Ultimate South America (Bus Tour)

Highlights

Dining Summary

• 9 Dinner (D)
• 23 Breakfast (B)
• 3 Lunch (L)

FAQs

• Lima: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
• Lake Titicaca: What can I expect when travelling in Latin America? Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Latin America. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is gonna look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control.
• Iguassu Falls: Which currency should I bring? You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted).
• Iguassu Falls: Is it customary to tip? You’ll usually receive a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. But tipping isn’t a requirement. Either way, if you’re pleased with your service, a tip will always be appreciated! We recommend tipping 12% of the total bill.
• Iguassu Falls: What is the role of the Trip Manager? Your Trip Manager brings the group together with all the info, fun facts and food recommendations you'll ever need. Plus, they’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and address any issues. They’ll be there with you throughout the trip and will be your go-to person if you need anything. They’ll also fill you in on the cultural and historical context of the places you visit with some informal talks when relevant.
• Iguassu Falls: Is tap water safe to drink? Drinking tap water isn’t recommend. So, please stick to bottled water (even when brushing your teeth). There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water during the trip.
• Should I be worried about altitude sickness? Parts of this trip go above 2800 metres (9200 feet) where it's common for some travellers to experience shortness of breath, nausea or light-headedness. While it's usually not severe in most cases, it’s always best to be prepared. That’s why we recommend that you carry your own medication and read a trusted health advisory for tips on how to combat altitude sickness. Plus, your Trip Managers will give you loads of helpful advice and before and during the trip.
• Lake Titicaca: How long is the Inca Trail Hike? If you’ve selected to do the Inca trail one-day hike, you’ll be walking 13 km or 8 miles on foot for about 6-7 hours. This is a moderate hike with the highest elevation being 2,720m / 8,924 ft - so there’s no need to do any prior training as long as you’re relatively fit and active.There’s no road access during the hike, so you’ll have to complete the trek in its entirety once you start. Not sure what to bring? Check out your guest document for all the info.
• Iguassu Falls: What power adapters do I need? Most places use similar plugs to the US and Europe, but it’s a good idea to bring a circular two-prong adapter just in case. No voltage converter is needed for devices like phones and laptops, but you may need one for high-powered devices (e.g., hairdryers).
• Lima: Is there anything specific I need to know? Safety: You’ll stay in expert-picked areas that are safe and convenient. While you’re on your own, it’s best to stick to safe areas, follow your gut & of course, use your common sense (avoid dark alleys, don’t leave valuables unattended, use crosswalks).  Water & Food: It’s best to avoid drinking tap water in any of these countries. Stick to bottled water (even for brushing your teeth!). You’ll have plenty of opportunities to purchase them on your trip.  Toilets: We’ll make a service stop along the way where you can use a toilet. But remember to toss used toilet paper in the trash, not the toilet (don’t wanna clog it up!)  WiFi/Cell Service: WiFi is available at most accommodations and restaurants, but it can be slow. It’s best to check with your phone provider about international plans.
• Lima: What is the weather like in Peru, Argentina and Brazil? Peru’s climate varies by region - subtropical desert on the coast (AKA la Costa), rainy and tropical in the Amazon forest (AKA la Selva), and temperate in the Andes (AKA la Sierra), with cold peaks. Summers are wet in the mountains and dry on the coast. Annual temperatures range from 83°F (28°C) in the rainforest to 45°F (7°C) in the highlands.  Argentina’s climate is wildly diverse - think warm, moderate, arid, and cold zones. Buenos Aires has hot, humid summers (up to 100°F) and mild winters (rarely below 40°F). Brazil? Equatorial in the north, tropical in the center, and subtropical down south. Rio stays warm year-round, with a hot, muggy season from December to March. Pack accordingly!
• Lima: Will I need vaccinations prior to travelling? Please check the latest travel info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if you're travelling to Argentina, Peru and Brazil. We also recommend that you consult your local health clinic or doctor for more details.
• Machu Picchu: How much luggage can I bring? You can bring 1 carry-on + 1 suitcase or backpack.   Internal flights are included, and your Trip Manager will have your tickets ready. You’re allowed 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on (think: small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag). Your checked bag size needs to be within the airline's limits. And your carry-on can’t exceed 114 cm (45”). Got an overweight bag? You might have to pay a fee to the airline (usually US$ 25-100, so keep that in mind).  Train Option  On the train to Machu Picchu? You’re limited to 5kg of hand luggage. Don’t worry, we’ll hand you a duffle bag for the journey. Your main luggage and extras will be stored at the Cusco hotel. And don’t forget: you’ll need a passport (or a copy) to board the train!   One-Day Hike   For the hiking portion of this trip, we’ll sort you out with a duffle bag to pack your essentials. Just be sure to keep it all under 6kg (the train’s not a fan of big bags). On hike day, you’ll hop off the train at KM 104 and do your 13km trek with just your daypack. Meanwhile, your duffle rides the rails to Aguas Calientes and gets delivered straight to your hotel. Easy.   Once you’ve ticked Machu Picchu off your bucket list, the whole crew returns to Cusco. Here, you can hand over the duffel bag back to your Trip Manager.
• Machu Picchu: What should I pack for my trip? Keep it light but essential:  comfy hiking boots, moisture-wicking clothes, layers for all conditions, a rain poncho, a small daypack, sun protection, water, energy snacks, a basic first aid kit, and any personal medications. Don’t worry tho, your Trip Manager will send a full list of things you should pack before your trip starts.

