South America Highlights with Peru

South America Highlights with Peru

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16 Days From

$6444

South America Highlights with Peru

16 Days Starting and ending in United Kingdom

Visiting: United Kingdom, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Pisac, Machu Picchu, Buenos Aires, Estancia Santa Susana, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

SHP

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 50

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

9-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$6444 (USD) including Flights from the UK

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

In the minds of many, Peru is inextricably associated with the Incas, the remarkable civilisation that, by the 16th century, had created one of the greatest empires in the world. Their territory stretched, in modern-day terms, from Colombia in the north, to Chile and Argentina in the south. Amazingly, this dominance was achieved without the benefit of the written word, ferrous metals, horses, currency or wheels. We stay for two days in the beautiful rural surroundings of the Sacred Valley, the bread basket of the Incas, and for two nights in Cusco, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the Americas. Nestling in dramatic Andean hills, it's among the continent's most interesting destinations. Immense, virtually earthquake-proof Incan walls line cobbled streets and form the foundations of some very well-preserved colonial buildings, reminiscent of medieval Spain. We see Cusco's cathedral, fabulous art and opulent treasure collections, as well as the main square where the conquistadors were almost overwhelmed.

Machu Picchu is the most striking image of Peru. One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of modern times, it is located along a ridge with a breathtaking landscape of rich rainforest, precipitous gorges and lofty peaks, stretching as far as the eye can see. Nothing prepares you for the excitement as you approach the site, and then the sheer exhilaration when it comes into view. You ascend a slope and, suddenly, there it is - the classic view you've seen in countless photographs, but all the more magnificent when seen firsthand.

Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, is known for its gauchos (cowboys), its huge steaks, its excellent wines, and the invention of the tango. We'll sample all of these during our three-night stay in Buenos Aires - sophisticated, cosmopolitan and the most 'European' of the South American capitals. With its wide tree-lined avenues, cafe culture and upmarket boutiques, Buenos Aires cannot fail to surprise and delight you.

Iguazu Falls may not be as well-known as Niagara or Victoria Falls, but it outshines them all in its sheer scale and majesty! Spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil, each side has its own particular attractions. Don't miss the chance to experience the falls from below on our exciting optional jetboat trip.

Highlights

  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and the foot of Christ the Redeemer, and Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian and Brazilian sides

  • Guided tours of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the ‘Paris of South America’, and Cusco, the former capital of the Incan empire, now one of South America’s most enchanting cities

  • Discover Argentina’s ‘pampas’ or plains on our visit to a typical ‘estancia’

  • Explore the extraordinary Machu Picchu, the fabled ‘Lost city of the Incas’, on a guided tour

  • Tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit Pisac’s famed Indian market and temple of Ollantaytambo

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Departure

Location: United Kingdom, Lima

Accommodation: Overnight Flight

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive at the airport for your overnight flight to Lima, via São Paulo.

Day 2 : Arrival In Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Select Miraflores

Meals Included: No Meals

On arrival, we transfer by coach to Lima. In the afternoon, we’ll see the Presidential Palace, the Plaza del Armas and the charming Baroque San Francisco church, in the central and UNESCO listed colonial area of the city.

Day 3 : Sacred Valley

Location: Cusco

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. To help you acclimatise to the altitude, we spend two nights at the slightly lower altitude of the Urubamba Valley, the ‘Sacred Valley of the Incas’, just below Cusco.

 

Day 4 : Pisac & Sacred Valley

Location: Sacred Valley, Pisac

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We spend the day in the Sacred Valley, firstly visiting Pisac, famous for its colourful indigenous market with a huge range of local handicrafts. It’s a fantastic sight, full of traditionally dressed locals bartering for all kinds of produce. All sorts of handicraft are available, too, from vibrant handmade rugs and ponchos in bright reds and yellows, to local ceramics and a wide variety of llama and alpaca knitwear.



After an included lunch, we visit the impressive hillside fortress of Ollantaytambo, the site of a rare Conquistador defeat. You can examine the astonishingly intricate and precise Incan stonework, all fashioned using stone tools.

 

Day 5 : Machu Picchu

Location: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Costa Del Sol Ramada

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you’ll experience one of the highlights of your tour. We board the Explorer train on one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys through the increasingly narrow Urubamba River gorge to the legendary Machu Picchu. As we descend, the scenery changes from semiarid brush and cactus to dense, lush rainforest. Below us the river rushes headlong into numerous rapids, whilst above the precipitous

sides of the gorge rise to dizzying heights.



Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, the only Inca settlement never discovered or destroyed by the Spanish – its wonder and mystique are simply astounding. No one knows why it was built in such an inaccessible spot or why it was mysteriously abandoned. Set along a high ridge, it was rediscovered in 1910 by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer. We return by train to the Sacred Valley, from where we drive to Cusco.

