Overview
Spirit of South America
Rum and rumba. Ruins and rainforests. Rio and revelry. This carefree vacation to South America has just the R&R you crave. From Brazil to Argentina to Peru, this tri-country tour of South America delivers a healthy dose of take-me-away scenery, sights, and sizzling culture. Sip caipirinhas at the top of Rio de Janeiro’s Sugarloaf Mountain. Learn the sultry steps of the tango in breezy Buenos Aires. Put down your book and lose yourself in the real-life mystery of Machu Picchu. The health, wealth, and safe travels bestowed upon you at a traditional Mother Earth Ceremony in Peru’s Sacred Valley will come to fruition as you feel the magical mist of the roaring Iguassu Falls, taste the creative cuisine in the world-renowned culinary capital of Lima, and travel back five centuries as you stroll along the stone streets of the Inca capital of Cusco.
Highlights of Spirit of South America
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Notes
Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Maximum elevation on this tour is 12,200 ft. There is a welcome meeting scheduled on day 1 in Rio de Janeiro at 2 pm. Check-in at the hotel is at 3 pm. Guests will depart the hotel for included sightseeing at 3:30 pm. Please make sure to arrive at the hotel in Rio prior to the meeting.
Related Option Title
Spirit of South America
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all South America tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
City of Cusco|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu|Iguazu National Park
Product Group
Spirit of South America
Inclusions
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach, Free Wi-Fi (where available).
Price Details US
Gratuities for Tour Director, drivers, and local guides are available for pre-purchase.Prices are for all land arrangements including intra-vacation flights and taxes.
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides with complimentary headsets to hear every word, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 7 dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! At 3:30 pm, meet your Tour Director for a drive to the base of 1,300-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain. Ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can take in spectacular vistas of the city. Next, toast the start of a memorable vacation with [LF] caipirinhas, a traditional Brazilian cocktail, from atop Sugarloaf Mountain during a cocktail party.LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits atop Sugarloaf Mountain overlooking Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views as you join a private cocktail party with your fellow travel companions. Toast with a traditional caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with fresh lime, cachaça (a distilled sugarcane spirit), and sugar. Deliciosa!RIO-DE-JANIERO-CAIPIRINHAS.jpg
Day 2
RIO DE JANEIRO Heavenly ViewsThe city’s landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns Corcovado Mountain, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From here, proceed to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambodromo and visit the Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure for you to experience this vibrant city on your own. Tonight, it’s a fun outing to a churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Soar to the summit of Corcovado Mountain by cog railway to reach the site of the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. This crowning jewel of Rio and Brazil was constructed between 1922 and 1933. The statue of Jesus Christ stands 98 feet high (124 feet including the pedestal) with an arm span of 92 feet wide. Towering over the city, this piece of art is truly an engineering marvel and was voted a New7Wonders of the World. RIO-DE-JANEIRO-CORCOVADO.jpg
Day 3
RIO DE JANEIRO Beaches, Boutiques & Bites A full day at leisure to enjoy Rio. Relax on one of the world-famous beaches or take advantage of the world-class shopping or fine dining. (B)FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Spend free time in Rio de Janeiro with an optional excursion to Petropolis, (mountain resort and former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II). This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO app.RIO-DE-JANEIRO-IPANEMA-BEACH.jpg
Day 4
RIO DE JANEIRO–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA The Boulevards of Buenos Aires Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. After arriving at your central hotel, acquaint yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. Spend an evening at leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS Elegant European architecture, epicurean cuisine, and a café culture to rival any rue de Paris, Buenos Aires is a city of leisurely afternoons sipping cortadito or the choicest Argentinian wines.BUENOS-AIRES-STEAK.jpg
Day 5
BUENOS AIRES Dining, Dancing & Dazzling Your included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a vibrant district and site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique enclave at the mouth of the river and then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and as a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Teatro Colón opera house before reaching Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón. After an afternoon at leisure, top off the evening at a famous Tango club. Start with a [LF] dance lesson, followed by dinner of Argentine steaks and other local specialties, and end with a show featuring flawless performances of Latin America’s most sensuous dance—the Tango! (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS Like two dancers entwined in perfect sync, the Tango and Argentina go hand in hand. Tonight, feel the passion of this iconic dance at a local milonga (Tango house), where professional tango dancers teach you the traditional techniques of the Argentine Tango. After learning some of the key dance moves, the professionals will delight you in Tango Show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages. Plus, dine on Argentine specialties and wine too! BUENOS-AIRES-LA-BOCA.jpg
