South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise
Tour Type: Discovery
Brochure Type TT Latin America 2025 v2
You'll feel just like a local on this South American tour as you go from Rio's gorgeous beaches to vibrant capitals, national parks, and the Inca heart of Peru, learn to samba and mix the perfect caipirinha. Then let loose your inner explorer meeting giant tortoises, turtles and sea lions, cruising the Galápagos Islands.Please note that the flight between Lima and Quito is not included.
Be My Guest
Brochure Type TT Latin America 2025 v2
You'll feel just like a local on this South American tour as you go from Rio's gorgeous beaches to vibrant capitals, national parks, and the Inca heart of Peru, learn to samba and mix the perfect caipirinha. Then let loose your inner explorer meeting giant tortoises, turtles and sea lions, cruising the Galápagos Islands.Please note that the flight between Lima and Quito is not included.
Be My Guest
- Lima Visit a local market with Chef Ignacio and enjoy a special lunch at his cooking school.
- Buenos Aires Visit a family-run gaucho ranch for an energizing event of food, drink, music, dance and horseback riding demonstrations. Kick off with a lunch of empanadas, salads, asado meat of sausages, chicken and beef and drinks followed by flan with d
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
- 20 Breakfast (B)
- 6 Lunch (L)
- 2 Regional Dinner (RD)
- Lima You're treated to a lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru's native drink. In the good hands of professional chef Ignacio, the results are sure to be delicious. Ignacio will explain the history of Pisco - a type pf wine, the typical Pisc
- Buenos Aires Visit a gaucho painter's studio to view his works, appreciate the diverse subjects of his paintings, learn the history of the gaucho town followed by a fascinating drawing demonstration.
- Buenos Aires Experience the beauty of the Tango and learn about its traditions.
- Sacred Valley Visit the Pisac market displaying indigeneous Quechua arts and crafts from communities from the surrounding highlands.
- Rio de Janeiro At dinner there will be a mixology demonstration where you will learn how to mix a caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil.
- Buenos Aires Uncover San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the ?gaucho? traditions in the ?pampas? region. Walk around the small village's cobblestoned streets appreciating its quaint historical center. See the main square, the church, and meet some of the
- Cusco Join your Local Specialist for a guided walk through Cusco's colonial center, including the nearby 13th century Incan settlement of Koricancha. Here in Cusco's Golden Temple of the Sun dedicated to the Sun God Inti, view the trapezoidal and irregul
- Cusco Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking Cusco. With zig zagging walls and ruins of giant stones, see how the shape and harmony of the landscape is similar to Machu Picchu. Stroll through this Incan archite
- Corcovado Climb into the clouds to the top of Corcovado Mountain to visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer. You'll ride the Corcovado Railway, the first electrified railroad in Brazil, and an icon itself. The railway is actually older than the monument and
- Machu Picchu The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon yet again and we enjoy one final opportunity to reconnect with its story. Journey to take in the ruins at sunrise spending some time on your own to explore the hill-top fortress. Soak in every moment at this
- Lima Join a local specialist for a tour of the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum which houses the largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art in the world. You'll also explore the extensive collection of Peruvian gold and silver from ancient times
- Lima Take in the highlights of Lima, the 'City of the Kings,' including a panoramic view of the ancient districts. Join a local specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Learn how before it was destroyed by earthquakes in the mid-18th
- Rio de Janeiro Journey high above Guanabara Bay first to Urca hill and then the top of Sugarloaf at 1,299 feet above sea level for views of Botafogo cove, Copacabana, and Guanabara Bay. Take in all the dramatic views with plenty of photos knowing you're
- Buenos Aires Embark on a Buenos Aires City Tour with a Local Specialist. Walk through the wide boulevards of this beautiful capital admiring the spirit of a city whose European and Latin American influences can be seen around every turn. See the pink pal
- Iguassu Falls Join a local specialist for a walk along the long catwalk suspended above the swirling waters of the Iguassu River. View the chaotic crush of water pouring down Devil's throat falls. Then board an open-air ecological jungle train for a diff
- Iguassu Falls Join a Local Specialist who will guide your exploration of the Brazilian side of the falls in this massive park spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil. The region hosts a variety of wildlife including tapirs, giant anteaters, howl
- Cusco Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo. These famous ruins are a massive Inca fortress made of large stone terraces stretching out across a hillside. Walk among the stone platforms, the sun temple of six monoliths and the Princess Bat
- Machu Picchu Soak in every moment of your Machu Picchu tour in style as you descend to the Lost City in the clouds aboard the Vistadome train. Traveling the Inca Trail, you'll traverse dramatic landscapes with a panoramic view of the soaring peaks, river
- Machu Picchu Take a shuttle to the top of the mountain where you'll meet your local specialist for a guided hike of Machu Picchu. You'll learn about Machu Picchu's history and the use of each section of including ceremonial, storage, agriculture, temples
- Iguassu Falls Visiting the ancestral Guarani community for an immersive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Join the Guarani for a jungle walk, first greeted by an aboriginal "guide" who leads you through trails that surround and crisscross the village. Lear
- Sacred Valley Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient p
- Buenos Aires Visit a workshop where people with special abilities manufacture in an artisanal way the traditional shoe of the gauchos "alpargatas", still used in the countryside and by many rural workers. Learn about the production process. This MAKE TR
- Cusco Visit Manos de la Comunidad weaving center to learn about artistic traditions and the four Andean camels Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Guanacos. Then step inside a private area to discover one of the traditions of the Sacred Valley called ?lindaje?
- Visit Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue, Iguassu Falls, Pisac, Ollantaytambo ruins, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, the Larco Museum, the Guarani community, Manos de la Comunidad Weaving Center and San Antonio de Areco - the heart of the ?gau
- Explore Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima and Cusco with a Local Specialist, Explore both the Brazilian & Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls with a local specialist, Enjoy a Tango & Dinner Show
- See the Teatro Colon, Copacabana Beach and the Casa Rosada
- Cusco Enjoy the flavors of chicha, a Peruvian corn beer. Hear about how chicha is brewed by the local indigenous women and its history dating back to the time of the Incas as a favorite drink of the Andes. Learn about the two types of chicha, alcoholic s
- Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
- Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley
- Sacred Valley Admire your idyllic setting within the Sacred Valley and take in the 18th-century colonial-style features of Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, a former monastery complete with plazas and cobbled streets.
Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18998382
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2025
- Duration
- 21 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Rio de Janeiro | Welcome to Rio de Janeiro: Immerse yourself in the tropical allure of Rio de Janeiro - your launch pad to a South American exploration of capital cities and ancient cultures. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel offering superb views of Copacabana Beach. This evening, we'll join our Travel Director and fellow travelers for a festive dinner. Accommodations: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana |
| Day 2 | Rio de Janeiro | Enjoy Rio de Janeiro and Sugarloaf Mountain: Ease into your morning Rio-style before joining your Travel Director to delve into the captivating contrasts of Brazil's cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city). See the 18th-century Carioca Aqueduct, the colonial Candelaria church and the home of the Rio Carnival, the Sanbodromo. Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for a 'pinch me moment' of inspiring bay and city views. Enjoy a free evening. Accommodations: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana |
| Day 3 | Rio de Janeiro | Uncover the Sights and Flavors of Rio de Janeiro: The iconic Christ the Redeemer beckons this morning as we journey by cogwheel train to the summit of Corcovado for impressive panoramic views. Returning to the city, we visit the shores of Copacabana and Ipanema, spending the rest of the day at leisure to watch Rio's beautiful people living life to the fullest. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect caipirinha, then indulge in a sizzling Regional Dinner barbecue at a local churrascaria. Accommodations: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana |
| Day 4 | Iguassu Falls | Experience the Rhythms of Rio de Janeiro and off to Iguassu Falls Dive Into Culture: Journey into some of South America's most beautiful natural landscapes taking a flight from Rio to Iguassu Falls, the UNESCO-listed magnificent falls that straddle the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, 'Big Waters', in Iguassu National Park with a Local Specialist. Hike to the cascading falls through giant clouds and sprays of water feeling refreshed in the humidity. You'll learn that while hot and humid, this lush micro-climate supports diverse fauna in its subtropical rainforest of over 2,000 species of vascular plants. Conclude your day crossing the border to Argentina to your hotel. Accommodations: Hotel Mercure |
| Day 5 | Iguassu Falls | Iguassu National Park Argentinian side with local specialist: Get a different perspective of grandeur on the Argentinian side of the falls at the Devil's throat. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience finds you paying a visit to the Guarani community of Fortín M'borore who open their doors to reveal the secrets of the jungle, their natural medicine, culture, songs, dances, crafts, philosophy and beliefs. Discover with the Guarani the "Spirit of the Trees", a walk where you learn to walk through the interior of the Jungle guided by aboriginal experts. This afternoon, join an optional experience on Gran Aventura boat tour or an Argentinean experience learning about Argentine culture, tasting local dishes in a five-course dinner, sampling four Argentinean wines and mingling with travelers from around the world. Accommodations: Hotel Mercure |
| Day 6 | Buenos Aires | Iguassu Falls - Buenos Aires: Take a flight from Iguassu Falls to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Check into your hotel located in the heart of the cultural center at the historic Plaza San Martin and, with the rest of the day free, perhaps take a stroll around this upscale part of the city. This evening dive into culture watching the passionate fiery and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires most talented tango dancers. Here at El Viejo Almacen in the neighborhood of San Telmo, you're in the most classic house of tango putting on shows since 1969 and preserving the architecture and atmosphere of Tango culture. Accommodations: Alvear Art Hotel |
| Day 7 | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires Sightseeing and at Leisure: Take in the sights of Buenos Aires on a City Tour to the pink palace, cathedral and La Boca neighborhood. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore this exciting city on your own or join one of our tempting optionals. Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta, a popular weekend getaway of scenery, summer residences, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Or venture on a wine tasting trip to ?El Querandi,? a big house located in the historical district and considered a living testimony of the city originally founded as a bar in 1920. Accommodations: Alvear Art Hotel |