Included Experience

• Lima: Get to know this magnificent clifftop city. It’s steeped in history and pretty architecture. But we’re all about the epic food.
• Lima: Sit tight as you swoop into Peru’s second biggest city. The views of volcanic peaks are rivalled only by the incredible food.
• Arequipa: Get to know the ‘white city’ better. Explore the highlights like Plaza de Armas and take some pics of the incredible backdrop of volcanoes.
• Colca Canyon: It’s a real ‘pinch yourself’ moment as you ramble around the Andean plateaus, discovering lakes, meadows, llamas and flamingos as you go.
• Colca Canyon: See these iconic volcanos IRL. Pics or it didn’t happen!
• Colca Canyon: Brave the lookout point at 3287m. Take in the unrivalled views and spot some Andean Condor birds.
• Colca Canyon: Experience life in this traditional Peruvian village in the Colca Canyon. It’s an epic 3277m above sea level!
• Puno: If you’ve secretly always wanted to hop on one of these, here’s your chance.
• Puno: Jump on a boat to hop around the reed islands in the world’s highest navigable lake (3657m). And stop off to meet the locals.
• Lake Titicaca: A humbling opportunity to get to know the local people on these reed islands in Lake Titicaca.
• Puno: Immerse yourself in culture by getting to know the locals.
• Puno: Stop off at two traditional Peruvian towns. Step up your cultural knowledge at Pukara’s museum. Then take in the scenic views of Sicuani.
• Raqchi: See the sights and learn the backstory of why the Incas built this temple for the deity Wiracocha.
• Raqchi: Unleash your spiritual side, as you explore the ancient Inca ruins known as Raqchi.
• Cusco: Graze on cancha or cacao nibs as you browse the local wares and see historical sights.
• Cusco: Your chance to pick up some mementos at San Pedro Markets and then see Cusco Cathedral, San Blas and Coricancha.
• Sacred Valley: Learn about the vibrant Andean art of weaving & goldsmithing in Pisac Qolque. Every penny you spend here helps them preserve their time-worn cultural identities & form of self-expression.
• Sacred Valley: See this former heartland of the Incan Empire and hike around the Pisac ruins.
• Sacred Valley: The sleepy town will give you a taste of local life in the Sacred Valley. Don’t forget to pick up some mementos at the market.
• Cusco: AKA ‘corn beer’. This ceremonial bevvy was the drink of choice for Incan nobility.
• Machu Picchu: Feel the goosebumps of excitement as you glide into Aguas Calientes and get ready to start this life-changing experience.
• Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
• Lima: Cameras ready. It’s not every day you get a bird’s eye view of the Amazon rainforest
• Puerto Maldonado: We'll make our way through the lush green Amazon rainforest at our Jungle Lodge in Puerto Maldonado. There's no better way to reconnect with nature!
• Puerto Maldonado:
• Puerto Maldonado: Ride on a canoe over the serene waters of the Sandoval Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. Who knows? You might spot giant river otters sticking their head out to give you a show.
• Puerto Maldonado: Get set to land in the gastro capital of Latin America. Where ‘olde worlde’ meets modern-day life, in this sundrenched, clifftop city.
• Lima: Get some rest before you explore Argentina’s sizzling capital. A city that’s famous for amazing food, good wine, Latin passion and legendary nightlife.
• Buenos Aires: Experience the passion and glamour of Argentina’s capital city, with an expert guide showing you the sights.
• Buenos Aires: You can’t go to Argentina and not watch live Tango dancing! It’s wrong. Like eating a steak without a glass of red.
• Buenos Aires: Get set to tick another travel goal off the bucket list. We’re jetting straight into the gateway for Iguassu Falls.
• Iguassu Falls: This World Wonder is a fiesta for the imagination. The cascades of spraying waterfalls and subtropical forest make an epic backdrop
• Iguassu Falls: There ain’t no BBQ like a Brazilian BBQ! Grab your Contiki fam and feast on these grilled skewers.
• Iguassu Falls: These colossal falls make the ultimate backdrop for a group selfie. Strike a pose with your Contiki fam.
• Iguassu Falls:
• Iguassu Falls: Woohoo! We’re en route to Brazil's carnival capital. Try to catch a glimpse of the Christ the Redeemer statue from the sky
• Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer. Sugarloaf. Copacabana. Ipanema. It’s all here to fill up up your heart and your Insta feed.
• Rio de Janeiro: Ever heard of Favelas? They're growing neighbourhoods in Brazil. And on this tour, we'll visit Favela Cantagalo near Rio. We'll check out the Portal of Saint Roman, walk through alleyways, see the 10 paintings of the Houses-Screen, and even stop by a few viewpoints along the way. You'll even visit the Museu de Favela-MUF, a historical museum about memories and cultural heritage of favelas in the world. It's a collection about 20,000 residents and their ways of life, and how their stories are an unknown but important part of Rio de Janeiro's history. Trust us, you don't wanna miss this one.
• Rio de Janeiro: This needs no introduction. Tick this iconic statue off your #travelgoals bucket list. And don’t forget your camera.
• Rio de Janeiro: Take a cruise along the arcing Guanabara Bay and enjoy Caiprinas and music
• Rio de Janeiro: Spend some time with your Contiki crew, while you dine on your final meal of this trip at a local spot. Goodbyes might be bittersweet, but the food sure is so much more than that!

Travel Package

This is an Organised Group Tour: the itinerary has been predefined by the tour operator. The tour destinations, duration, accommodations, departure dates and the price are fix. You can join, enjoy and meet other people.

Memberships and Financial Protection