Grand Tour of South America

Embark on an extraordinary journey through South America, where the Amazonian rainforest, ancient Incan ruins, charming colonial towns, pristine white sandy beaches, and unique wildlife converge to create an unforgettable experience.

This six-country adventure begins in the heart of the Amazon jungle, followed by a captivating cruise through the Galapagos Islands. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring 'Lost City of the Incas' at Machu Picchu, explore the enchanting Lake Titicaca, witness the majestic waterfalls of Iguazu, and embrace the vibrant cities of Quito, Lima, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro. Throughout this expedition, you'll discover a love for the region's rich history and diverse cultures, surrounded by a spectrum of colors and sights—all experienced with the utmost comfort and style.

Pricing

Twin Share from

$36,965* per person

Single from

$46,980* per person

Your Journey at a Glance

• Immerse yourself in the marvels of the Amazon rainforest during a three-night stay at the breathtaking Sacha Lodge.
• Embark on a five-day cruise through the Galapagos Islands aboard the Isabela II.
• Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, where the majestic Andean Mountains are mirrored in the azure waters of Lake iticaca, and be awe-struck by the incredible Iguazu Falls.
• Experience the charm of Quito, home to the most beautiful historic center among all Latin American capital cities.
• Revel in the natural beauty and vibrant beach culture of Rio de Janeiro.
• Enjoy the guidance of a World Journeys host every step of the way.

Special Experiences

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.

Experience a traditional Inca ceremony
At Lake Titicaca, witness an Inca offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) led by a traditionally-dressed Shaman.

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.

What's Included

Small group tour (18 max)

Economy Class airfares ex Auckland

Airline and airport taxes

Tour 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) 

Gratuities

Not Included:

Items of a personal nature

Travel insurance (mandatory)

Visas (if applicable)

Optional activities

A Galapagos Islands National Park fee of US$100 per person is payable on arrival

Important Notes:

A non-refundable deposit of $3,000 per person is required, with the balance due 3 June 2024

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

In the countries visited, tipping is customary. Four a hassle-free journey, tipping is included and will be handled by your host for all group activities.

Itinerary

Tuesday 3 September: Auckland to Santiago

Fly to Santiago and transfer to your hotel.

Wednesday 4 September: Santiago

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Santiago. (B)

Thursday 5 September: Santiago

Embark on a full-day excursion to the historic coastal city of Valparaiso. Afterward, delve into a winery experience featuring a guided tour, wine tasting, and a special 'welcome to South America' lunch, culminating in your return to Santiago. (B,L)

Friday 6 September: Santiago to Quito

Proceed to the airport for a morning flight to Quito via Lima. Upon reaching Quito, transfer to your hotel for the next phase of your journey. (B,D)

Saturday 7 September: Quito to Amazon Jungle

Embark on a brief flight over the Andes, soaring into the heart of the Amazon jungle. From there, transfer by river to the luxuriously appointed Sacha Lodge, nestled in the midst of pristine primary rainforest. (B,L,D)

Sunday 8 September: Amazon Jungle

Dedicate the following two days to immersive experiences, including nature walks, twilight river excursions, and exploration of the remarkable birds, butterflies, and wildlife surrounding you. Engage in activities such as piranha fishing and a treetop canopy walk, offering an excellent vantage point to witness the sunset. Expert naturalist guides will enrich your understanding of this extraordinary environment, making it come alive with their insights and knowledge. (B,L,D)

Monday 9 September: Amazon Jungle 

A full day of guided jungle activities. (B,L,D)

Tuesday 10 September: Amazon Jungle to Quito

Morning transfer by river then fly to Quito for overnight. (B)

Wednesday 11 September: Quito

Discover this enchanting city, formerly the northern capital of the Incan Empire and recognized as the inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

Thursday 12 September: Quito to Galapagos Islands

Take a flight to the Galapagos, and upon arrival, explore the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to gain insights into its distinctive ecosystems and biodiversity. Witness giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat before boarding the Isabela II, your comfortable expedition ship for the journey. (B,L,D)

Friday 13 September: Galapagos Islands

Start your day with a visit to Bartolome Island, where you'll be treated to magnificent views. Following this, embark on a Zodiac ride to search for the incredible Galapagos penguin and various other marine bird species. Later, explore Santiago Island, a prime location to observe a variety of Galapagos finches, along with mockingbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, and vibrant flamingos. (B,L,D)

Saturday 14 September: Galapagos Islands

Embark on an exploration of Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, an ideal location for spotting enigmatic land iguanas. In the afternoon, venture to Darwin Bay, a site abundant in bird and marine life. (B,L,D)

Sunday 15 September: Galapagos Islands

Embark on a captivating day exploring two of the finest islands in the Galapagos. Begin the morning with a Zodiac cruise along the coast of Isabela Island, where you can spot delightful birds, including the iconic blue-footed boobies. For those interested, a snorkeling opportunity with sea turtles awaits, while non-snorkelers may opt for a glass-bottom boat cruise. In the afternoon, land on Fernandina, the youngest island in the archipelago. Marvel at its astounding volcanic landscape, abundant vegetation, and a multitude of marine iguanas basking on the rocks. (B,L,D)

Monday 16 September: Galapagos Islands to Lima

Fly late morning to the mainland and connect to Lima. (B)

Tuesday 17 September: Lima

Embark on a full day of exceptional sightseeing in this historic city, highlighted by a visit to the remarkable Larco Herrera Museum. (B)

Wednesday 18 September: Lima to Sacred Valley of the Incas

Board a brief flight to Cuzco, followed by a transfer to the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas. Nestled at a lower altitude, this location provides an opportunity to acclimatize gradually to the higher elevations. (B,D)

Thursday 19 September: Sacred Valley of the Incas

Begin your day by exploring the picturesque Sacred Valley. Visit the Inca salt mines at Maras and the remarkable Inca ruins of Moray. Later, delight in a special lunch featuring a Peruvian Paso Horse show. (B,L)

Friday 20 September: Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu

Start your day with a visit to the impressive Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo. Following this, catch the train to Machu Picchu, the incredible 'Lost City of the Incas.' Spend the rest of the afternoon in the enchanting surroundings of the Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel. (BL,D)

Saturday 21 September: Machu Picchu to Cuzco

Embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu in the morning, followed by a leisurely lunch. Later, return to Cuzco via train and coach. (B,L)

Sunday 22 September: Cuzco

Morning tour of historic Cuzco, encompassing visits to the beautiful Cathedral and the impressive Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The afternoon is yours to explore and enjoy at leisure. (B)

Monday 23 September: Cuzco to Puno

Today is a fascinating journey to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, where your day will be filled with captivating landscapes and cultural exploration. (B,L)

Tuesday 24 September: Puno to Lake Titicaca

Cross into Bolivia and embark on a cruise across Lake Titicaca, exploring Sun Island—recognized as the birthplace of the Incas. Marvel at the azure blue lake and the breathtaking alpine vistas of the Royal Chain of the Andes. Conclude the day's journey by heading to La Paz. (B,L)

Wednesday 25 September: La Paz

Enjoy a morning tour to explore the markets of La Paz, one of the most culturally rich South American capital cities. Additionally, visit the enigmatic Moon Valley and meet Mario Sarabia, a globally renowned ceramics artist. (B)

Thursday 26 September: La Paz to Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Friday 27 September: Buenos Aires

Explore Buenos Aires, often referred to as the 'Paris of the Americas,' on a captivating tour.(B)

Saturday 28 September: Buenos Aires

Spend your time exploring, shopping, or simply relaxing in this vibrant city. In the evening, partake in a tango lesson followed by a special dinner and an enchanting tango show. (B,D)

Sunday 29 September: Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls

Take a flight to the majestic Iguazu Falls and then transfer to your hotel, located within the National Park, providing convenient access to the natural wonder. (B)

