16-Nights South America Discovery with Puno and Lake Titicaca Optional Extension from $5,125

CostSaver

OFFER ID 1507750

South America Discovery With Puno And Lake Titicaca Optional Extension
Starting in the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’, experience the sheer force of nature at Iguassu Falls before country hopping to Argentina for big steaks, fiery tango and a slice of gaucho living. Ending in Peru, cuddle llamas and walk in the footsteps of the Incas at mighty, magnificent Machu Picchu.

Dining Summary

16 Breakfast (B)
4 Dinner (D)
2 Lunch (L)

Essentials

Explore iconic sights such as Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, Christ the Redeemer and the stunning Tijuca Forest from your cogwheel train
Iguassu Falls: Step out onto catwalks along the world's widest cascading waterfalls and be awed by Devil's Throat before boarding your jungle train through the sub-tropical Iguassu National Park.
Discover Recoleta Cemetery, the Plaza de Mayo and 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world before being whisked away to your dinner and Tango show, where you travel back to the glory days of this colorful city
Explore the "City of the Kings" and see the Cathedral, Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace, City Hall and visit San Francisco Monastery, famous for its catacombs
Visit the famous Pisac Market
Journey to the marvelous citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Explore Copacabana, Ipanema and Christ the Redeemer
Visit the world's widest cascading waterfalls and see Devil's Throat
Discover Recoleta Cemetery, the Plaza de Mayo and 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world
Journey to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Visit the famous Pisac Market
Discover Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha and the famous San Pedro market before enjoying a magical evening featuring an entertaining folklore show

Whats Included

All internal air included in trip cost
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Many meals included
Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
City orientation tours
Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

16 nights from $5,125 per person

Itinerary

Costsaver: South America Discovery with Puno and Lake Titicaca Optional Extension

Day 1 - Arrive Rio de Janeiro (3 Nights)
Golden swathes of famous coastline, tropical landscapes and a certain joie de vivre will welcome you to one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Rio de Janeiro. Energy pulses through every pore of this passionate and fun loving city, flooding from the favelas to the football fields and cumulating in nightly parties where the caipirinhas are free flowing and the samba rhythm is infectious. Rio may be best known for its annual Carnival, but visiting here you’ll realise that every day is cause for celebration. Settle in to your hotel before meeting up with your Travel Director this afternoon. Then perhaps hit the sands of Copacabana to watch the sun set whilst you sip your first Cachaça.
Accommodations: Windsor Plaza Copacabana

Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro sightseeing and free time
The picturesque Cosme Velho district will be your first stop today, where 1920s neo-colonial buildings will surround you as you board the Corcovado Rack Railway, an old cogwheel train. Hopping on board, you’ll wind your way through the Tijuca Forest to the very top of Mount Corcovado, standing in awe as you catch a first glimpse of the 30-meter-high Christ the Redeemer. The undisputed icon of Rio, this magnificent art deco statue is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and offers the best vantage point of the ‘Marvelous City’ stretching out below. Take your time exploring here before heading on to visit lively Copacabana and beautiful Ipanema, Rio’s best beaches. Tonight, celebrate the culture of South America at the Carretão Ipanema Churrascaria. Distinctly a South American-style rotisserie, it owes its origins to the fireside roasts of the gauchos of southern Brazil, traditionally from the Pampa region, centuries ago.
Accommodations: Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro City free time
Waking up to your final full day in Rio, today is free to explore your way. For those keen to get a closer look, you could also opt for a half day city tour of Rio which includes ascending the Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for absolutely stand out views of Guanabara Bay.
Accommodations: Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro – Iguassu Falls (2 Nights)
Leaving the colorful costumes and infectious rhythms of Rio behind, this morning you’ll head to the airport to catch your flight to Iguassu Falls. Words can’t really describe the magnificence of the world’s largest series of waterfalls (275 to be exact), which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil and are surrounded by lush expanses of national park. Settle in to your hotel this afternoon and spend the evening relaxing, no doubt bubbling with excitement for the natural spectacle that tomorrow will bring.
Accommodations: Viale Cataratas Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Iguassu Falls and Free Time
Pack your raincoat and your sense of adventure this morning as you’re off to visit the Iguassu National Park, entering on the Brazilian side of the falls. You’ll be venturing down to the ominously named and utterly exhilarating Devil’s Throat, the tallest and most impressive of Iguassu’s waterfalls. Remember that raincoat? Now’s the time to use it! This afternoon opt to go on an open-air tram ride^ through the jungle to the Macuco Falls, where you’ll then board a custom-designed inflatable motorboat for a high intensity ride to the base of the falls. If keeping things a little more sedate is more your style, opt to visit a bird park on a Make Travel Matter Experience® where you can spot more than 150 different species of birds.
Accommodations: Viale Cataratas Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires (3 Nights)
Country hopping between Brazil and Argentina, today you’ll cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, otherwise known as Fraternity Bridge, to explore the Argentinian side of the falls. Adding a new stamp to your passport as you cross through customs, you’ll drive through the lush and wildlife rich Argentinian Iguassu National Park to reach the falls and cascades which are equally as impressive from this side of the border. Boarding the open sided and near silent Ecological Jungle Train which is every bit as scenic and sensual as it sounds, you’ll pay a second visit to Devil’s Throat before heading to the airport to catch a flight to passionate, sexy, European influenced Buenos Aires.
Accommodations: NH City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Buenos Aires sightseeing and free time
Waking up in sultry, red bloodied Buenos Aires this morning is a prospect that should fill you with excitement. This meat loving, tango obsessed capital city is a mix of sultry charm and gritty splendor, with European inspired buildings and street art pops from every corner. Dive in to all Buenos Aires has to offer on a sightseeing tour that will visit 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world, outstanding Colon Theater, Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and San Telmo, the oldest district in the city. Finishing up in colorful and charming La Boca you'll then have time to explore by yourself with the remainder of day at your leisure.
Accommodations: NH City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Buenos Aires free time
Make the most of your free day in Buenos Aires with a variety of exciting Choice Experiences. One option is to head out into the glorious pampas (grasslands) surrounding Buenos Aires to visit a working ranch to learn more about the gaucho culture, enjoying folk music, traditional dances and carriage rides before rounding off the experience with a juicy BBQ lunch. You also have the option of visiting the lush countryside region of Tigre Delta, which offers a laid-back vibe and a chance to see a different side of Argentine life. Or, soak in another type of culture with a visit to “El Querandi,” a house in the historical district considered a living testimony of the city for a wine tasting. You can also join an Argentinean Culinary Experience making your own empanada and sampling Argentinean steak. Lastly, take a lesson in the iconic tango.
Accommodations: NH City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Buenos Aires – Lima (2 Nights)
From Argentina you’ll fly to Peru this morning, bound for the ‘City of the Kings’, Lima. Rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs the city has a real sense of faded yet romantic grandeur, with historical sights a plenty and a culinary scene that is revered the world over. Arriving here you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore, which isn’t hard to do in this cultural and artsy city. Head to Parque del Amor to admire the Gaudi style architecture with beautiful views over Lima Bay, or take a wander around popular and bustling Miraflores.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Lima sightseeing and free time