| Day 8 | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires Your Way Connect with Locals Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter: Leave Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the gaucho traditions in the pampas region, for a tour along its quaint streets lined with silversmiths. Take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience visiting a local project of the Local Association for disabled people who are keeping up the tradition of making the alpargatas shoes. Appreciate more artisans paying a visit to a local artist's studio observing how masterpieces are created. Cap off your day with a Be My Guest experience, complete with sizzling asado steak, at a family-owned gaucho ranch where your watch cowboys show off the horsemanship accompanied by music and dance. Accommodations: Alvear Art Hotel |
| Day 9 | Lima | Venture to Lima, the City of Kings: The Capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the upscale shopping district of Miraflores. This evening, you'll join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at 6 p.m. Accommodations: Iberostar Hotel Lima |
| Day 10 | Lima | Savor the Flavors of Lima Connect with Locals: Francisco Pizarro's 'City of Kings' is ours to explore this morning as we discover the colonial heritage of Lima's UNESCO-listed Historic Center with our Local Specialist. Admire the ornate baroque façades of the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacombs. Celebrate Lima's status as the culinary capital of South America next, and meet Ignacio Barrios who has worked alongside many of Peru's most award-winning chefs. Visit a local market where Ignacio will explain how Peruvian fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are the basis of Peruvian cooking. Then continue to his cooking school where you'll Connect With Locals and enjoy a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular dishes. You'll have an opportunity to sample some of these at a Be My Guest experience lunch before spending the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodations: Iberostar Hotel Lima |
| Day 11 | Sacred Valley | Admire the Local Culture of Cusco and Sacred Valley Connect with Locals Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories: Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER when you visit Manos de la Comunidad, a Weaving Center where you'll uncover the traditions of the Sacred Valley, called ?lindaje?. Then continue to a former 18th?century colonial-style monastery, our hotel for the night. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER and learn more about the artisan traditions meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience as your visit helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century. Accommodations: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay |
| Day 12 | Machu Picchu | Journey to Machu Picchu: The Sacred Valley reveals its mysteries today as we encounter the remains of the mighty Inca empire. Our first stop this morning is the famous Inca hilltop fortress, Ollantaytambo, built from massive blocks of stone. We board the Vistadome train (light snack included) for our epic journey to the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, where a Local Specialist will lead us through the ruins of this once-great fortress. Explore the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. Tonight, we'll dine at our hotel. Accommodations: El MaPi |
| Day 13 | Cusco | Continue in Machu Picchu then Return to Cusco Dive Into Culture: We return to Machu Picchu this morning with an opportunity to explore this mythical fortress on our own terms. Then it's off to Cusco, stopping en route at a local chicheria for a taste of chicha. Dive Into Culture and learn how this Peruvian corn beer is made by local women. Accommodations: Novotel Cusco |
| Day 14 | Cusco | Step Back in Time in Cusco: Embark on a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of Cusco this morning with your Local Specialist, admiring the 16th century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. The afternoon is free to explore on your terms. Accommodations: Novotel Cusco |
| Day 15 | Lima | Onward to Lima: A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima late this morning. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, join your Local Specialist at the Larco Museum for an evening exploration of its collection of pre-Columbian art. We'll indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner in the museum's garden. Accommodations: Iberostar Hotel Lima |
| Day 16 | Quito | Voyage to Quito: Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Ecuador (flight not included in holiday price). Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel. Accommodations: Sheraton |
| Day 17 | Quito | Uncover Historical Quito: Visit the historical center of Quito, which was the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel to the 'Middle of the World' to stand on the Equator. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodations: Sheraton |
| Day 18 | Santa Cruz Island | Tortoises and Santa Cruz Island: Cruise north to south through the islands and islets of the remote Galápagos. On arrival at Baltra Island Airport, transfer to the M/V Galápagos Legend, which will ferry you to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island, where you'll walk amongst the world's largest tortoises in the wild. Accommodations: M/V Galápagos Legend |
| Day 19 | Santa Cruz Island | Wander Genovesa Island: Visit to Genovesa Island today, climbing up the rocky Prince Phillip's Steps in search of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and Darwin's famed finches. Walk to expansive lava field over which Wedge-rumped storm petrels swarm, then continue to Darwin Bay. Accommodations: M/V Galápagos Legend |
| Day 20 | Santa Cruz Island | The Wildlife of South Plaza and Santa Fe Island: The marine iguanas of South Plaza Island view our arrival with indifference as we embark on our walk from the small lava dock. We'll see the shallow lake where flamingos come to feed, then continue inland in search of land iguanas. Arriving Santa Fe island later, we'll enjoy a snorkel amongst sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays, then walk past a forest of giant Opuntia cacti. Accommodations: M/V Galápagos Legend |
| Day 21 | Quito | Depart Santa Cruz Island: The serene landscape of Bachas Beach is our final stop on our Galápagos expedition. Bachas is a great place to swim, walk along the shore or visit the lagoon. Our journey at its end, we transfer to Baltra Airport for our return flight to Quito. Airport arrival time in Quito will be at 5 p.m.; please be aware when booking your flights. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
