoon free to explore. Transportation is provided to the base of the mountain, from where you can return to your hotel. The evening is free to enjoy dinner in the sheltered little town of Aguas Calientes, with mountains towering all around.
Day 13
Sunrise At The Ruins...?

Destination: Aguas Calientes to Cusco

You may want to visit the ruins a second time to catch the magical moments of Sunrise at Machu Picchu, although you need to be prepared for an early start. You may also consider the trek up to Huayna Picchu. This trek requires approximately three hours to complete and allows for spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the valleys and mountains. After descending, you may have time to enjoy the hot springs that give the town its name before your train to Cusco departs in the afternoon, arriving in Cusco after dark.
Day 14
Away from Peru

Destination: Cusco to Lima & Away

You have time in the morning to enjoy Cusco some more, to walk among the Inca walls of the historic buildings in the city centre, and to buy some souvenirs from Peru. After lunch, you transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima, connecting their with your flight away from Peru and South America. Here's hoping that the wonderful memories of your tour will last you a lifetime.

Prices

* Domestic Flights Estimated Price
$1,050 USD
** Prices Per Adult based on two people travelling and sharing accommodation
Simple B&B
On Request
3 Stars
from $3,175 USD
4 Stars
from $4,275 USD
5 Stars
from $7,625USD

* Prices vary depending on travel dates and flight availability. Peak periods in Brazil including Carnaval, public holidays and Christmas/New Year usually require a minimum number of nights, so in these cases itineraries may need to be changed.

** Domestic flight prices are estimated on typical values when reserved six months before travel. Prices can never be guaranteed until reservations are made, and do usually become more expensive closer to the travel period.


* Domestic Flights Estimated Price ** Prices Per Adult based on two people travelling and sharing accommodation
$1,050 USD
Simple 3 Stars 4 Stars Luxury
On Request

from

$3,175 USD

from

$4,275 USD

from

$7,625 USD
 

* Prices vary depending on travel dates and flight availability. Peak periods in Brazil including Carnaval, public holidays and Christmas/New Year usually require a minimum number of nights, so in these cases itineraries may need to be changed.

** Domestic flight prices are estimated on typical values when reserved six months before travel. Prices can never be guaranteed until reservations are made, and do usually become more expensive closer to the travel period.