Brazil/Argentina/Chile/Peru
South American Odyssey: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Machu Picchu & More
Program No. 22885RJ
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South American Odyssey: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Machu Picchu & More
South American Odyssey: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Machu Picchu & More
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Participant Reviews
Based on 34 Reviews
SHOWING
This program visited several sites in 4 countries so we were constantly packing and unpacking, taking buses and going through airports so, we had very little free time. It was tiring but we saw and learned so much. For me it was well worth it but it might be too much for some people.
— Review left February 24, 2026
This was truly an odyssey to major places of interest and significance in South America. The quality of instruction and experiential learning was exceptional. I will be going back for more visits to South America with Road Scholar!
— Review left February 17, 2026
Fantastic! Amazing! Filled with exceptional home visits, unique experiences, superb guides, terrific food, excellent hotels. How fortunate I was, and also my friend Laurie, to have experienced this incredible journey.
— Review left January 6, 2026
South America has such a culturally rich and politically complicated history. To have “boots of the ground” enriches one’s world-centric perspective and provides new ways of embracing the richness of international travel.
— Review left November 30, 2025
If you’re wondering if Road Scholar South American Odessey is right for you and you want to learn more about South America TAKE THIS TRIP!! You will not regret it. What are you waiting for??
— Review left November 22, 2025
Inclusive and wonderful program. I learned quite a bit about the history and culture of all four countries and sites.
— Review left November 21, 2025
After many years of DIY touring through many countries and continents, this was our first experience with a group tour. We were drawn to Road Scholar's focus on learning and were more than satisfied with our choice - despite our experience in such matters, we could not have put together or executed a better tour through these countries ourselves. We would certainly consider another RS tour if the situation calls for a group tour.
— Review left November 4, 2025
If you ever wanted to learn more about South America I highly recommend this trip you will experience a amazing introduction to the culture and history of four countries in two weeks
— Review left June 12, 2025
This journey is a wonderful introduction to South America! It is well organized and offers in-depth knowledge with unique cultural adventures in a stunningly beautiful setting.
— Review left May 25, 2025
Our South American trip was amazing! We felt like we were able to see much of South America and many important sites. We experienced so many unique and one of kind experiences, such as a private gaucho lunch, private ranch lunch in the Sacred Valley, dance lessons, Favela tour. The unique cultural experiences were authentic and very enriching. We had local tour guides in every country that were so professional and well-educated. We had extra educational talks about specific topics. The hotels were very nice. All the included meals were terrific. We were a small team of only 10; we all got along well and made friends by the end of the trip. The best part of the trip was our overall tour guide, Dario. He went far beyond what we expected or anticipated. He was essentially available to us 24/7 for our 18 day trip. Dario is full of life, full of energy. He adds a number of special touches/extras that made the trip so wonderful.
This was our first Road Scholar trip and we can't imagine a better trip ever. It was a once in a lifetime trip and we feel we owe it all to Dario!!!!! If you are considering or are on the fence about taking a trip to South America, DO IT! It's such an amazing continent full of gorgeous land and friendly people.
We highly recommend seeing South America with Road Scholar!
— Review left May 11, 2025
This is a very good introduction to South America. Seeing Iguzu Falls and Machu Pichu are some of the most fantastic sites we have seen in our many travels.
— Review left April 5, 2025
I have journeyed with Globus, Collette, Perillo, Tauck Tour groups just to name a few. I had heard some mixed reviews about Road Scholar and this trip appealed to me so I thought I would try your tour. It was my first and last trip with your company. I live in a large 55+ community village with a travel club and I am making them aware of my issues.
First, I would like to say all of the local guides were excellent and knowledgeable. The various country sites that were selected were excellent with the exception of Chile. It was whirlwind trip and I am glad that I went.
The first issue was the booking of the air flights. Multiple flights to a destination when one or two would have sufficed. A 10 hour lay over between Miami and return to LA which I was able to fix at the airport for an extra charge. This was at the tail end of an 18 hour transportation day.
The second major issue was Caolina, our guide. Although very sweet, she did not follow protocol for the group's health and welfare. Within the first few days, one of the participants became very ill and refused medical treatment. She isolated for 24 hours and returned to the group sometimes with and without face mask and was NOT symptom free (heavy bronchiole cough with phlegm). 48 hours later the next participant became very ill and was taken to a hospital. It turns out that he had covid and chose to go home. As the trip continued 6 other people had the same upper respiratory problems. One of the women agreed to medical treatment and also had covid, no big surprise. During our last week in Cusco I askded the original patient why she was no longer wearing her mask and she stated that Carolina had told her that wearing the face mask would be bad for her at the high altitudes. I wore my face mask 24 x 7.
The trip was altered greatly by the disease spreading, constant coughing, and the loss of jubilation of the actual sites that we were able to see. Participant's last statement was "it was allergies
— Review left March 16, 2025
It was a great trip! All of our fellow travelers were kind and added to our enjoyment of the trip. The guides were knowledgeable. Road Scholar succeeded in making this a diverse cultural experience!
— Review left November 20, 2024
This was a once in a lifetime trip. Dario, our group leader was amazing!I didn't think I could complete the hike/climb of, but the encouragement from Dario, really helped me complete it!
— Review left November 1, 2024
The South America tour was very good. Dario was our group leader and he is without a doubt a real gem. He was enthusiastically and happily engaged throughout the program. His assistance for some of our group that had some medical difficulties was above and beyond what one would expect and I believe those individuals especially appreciated Dario. The content of the trip was good and with all the flights we took, everything went very smoothly, Lodging and food were generally very good. Our home visits and experiences with local guides were interesting and rewarding.
