Best of Peru, Argentina & Brazil

Trip Code: GGKPC

Why we love it

See the famed Machu Picchu – perched high in the Andes on a mountaintop, surrounded by mountain rainforest – and discover the secrets and history of this iconic Inca ruin., Spend a full day exploring the floating islands of Uros (made entirely of reeds) on Lake Titicaca and make the most of the chance to meet the local Uru people who live here., Visit the scenic Sacred Valley, where you’ll stop for lunch in the Huilloq community and participate in their ceremony blessing Pachamama. Listen to their life stories of the Andean highlands and learn more about their fascinating culture through a textile demonstration., Look for rainbows in the mist from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides as you marvel at the power of Iguazu Falls which are higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls., Visit a local Guarani community to meet some of the region’s few remaining indigenous people and learn how the falls were created when the serpent god M’Boy split the river in half., By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Awamaki. Donations help them empower indigenous women artisans in Peru with skills training and job opportunities that provide financial independence.

Is this trip right for me?

This trip visits places that are at high altitude, where it’s common for travellers to experience altitude sickness. Regardless of your age, gender and fitness, please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.

Visitors are not permitted to explore Machu Picchu without a Machu Picchu guide (this doesn’t include your trip leader) and must follow set routes within the site. This trip includes one guided visit of Machu Picchu (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours). Your leader will provide more information to ensure you get the most out of your visit to this incredible site.

There are several orientation walks and city tours during this trip so there will be quite a lot of walking. It’s important to always bring plenty of water, wear comfortable walking shoes and ensure you use adequate sun protection.

Important information

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip starts in Lima on Day 1 at 2pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore the city. This trip ends on Day 21 and you are free to leave at any time.
4. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The flights from Lima through to Buenos Aires have a luggage allowance of 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. The flights from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu, and Foz do Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro have a luggage allowance of 15kg for check in luggage and 5kg for carry on. Argentina is particularly strict on these limits.
5. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. These details are used to obtain entrance and transport tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
6. This trip includes taking the train to Machu Picchu. You can choose to hike the 1-Day Inca Trail for an additional cost. Please see Day 11 of the Itinerary and contact your booking agent if you’re interested in this activity.
7. We recommend you take USD cash with you to Argentina and change it locally. While ATMs are widely available, there is a daily limit for withdrawals and the exchange rate does fluctuate.
8. Should you choose not to hike at all, please inform in writing at the time of booking so alternative arrangements can be made. Without this prior warning, local fees may apply.

What to bring/pack

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible.

INTERNAL FLIGHT LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
Checked luggage allowance is a maximum 20kg, with 1 piece of small hand luggage (maximum dimensions allowed for carry on: 25cm depth x 35cm width x 45 cm height). Any excess luggage charges can be paid directly to the airline at check-in.

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.

Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).

If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you., AMAZON JUNGLE PACKING LIST

- Long, light coloured, tight-weave cotton shirts and pants
- Comfortable shoes or sandles for wearing on boardwalks or around the lodge
- Long, thick socks to wear with the rubber boots provided by the lodge
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Tropical strength insect repellant
- Small denomination bills for incidental purchases (eg drinks)
- Head torch or flashlight (optional, smartphone torch sufficient)
- Binoculars (optional), 1-DAY INCA TRAIL PACKING LIST

Passport:
You MUST take your passport, a photocopy is not sufficient. It's important the passport matches the details your provided us when booking this trip. Keep it in a plastic bag in case of rain.

Water Bottle:
You should be carrying at least 2 litres of water for the day.

Day Pack:
This bag only needs to be large enough to hold the few things you need during the day (hat, water, camera, snacks, rain jacket, sunscreen etc).

Boots:
It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended, but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn in pair!

Clothing:
Items that can be layered are important (zip off trousers, fleece tops, T-shirts, etc).

Physical rating

 
2

Joining your group

Hotel El Tambo II, 720 La Paz Ave - Miraflores, Miraflores, Lima, PERU, Phone: +51 12000100

Hotel El Tambo 2 is located in Miraflores just 800 metres from Kennedy Park. The rooms feature air conditioning, cable TV and a private bathroom. The hotel also offers wifi, a 24 Hour front desk and luggage storage.

Alternate Joining Point


Joining instructions

A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. As you exit customs, you’ll pass taxi remise counters before you see the fence of the Arrivals Hall, behind which your transfer representative is waiting. Please ask them who they’re picking up to confirm you’ve met the correct transfer representative. Depending on traffic, the journey to your hotel will take between 30 and 90 minutes.

