Grand Tour of South America
Tour Description
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.
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
Please contact us to find out up to date pricing for this tour.
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.
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.
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
Monday 31 August: Auckland to Santiago
Fly to Santiago and transfer to your hotel.
Tuesday 1 September: Santiago
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Santiago. (B)
Wednesday 2 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)
Thursday 3 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)
Friday 4 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)
Saturday 5 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)
Sunday 6 September: Amazon Jungle
A full day of guided jungle activities. (B,L,D)
Monday 7 September: Amazon Jungle to Quito
Morning transfer by river then fly to Quito for overnight. (B)
Tuesday 8 September: Quito
Discover this enchanting city, formerly the northern capital of the Incan Empire and recognized as the inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)
Wednesday 9 September: Quito
Today enjoy a tour to picturesque Otavalo market with lunch included at a historic hacienda.. (B,L)
Thursday 10 September: Quito to Galapagos Islands
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. (B,L,D)
Friday 11 September: Galapagos Islands
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. (B,L,D)
Saturday 12 September: Galapagos Islands
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. (B,L,D)
Sunday 13 September: Galapagos Islands
Two of the best islands in the Galapagos await you today. In the morning cruise in zodiacs along the coast of Isabela Island spotting birds including the delightful blue footed boobies. Those interested can then snorkel with the sea turtles or alternatively, non-snorkellers may take a glass bottom boat cruise. The afternoon sees a landing on the youngest island in the archipelago, Fernandina. This area has an amazing volcanic landscape, with incredible vegetation and a huge number of marine iguanas sunning themselves on rocks. (B,L,D)
Monday 14 September: Galapagos Islands to Lima
Fly late morning to the mainland and connect to Lima. (B)
Tuesday 15 September: Lima
A full day of great sightseeing in this historic city, including a visit to the wonderful Larco Herrera Museum. (B)
Wednesday 16 September: Lima to Sacred Valley of the Incas
We take a short flight to Cuzco and then transfer to the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, situated at a lower altitude which will help us acclimatise to being at altitude. (B,D)
Thursday 17 September: Sacred Valley of the Incas
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. (B,L)
Friday 18 September: Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu
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. (B,L,D)
Saturday 19 September: Machu Picchu to Cuzco
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu and then lunch before returning by train and coach to Cuzco. (B,L)
Sunday 20 September: Cuzco
Morning tour of historic Cuzco, including the beautiful Cathedral and the impressive Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Then enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore. (B)
Monday 21 September: Cuzco to Puno
A very scenic and interesting day is spent travelling to Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca. (B,L)
Tuesday 22 September: Puno to Lake Titicaca to La Paz
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 Paz. (B,L)
Wednesday 23 September: La Paz
Morning tour to the markets of the most ‘Indian’ of South American capital cities. Also visit the mysterious Moon Valley and Mario Sarabia, a world-famous ceramics artist. (B)
Thursday 24 September: La Paz to Buenos Aires
We fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to our hotel.(B)
Friday 25 September: Buenos Aires
Tour Buenos Aires, the ‘Paris of the Americas’.(B)
Saturday 26 September: Buenos Aires
Explore, shop or relax in this great city. In the evening we will enjoy a tango lesson before a special dinner and tango show.(B,D)
Sunday 27 September: Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls
Fly to the mighty Iguazu Falls before transferring to our hotel situated inside the National Park. (B)
Monday 28 September: Iguazu Falls
Morning tour with amazing falls views then the highlight, the Devil’s Throat Cataract – the most impressive in the world. (B)
Tuesday 29 September: Iguazu Falls to Rio de Janeiro
Tour the Brazilian side of the falls and visit a wonderful bird and wildlife park before flying to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival transfer to our hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach. (B)
Wednesday 30 September: Rio de Janeiro
Visit the historical centre of old Rio, then take two cable cars to the summit of Sugarloaf. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Thursday 1 October: Rio de Janeiro
Visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer and later pass by Rio’s famous beaches. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B)
Friday 2 October: Rio de Janeiro to Auckland
Saturday 3 October: In Flight
Sunday 4 October: Arrive Auckland
Early morning arrival into Auckland.
Tour Details
Travel Dates
Duration
Price From
Sale Ends
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.