Day 6
BUENOS AIRES Argentine Adventures Today is a full day at leisure. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Discover the timeless traditions of Argentina with an optional excursion to the pampas (grasslands). Experience the atmosphere of Argentine country life as you visit an estancia (ranch). Get acquainted with the lifestyle of the gauchos and enjoy a barbecue lunch and the warm hospitality of your hosts before returning to the city. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.BUENOS-AIRES-GAUCHO.jpg
Day 7
BUENOS AIRES–IGUASSU FALLS, BRAZIL What a Rush!This morning, fly to Iguassu Falls, Argentina. The spectacle of this 2-mile-wide rushing torrent—with some cataracts as high as 250 feet—is nothing short of hypnotic. The clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth make this an unforgettable natural wonder. Upon arrival, journey to the Argentinean side of the falls and take the Ecological Jungle Train for a bird’s-eye view from the catwalks perched over part of the Devil’s Throat, where 14 waterfalls drop more than 300 feet into the Devil’s Gorge below. Later, cross into Brazil via motorcoach for a free evening. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Visit Iguassu National Park (Argentinian side) to meander along the walkways from atop the falls, and enjoy an exhilarating perspective looking over the precipice of the falls as the water plunges to the rocks below. You will also have the chance to walk through the rainforest on the lower falls trails that will bring you up close to some of the smaller cataracts. IGUASSU-FALLS.jpg
Day 8
IGUASSU FALLS–LIMA, PERU Taking the PlungeToday is dedicated to exploring the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls from a completely different vantage point than in Argentina. A walk along the pathway at the base of the falls takes you into the Devil’s Throat Canyon, with spectacular panoramic views of many of the 275 cataracts that make up Iguassu Falls. Have a late lunch or early dinner before flying to Lima, Peru. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Explore incredible Iguassu National Park (Brazilian side) and walk the pathways skirting Iguassu Falls. Watch for amazing wildlife in this protected area, including toucans, agoutis, giant otters, anteaters, tapir, and even jaguars!IGUASSU-FALLS-CLOSE-UP.jpg
Day 9
LIMA Legendary LimaYour city sightseeing tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. See the 18th-century San Francisco Monastery with its unique cloisters, Government Palace, and the cathedral situated around the vast Plaza de Armas. Tonight, visit the [LF] Larco Herrera Museum, which houses the largest private collection of Pre-Columbian Peruvian art in the world. Enjoy dinner at the museum’s restaurant. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE ART & ARCHITECTURE This evening, an exclusive guided tour of Lima’s Larco Herrera Museum, on the site of a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid, introduces you to the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art. See 5,000 years of art, artifacts, and archaeological treasures followed by a special dinner in the beautiful Peruvian café here. LIMA-CATHEDRAL.jpg
Day 10
LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY Empire of the Andes Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages, and see the ancient site of Puca Pucara. Also, in the Sacred Valley, experience an [LF] El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman. Continue to Pisac, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop for local wares, such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases at its famous market. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Feel the earth, smell the coca leaves, and taste the chicha today as you make payment to Mother Earth. Participate in an El Pago a la Tierra, an ancient ceremony led by a shaman thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health, wealth, and safe travels. These mystical ceremonies have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas.SACRED-VALLEY-MOTHER-EARTH-CEREMONY.jpg
Day 11
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU Mystery on the Mountain This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by [LF] a visit to a local home, meet some of the area’s families, and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. Tonight, learn how to make the perfect Pisco Sour at a Peruvian cooking demonstration before your included dinner. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITETIMELESS TRADITIONS Today, you are invited into a local family’s home in the Sacred Valley. Learn about their traditions like weaving that has been passed down for centuries from ancestors. See how they cook, live, sleep, work, and maybe ask about the cuy (guinea pigs), they keep in their house.SACRED-VALLEY-WEAVING.jpg
Day 12
MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO Here Comes the Sun A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & MYSTERY Staying overnight in Machu Picchu allows you to rise early and experience the ruins at their most pristine before the crowds arrive. Watch as the mist slowly burns off and the sun rays illuminate the ruins. While you are there, you may even want to try and get a selfie with one of the local llamas or alpacas! MACHU-PICCHU-SUNSET.jpg
Day 13