— Review left October 25, 2024
Dario is the Best Tour Guide. I would go on any RS trip with Dario. We thought 19 days would be too long for us, but your days are full and not overwhelmed. We experienced so much with lots of Local Guides. It was the perfect time to see and do all the things in the itinerary. Dario had lots of Surprises that were not on the RS itinerary. Thank You! WOW! Brought rain coats and never put them on. Think we got lucky. I recommend this trip.
— Review left May 10, 2024
Wonderfully organized tour that allowed us to fulfill a lifelong dream and gave us the desire to go back to each country to explore them more in-depth!
— Review left April 7, 2024
This is a physically demanding trip but worth every minute. You will be very lucky to get Dario as your tour guide. The meals tend to be too large and could often be split between two people in order not to waste food. As our guide told us, you do need to be flexible and have a positive attitude. Sometimes the view is too cloudy or the train is late. There is nothing to be done about these things but cranky people make it much worse. We were blessed to be traveling with really great people. Believe the description when it says you will be walking on uneven ground and steps.
— Review left April 7, 2024
South American Odyssey for the win! This is a rigorous trip with many transfers and flights and is not a good choice for those with mobility issues and yet... an amazing overview of South America and exceptional learning experience. Thanks Road Scholar for a great trip!
— Review left March 8, 2024
We loved this program! There were special delightful surprises almost everyday. Our group leader, Dario, was excellent. We had a buffet of experiences and a taste of each of the four countries that made us want more. As the description says, it is for those who like to be on the go. The numerous air trips, and walking with lots of steps for example were challenging for many in our group, so consider carefully what you are up to. My step counter never said less than 6000 steps a day, and multiple times was over 10,000 steps. We had experiences with the locals many times, often the kind of interactions that you can't get in ordinary group travel. Road Scholar does it best!
— Review left November 10, 2023
Amazing trip! Loved getting wet at Iguazu Falls, seeing the Andes Mountains, eating in the homes of some local residents and exploring Machu Picchu. You just can't capture those places in a photo. You have to experience it.
— Review left November 4, 2023
The description of this tour came short in preparing me for the incredible destinations it covered. The tour, from start to finish, was so much more than I expected. I couldn't have asked for a better tour leader than Dario. He added more "wow" moments to our days with his incredible surprises.
Unforgettable memories.
— Review left March 29, 2023
Wonderful active introduction to South America. Highly recommend!
— Review left March 26, 2023
This program is amazing! The range of activities is beyond belief. So much is packed into the trip, it’s hard to imagine any more. I recommend this program without hesitation. If a South American Odyssey is on your bucket list, this is the one to choose, and if it’s not, you will still not be disappointed! Pack your bags!
— Review left March 24, 2023
This was a great trip. Every day was busy. We did things I doubt could be done with others tours or on my own. I swam off the beach in Rio, sang "The girl from Ipanema," danced some Samba, did some Tango, drank some wine, walked with macaws, and had photos with alpachas. It was almost heart stopping to see Machu Pichu.
— Review left March 24, 2023
I just got back from the South American Odyssey Adventure. I experienced and interacted with an incredible amount of people, activities, food, culture, history and more in just 19 days. The pacing of this Road Scholar learning adventure is fast (2 - 3 days in a location or country) and active (we walked every day and ended with Ancient Archeological Incan Ruins) Our guide was professional, compassionate, organized, and experienced and knowledgeable about the history of South America. Road Scholar was incredibly supportive with staff, and transportation, and accommodations at each place we visited. This is an experience of a lifetime. I wholeheartedly recommend this Road Scholar Adventure.
— Review left November 20, 2022
The South American Odyssey had so many wonderful activities and experiences; everyday was a new adventure. Iguazu Fall, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are the famous highlights and were fantastic but the cities that we toured and the learning activities in those locations were also memorable. All of our local experts were brilliant, knowledgeable hosts. Dario, our trip leader was absolutely the best. His enthusiasm, knowledge, patience and never ending energy made the trip extra fun and also made all participants feel safe and well cared for. This trip is a good value when you consider all of the activities, travel (air, bus, train, taxi), meals, accommodations; and all of the planning that goes into a trip like this.
PS I didn't see a place to fill in the star rating but I give the trip five stars.
— Review left November 3, 2022
During our South American Odyssey, there were wonderful adventures everyday.
— Review left October 28, 2022
Fantastic & exciting activities and vistas every day!
— Review left October 28, 2022
This was a fabulous trip that far exceeded my expectations. The itinerary was full but excellent. I did several things from my bucket list (Iguazu Falls and Machu Picchu). Our leader (Dario) and all the local guides were excellent. I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left October 27, 2022
The South American Odyssey was a fantastic experience. Very educational and a chance to see several things that were on my bucket list. A great overview of our neighbors to the south and their lives. I would recommend this trip to anyone.
— Review left January 30, 2020
Great program. Road Scholar thought of everything, the whole experience was wonderful. The group leader, Ivonne, did an outstanding job!
— Review left February 25, 2019
This is an excellent program which shows the highlights of four different countries in South America with a great variety of interesting activities. It does involve some early mornings in order to incorporate it all and a reasonable activity level in order to "Keep The Pace" but well worth it!
— Review left February 1, 2019
This was my first tour to S. America and my third international tour with Road Scholar. It was truly a trip of a lifetime! I agree with my tour mate, Neal in that it was a fantastic trip: itinerary, arrangements, lodging and with a most wonderful guide (Ivonne Saldivar Dalguerre). You can't do better guide-wise than Ivonne.
For me, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Iguassu Falls and Machu Picchu were the highlights but I loved the beautiful scenery in all the countries, especially Peru.
Highly recommend this very active tour to others!
— Review left January 1, 2019