The perfect way to discover the magic of South America

Telegraph

13-02-2025

The Andes, the Pampas, rainforests, coastlines, lost civilisations, starry deserts and sultry tango halls… there are so many reasons for you to succumb to the lure of South America, a vast land of more than 20 million square kilometres that offers myriad opportunities for exploration.
And that variety permeates everything: the people, histories, landscapes and the food on your plate – which might range from Michelin-starred dining to corn beer and roast guinea pig. All of life, in all its effervescent, irrepressible, colourful glory, can be found here.
It's a lot to take in. But, thanks to centuries of accrued knowledge and expertise, Cox & Kings knows how best to tackle it. Its Grand Tour of South America group trip is a coast-to-coast adventure in high style for curious travellers. Seamlessly linking two oceans, four countries, must-not-miss sites and special experiences – how about meeting a spiritual Kallawaya healer? – it will reveal the continent's contrasts, cultures and unique rhythms.
Peru: into the Inca
Cox & Kings' Grand Tour begins in Lima where, in the buzzy Miraflores neighbourhood, you can get to know your travel mates over a pisco sour or two. Groups will be no more than 20 like-minded travellers, usually fewer – all the better for sharing the experience.
And what an experience, which starts with a tour of this energetic foodie capital. Then it's a short flight to Cusco, centre of the Inca empire, where every perfectly placed stone seems to tell a story. You'll plunge straight into the Sacred Valley, via the cobblestone alleys and hillside fortress of Ollantaytambo, to sleep amid Andean peaks. Next morning it's all aboard the wide-windowed Vistadome train for a scenic rail ride into the cloud forest to reach matchless Machu Picchu. An expert guide will reveal the secrets of the hill-tumbling Inca city; staying at characterful cottages in Machu Picchu Pueblo means there's no need to rush.
Bolivia: across the Andes
Another of South America's unforgettable rail trips is the literally breathtaking ride from Cusco to Puno. Surging across the mighty Peruvian Andes, it pauses at the Abra La Raya – the journey's highest point at 4,300m – before reaching Lake Titicaca's ethereal shores.
After that, Bolivia beckons, one of the continent's lesser-visited countries – which a Cox & Kings escorted tour can help you discover in supreme comfort. Make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by immersing yourself into local life: visit a local shrine, meet a traditional healer or discover how reed boats are made. It's a good insight to gain before boarding a hydrofoil to Bolivia's Uros Iruitos – floating reed islands – first made by the ingenious Uros people to escape the Inca and still a living culture.
From tranquil isles to bustling capital: La Paz is a short drive away. This canyon-draped city, where cable cars are central to the public transport system, is a fascinating place. Don't miss the Witches' Market, where witch doctors offer to tell your fortune and hawkers sell dried llama fetuses for good luck.
Argentina: latin sizzle
Passionate, elegant, delicious: Buenos Aires is the sort of city you visit and don't want to leave. The Grand Tour spends two nights here, time enough to soak up the atmosphere, wander amid the elegant mausoleums of Recoleta Cemetery (the resting place of Eva Peron), admire the cathedral (where Pope Francis was once archbishop) and hang out in the vibrant La Boca district. Being a Cox & Kings' Superior trip, the hotels are always top-notch; the Alvear Art is no exception – it's a sleek bolthole with artworks on the walls and a rooftop pool that offers sweeping views over the city.
Brazil: water wonders
If Buenos Aires is one of South America's human marvels, Iguazú Falls is a masterstroke of Mother Nature. This cluster of cascades, over 2km wide, is surrounded by subtropical rainforest that's alive with howler monkeys, tapirs, caimans and even jaguars. It's a short flight to reach and, with two days here, you'll have time to explore the falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Also, as you'll be staying at the only hotel inside the Argentine national park, there's the chance to view the crashing torrents at sunrise and sunset when it's closed to day-trippers.
Then go out with a bang. Rio de Janeiro is arguably the world's most magnificently sited city, tucked amid jungly mountains and fringed by golden sands. You could do worse than spend your final day listening to bossa nova while lazing on the beach. But a city tour is a must, taking in the views from Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains, and raising a caipirinha with new friends to toast a magical trip.
Four more South America trips to explore
1 Tracing Chile
Rather than crossing South America, why not trace its length? Cox & Kings' Splendours of Chile group tour gives a sense of the continent's latitudinal diversity by travelling the skinny country top to tail, from the otherworldly Atacama Desert to the peaks of Torres del Paine.
2 Peru deep-dive
Cox & Kings' Train to Machu Picchu group trip is for those looking to plunge into Peru. Combine Inca riches with condor-swooped Colca Canyon, shimmering Lake Titicaca and the charming colonial-era town of Arequipa.
3 A taste of Brazil
Brazil is bold, brilliant – and dauntingly big. But Cox & Kings' Brazil: Wildlife & Waterfalls tailor-made trip offers a perfect taster: Rio, Iguazú, the unique urban design of Brasília, and the wildlife-teeming wetlands of Pantanal.
4 Peru and Bolivia paired
Peru and Bolivia make the ideal couple. Cox & Kings' tailor-made Andean Highlights trip marries their lakes, peaks and pulsating cities with must-see Machu Picchu and a 4x4 adventure to the dazzling salt pan of Salar de Uyuni.