CUSCO Sun Worship & Spanish ConquestsOn your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in 1550 and was finally completed 100 years later. Continue to Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery, and see how the two sites have become one. The Temple of the Sun at Koricancha was once the most important Inca site, dedicated to the worship of the Sun. The walls, altars, and decorations were all said to be covered in gold—until the Spaniards looted the temple and then built the contrasting Baroque Santo Domingo Monastery on top of the temple’s foundations. Also, visit the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore on your own. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Built in the 15th Century by the Incas, the Temple of Sacsayhuaman complex is considered to be one of the Inca’s greatest architectural creation. It is believed the site was originally constructed as a ceremonial site and later a fortress when the Spanish invaded. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. During your guided tour, learn some of the theories on how the massive stones used were carved, carried, and placed. CUSCO-SACSAYHUAMAN.jpg
Day 14
CUSCO–LIMA Hasta Luego, CuscoA short morning flight returns you to Lima. For a special treat, make a stop at a local [LF] Peruvian food market to get a real taste of the life of the local people. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Stop for a real taste of Peru at a local market. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetable that aren’t found in other parts of the world. You can also find spices, meats, seafood, and even a souvenir or two. And, you’ll definitely want to take some photos of the beautiful, brightly hued displays. LIMA-MARKET.jpg
Day 15
LIMA Safe travels until we meet again!Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)LIMA-PERUVIAN-TEXTILES.jpg
Departures
# | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
1 | 2024-10-28 | 2024-10-29 | 2024-11-12 | $5169 | $0 | $6621 | SA41029 | Not Available |
2 | 2024-11-11 | 2024-11-12 | 2024-11-26 | $5169 | $0 | $6621 | SA41112 | Not Available |
3 | 2025-01-20 | 2025-01-21 | 2025-02-04 | $5509 | $0 | $7040 | SA50121 | Not Available |
4 | 2025-02-17 | 2025-02-18 | 2025-03-04 | $5449 | $0 | $6980 | SA50218 | Not Available |
5 | 2025-03-03 | 2025-03-04 | 2025-03-18 | $5449 | $0 | $6980 | SA50304 | Not Available |
6 | 2025-03-31 | 2025-04-01 | 2025-04-15 | $5449 | $0 | $6980 | SA50401 | Not Available |
7 | 2025-04-14 | 2025-04-15 | 2025-04-29 | $5449 | $0 | $6980 | SA50415 | Not Available |
8 | 2025-05-12 | 2025-05-13 | 2025-05-27 | $5449 | $0 | $6980 | SA50513 | Not Available |
9 | 2025-06-23 | 2025-06-24 | 2025-07-08 | $5449 | $0 | $6980 | SA50624 | Not Available |
10 | 2025-07-21 | 2025-07-22 | 2025-08-05 | $5509 | $0 | $7040 | SA50722 | Not Available |
11 | 2025-09-15 | 2025-09-16 | 2025-09-30 | $5449 | $0 | $6980 | SA50916 | Not Available |
12 | 2025-09-29 | 2025-09-30 | 2025-10-14 | $5449 | $0 | $6980 | SA50930 | Not Available |
13 | 2025-10-13 | 2025-10-14 | 2025-10-28 | $5449 | $0 | $6980 | SA51014 | Not Available |
14 | 2025-10-27 | 2025-10-28 | 2025-11-11 | $5449 | $0 | $6980 | SA51028 | Not Available |
Hotels
# | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
1 | Hilton Rio Copacabana | Located just steps away from the famous Copacabana beach and waterfront, Hilton Copacabana offers two sparkling swimming pools, a full-service wellness spa, multiple restaurants and bars, beachside service at Copacabana's waterfront, and comfortable and cozy guestrooms with spectacular views. | Rio de Janeiro | Avenida Atlantica 1020 | Moderate Deluxe |
2 | Hotel Emperador | An oasis of tranquility in the heart of this pulsating and vibrant city, the Emperador's distinctive and unique features stand out amongst the competition. Enjoy ultimate comfort in one of the 265 spacious rooms, offering contemporary ambience matched with state-of-the-art technical amenities. From the moment you enter the Buenos Aires Hotel Emperador, you'll experience the majesty of the lobby, combining modern style with the natural colors of the year-round green gardens. | Buenos Aires | Av del Libertador 420 | Moderate Deluxe |
3 | Bourbon Cataratas Hotel | The Bourbon Cataratas Resort Hotel, is strategically located near the main tourist sites of Iguassu. Exclusive and professional staff take care of every detail. | Iguassu Falls | Rodovia Das Cataratas KM 2,5 | First-Class |
4 | Hotel Pullman Miraflores | The Pullman Miraflores hotel combins lifestyle and design for business and leisure. Located in the exclusive Miraflores district, near the Pacific Ocean, this hotel is not far from Larcomar shopping center. With over 236 rooms, Plural lounge restaurant, gym, pool and a spectacular Rooftop Bar the Pullman Miraflores offers an amazing place to stay and relax. | Lima | C. Juan Fanning 515 - 525 | Superior First-Class |
5 | Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas | The Casa Andina Premium Collection hotel in the Sacred Valley is a luxurious and satisfying retreat. Combining fine food, comfortable rooms, and personalized attention, it is the Valley's most complete hotel. In addition to a spa, a fitness center, and romantic dining, this hotel is best known for providing panoramic views of the Andes in every room. This charming mountain chalet-style hotel adds style and comfort to the already stunning atmosphere of Peru's Sacred Valley. | Urubamba Valley | 5to Paradero Yanahuara | Superior First-Class |
6 | Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel | The Sumaq Hotel is located at the foot of the Machu Picchu ruins and boasts an Andean health spa, bar, restaurant, gift shop, and business center. | Machu Picchu | Av Hermanos Ayar Mz 1 Lote 3 | Moderate Deluxe |
7 | Casa Andina Premium Cusco | A beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house is located 3 blocks from Cusco's Plaza de Armas. The hotel is distinguished by its 3 interior patios with wooden balconies. The principal patio, featuring a gurgling stone fountain, is one of Cusco's emblematic colonial courtyards. Amenities include a gourmet restaurant, bar, reading room, room service, gift shop, and laundry service. | Cusco | Plazoleta Limacpampa Chico 473 | First-Class |