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Grand Tour of South America departing 01 September 2026

36 day Escorted tour departing 01 September 2026

Amazonian rainforest, Incan ruins, colonial towns, white sandy beaches, and unique wildlife – the wonders of South America make for an incredible experience.

Take this journey visiting six amazing countries, starting off in the Amazon jungle before cruising the Galapagos Islands. Visit the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ at Machu Picchu, explore Lake Titicaca, marvel at the mighty waterfalls of Iguazu, and embrace the beautiful cities of Quito, Lima, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro. You’ll fall in love with the rich history and vast range of cultures, colours and sights, all in comfort and style.

Your tour highlights

• Explore the wonders of the Amazon rainforest with a three night stay at stunning Sacha Lodge
• 5 day Galapagos Islands cruise on board the Isabela II
• Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, the majestic Andean Mountains reflecting in the azure waters of Lake Titicaca, and the incredible Iguazu Falls
• Quito, with the most beautiful historic centre of any Latin American capital city
• Rio de Janeiro’s natural beauty and vibrant beach culture
• A World Journeys host to guide you every step of the way

Stay in an eco-lodge in the pristine Amazon Rainforest
Experience the wonders of the Amazon rainforest staying at the famous Sacha Lodge with the only canopy walk in the Amazon, a birdwatching tower, and butterfly house.

Encounter the wildlife of the Galapagos
The wildlife both above and below the waterline in the Galapagos is incredible. With strict limits on visitor numbers, you will be one of a privileged few who get to enjoy this experience.

Be immersed in the ancient history of Peru
Visit the marvellous Larco Herrera Museum located in an 18th century mansion, surrounded by beautiful gardens. We will see the museum’s amazing archaeological collection.

Learn to dance the tango in Buenos Aires
Learn to dance the tango and enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a multi award-winning tango show.

Tour itinerary

Spe
01
Auckland > Santiago

Fly to Santiago and transfer to our hotel.

Sep
02
Santiago (B)

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Santiago. The afternoon will be at leisure.

Sep
03
Santiago (B, L)

Head for the coast on a full day tour to historic Valparaiso. Then visit an award-winning winery for a tour, wine tasting and a special ‘welcome to South America’ lunch, before returning to Santiago.

Sep
04
Santiago > Quito (B)

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Quito via Lima. On arrival in Quito, transfer to our hotel situated close to the airport.

Sep
05
Quito > Amazon Jungle (B,L,D)

We take a short flight over the Andes into the Amazon jungle. Then we transfer by river to the stunning Sacha Lodge, set in primary rainforest.

Sep
06
Amazon Jungle (B,L,D)

Over the next two days enjoy nature walks, twilight river excursions and discovering the incredible birds, butterflies and wildlife. Other activities include piranha fishing and a treetop canopy walk, a great place to watch the sunset. Superb naturalist guides will help bring this incredible environment alive!

Sep
07
Amazon Jungle (B,L,D)

Enjoy another full day of guided jungle activities.

Sep
08
Amazon Jungle > Quito (B)

Morning transfer by river, then fly to Quito and transfer to our centrally located hotel

Sep
09
Quito (B)

This morning you will explore this charming city, once the northern capital of the Incan Empire, and the first ever designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sep
10
Quito > Galapagos Islands (B,L,D)

Fly to the Galapagos and on arrival visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to learn about its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Then see giant Galapagos tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station and Breeding Centre before joining your comfortable expedition ship, the Isabela II.

Sep
11
Galapagos Islands (B,L,D)

This morning visit Bartolome Island for magnificent views, before enjoying a zodiac ride searching for the amazing Galapagos penguin and many other species of marine bird life. Later explore Santiago Island, an excellent location to see many different species of Galapagos finches, along with mockingbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks and colourful flamingos.

Sep
12
Galapagos Islands (B,L,D)

Explore Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, the ideal place to spot enigmatic land iguanas, and follow this with a chance to swim or snorkel. In the afternoon, explore the coastline of Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island, which is very rich in bird and marine life.

Sep
13
Galapagos Islands (B,L,D)

Explore the coastline of Isabela Island, spotting Galapagos fur seals, Nazca Boobies, flightless cormorants, penguins and marine iguana. Weather permitting there will also be snorkelling along the cliffs, which contain caves often rich in turtle sightings. In the afternoon visit the youngest island in the archipelago, Fernandina. More great wildlife viewing here and a final opportunity to snorkel, kayak or ride in the glass bottom boat.

Sepember
14
Galapagos Islands > Lima (B)

Fly late morning to the mainland and connect to Lima.

September
15
Lima (B)

A full day of great sightseeing in this historic city, including a visit to the wonderful Larco Herrera Museum.

September
16
Lima > Sacred Valley of the Incas (B,D)

This morning explore this picturesque valley. Visit the Inca salt mines at Maras and the amazing Inca ruins of Moray before enjoying a Peruvian Paso Horse show at our special lunch.

September
18
Sacred Valley of the Incas > Machu Picchu (B,L,D)

This morning visit the very impressive Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo before catching the train to Machu Picchu, the incredible ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at the amazing Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel.

September
19
Machu Picchu > Cuzco (B,L)

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu before returning by train and coach to Cuzco.

September
20
Cuzco (B)

Morning tour of historic Cuzco, including the beautiful Cathedral and the impressive Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Then enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

September
21
Cuzco (B)

Day at leisure to relax or explore enchanting Cuzco. You will be provided with admission tickets to enter a number of points of interest in the city.

September
22
Cuzco > Puno (B,L)

A very scenic and interesting day is spent travelling to Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

September
23
Puno > Lake Titicaca > La Paz (B,L)

Cross into Bolivia and cruise Lake Titicaca for a fascinating visit to Sun Island, the birthplace of the Incas. From here marvel at the azure blue lake and magnificent alpine views of the Royal Chain of the Andes. Continue to La Pa

September
24
La Paz (B)

Morning tour to the markets of the most indigenous of South American capital cities. Also visit the mysterious Moon Valley and Mario Sarabia, a world-famous ceramics artist.

September
25
La Paz > Rio de Janeiro (B)

Fly to Rio and transfer to our hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach.

September
26
Rio de Janeiro (B)

Take two cable cars to the top of Sugarloaf for amazing panoramic views of the city. The afternoon is at leisure.

September
27
Rio de Janeiro (B)

A full day at leisure to relax, swim or shop.

September
28
Rio de Janeiro (B)

Visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer and see Rio’s famous beaches. Visit the historical centre of Rio including a visit to the incredible Royal Portuguese Library. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

September
29
Rio de Janeiro > Iguazu Falls (B)

Fly to the Iguazu Falls and spend one night on the Brazilian side of the falls.

September
30
Iguazu Falls (B)

We spend the day exploring the Brazilian side of the falls including a visit to the excellent Parque des Aves bird and wildlife park, then cross the border into Argentina for a night at a hotel overlooking the falls

Oct
01
Iguazu Falls > Buenos Aires (B)

Tour the Argentina side of the falls, and late afternoon fly to Buenos Aires.

Oct
02
Buenos Aires (B)

Enjoy a half day tour of glorious Buenos Aires, known as the ‘Paris of the Americas’.

Oct
03
Buenos Aires (B)

A day at leisure. Explore the city or perhaps shop in one of the fancy malls. You could even take a tour by ferry to Uruguay for the day.

Oct
04
Buenos Aires (B,D)

Visit the enormous flea and antique market in San Telmo or visit one of the many excellent galleries and museums in the city. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner and excellent tango show.

September
21
Auckland

Early morning arrival into Auckland.

Oct
05
Buenos Aires > Santiago > Auckland (B)

Transfer to the Airport and fly to Auckland via Santiago.

Oct
06
Arrive Auckland

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Tour pricing:

from $44,870

per person twin/double share*

NZ$56,950 for single room

To secure your place now:

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

• Economy Class airfares ex Auckland
• Airline and airport taxes
• A World Journeys host
• Accommodation in 4 and 5-star hotels and lodges
• Galapagos accommodation on board of the elegant Isabela II
• Transfers, sightseeing, and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Meals as indicated (B-L-D)
• INGALA Transit Control Card for the Galapagos Islands
• Gratuities

Not included:

• Items of a personal nature • Travel insurance (mandatory) • Visas (if applicable) • Optional activities • A Galapagos Islands National Park fee of US$200 per person is payable in cash on arrival in the Galapagos

Conditions:

• A non-refundable deposit of $4,000 per person is required, with the final balance due 29 May 2026 • Please note that it may be necessary to collect the airfare portion of the tour earlier than the final balance date • As cancellation fees apply, travel insurance is mandatory • Please enquire about health and medical requirements Important – Health & Mobility Requirements • As this tour involves quite a bit of walking, in order for you to obtain maximum enjoyment and benefit from the itinerary, you must be able to walk a minimum of at least 3 km unaided at one time. On some days during the tour there is a total distance walked throughout the day of up to 8 km. Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Images courtesy of World Journeys
We had a fab holiday thanks, all the logistics went without a hitch and all the activities were brilliant.
Peru & Chile, Marie
The Amazon trip was way beyond my expectations and everything else just perfect.
Peru, Adelle