Visit the famous Plaza Mayor and Cathedral as well as the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Delve into the dark history of the San Francisco Monastery, a museum featuring mysterious catacombs. Your afternoon and evening are free to join one of our exciting choice experiences. Take a walking tour with a local expert of the lively Miraflores district highlighting the Boardwalk of Miraflores, a cliff rising above the ocean at around 130 feet and the Larcomar shopping area. Or, indulge your taste buds on a food tour through Barranco or a street food tour – from coffee to churros – through Lima’s city center. In the evening, opt to visit the colorful, musical Magic Water Fountains of Lima.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2 Nights)
Flying into Cusco, welcome to the Incan capital of the world! Boasting the richest heritage of any South American city, Cusco is a wealth of archaeological greatness and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. It’s also the gateway to Machu Picchu, so throbs day and night with visitors exploring its ancient streets. Take in the ornate temples and Incan ruins as you arrive here. On the way to Sacred Valley, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to Chinchero Sunday market, still a very original market where you can find fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the occasional souvenir stall. Your guide will introduce you to some local produce such as potatoes, and if you wish, you can also taste some of the fruit. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you learn about Chicha, a local drink made of corn and admire llamas and alpacas before making your way to the hotel.
Accommodations: Ava Valle Sagrado Spot
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - Machu Picchu excursion
Today’s the day! Up bright and early this morning, you’ll travel to the ancient little town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the Incan village at the base of Machu Picchu. Slowly chugging your way through the rugged lands of the Sacred Valley, feel the excitement levels build as you pass by village settlements and towering mountains, the landscape changing as you descend. Making the last leg of the journey via shuttle, you’ll finally arrive at the most famous archaeological site of South America and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Catching a first glimpse of this awe inspiring ancient city above the clouds is a moment you’ll never forget, so be sure to take a few minutes just to soak it all in. Take your time exploring the vast complex of fascinating ruins and let the mind boggle at how it was all built, before descending the mountain and making your way back to the Sacred Valley. Visit the local home of Mrs. Rosa. Her house goes at least 7 generations back and is a fine example of Incan architecture. Learn more about how guinea pigs are raised, as well as ancient traditions kept alive until this day.
Accommodations: Ava Valle Sagrado Spot
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Sacred Valley – Cusco (2 Nights)
Begin your day in Pisaq, famous for its local market and empanadas. Taste the local food at a women-owned and operated empanada workshop. Learn from Mrs. Ernestina how to make empanadas out of seven different kinds of flour before enjoying the empanadas for lunch. Continuing on to Cusco you’ll also stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 13th century, before arriving at the Incan capital of Cusco. Embark on a sightseeing tour of ancient Cusco visiting Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun and most important temple in the Incan Empire, before admiring the bounty of colonial art on display in the Cathedral.
Accommodations: San Agustin Plaza
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Cusco sightseeing and free time
Kick off the final day of your tour joining for an optional experience. Head to Moray and Maras to see Incan farming and salt mining techniques at play or visit 17th century Piquillacta to view the pre-Incan citadel built by the Wari people. Another option is to indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Choco Museum to learn more about the Peruvian chocolate making process. In town, tour Cusco after dark learning the secrets of this ancient city or experience Cusco off the beaten track visiting tiny stores and cemeteries with plenty of personal stories along the way. If you’re looking for an all-day adventure, join a trip to Rainbow Mountain where you’ll take a rigorous hike through breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes.
Accommodations: San Agustin Plaza
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Cusco – Julica – Puno and Lake Titicaca (2 Nights)
Having made the excellent choice to extend your stay in Peru, you'll board a flight this morning bound for busy Juliaca. Driving through the rolling hills of the Largo Umayo peninsula you'll pay a visit to the Sillustani Burial Towers before arriving into Puno, which is nestled on the 'Ocean of the Andes'. Explore the regal plaza and charming, crumbling buildings and take a first good look at Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable body of water in the world.
Accommodations: Taypikala Lago
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 - Lake Titicaca sightseeing
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® when you venture out onto the vast, rolling waters of Lake Titicaca this morning, believed by the Andeans to be the 'birthplace of the sun'. Make your way to the Uros Islands, a unique set of floating islands that are home to the Uros people, who live just as their ancestors have done for hundreds of years and rely on the buoyant Totora reeds to provide them with housing, boats, and even food. Visit the Island of Taquile, where the red colored sands contrast spectacularly with the glistening blue of the lake, to learn more about the stone work and weaving cultures of the island. Enjoy a fresh fish lunch at a local restaurant, before heading back to Puno for the evening.
Accommodations: Taypikala Lago
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 17 - Puno and Lake Titicaca – Juliaca – Depart Lima
Taking one final look a that gorgeous expanse of blue, you'll leave Puno this morning as you travel back to Juliaca, to catch your included flight to Lima. Departure times for the included flight from Juliaca to Lima vary. Please book international flight from Lima on departure day at earliest from 6pm onwards. Whether heading home immediately or spending a few extra days in Peru's bustling capital city, we'll look forward to meeting you again some time soon!
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Lake Titicaca (Peruvian Coast)

