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South America History and culture

South America History & Culture Holidays

Introduction

South America is synonymous with archaeological sites and historic ruins. Although there are lots of pre-Columbian cultures that have left their mark on the countries here, the Incas are the most significant group.

The Inca civilisation expanded rapidly to cover Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. Masterfully sculpted stone sites and monuments remain as testament to the skill, spirituality and determination of this impressive pre-Columbian culture.

Machu Picchu in Peru is the poster site for the Incas, with its stunning location, well-preserved features and options for access, via the Inca Trail or train from Cusco, itself full of Inca and conquistador sites, making it justifiably popular.

Alternatives include Choquequirao close by and Kuelap in the north of the country. Take in ruins throughout the country including Chan Chan, Chavin, Ollantaytambo and the Tucume pyramids, see the Nazca lines or explore the Sacred Valley to see traditional markets, festivals and unique sites such as Moray and Salineras.

Elsewhere, visit El Fuerte, Tiahuamaco, Tiwanaku and Potosi in Bolivia, the Easter Island moai in Chile, Cartagena and La Ciudad Perdida in Colombia, Ingapirca and Quito's old town in Ecuador.

These are just a handful of the options available though. You can also tailor-make your history and culture holiday to South America by adding a city stay, wildlife holiday or other excursion to your itinerary. Talk to a destination specialist to see what we can do for you.

 

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Our top itineraries for South America History and culture

Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Torres del Paine

Spirit of Chile with Tierra Hotels

14-day tailor-made holiday from £9,550 pp incl. flights

Witness the best of Chile's stunning natural world, from the vast expanse of the Atacama Desert to the lakes, glaciers and towering mountains of Patagonia in the south, staying throughout at some of the country's finest hotels.

Iguazú Falls

Highlights of Argentina

13-day tailor-made holiday from £6,020 pp incl. flights

Get a taste for tango in the 'Paris of South America', then gaze in awe at the advancing ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier and the thundering power of Iguazu Falls, before living life gaucho style with a stay in an estancia.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

Brazil: A Celebration of Life

12-day tailor-made holiday from £4,720 pp incl. flights

Join us in celebrating Brazil's rich history and multicultural mix on this unforgettable tailor-made holiday, which begins amid Rio's city icons before heading north to learn about Afro-Brazilian heritage in Salvador and relax on the beaches of Praia do Forte.

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Best of Brazil

16-day tailor-made holiday from £5,940 pp incl. flights

From the wildlife-filled jungles of the Amazon to the icons of Rio de Janeiro, colonial Salvador and the mighty Iguazu Falls, this is the ultimate introduction to the best of Brazil.

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Top offers for South America History and culture

Cartagena, Colombia

Wonders of Colombia with AmaWaterways

15-day luxury river cruise from £6,045 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Early booking offer – Save up to £375pp
Book by: 31 December 2024

A luxury all-inclusive river cruise on the Magdalena River in Colombia, including three pre-cruise nights in Medellín and two pre-cruise nights in Cartagena.

Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro

Radiant Rhythms of Latin America 2026 with Oceania

16-day luxury ocean cruise from £5,365 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Enjoy up to a 4-category upgrade & US$800 shipboard credit
Book by: 03 January 2025

This luxury Oceania cruise is a showcase for the colour and vibrancy of Latin America. From Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro follows a route revealing the radiant waters, soaring mountains and cultural rhythms of the eastern coastline of South America.

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

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