In case of flight cancellations, changes, or unforeseen delays, please contact our local office on the number in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section. Free wifi is available at the airport. Alternatively, please go to the information booth located between the two escalators on the left hand side. If required, they can make a phone call for you. This is also where our transfer representatives will go if they don’t meet you at the fence as you exit customs.

Finishing your trip

Americas Copacabana Hotel, Rua Barata Ribeiro 550 Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22040-001, BRAZIL, Phone: +55 2134459666

Alternate Finish Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
04 Jan 2025 (GGKPC250104)
25 Jan 2025 (GGKPC250125)
08 Mar 2025 (GGKPC250308)
12 Apr 2025 (GGKPC250412)
19 Apr 2025 (GGKPC250419)
26 Apr 2025 (GGKPC250426)
03 May 2025 (GGKPC250503)
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24 May 2025 (GGKPC250524)
07 Jun 2025 (GGKPC250607)
05 Jul 2025 (GGKPC250705)
26 Jul 2025 (GGKPC250726)
02 Aug 2025 (GGKPC250802)
30 Aug 2025 (GGKPC250830)
13 Sep 2025 (GGKPC250913)
20 Sep 2025 (GGKPC250920)
27 Sep 2025 (GGKPC250927)
11 Oct 2025 (GGKPC251011)
25 Oct 2025 (GGKPC251025)
08 Nov 2025 (GGKPC251108)
20 Dec 2025 (GGKPC251220)
03 Jan 2026 (GGKPC260103)
24 Jan 2026 (GGKPC260124)
07 Mar 2026 (GGKPC260307)
11 Apr 2026 (GGKPC260411)
18 Apr 2026 (GGKPC260418)
25 Apr 2026 (GGKPC260425)
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23 May 2026 (GGKPC260523)
06 Jun 2026 (GGKPC260606)
04 Jul 2026 (GGKPC260704)
01 Aug 2026 (GGKPC260801)
29 Aug 2026 (GGKPC260829)
12 Sep 2026 (GGKPC260912)
19 Sep 2026 (GGKPC260919)
26 Sep 2026 (GGKPC260926)
10 Oct 2026 (GGKPC261010)
24 Oct 2026 (GGKPC261024)
07 Nov 2026 (GGKPC261107)
12 Dec 2026 (GGKPC261212)
Americas Copacabana Hotel
Rua Barata Ribeiro 550 Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro
RJ
22040-001
BRAZIL
Phone: +55 2134459666

Meals & dietary information

Breakfasts included: 20

Lunches included: 3

Dinners included: 2

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Climate & seasonal information

FLOODING & LANDSLIDES:
The wet season in Peru is from November to April. During this time it can be rainy or even snow heavily in the Andes. There have been occasions of torrential rains and flooding in some parts of the country, including Cusco. During the wet season landslides and inclement weather can cause disruption to road and rail travel as well as trekking and hiking routes. These can include Cusco, the routes to Machu Picchu and the north of Peru.

EARTHQUAKES:
Peru is in an active earthquake zone and there are frequent tremors. If in a building when an earthquake strikes keep away from the windows and make your way to the safe zones marked in most buildings with an ‘S’ sign. If you are outside keep away from buildings and other areas where objects, like trees or power lines, could fall.

RIO CARNIVAL
The biggest party of the year, Carnival is held every year before Lent and considered the biggest carnival in the world with two million people per day on the streets. The Carnival integrates Brazil’s European & African traditions, alongside the rich culture of music and samba. Upcoming Carnival dates are:
9 – 17 February 2024
28 February – 8 March 2025

RAINY SEASON IN BRAZIL
The rainy season runs from November until March in the south and south east (including in Rio de Janeiro). In the north east it runs from April until July. Heavy rains can often disrupt infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Flash floods and landslides, especially in poorer urban areas, are common during heavy rains.

Heavy rainfall in Rio de Janeiro (particularly between January and March) can lead to landslides and localised flash floods including in tourist areas due to the proximity of the mountains to the coast. Be alert to local authority warnings which are displayed on digital signs in the street and sent to accommodation providers.

In case of emergency

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +51 996 055559 Lima, +51 940 512701 Cusco

Accommodations

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

PERU
Due to local energy supply and infrastructure issues, please be prepared for some cold showers while travelling in Peru.

Transportation