HOLA SOUTH AMERICA!

Name: Peru Explorer
Brand: Costsaver
Price: 1317.0 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (77 reviews)

Destination guide

If you want to be truly amazed, you’ve got to head to South America. From the world’s tallest waterfall to the biggest rainforest to the largest river, plus beautiful beaches, cities and ancient ruins…. What to do first? We’ll lead the way, taking care of all your South America tour essentials, so you have the freedom to tailor your trip your way. You’ll get to create the South America trip of your dreams as you choose from our carefully selected optional experiences, so whether you want to fly through the cloud forests of Costa Rica or take a ride up Sugarloaf Mountain in Brazil, you’ll lose yourself and discover South America, but always your way.

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DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

ESSENTIAL SOUTH AMERICA BUCKET LIST ITEMS BY US

Can’t decide where to go in South America first? Follow our lead as we take you on a journey to all the iconic South America highlights from the ruins of Machu Picchu to the sunny beaches of Rio.

Portrait of a lama on the background of the ruins of an ancient city

JOURNEY TO THE MARVELOUS CITADEL OF MACHU PICCHU

You’ve dreamed about it and now you’re finally here: Machu Picchu, the Lost City in the Clouds. You’ll dive into the mysteries of the Incas as your Local Specialist shares all the stories and secrets of these iconic ruins. Wander the Sacred Plaza, see the Temple of the Sun and ancient sundial. One thing’s for sure - this experience will stay with you forever.

Canoe left in the bushes of Amazon River

RIDE THE ECOLOGICAL JUNGLE TRAIN TO VISIT THE DEVIL'S THROAT IN IGUAZU FALLS

You may have visited some other impressive waterfalls before, but few compare to the Iguassu Falls, a waterfall so big it stretches across Argentina and Brazil. We’ll take you to both sides, and you can ride the Ecological Jungle Train through the lush forest to the Devil’s Throat, the largest water curtain of Iguassu. You’ll have to pinch yourself to check you’re not dreaming when you come face to face with this one!

Beach, blue sky and mountains in the distance

EXPLORE COPACABANA AND IPANEMA BEACHES IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Every day is a beach day in Rio de Janeiro and we’ll take you straight to the most iconic beaches where you can dose up on Vitamin D, take a dip in the ocean or spend hours people watching. Kick back with a caipirinha on Copacabana, try a spot of surfing at Ipanema, or watch the locals showing off their football skills on the sand. Whatever you do, Rio’s beaches are definitely one for the South America bucket list!

SOUTH AMERICA TAILORED BY YOU

You’ll get to tailor your dream South American getaway with our range of Optional Experiences. Choose from adventures like cruising Lake Titicaca in Peru and watching turtles hatch on the beach in Costa Rica.

Buildings and sculptures built of straw next to the Lake Titicaca

Ginny S.

Costsaver team member

SEE HOW THE LOCALS LIVE ON LAKE TITICACA

You've likely seen pictures of the floating islands of Uros, but visiting them in real life is completely different. Entire communities live, work and socialise on the islands, honoring a way of life that is rarely seen on land. The locals welcome you into their homes with open arms, teach you all about how the islands are woven together, and sing songs that will fill your heart with joy. A must do experience.

Katie B.

happy Get Going past guest

WATCH TURTLES HATCH IN TORTUGUERO

If you love wildlife, you have to visit Tortuguero. We cruised the canals of the national park to spot sloths, tapirs, monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, and over 300 different species of birds. I especially loved the Green Turtle Research Station, the largest rookery for green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles in the Western Hemisphere. We had the chance to watch sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach and it was a moment I'll treasure forever.

Guanabara Bay in Rio De Janeiro seen from a bird's eye view

Irina G.

Costsaver team member

CRUISE GUANABARA BAY IN RIO DE JANEIRO

We hopped on board a local schooner and spent two hours sailing the famous Guanabara Bay of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil - and it was amazing!. We passed by dozens of islands and forts and had views of Sugarloaf Mountain soaring into the sky. It felt like we were in the middle of a picture-perfect postcard!

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN SOUTH AMERICA

Get ready to loosen your belt as you eat your way through South America. We’ll show you where to find all the best South American food like fresh ceviche and tasty empanadas.

CEVICHE (PERU)

If you’re after something light and refreshing, you can’t go wrong with ceviche. This zesty seafood dish is made from raw fish marinated in spices, lime and lemon juice, and served cold with potatoes and crunchy salad. We love tucking into a plate of ceviche on a summer’s day in Peru.

EMPANADAS (ARGENTINA)

You can’t go to South America without tasting an empanada or two. You can find them all over the continent, but they’re especially popular in Argentina where you'll find these small pastries filled with meat, cheese or vegetables all over the country. Keep your eye out for the dessert empanadas filled with jam, caramel or sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Heavenly!

COXINHAS (BRAZIL)

These crispy, deep-fried delights are the go-to snack of Brazil and your new favorite treat. The name translates to “little chicken thighs” and they’re made from shredded chicken and potato wrapped in dough and fried. They’re moulded into a unique cone shape so you’ll easily spot them, and we’re sure you won’t be able to stop at one!

WHEN IS BEST TO VISIT SOUTH AMERICA

South America is a dream 365 days of the year. Whether you want to hit the beaches or go exploring in the jungle, every month offers something special in South America.

BEST TIME TO EXPLORE THE AMAZON IN SOUTH AMERICA

The best time to get out into the Amazon is any time between May and November, when rainfall is lower and wildlife are easier to spot.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SOUTH AMERICA’S BEACHES

Whether you want to swim the golden beaches of Costa Rica or laze on the sands of Brazil, your best bet is anywhere from October to April.

BEST TIME TO GO HIKING IN SOUTH AMERICA

September to November are great months all over the continent, with spring blooms and mild weather, while the best time to hike around Machu Picchu in Peru is May to October.

PACKING TIPS FOR SOUTH AMERICA

All climate clothing

It gets hot on Brazil’s beaches, cold in Peru’s mountains and humid in Costa Rica’s jungles, so bring clothes to layer up so you're never caught out, whatever the weather.

Spanish phrasebook

Spanish is the most common language in South America (except for Portuguese in Brazil!) and learning a few words will help you connect with the locals and earn a few smiles.

Blank journal

A South America tour will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life, but a journal is a great way to record your adventures so you really don’t forget anything.

HOW TO TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY IN SOUTH AMERICA

Eat and shop local

Support the local communities of South America by eating at locally-owned restaurants and shopping at local shops. It also means you’ll pick up some authentic souvenirs and get to know the real South America.

Support the national parks

We pay your national park entry fees as part of your Costsaver South America trip, which contributes to the protection of the land, native peoples and animals that live there, and helps keep South America beautiful.

Save water

Many places in South America suffer from severe water shortages so make sure you save water by taking shorter showers, using towels and sheets more than once, and turning all taps off tightly.

YOUR SOUTH AMERICA, YOUR WAY

Mountains and a lake reflecting the blue-pink sky

ALL SOUTH AMERICA

BRAZIL

Arenal Volcano seen from behind the leaves

COSTA RICA

People in national costumes admiring the view of the mountains

PERU