Brazil/Argentina/Chile/Peru
South American Odyssey: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Machu Picchu & More
Program No. 22885RJ
Learn the Samba in Rio and the tango in Buenos Aires, climb to Machu Picchu and have lunch hosted by locals in colorful Valparaiso on this journey to the best of South America.
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Protecting the Environment
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19 days
18 nights
38 meals
16B 13L 9D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Rio de Janeiro, Visit Sugar Loaf.
Rio de Janeiro
3
Exploring Corcovado and Favela experience.
Rio de Janeiro
4
Rio's Historic Center and Samba School
Rio de Janeiro
5
Fly to Foz do Iguaçu and Iguazu Falls Field Trip
Iguazu Falls
7
Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina.Tango experience.
Buenos Aires
8
San Telmo & La Boca, Meeting Locals, Free Time
Buenos Aires
9
La Pampa and Argentine Gaucho Life
Buenos Aires
10
Fly to Santiago and City Tour
Santiago
11
Valparaíso, Family host lunch
Santiago
12
Wine Estate and Andean Museum
Santiago
15
Weaving Cooperative, Maras Salt Mines, Moray, Sacred Valley
Urubamba Valley
16
Pisac Sunday Market
Urubamba Valley
18
Program Concludes
Cuzco
19
Arrival to North America
In Flight
At a Glance
The rhythm of samba and the icons of Rio de Janeiro: Corcovado, Sugar Mountain and Copacabana Beach. The pounding waters of Iguazu Falls. The glint of sunlight illuminating the ruins of the Incas in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The Colorful and classic neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and the culture of Argentina’s Gauchos. Cosmopolitan Santiago, the Pacific coast of Chile all set against the imposing backdrop of the Andes. On this journey from the extraordinary coast of Brazil to the mountaintops of the Peruvian Andes, feast your senses on the natural, ancient and contemporary wonders of South America.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Elevations up to 11,000 feet in Cusco, Peru. Walking and standing up to two miles a day in a variety of conditions.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Explore the highlights of Rio de Janeiro and take in the awesome splendor of Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian vantage points.
- Walk among the remains of the ancient Inca civilization in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu.
- Discover Argentine culture in Buenos Aires with a tango lesson and the sophisticated neighborhood of Recoleta.
Suggested Reading List
(13 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Incas
Featuring archival drawings and photographs, a chronology and chapters on Atahualpa, the Conquistadors and Hiram Bingham, this handy book (previously published as People of the Sun) illuminates the daily life, monuments and history of the Incas.
Buenos Aires, A Cultural History
An exhilarating, erudite guide to Buenos Aires as it has been portrayed by writers, poets and thinkers; serves well as a guidebook, too, with a street map and detailed neighborhood descriptions.
Tropical Nature
Two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists offer a lucid portrait of the tropics through 17 marvelous essays that introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforests.
The Machu Picchu Guidebook
With maps and site plans, a segment on new discoveries, a wildlife section and a fold-out full color painting of the city as it may have looked during a solstice celebration in 1530.
Stone Offerings
Torrey captures the dramatic setting, solitude and intricate construction of the Inca site of Machu Picchu in 100 striking color photographs taken over a few days at summer and winter solstice.
Brazil
An excellent, colorful primer to the country and its history, covering the varied landscapes, diverse cultures and regional customs, including carnaval and soccer.
Lonely Planet Buenos Aires
The best of Buenos Aires is included in this practical guide, along with a pullout map and insider recommendations on shopping, eating, sleeping and day trips.
Cataratas del Iguazu
This foldup, laminated card shows seven maps of the falls, Puerto Iguazu, park and region.
Inca Trail: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Map
This fact-filled map shows the whole of the Sacred Valley, from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, on one side, and, on the reverse, the area surrounding the sanctuary in splendid, topographic detail (1:50,000). It's the best map for those making the trek from kilometer 88 to the site and an excellent choice for those exploring by bus or train.
The Brazilians
A clear, comprehensive and compelling introduction to Brazil, covering politics, history, economics, ecology, conservation and culture.
Lost City of the Incas
This first-rate adventure story by the man who brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the world 100 years ago is not just a gripping tale of exploration and archaeology, it also sets the scene for any visitor to the site.
Forgotten Continent
Economist editor Reid draws on his years in the cities, presidential palaces and shantytowns of Central and South America in this portrait of a region rich in oil, farmland and culture, with consideration on its prospects in the face of globalization.
Cloud Forest, A Chronicle of the South American Wilderness
Matthiessen recounts with wit, insight and style his odyssey to the Amazon and Andes, including Machu Picchu and Tierra del Fuego.
Meals
38 Meals
16 Breakfasts
13 Lunches
9 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024
- Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
- Oct 20, 2024 - Nov 07, 2024 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
- Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 28, 2024 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
- Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
- Feb 16, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
- Mar 16, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
- Apr 13, 2025 - May 01, 2025 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
- May 11, 2025 - May 29, 2025 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
- Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025 (Rio de Janeiro to Cuzco)
3 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
3 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
3 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
3 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
3 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
3 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
3 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
3 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
3 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
3 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
3 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
3 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
4 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
2 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
2 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
1 night
Aguas Caliente
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective. The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit.
See All Lodging Options
4 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
2 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
2 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
1 night
Aguas Caliente
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective. The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit.
See All Lodging Options
4 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
2 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
2 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
1 night
Aguas Caliente
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective. The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit.
See All Lodging Options
4 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
2 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
2 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
1 night
Aguas Caliente
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective. The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit.
See All Lodging Options
4 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
2 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
2 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
1 night
Aguas Caliente
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective. The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit.
See All Lodging Options
4 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
2 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
2 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
1 night
Aguas Caliente
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective. The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit.
See All Lodging Options
4 nights
Buenos Aires
A hotel designed to enjoy the city through its most representative aspects; gastronomy, the expressiveness of its art, its events and lifestyle. A look that represents the union of the past and future of the city, reflected in the furniture and decor of the hotel, in the combination of colors and materials that present the beauty and memory of the place.
2 nights
Santiago
Centrally located within Santiago's recently developed commercial and financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is just one block away from The Costanera Center – an extensive business and commercial complex that includes South America’s largest shopping mall, theaters, offices and the tallest building in Latin America, Gran Torre Santiago. This Santiago hotel is within walking distance of national and international corporate headquarters, embassies and convention centers. Guests can also enjoy easy access to restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural buildings and many Santiago attractions. Experience a warm welcome when you stay at this contemporary Santiago hotel. You will even be greeted with a signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you check-in.
2 nights
Cusco
The hotel is situated two blocks away from the main square in a XVII century colonial house.
2 nights
Cusco
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, five minutes far from Urubamba , one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Posada Yucay is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
1 night
Aguas Caliente
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective. The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit.
See All Lodging Options