South America Rapido
11 Days - Departs - Daily
This trip allows you to visit the old Incan capital of Cusco, the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the majestic Iguazu Falls and the Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires in only 10 days. This is the perfect solution for the traveller who is limited by time, and yet wants to experience the best of South America.
from USD $1467pp
Home » South America Rapido
Itinerary Highlights
- With its ancient archaeological sites, fascinating museums and unique Andean atmosphere, Cusco’s sights and sounds never fail to inspire all those who travel there.
- Visit the local market in the picturesque town of Pisac.
- Take a guided tour of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
- Suspend yourself over the highest of Iguazu Falls at the inspiring Devil’s Throat.
- Explore Buenos Aires and experience one of Argentina’s best known contributions to culture – the Tango.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires
- Day 2: San Telmo & La Boca City Tour, Evening dinner and Tango show
- Day 3: Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
- Day 4: Fly to Puerto Iguazu
- Day 5: Argentinean Falls Tour
- Day 6: Brazilian Falls Tour & Fly to Lima, Overnight at Airport Hotel
- Day 7: Fly to Cusco
- Day 8: City Tour
- Day 9: Tour to Sacred Valley & Train to Aguas Calientes
- Day 10: Guided tour of Machu Picchu & Return train to Cusco
- Day 11: Depart
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Add in a 3 or 4 day side trip to the Amazon.
- Experience the majesty of Rio de Janeiro.
- Further explore Andean scenery and culture with visit to legendary Lake Titicaca.
Arrive in Buenos Aires
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Buenos Aires, capital of the Republic of Argentina and the country's largest city, is undeniably one of Latin America's hottest destinations. Located on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, the city's combination of European architecture and the passion of its people – the porteños (people of the port) – work together to create a colourful and dynamic modern city.
San Telmo and La Boca City Tour
This morning's excursion will introduce you to the magic of the Argentine capital. After being picked up from your hotel we start with a visit of 'San Telmo', the oldest barrio (neighbourhood) of Buenos Aires which is famous for its historic architecture, tango parlours and antique shops. We take our time and wander through the cobblestone streets learning about the history of the area and seeing its sights including its impressive old churches and its abundance of colourful street art.
We leave San Telmo and the tour continues past the many architectural highlights of Buenos Aires including the Palace of Justice, the Argentine National Congress building, the 'Cabildo (old town hall) and the presidential palace 'Casa Rosada' (pink house).
Next we visit ‘La Boca', the most picturesque of all neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. This extravagant zone is completely different to the old and to the modern Buenos Aires and romantic stories tell us that tango was born in this working class area. We wander its famous street “Caminito” where you will have the chance to view the spectacle of impromptu tango dancing, street performers and have the chance to buy some local handicrafts.
On our way back to your hotel we pass through the newly restored Puerto Madero area where you can choose to be dropped off at for a nice meal by the waterfront. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure with the chance to visit some of Buenos Aires' many great museums or do some shopping.
Dinner & Tango Show
Tango expresses the heart and spirit of Argentina and no visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without it. This evening you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to La Ventana where you will experience the intimacy of this dance in equally intimate surrounds while you indulge in delicious Argentinean cuisine. At the end of the show you will be taken back to your hotel.
*Before the show you have the option of arriving before the others and taking a short tango lesson with a professional dancer or a wine tasting. This comes at an additional cost but if you would like to book either of these please let your consultant know.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
This morning you will further discover what makes Buenos Aires great as we explore its better known and sophisticated districts; Palermo and Recoleta. We start with a drive through Recoleta with its open green spaces mixed in with elegant boutique shopping, cafés, embassies and impressive architecture. We visit such landmarks as the Pilar Church and Evita Monument before taking a short walk through the Recoleta cemetery where Evita's tomb can be found.
We continue on to Palermo which is Buenos Aires' largest neighbourhood, and also its trendiest. Here you will walk the streets which are full of beautiful parks, hip boutique hotels, chic restaurants and bars, and high fashion stores. Throughout the morning your knowledgeable guide will give you an insight into local life and excellent local cuisine and on completion of the tour you will have the option of being dropped off at an excellent restaurant for lunch or being taken back to your hotel.
Breakfast included.
Depart Buenos Aires
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Arrive in Puerto Iguazú
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Iguazu Falls is widely recognised as one of the world's most impressive natural wonders boasting more than 250 falls, some of which reach to heights of over 60 metres.
Breakfast included.
Argentinean Falls Tour
In the morning you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Iguazu National Park. From the entrance, a small train will take you on a tour of the park. On the first of two stops you'll follow pathways to the top of the Cataratas (“The Falls”) where you'll have a spectacular view of the falls and their surrounding scenery including an abundance of orchids, colourful birds and other native wildlife. The second stop occurs at La Garganta del Diablo (“The Devil's Throat”), the largest fall in the park and also the highlight of the tour. A suspended platform at the brink of the fall allows for a startlingly close view of this breathtaking natural wonder.