Monday 30 September: Iguazu Falls

Embark on a morning tour offering breathtaking views of the amazing Iguazu Falls, with the highlight being the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat Cataract, considered one of the most impressive in the world. (B)

Tuesday 1 October: Iguazu Falls to Rio de Janeiro

Explore the Brazilian side of the falls and visit a delightful bird and wildlife park before taking a flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, which overlooks Copacabana Beach. (B)

Wednesday 2 October: Rio de Janeiro

Embark on a visit to the historical center of old Rio, followed by an ascent to the summit of Sugarloaf via two cable cars. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. (B)

Thursday 3 October: Rio de Janeiro

Explore the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer and later, take a scenic tour of Rio's renowned beaches. The afternoon is yours to savor at your leisure. (B)

Friday 4 October: Rio de Janeiro to Auckland

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home, via Santiago. (B)

Saturday 5 October: In Flight

Sunday 6 October: Arrive Auckland

Early morning arrival into Auckland.

Terms and Conditions

While World Travellers have exercised reasonable care and skill to ensure that the contents of this website are correct, accurate, and up-to-date, please note that: the contents are based on information supplied to us by third party suppliers and we cannot be expected to have personal knowledge of the current conditions of accommodation, facilities, and services provided by each supplier; facilities and/or services may change after the publishing date. Any quotes provided by World Travellers are valid for 7 days from the date of quotation. All prices are subject to change until final payment has been received due to currency fluctuation or other factors outside our control. Please check www.mfat.govt.nz for current Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice. While we are happy to assist you, it is your responsibility to check all health, vaccination, passport and visa requirements for each country you intend to visit.

Confirmation of Services
Your acceptance of a quotation or your booking request does not guarantee actual availability of the requested flights, tours, accommodation, or services until such time as you receive a confirmation invoice from World Travellers.

Deposits and Final Payments: Tailor-made Travel
A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total invoice is required within 7 days of confirmation of arrangements. If the deposit is not received by this time, we reserve the right to cancel all arrangements without notification. Some tours and cruises require higher deposits and details of such will be advised at time of reservation. Receipt of deposit will be taken as an understanding by us that you have checked your confirmed arrangements and have read and agree to abide by the terms and conditions set forth on this website. Final payment is due 60 days before departure or by the payment deadline stated on the final invoice, whichever is earliest. If the final payment is not received by the company by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel all arrangements without notification. Bookings made within 60 days of departure will only be processed if we hold full payment. We do not accept bookings for travel within 7 days of departure. The name provided in the reservation must match the full name as per passport. Passport must be valid for 6 months after your scheduled return.  Please note: once arrangements are paid in full the price is set and no further communication over pricing will be entered into.

Deposits and Final Payments: Small Group Hosted Journeys
A non-refundable deposit as shown on the tour package is required within 7 days of our confirmation of your option. If the deposit is not received by this time, we reserve the right to cancel all arrangements without notification. Receipt of deposit will be taken as an understanding by us that you have checked your confirmed arrangements and have read and agree to abide by the terms and conditions set forth on this website. Final payment is due between 60 and 90 days before departure and is stated under the ‘Booking Conditions’ of each tour. If we do not receive the final payment by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel all arrangements without notification. Bookings made within 60 days of departure will only be processed if we hold full payment. We do not accept bookings for travel within 5 days of departure. Please note that your place will not be confirmed until a copy of your passport and the deposit has been received. The name provided in the reservation must match the full name as per passport. Passport must be valid for 6 months after your scheduled return.

Amendments: Tailor-made Travel
If you wish to alter your arrangements after your booking is confirmed you must notify us in writing. We will endeavour to make the amendments you require but due to the additional administrative costs we will charge you $100 per amendment plus any fees imposed by our supplier. Amendments within 60 days of departure are subject to full cancellation fees.