Cuzco

Sacred Valley

Lima

Lima, "the City of the Kings," became the effective capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, established 1560. Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country's modern aspect. Visit handsome old buildings and baroque churches that testify to the city's religious background and the Plaza de Armas, shared by the realms of the Catholic church, municipality and national government. The pre-Inca ruins of Pachacamac lie a short distance south of the city. Once a ceremonial site, Pachacamac has been the most important religious center of the Andean world since before the age of Christ. Stop and admire The Temple of the Sun and the Moon, Lima's outstanding museums, and Machu Picchu - a "Jewel in the Mist."

Excursions

Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)

Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.

Highlights:

Huacas, pyramidal constructions
Bike to admire the arquitecture

Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: the morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate/Heavy (we provide a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour)

Inclusions:

Transportation from/to hotel (as back up)
Guide
Bikes
Assistant
Bottle of water

Not Included:

Items not mentioned in the Included section

Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)

Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)

WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18^th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.

Highlights:

Colonial section of Lima
Visit Casa Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city
Dominican Convent

Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: daily
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light/Moderate
Inclusions:

Transportation from/to hotel
Expert Guide
Entrance fees
Bottled water
Snack

Not Included:

Items not mention in the Included section

The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)

Museo Larco (4 hours)

Buenos Aires

Dynamic and bustling, a city which seems never to sleep, Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. Tango was born here, restaurants serve an all manner of world cuisine, bars play the latest music, cafés spill on to the streets and nightclubs allow dancing throughout the night. Cultural hub of a society which traces its roots to European immigration, it is famous throughout South America for its theatres, museums and galleries. Gucci, Armani, Prada, to name a few, line the boulevards catering for the fashion conscious porteños, their offerings as stylish as anything found in the cities in Europe or North America.

Excursions

Buenos Aires - Full Day Sightseeing Tour - 7 hours

Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Explore some of the most recognizable landmarks in Buenos Aires. Find out about the history and culture of this city, as you take in some of the most significant spots. Start at the most important square in the country: Plaza de Mayo. The country was founded here in 1580, and today the most important governmental buildings are located here including Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (City Hall) and Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral). Continue through the cobblestoned streets of San Telmo neighbourhood, where the original porteños (Buenos Aires residents) settled in the early days. The next stop is picturesque La Boca, home to Caminito, perhaps the city's most photographed street thanks to its corrugated iron and brightly coloured houses. This block houses one of the few outdoor museums in the world, where artists exhibit work, related to the influence of mainly Italian immigrants who arrived at this port at the end of the 19th century. La Boca is home to the legendary football (soccer giants) Boca Juniors, whose colours of blue and yellow adorn most of the houses and stores in this neighbourhood. Drive towards Palermo, passing through Puerto Madero, a regenerated area where redbrick warehouses have been transformed into trendy restaurants and bars.
Once in the northern area of the city, drive past Palermo Chico with its impressive townhouses, tree-lined boulevards, and parks. Palermo Soho, on the other hand, combines the flavour of an old, working-class neighbourhood with some contemporary details, including ethnic restaurants, design stores and bars. The bohemian atmosphere makes it popular with Argentines as well as foreign visitors, and restaurants cater to all palates. Continue to Recoleta, one of the most elegant and sophisticated districts, visit Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church and Recoleta Cemetery, known for its rich architecture and famous personalities whose mortal remains it treasures.

After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.

Tour highlights:
- May square
- Old quarters at San Telmo neighborhood
- Caminito street at La Boca
- Palermo neighborhood and parks
- Recoleta Cemetery

Inclusions

Transfers to/from the pier
English speaking guide
Private vehicle

Exclusions

Gratuities for guide and driver
Lunch

Buenos Aires sightseeing tour with shared visit to Colon Theatre - Half Day

Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour North - half day

Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour & Evita Museum - Half Day

Buenos Aires Tigre Getaway - Half Day

Buenos Aires Tango Show & Dinner at Rojo Tango

Buenos Aires: Gaucho celebration - Full Day

Iguassu Falls (Brazilian Side)

Rio de Janeiro

Brazilians say that God made the rest of the world in six days, and devoted the seventh to Rio. The jagged Sugarloaf rises from dark blue Guanabara Bay, with legendary beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema in the foreground, forested mountains behind. This great city has an enticing atmosphere of samba and fun, and its locals are as joyous as they are beautiful.

Excursions

Carnival Experience at Samba City - 4 hours

Secrets of Old Rio with Lunch - 6 hours

Sugar Loaf Sunset with Caipirinha Toast - 4 hours

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

02/20/2025 - 03/08/2025

from $5,125 per person *

03/06/2025 - 03/22/2025

from $5,450 per person

03/13/2025 - 03/29/2025

from $5,125 per person *

05/29/2025 - 06/14/2025

from $5,125 per person

06/19/2025 - 07/05/2025

from $5,125 per person

06/26/2025 - 07/12/2025

from $5,125 per person

08/07/2025 - 08/23/2025

from $5,125 per person

08/28/2025 - 09/13/2025

from $5,125 per person

09/18/2025 - 10/04/2025

from $5,125 per person *

11/06/2025 - 11/22/2025

from $5,125 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $5,125 per person

Length

16 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Superior
These above average establishments provide guests with a greater level of style, comfort and personalized service. On-site dining, limited room service, gift or sundry shops, spa services and baggage assistance may be found at these hotels and resorts. For the business traveler, superior hotels and resorts often provide conference or meeting rooms and extended business services. Activities may include an on-site pool and fitness center. Guestrooms are usually tastefully decorated and offer more by way of amenities.

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1507750

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Cruise Vacations of Orange County

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Orange, CA 92868
USA

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