From
$6,822
NZ $6,140

South American Explorer (Train To Machu Picchu)

18 days
From Cusco to Rio de Janeiro
4.0
1 traveler review
South American Explorer (Train To Machu Picchu) - Contiki
From
$6,822
-10%
NZ $6,140
Find this price
+ $2,763 additional upfront costs
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $200 now + easy payments of $759 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
  • Explorer
  • Group
  • Fully Guided
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Historical
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 8 - 30
Age range 18 to 35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Grab that #instaworthy shot llama selfie at Machu Picchu
  • Bust some moves and learn the tango in Buenos Aires
  • Bask in spectacular views from Christ the Redeemer
  • Party the night away at carnival capital of Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Start Cusco
  2. Day 2 Cusco to Sacred Valley
  3. Day 3 Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes via Train
  4. Day 4 Aguas Calientes to Cusco via Machu Picchu
  5. Day 5 Cusco
  6. Day 6 Cusco to Jungle Lodge
  7. Day 7 Jungle Lodge
  8. Day 8 Jungle Lodge to Lima via Puerto Maldonado
  9. Day 9 Lima to Buenos Aires
  10. Day 10 Buenos Aires
  11. Day 11 Buenos Aires
  12. Day 12 Buenos Aires
  13. Day 13 Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls
  14. Day 14 Iguassu Falls
  15. Day 15 Iguassu Falls to Rio De Janeiro
  16. Day 16 Rio De Janeiro
  17. Day 17 Rio De Janeiro
  18. Day 18 End Rio De Janeiro
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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • 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

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Contiki

Number of tours

562

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.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Good
    4.0
  • Itinerary
    Good
    4.0
  • Guide
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Transport
    Good
    4.0
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Food
    Average
    3.0
  • 4.7
  • South American Explorer (Train To Machu Picchu) reviewer 1
    · September 3rd, 2022
    The tour was well worth the money, there were a...
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thank you for your review. We're delighted you enjoyed your experience and look forward to travelling with you again in the future.
    Trip date: August 2022
  • South American Explorer (Train To Machu Picchu) reviewer 2
    · July 7th, 2018
    Abel is the best! Probably my favourite trip so far!
    Show more
    Trip date: June 2018

Dates & Availability

18 days
South American Explorer (Train To Machu Picchu)
From Cusco to Rio de Janeiro

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $100 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits
Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • May 2025
  • July 2025
  • August 2025
  • September 2025
  • October 2025
  • December 2025
  • January 2026
  • February 2026
  • March 2026
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  • August 2026
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  • October 2026
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  • January 2027
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Select Your Tour Version

Upcoming departures
  • From Saturday
    10 May, 2025
    To Tuesday
    27 May, 2025
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    $6,822
    Additional Upfront
    $2,763
  • From Saturday
    24 May, 2025
    To Tuesday
    10 Jun, 2025
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,822
    Additional Upfront
    $2,763
  • -10%
    From Saturday
    5 Jul, 2025
    To Tuesday
    22 Jul, 2025
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,822
    $6,140
    Additional Upfront
    $2,763
  • -10%
    From Saturday
    2 Aug, 2025
    To Tuesday
    19 Aug, 2025
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,822
    $6,140
    Additional Upfront
    $2,763
  • Instant Confirmation
    -10%
    From Saturday
    13 Sep, 2025
    To Tuesday
    30 Sep, 2025
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,822
    $6,140
    Additional Upfront
    $2,763
  • Instant Confirmation
    -10%
    From Saturday
    27 Sep, 2025
    To Tuesday
    14 Oct, 2025
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,822
    $6,140
    Additional Upfront
    $2,763
  • Instant Confirmation
    -10%
    From Saturday
    25 Oct, 2025
    To Tuesday
    11 Nov, 2025
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,822
    $6,140
    Additional Upfront
    $2,763
  • From Saturday
    20 Dec, 2025
    To Tuesday
    6 Jan, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    $6,922
    Additional Upfront
    $2,763
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Saturday
    17 Jan, 2026
    To Tuesday
    3 Feb, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $7,302
    Additional Upfront
    $2,763
  • From Saturday
    31 Jan, 2026
    To Tuesday
    17 Feb, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    $7,302
    Additional Upfront
    $2,763

What our customers ask about this tour

    The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
    • What are the luggage requirements for internal flights?

      Luggage on internal flights is typically limited to 20 kg for checked bags.

    • What should I do if my space on the tour gets denied?

      If your booking is denied, you can choose from alternate trips or dates.

    • How do I register my details for the tour?

      You must register on the Contiki portal with your legal name and booking details.

    • What is the group size for the tours?

      The maximum group size is typically 30 travelers to ensure a comfortable experience.

    • Which transport options are available during the trip?

      Transport is provided via mini-coaches or vans, accommodating different group sizes.

    • What kinds of activities are reviewed for safety?

      All activities included in the tour are reviewed to ensure they are safe.

    • How can I get an update on my booking status?

      You will receive updates via email regarding the status of your booking.

    • Is travel insurance required?

      Travel insurance is required to participate in our tours for added safety.

    • How can I explain additional upfront costs?

      Additional upfront costs will include any extra fees or services not covered in the initial price.

    • Can I change my booking dates?

      You can change your booking dates, but please note this may have implications on discounts.

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

    Good to Know

    Tour ID: 156885

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

      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 and Peru. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
      • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Argentina, Brazil and Peru. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
      • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Argentina, Brazil and Peru. Ideally 2 months before travel.
      • Rabies - Recommended for Argentina and Peru. Ideally 1 month before travel.
      • Yellow fever - Recommended for Argentina, Brazil and Peru. Ideally 10 days before travel.
      • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Brazil and 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 July 6th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 6th, 2025, 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.