Amendments: Small Group Hosted Journeys
If you wish to alter your arrangements after your booking is confirmed you must notify us in writing. We will endeavour to make the amendments you require but due to the additional administrative costs we will charge you $500 per amendment plus any fees imposed by our suppliers. Amendments made within 60 days of departure are subject to full cancellation fees.

Cancellations and Refunds
We strongly recommend travel insurance and it is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have read and understood their travel insurance policy cover and any exceptions or exclusions contained therein.

Cancelled bookings will incur charges. These charges can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking regardless of whether travel has commenced. As a minimum, our cancellation charges are 20% of the total booking value, plus any applicable supplier fees or penalties. The amount of each supplier’s cancellation fees or penalties is beyond our control and payment is solely your responsibility. To the extent permitted by law, no refund is available for cancellations after the holiday package has commenced or in respect of any tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilised.

After payment of the tour deposit or final balance of arrangements to World Travellers, in the event of an advice being posted on the NZ Government Safe Travel website www.safetravel.govt.nz declaring ‘Do Not Travel’ to any country in the itinerary, World Travellers reserves the right to cancel some or all of the travel arrangements included as part of the entire itinerary. In this event, we will attempt to recover as much refund as possible on behalf of the traveller for unused services resulting from the cancellation, but will not be liable for any unrecoverable costs or fees charged by any supplier. The traveller will need to submit a claim to their travel insurance company for any unrecoverable costs or fees and any decision over compensation of these costs or fees will be between the traveller and their travel insurance company. It is the traveller’s responsibility to read and understand their travel insurance policy prior to payment to World Journeys for any arrangements.

Requests for refunds must be received no later than 30 days after the last service booked with World Journeys. Where air tickets are purchased from World Travellers, cancellation fees will be applied by the airline and refunds, if any, will not be made until the airline has refunded World Journeys.

Regarding Small Group Hosted Journeys
Any cancellations must be received in writing and will be assessed based on the date received in our office. Cancellation fees are levied as follows:
More than 60 days before departure – loss of deposit
From 60-31 days before departure – 50%
Less than 30 days before departure – 100%
Where air tickets are included and purchased from World Journeys, cancellation fees will also be applied by the airline and refunds, if any, will not be made until the airline has refunded World Journeys.

Due to supplier restrictions, cancellation terms for some tours will vary from the above. Your option and confirmation letter contains the terms for your specific tour and signing the booking form will be taken as an understanding by us that you have read and agree to abide by the terms and conditions set forth within those letters.

Unavoidable Extraordinary Circumstances (Force Majeure)
We cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected, or you otherwise suffer any loss, injury, death, inconvenience or damage as a result of circumstances amounting to ‘force majeure’. In these terms and conditions ‘force majeure’ means any event or circumstances which we or the supplier of the services in question could not foresee or avoid. Such events and circumstances may include, whether actual or threatened, war, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil action, decisions by governments or governing authority, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes of schedules or operational decisions of air carriers, terrorist activity, industrial action, natural or nuclear activity, epidemics/pandemics, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.

Prices, Taxes and Currency Fluctuations
World Travellers guarantees the price of your arrangements once you have paid us in full. Prices on this website are based on costs and exchange rates as at 1 September 2022 – should these change it may be necessary to reprice your holiday package. If a booking falls over two different rate periods, the rate will change and we reserve the right to re-quote.  Please check with World Travellers before placing your reservation to ascertain if there have been any pricing changes. The price quoted for a package will be a total figure and no breakdown of component costs can be provided. Taxes or levies imposed by government bodies or their agencies are beyond our control. Prices shown are for payment by cash or debit card only.  Prices are in New Zealand Dollars (unless stated otherwise).

Not Included in Tour Cost
Tailor-made Travel: Airfares (unless specified), airport taxes, ticketable taxes and surcharges, visas, insurance, excess baggage, optional activities, shore excursions, gratuities/tipping (unless stated otherwise) and items of a personal nature.
Small Group Hosted Journeys: Visas, insurance, excess baggage, optional activities, shore excursions and items of a personal nature.

