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2027

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

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ChildrenUnder 18

0

South American Explorer (Inca Trail Trek)

18 days
From Cusco to Rio de Janeiro
4.5
2 traveler reviews

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity
Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 8 - 30
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Cusco

    Start point
    Cusco, Cusco, Peru (Cusco)
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Selina Saphi (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Shop for artisan jewellery and woodworks
    • Roam cobblestone streets
    • Browse San Pedro markets
    • Sample cacao buds and coca leaf tea
    Landmarks
    San Pedro Markets
    Plaza de Armas (Cusco)
    Itinerary Image 1
  2. Day 2

    Cusco to Sacred Valley

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Tunupa Lodge Ollantaytambo (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Llama farm visit with llamas, vicunas, and alpacas
    • Watch traditional Incan weaving demonstration by local artisans
    • Guided tour of Pisac ruins
    • Guided tour of Ollantaytambo ruins
    • Homemade Chicha de Jora brew tasting

    Optional Activities

    • Sacred Valley Rafting
    • Play traditional game of Sapo
    • Spot Incan farming terraces
    • Stock up on last-minute essentials in Ollantaytambo
    Landmarks
    Pisac Ruins
    Ollantaytambo Ruins
    Ollantaytambo Town
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 3

    Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Packed lunch (trek participants))
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Inka Tower Machupicchu Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Train to KM 104 (trek participants)
    • 1-day Inca Trail trek (13 km, 6 hours) to Machu Picchu (trek participants)

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Aguas Calientes town
    Landmarks
    Huayna Picchu (Little Peak)
    Aguas Calientes
    Itinerary Image 1
  4. Day 4

    Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Cusco

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Selina Saphi (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
    • Visit Temple of the Three Windows
    • Access to Huayna Picchu peak viewing
    • Self-guided exploration time at Machu Picchu
    • Train journey back to Cusco

    Optional Activities

    • Try cuy (local guinea pig cuisine)
    • Browse market stalls in Cusco
    • Explore Cusco's cobbled streets
    Landmarks
    Machu Picchu
    Temple of the Three Windows
    Huayna Picchu Peak
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  5. Day 5

    Cusco

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Selina Saphi (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Sleep in at hotel
    • Enjoy coffee in Plaza de Armas
    • Shop for alpaca sweaters
    • Explore Cusco town
    • Adventure activities
    Landmarks
    Plaza de Armas (Cusco)
  6. Day 6

    Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Home-cooked dinner at rainforest lodge)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Included flight over the Andes to Puerto Maldonado
    • Quick city tour of Puerto Maldonado
    • Hike to canopy tower
    • Caiman spotting excursion
    Landmarks
    Puerto Maldonado
    Amazon Rainforest
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  7. Day 7

    Puerto Maldonado

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Morning canoe cruise on Sandoval Lake
    • Hoatzin bird spotting
    • Giant river otter spotting

    Optional Activities

    • Free afternoon exploration
    Landmarks
    Sandoval Lake
    Itinerary Image 1
  8. Day 8

    Puerto Maldonado to Lima

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Selina Miraflores (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Included flight from Puerto Maldonado to Lima

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Miraflores district
    • Explore Parque Kennedy
    • Enjoy ceviche at local restaurants
    • Try pisco sour cocktail
    Landmarks
    Miraflores
    Parque Kennedy
  9. Day 9

    Lima to Buenos Aires

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Unique Palacio San Telmo (or similar)), Hotel (M Concept Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Included flight from Lima to Buenos Aires

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Buenos Aires this afternoon
    Landmarks
    Buenos Aires
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  10. Day 10

    Buenos Aires

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Argentine dinner at tango show venue)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Unique Palacio San Telmo (or similar)), Hotel (M Concept Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Tango show with dinner and dance participation

    Optional Activities

    • Visit La Boca neighbourhood
    Landmarks
    La Boca
    Itinerary Image 1
  11. Day 11

    Buenos Aires

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Unique Palacio San Telmo (or similar)), Hotel (M Concept Hotel (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Tigre Experience day trip
    • Learn about islanders' history and culture
    • Boat ride through Tigre Delta
    • Bike ride around Tigre surroundings
    • Swimming and kayaking (weather permitting)
    • Regional lunch in Tigre
    • Explore Buenos Aires independently
    Landmarks
    Tigre Delta
  12. Day 12