At the end of the tour you will be taken back to your hotel.
*For those who want a little more adventure, we recommend the Great Adventure Boat Tour, which enables you to gain a different perspective as you cruise on a motorboat underneath the falls.
Breakfast included.
Brazilian Falls Tour & Transfer to Airport
On the way to the airport, you will enjoy a tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. Here, you'll watch as 14 separate waterfalls drop with such force that a tall cloud of mist stays permanently suspended overhead. Great photo opportunities abound, however, raincoats are highly advisable!
Overnight in Lima Airport Hotel
Stay overnight in an airport hotel in Lima.
Breakfast included.
Arrive in Cusco
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
We suggest that you take it easy today to give yourself the best opportunity to acclimatise to Cusco's altitude. This city is bursting with Andean culture and is one of the great culinary destinations of South America. It also just happens to be the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, the best-known archaeological site on this vast continent.
City Tour
Your first morning in Cusco can be spent at your leisure, enjoying breakfast before exploring Cusco or relaxing at your hotel. In the afternoon you will be met for your guided tour of Cusco and its archaeological sites. Your Cusco tour will include highlights such as Plaza de Armas, the cathedral and Koricancha Temple. We also visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed ruins of Sacsayhuaman just outside of Cusco which were once the former capital of the Incan Empire.
Breakfast included.
Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas on this full day excursion. This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious. Your first stop will be in Awana Kancha (weaver's palace in Quechua), where you will have the opportunity to learn about the different ancient weaving and dyeing Andean techniques which are still used today. You will then visit a breeding centre for South American camels (guanacos, llamas, alpacas and vicunas).
Continue on to Pisac where you will first visit the archaeological complex, the ruins of the fortress of Pisac which are set high above a valley by patterned fields and rimmed by vast terracing. The stonework and panoramas at Pisac's Inca citadel are magnificent. You will visit the lower part of the complex where the agricultural area and the pre-Hispanic cemetery are located. Afterwards, visit the colourful local market and have free time to search for a souvenir or two before enjoying a typical Andean lunch at a local restaurant.
We then continue our journey along the River Urubamba to Ollantaytambo, where you will visit Ollantaytambo Ruins and one of its best preserved areas, Hanan Hucaypata. You will be transferred to the local train station where you will catch the scenic afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. On arrival you will be escorted to your hotel by the hotel's staff. Enjoy a free evening and prepare for your early morning visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
*Option to add a night in the Sacred Valley and continue to Machu Picchu early tomorrow, giving you the opportunity to enjoy 2 visits to Machu Picchu.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Guided Tour
This morning you will have an early start to meet your guide and take the shuttle bus to the entrance to the citadel for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. You will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries. During your guided tour you will experience the uniqueness of the location and the genius that went into its construction. Making use of the provided headsets, you will be able to take pictures freely while enjoying the live briefings. The citadel was discovered in 1911 by the American explorer and academic, Hiram Bingham. Many theories on the citadel exist, but most agree it was a holy site, hidden for centuries and never found by the invading Spanish.
For those looking for adventure, we recommend the one and one half hour trek up unguided Huayna Picchu Mountain, which overlooks Machu Picchu and allows for spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area. Includes guided tour and return bus from Aguas Calientes village.
Train to Cusco
You will take the train from Aguas Calientes through the Sacred Valley to Cusco. As you disembark from the train you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel.
Breakfast included.
Depart
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Breakfast included.
Departs - Daily
Season | Type | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
01 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 | USD $1467pp | ||
Comfort | USD $1467pp | Contact us | |
Superior | USD $1774pp | Contact us | |
Deluxe | USD $2188pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Comfort
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Kenton Palace
Puerto Iguazú, Argentina - Jardin Del Iguazu
Lima, Peru - Costa Del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport
Cusco, Peru - Maytaq Wasin
Machu Picchu, Peru - El Mapi Hotel
Superior
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Eurobuilding Hotel
Puerto Iguazú, Argentina - Falls Iguazu Hotel & Spa
Lima, Peru - Costa Del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport
Cusco, Peru - Antigua Casona San Blas
Machu Picchu, Peru - El Mapi Hotel
Deluxe
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Hotel Madero
Puerto Iguazú, Argentina - Loi Suites
Lima, Peru - Costa Del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport
Cusco, Peru - Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Machu Picchu, Peru - Sumaq Hotel
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Internal airfares within South America
- Hotel taxes
- Entrance fees
- Tours with English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Meals as specified.
What’s not included?
- International airfares
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
- Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.
- High season supplement applies for departures generally from late November to end of January. Contact us for more details.
- Internal airfare prices are based on your arrival into South America being with LATAM Airlines. Supplements may apply if you arrive with another airline.