Rio de Janeiro
International · Multiple Countries

South America

Inca Empires, Amazon Rainforest & Carnival Rhythms

Rio de Janeiro

Time Zone

Multiple (BRT, ART, PET) (UTC-3 to UTC-5)

Best Time

April to October

Peak Months

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Region

International

About South America

Discover South America

South America is the continent of superlatives — home to the world's largest rainforest, the longest mountain range, the highest navigable lake, and some of the most spectacular ancient ruins on earth. From the iconic Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio de Janeiro and the mystical Machu Picchu in Peru to the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires and the otherworldly landscapes of Patagonia, South America offers group travelers an adventure unlike anywhere else on the planet.

Highlights

Machu Picchu — the Lost City of the Incas in Peru
Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro
Iguazu Falls — the world's largest waterfall system
Amazon Rainforest wildlife & river cruises
Buenos Aires tango shows & European architecture
Galapagos Islands unique wildlife encounters
Patagonia trekking in Torres del Paine
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (February)

Climate Guide

Weather in South America

Jan

84°F

Hot

Feb

84°F

Hot

Mar

82°F

Warm

Apr

77°F

Warm

★ Best

May

71°F

Mild

★ Best

Jun

66°F

Mild

★ Best

Jul

64°F

Cool

★ Best

Aug

66°F

Mild

★ Best

Sep

68°F

Mild

★ Best

Oct

73°F

Warm

Nov

77°F

Warm

Dec

82°F

Hot

Experiences

Things To Do in South America

🏔️

Machu Picchu

Trek the Inca Trail or take the train to the legendary Lost City of the Incas — one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites.

✝️

Christ the Redeemer

Ascend Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro to see the iconic 30-meter statue with panoramic views of the city and Guanabara Bay.

💧

Iguazu Falls

Stand in awe before the world's largest waterfall system — 275 individual falls spanning nearly 2 miles on the Brazil-Argentina border.

🌿

Amazon Rainforest

Explore the world's largest tropical rainforest by river cruise or jungle lodge — spot pink dolphins, macaws, and anacondas.

💃

Buenos Aires Tango

Experience the passion of Argentine tango in the birthplace of this UNESCO-recognized art form — from milongas to world-class shows.

🐢

Galapagos Islands

Walk among giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies on these extraordinary volcanic islands that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution.

🧊

Patagonia

Trek through the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine in Chile or Los Glaciares in Argentina — glaciers, peaks, and pristine wilderness.

🎭

Rio Carnival

Experience the world's greatest party — Rio's Carnival features samba schools, elaborate costumes, and non-stop celebration.

⛩️

Cusco & Sacred Valley

Explore the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and the Sacred Valley — dotted with Inca ruins, traditional markets, and Andean villages.

Sample Itinerary

7-Day South America Experience

1

Day 1: Arrive Rio de Janeiro

  • Arrive at Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport
  • Hotel check-in in Ipanema or Copacabana
  • Evening stroll along Copacabana Beach
  • Welcome dinner with caipirinhas
2

Day 2: Rio Highlights

  • Christ the Redeemer by cog train
  • Sugarloaf Mountain cable car
  • Santa Teresa neighborhood & Selarón Steps
  • Ipanema Beach sunset
  • Dinner in Leblon
3

Day 3: Fly to Lima, Peru

  • Morning flight to Lima
  • Miraflores clifftop walk & Larco Museum
  • Lima food tour — ceviche, lomo saltado
  • Evening in Barranco arts district
4

Day 4: Cusco & Sacred Valley

  • Morning flight to Cusco (acclimatize)
  • Cusco city tour — Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha
  • Sacred Valley — Pisac market & Ollantaytambo ruins
  • Overnight in Aguas Calientes
5

Day 5: Machu Picchu

  • Early morning bus to Machu Picchu citadel
  • Guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas
  • Sun Gate hike for panoramic views
  • Return to Cusco by train
6

Day 6: Buenos Aires

  • Fly to Buenos Aires
  • La Boca neighborhood & Caminito street
  • Recoleta Cemetery & Eva Perón's tomb
  • Tango show dinner in San Telmo
7

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning at Puerto Madero waterfront
  • Palermo Soho boutiques & street art
  • Airport transfer & departure

Ready to Book South America?

Get exclusive wholesale rates for your group travel clients.

Request Wholesale Rates