    Buenos Aires

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Unique Palacio San Telmo (or similar)), Hotel (M Concept Hotel (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Polo Day Trip
    • Learn about polo tradition
    • Participate in polo game
    • Explore Buenos Aires museums
    • Shop in Palermo district
    • Independent exploration of Buenos Aires
    Landmarks
    Palermo
  13. Day 13

    Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Authentic Brazilian BBQ dinner)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Foz Plaza Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls exploration
    • Access to Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
    • Brazilian BBQ dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Helicopter flight over the falls
    Landmarks
    Iguassu Falls
    Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
    Itinerary Image 1
  14. Day 14

    Puerto Iguazu

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Foz Plaza Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Hike to Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
    • Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls exploration

    Optional Activities

    • Gran Aventura speedboat ride through the falls
    • Explore different walkways and viewpoints
    • Wildlife and rainbow spotting
    Landmarks
    Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
    Iguassu Falls
  15. Day 15

    Puerto Iguazu to Rio de Janeiro

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Selina Copacabana (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Orientation tour of Rio de Janeiro

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Rio de Janeiro beaches
    • Visit Copacabana Beach
    • Independent exploration
    Landmarks
    Copacabana Beach
    Rio de Janeiro
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  16. Day 16

    Rio de Janeiro

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Selina Copacabana (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Hang gliding experience over Rio
    • Visit Copacabana Beach
    • Watch local football (soccer) match
    Landmarks
    Copacabana Beach
  17. Day 17

    Rio de Janeiro

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner at local spot with Contiki crew)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Selina Copacabana (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit Christ the Redeemer statue
    • Boat cruise along Guanabara Bay with cocktails and music
    • Farewell dinner with group
    Landmarks
    Christ the Redeemer
    Guanabara Bay
  18. Day 18

    Rio de Janeiro

    End point
    Rio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (Rio De Janeiro)
    Meals
    Breakfast
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Flights
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Contiki

Number of tours

516

Age Range

18 to 35 years old

Response time

12 hours

Response rate

92%

Contiki has been running tours for over 50 years, all exclusively for...

Read more

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

4.5
Overall rating based on 2 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.5
  • Transport
    4.5
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    5.0
  • Food
    4.0
  • 4.7

Sort by

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Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • South American Explorer (Inca Trail Trek) reviewer 1
    September 3rd, 2022
    4.0
    The tour was well worth the money, there were a lot of travel days but everything we did was worth it
    Traveled in August 2022
    Reply from: Contiki
    Thank you for your review. We're delighted you enjoyed your experience and look forward to travelling with you again in the future.
    Show more
  • South American Explorer (Inca Trail Trek) reviewer 2
    July 7th, 2018
    5.0
    Abel is the best! Probably my favourite trip so far!
    Traveled in June 2018

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
  • From Saturday
    28 Feb, 2026
    To Tuesday
    17 Mar, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $1,939
  • From Saturday
    28 Mar, 2026
    To Tuesday
    14 Apr, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
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    25 Apr, 2026
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    12 May, 2026
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    23 May, 2026
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    9 Jun, 2026
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    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
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  • From Saturday
    6 Jun, 2026
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    23 Jun, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
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  • From Saturday
    4 Jul, 2026
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    21 Jul, 2026
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  • From Saturday
    18 Jul, 2026
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    4 Aug, 2026
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    US $3,541 per person
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  • From Saturday
    1 Aug, 2026
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    18 Aug, 2026
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    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
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  • From Saturday
    15 Aug, 2026
    To Tuesday
    1 Sep, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
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  • From Saturday
    29 Aug, 2026
    To Tuesday
    15 Sep, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
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  • From Saturday
    26 Sep, 2026
    To Tuesday
    13 Oct, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
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  • From Saturday
    10 Oct, 2026
    To Tuesday
    27 Oct, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
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  • From Saturday
    24 Oct, 2026
    To Tuesday
    10 Nov, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $1,939
  • From Saturday
    21 Nov, 2026
    To Tuesday
    8 Dec, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
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    $1,939
  • From Saturday
    5 Dec, 2026
    To Tuesday
    22 Dec, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
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    $1,939
  • From Saturday
    19 Dec, 2026
    To Tuesday
    5 Jan, 2027
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $1,939
  • From Saturday
    2 Jan, 2027
    To Tuesday
    19 Jan, 2027
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $3,541 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $1,939
  • 16 Other Unavailable Departures
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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

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    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • S

    Sonia

    Asked on October 31st, 2025

    Is it possible to extend the final payment due date? I have a wedding in May and would like to extend payment to the end of May.