Holiday Variation
If unforeseen circumstances beyond our control require us to make necessary changes to your holiday, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule/defer departures and itineraries. When it is necessary to change a hotel, the company reserves the right to substitute accommodation of at least a similar standard.  Travel dates and transit points are based on airline schedules available at the time of publishing. These may change at any stage which may alter the itinerary and require amending flights and/or cities. 

Accommodation
All accommodation detailed on this website provides a room with ensuite facilities unless otherwise stated. Accommodation descriptions are based on current guides and are subject to change. Accommodation photographs may not be specific to the actual hotel room occupied.

Maps
Maps used on our website are for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

Insurance
It is a condition of booking one of our Small Group Hosted Journeys that travellers are adequately insured for the full duration of their holiday.  We strongly recommend that travel insurance is purchased at the time of reservation and payment of deposit.

Travel Advice
While every effort is made to ensure guest safety, World Travellers makes no representation as to the safety, conditions or other issues that may exist at any destination. For travel advice please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or visit their website at www.safetravel.govt.nz

Passports, Visas & Health
It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and any visas, re-entry permits and/or health regulations which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities.

Business Purposes
You agree that where our services are acquired for business purposes, or where you hold yourself out as acquiring our services for business purposes, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 will not apply to any supply of goods or services made under these conditions.

Governing Law
This agreement is covered by the laws of New Zealand. Any claim or legal action against overseas suppliers is likely to be subject to the terms of our contract with them, and may be governed by the laws of other countries.

Health & Medical Requirements
It is important for us to know and a condition of accepting your booking that you advise us at the time of booking of any health or medical conditions that could affect your ability to participate in the travel arrangements requested. All World Journeys’ small group hosted journeys include a level of walking and all participants must be able to easily walk a minimum of 2km without aid. If you have any concerns over the suitability of the proposed travel arrangements, we recommend that you contact your medical practitioner to discuss the travel to be undertaken. You must advise us in writing at the time of reservation (or subsequently should a new condition be diagnosed):
1. Any physical or mental conditions that may require medical or professional treatment or attention during the journey.
2. Any condition that may render the traveller unfit for travel, or that may require special care or assistance.
3. Any condition that may pose a risk or danger to the guest or anyone else on the journey.
4. Any condition that may require oxygen for medical reasons.
5. Any intention or need to use a wheelchair or other mobility device during the journey.
By booking the journey and paying the deposit, all travellers represent and warrant that they are physically and otherwise fit to travel. Should you have any concerns over your condition(s), you are requested to discuss your condition(s) with us before placing your reservation and paying your deposit.

Pandemic/Covid Policy
Should you test positive for Covid-19 or any other infection declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) while travelling as part of arrangements made through World Journeys, you will be required to follow the government regulations of the country in which you are travelling. You must also advise World Journeys and their local partners as soon as possible in the event you test positive for a pandemic related illness. We encourage anyone with any symptoms of Covid-19 or other pandemic related illness to self-test while travelling, and suggest you carry a supply of your own Rapid Antigen test kits for this purpose. Should you test positive for Covid-19 or other pandemic related illness, you must follow the advice of local government, including self-isolation if required.

If you are a member of a World Journeys Small Group Hosted Journey and test positive for Covid-19 or another WHO designated pandemic infection, for the health and safety of your host and fellow travellers you may be required to complete a period in isolation until you no longer test positive. Any additional costs incurred as a result of isolation would be your own responsibility, including but not limited to, the cost of any additional accommodation, travel, medical costs, or any costs associated with having to return home early or to re-join the tour, and any incidental expenses. Refunds will not be provided to any traveller who cannot fulfil the entirety of their programme due to Covid-19 or any other WHO designated pandemic illness once the tour has commenced.

Purchasing travel insurance is a mandatory requirement when booking a Small Group Hosted Journey. It is your responsibility to check if your travel insurance policy covers any additional costs you may incur or any refunds for services you miss out on in relation to any WHO pandemic.

Professional service fees may apply.