 

Day 6 : Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Costa Del Sol Ramada

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cusco is a mixture of colonial architecture interspersed with fascinating Inca remains. The main square, nestling within a maze of narrow streets and quaint plazas, has been the city centre since Inca times. Today, it’s thesite of the 16th-century cathedral, so huge it took a hundred years to complete. We visit the Qorichancha, the Incan temple to the sun, the ‘navel’ of their world and originally covered in sheets of pure gold. Although a Spanish convent was built over the Inca temple, many of the internal walls remain. Cusco is such a beautiful city, with so many fascinating corners to explore, that this afternoon is free for you to make your own discoveries. Our hotel is centrally located, so you can easily walk

everywhere.

 

Day 7 : Flight To Buenos Aires

Location: Lima, Buenos Aires

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 725 Continental Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we fly back to Lima to connect with our flight to Buenos Aires in Argentina, arriving late in the afternoon.

Day 8 : Pampas Ranch

Location: Estancia Santa Susana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 725 Continental Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we drive out of the city to the Pampas plains to the west of Buenos Aires. Our destination is the Estancia Santa Susana, originally created by Irish migrants and today still a working ranch spread across almost 3,000 acres. The original house is beautifully preserved and gives a fascinating insight into life here during the late 19th century. The ranch has plenty of horses and in true gaucho tradition, you’ll see them showing off their equestrian skills. An excellent lunch is included featuring Argentinian beef on the barbecue, which you can enjoy with local songs and dances.

Day 9 : Buenos Aires & Tango Show

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 725 Continental Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we explore the fascinating metropolis of Buenos Aires. Known as the Paris of South America, with its wide tree-lined avenues, squares, parks and grand public buildings, it exudes an unmistakable style. We’ll visit the Plaza de Mayo and the pink-coloured Presidential Palace, from where Evita Peron used to speak to huge rallies. We’ll see the colourful barrios (districts) of San Telmo and La Boca, and also visit Recoleta Cemetery to see Evita Peron’s final resting place. This evening we enjoy a visit to one of the city’s best tango shows, with dinner included.

 

Day 10 : Fly To Iguazu Falls

Location: Iguazu Falls

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Iguazu Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we take the short flight to Iguazu Falls, arriving in the mid-afternoon. And spend the afternoon seeing Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side

Day 11 : Iguazu Falls

Location: Iguazu Falls

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Iguazu Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The Argentinian side of the falls is known for its numerous viewpoints including the stunning Devils’ Throat balcony. There are many small and large falls, which are easily accessed by wooden boardwalks through the lush forest surrounding the falls. We also catch the charming open-sided ‘jungle train’ to the head of the falls. For the more adventurous, there is the option to take a jetboat ride to the foot

of the falls on the Iguazu river – you will get seriously wet!

Day 12 : Fly To Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Windsor Leme

Meals Included: Breakfast

We cross the border to the Brazilian side of the falls, where you are literally surrounded by falling water! There’s also the option of arranging a helicopter flight over the falls.



In the afternoon, we take the short flight to Rio de Janeiro, where we stay three nights with breakfast at the new three-star superior Arena Leme Hotel, perfectly located right on Copacabana beach. All our rooms have stunning sea views. 

 

Day 13 : Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Windsor Leme

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the highlights of the tour. Reached by a Swiss-built cog railway through the Tijuca Forest National Park, the granite peak stands at 2,300ft, with the statue itself a further 100ft tall. The views in all directions are simply outstanding. On return to sea level, we take a walk through Rio’s charming Botanical Gardens before our included lunch of Brazilian barbecued meats (a vegetarian option is available). 

Day 14 : Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Windsor Leme

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we board the breathtaking two-stage cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which overlooks some of Rio’s most spectacular bays and beaches. We follow this with a tour through the centre of Rio and an included lunch at one of the city’s most iconic restaurants, the beautiful belle-époque Confeitaria Colombo. 

Day 15

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Overnight Flight

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your return flight

Day 16 : Arrive Home

Location: United Kingdom

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive back in the UK after a truly memorable tour.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    13 nights’ accommodation

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast and five meals

  • International Travel

    Scheduled flights to Lima and returning from Rio de Janeiro, as well as all internal flights

  • Fully Guided

    The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager

  • Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person

  • All tours as mentioned

  • All transfers

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Insurance

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Scheduled flights to Lima and returning from Rio de Janeiro, as well as all internal flights

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    We are unable to accommodate children under 9 years old at the date of departure..

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this Operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Nigel Stewart (Google Reviewer)  

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A...

15-Apr-2024

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A cruise ship of excellence, very well appointed, comfortable & indulgent. We departed Budapest and cruised the Blue Danube heading to Vienna. The top deck offers sun loungers, a heated pool, golf and a place to just sit & relax. The cabins have everything you could want for but above all incredible comfortable. The staff are professional, courteous, and attentive and do everything to make your stay a pure pleasure. This is an experience you will remember for many years.

Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Sunday - Monday

Sep 22, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024
$6444 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Monday

Oct 20, 2024 - Nov 04, 2024
$6570 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Monday

Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 25, 2024
$6570 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Monday

Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025
$6570 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Monday

May 18, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025
$6697 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Monday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025
$6570 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Monday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025
$6570 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Monday

Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025
$6570 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.