    Payments
    • ContikiOperatorWritten October 2025

      Final payment is typically due 60 days prior to departure. Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate.

    • ContikiOperatorWritten November 2025

      For the departure from 18 July to 04 August 2026, the total cost for a single room is €5,390.00, which includes the intra-tour flight. The final payment is due by 19 May 2026.

    • ContikiOperatorWritten November 2025

      We are unable to extend the final payment deadline for this Contiki South American Explorer tour. This is due to contractual obligations with our suppliers, which require all payments to be finalized 60 days prior to departure.

    • 2 more answers
  • E

    Erika

    Asked on March 10th, 2025

    What activities are included in the tour?

    Tour Details
    • ContikiOperatorWritten March 2025

      The tour includes various activities listed in your itinerary; please check your documents for specifics.

  • P

    Paulus

    Asked on March 5th, 2025

    How can I check the availability of the tour dates?

    Price / Availability
    • ContikiOperatorWritten March 2025

      Availability for tour dates can be checked by visiting our website or contacting us directly.

  • O

    Otto

    Asked on February 7th, 2025

    What should I do if I have concerns about my booking?

    Travel Support
    • ContikiOperatorWritten February 2025

      For any booking inquiries or concerns, you can reach out to us via the Ask a Question button.

  • M

    Mirjam

    Asked on November 20th, 2024

    Can dietary needs be accommodated during the tour?

    Meals
    • ContikiOperatorWritten November 2024

      Yes, let us know your dietary requirements, and we will do our best to accommodate them during the tour.

  • H

    Heinz

    Asked on November 13th, 2024

    How can I share a room with another traveler?

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    • ContikiOperatorWritten November 2024

      If requested, arrangements can be made for travelers to share accommodations. Notify us if you prefer a shared room.

  • S

    Silvia

    Asked on August 24th, 2024

    What meals are provided during the tour?

    Meals
    • ContikiOperatorWritten August 2024

      Breakfast is included with all pre and post nights, while other meals will be outlined in your itinerary.

  • J

    Jessica

    Asked on July 30th, 2024

    My adult children (22,26.28) & I would like a holiday together. I would like to go on a this tour, one where there are not just older people, so they can enjoy some fun times/nights with others aswell. I am over 18- 49 bracket, capable & with no health concerns. I am a residential Youth worker so I am use to a variety of young children & appreciate the difference.

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • ContikiOperatorWritten July 2024

      For this trip, the age range is strict at 18 to 35. This is a youth tour and all travelers are between this age range.

  • D

    Danièle

    Asked on July 5th, 2024

    Is travel insurance recommended for the tour?

    Travel Support
    • ContikiOperatorWritten July 2024

      We highly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover any unforeseen events during your trip.

  • J

    Jaimy

    Asked on May 22nd, 2024

    Can I bring large luggage on the train to Machu Picchu?

    Transport
    • ContikiOperatorWritten May 2024

      Large pieces of luggage are not permitted on the train to Machu Picchu. Travelers should carry only what they can manage themselves.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Contiki with your enquiry, they usually respond within 12 hours.

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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 156884

  • Currencies
    $
    Argentine Peso
    Argentina
    R$
    Brazilian Real
    Brazil
    S/.
    Sol
    Peru
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

    Type I
    Argentina
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Argentina.Brazil.Peru. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Argentina.Brazil.Peru. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Argentina.Brazil.Peru. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Argentina.Peru. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Recommended for Argentina.Brazil.Peru. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Brazil.Peru. Ideally 3 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before April 20th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after April 20th, 2026, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with Contiki. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Contiki will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Contiki" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec