TOUR SUMMARY - SOUTH AMERCIAN SOJOURN

• Duration: 26 days ex Auckland to Rio, ending in La Paz, fly via Santaigo to Auckland
• Trip focus: Moderately active trip of diverse cultural highlights, showcasing a mix of cities, rainforest, Inca sites and Andean cultures
• Accommodation: 19 nights simple, cozy hotels with private facilities, 3 nights jungle lodge, 1 night home stay
• Transport: flight, bus, train, boat, motorized canoe
• Group Size: Max 16 + S.E.T. tour leader, Min 6

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Begin with a dazzling Samba show in Rio and Tango in Buenos Aires
• Explore the thundering Iguazu Falls
• Travel deep into the Amazon rainforest near Puerto Maldonado and spot exotic wildlife
• Experience the floating reed islands of the Uros and a homestay on Amantani Island Lake Titicaca
• Learn about the ancient Quechua (Inca) and Ayamara cultures
• Indulge in fine Latin American cuisine including Andean specialities
• Explore the city of Cusco and Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Walk the labyrinth of streets in the Witches market La Paz

ITINERARY

DAY 1
Depart Auckland on Lan Chile, flying via Santiago to bustling, beautiful Rio de Janeiro, where we are met and transferred to settle in to our hotel for the next 3 nights.

DAY 2
Half Day Tour to Corcovado and Statue of Christ the Redeemer.
From the gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer enjoy one of the most wonderful views of Rio de Janeiro: the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon; the Lagoon and Sugar Loaf, which are nothing short of breathtaking. Time to sunbathe and swim at Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, before trying the local cuisine and night life. (B,D)

DAY 3
Half Day City Tour and Sugar Loaf Ride along the beaches on the way to downtown, visiting baroque churches, the modern Metropolitan Cathedral and the Sambódromo, the huge purpose-built Carnival Parade area. Arrival to Sugar Loaf, to enjoy a late afternoon view of the city, the best time of day. Free morning for sightseeing, shopping and relaxing. Rio by night - enjoy a dazzling show featuring Brazilian folkloric music, Carnival costumes and dances, with special emphasis on the world famous “Samba”. (B)

DAY 4
Transfer to the airport for our flight to the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls in the world –Iguassu Falls. There are 275 falls along 2.7 kilometres of the Iguazu River. Enjoy a half day Brazilian Falls tour combined with Macuco Safari, in the heart of Iguaçu National Park (Brazilian side). The guided walking tour begins by descending the walkways in front of the Hotel das Cataratas, located in the Iguassu National Park, and end up almost touching the falling waters, with spectacular vies along the way. Continuing by Jeep for a 3 Km’s ride and a short walk through the forest the banks of the Iguassu River. From there, aboard open boats, cruise up the river through the Iguassu Canyon with unforgettable views of the falling water, right where they meet the river. (B)

DAY 5
After breakfast, on our way to the airport we’ll tour of the Argentine side of the falls and the spectacular “Devils Throat”. There are many walkways to explore before, and plenty of wildlife to see. Our afternoon flight takes us to Buenos Aires. This exciting cosmopolitan City, often known as the “Paris of the Americas” is a mix of colonial architecture and European influences - and a shoppers paradise. We will be met and transferred to our hotel, steps away from the major shopping area of Recoleta. (B)

DAY 6
This morning we will enjoy a city tour of Buenos Aires visiting the Plaza de Mayo,  then on to the colourful Bohemian district of La Boca with it’s many artists and street markets. In the afternoon we’ll take a walk through fashionable Recoleta,  wandering the maze of the famous Recoleta cemetery and the chance to see the tomb of Eva Peron.  The local craft fair is a fun place to browse for souvenirs. This evening will feature an exciting ‘Dinner and Tango show”. (B, D)

DAY 7
Visit the San Telmo antiques market this morning, then join us for an optional trip to the best kept secret in Buenos Aires, the Mataderos street fair. If you are here for a real South American experience, Mataderos is an absolute must. See gauchos (Argentine cowboys) and their displays of horsemanship. Enjoy the local handicrafts, live music, entertaining folk dancing and delicious food, all with hardly another tourist in sight. (B)

DAY 8
Leaving Buenos Aires we fly on to Lima Peru where we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Later that afternoon we take a short orientation walking tour of the neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The evening meal will feature regional Peruvian specialties (B, D)

DAY 9
After breakfast we visit Lima’s fabulous Gold Museum , Plaza Mayor and San Fransisco church during an insightful city tour. Rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore further. There are many interesting sites in and around Lima and we’d love to show you more of the city. (B)

DAY 10
After a short flight via Cuzco, we arrive in the steamy Amazon town of Puerto Maldonado, where we drive 20 kilometers to the Tambopata River Port , entering the Native Community of Infierno. The forty five minute boat ride from the Tambopata Port to the lodge will take us into the Community´s Primary Forest Private Reserve. A twenty minute walk from the lodge leads to the 30 meter scaffolding canopy tower. From atop you obtain spectacular views and the chance to see toucans, parrots, macaws, or mixed species canopy flocks land in the treetop next to you. A daily presentation on the Infierno ecotourism project is available every night from a staff member. (B, L, D)

DAY 11
Amazon lodge – Visit Tres Chimbadas Oxbow lake where you will paddle around the lake in a catamaran, searching for the resident family of nine giant river otters (seen by 60% of lake visitors) and other lakeside wildlife such as caiman, hoatzin and horned screamers. Ethnobotanical Tour: A twenty minute boat drive downriver leads you to the Centro Ñape, a communal organization that produces medicines out of forest plants and administers them to patients who choose their little clinic. They have produced a trail which explains the different medicinal (and other) uses of selected plants. Night walk. You will have the option of hiking out at night, when most of the mammals are active but rarely seen. Much easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories. (B,L,D)

DAY 12
Amazon Lodge - Parrot clay lick: This clay lick is only a twenty minute walk from the lodge. From a blind located about twenty meters away you will see dozens of parrots and parakeets descend on most clear mornings to ingest the clay on a river bank. Blue-headed Parrot and Dusky headed Parakeet descend at this clay lick. Ceiba Trail Hike: We leave from the lobby and embark on a two hour hike crowned by the largest tree in the vicinity: a giant ceiba tree. During the hike we will focus on the natural history of the rain forest and its principal taxonomic groups. Farm Visit: The most complete farm in the community of Infierno, where the owner grows a diverse variety of popular and unknown Amazon crops.  (B,L,D)

DAY 13 & 14
Transfer Pto Maldonado - Airport. We retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado and the airport. Depending on airline schedules, this may require dawn departures. A 45 minute flight takes us to Cuzco, the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. On arrival we head out by road into the beautiful Urubamba Valley (Sacred alley of the Inca’s) travelling to historic and scenic Ollantaytambo where we’ll spend the next two nights. The following morning we will visit the famous indigenous market at Pisac before returning to Ollantaytambo to explore the township and the Inca ruins. (B)

DAY 15
A highlight of the trip is taking a scenic train ride through spectacular mountain vistas to Aguas Calientes - then transfer by coach to Machu Picchu – the “Lost City of the Incas”. Machu Picchu, rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911, is one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. After our guided tour of Machu Picchu we return to Cuzco in the late afternoon. (B)

DAY 16
Our tour today reveals to us the ancient city that was known by the Incas as the “Navel of the World”. We also visit the surrounding Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman and South Tipon, a little known but stunning site. Dinner this evening will feature Andean cuisine. (B, D)

DAY 17
Cuzco is an exquisite mix of Incan and Spanish colonial influences. A free day to explore Cuzco and enjoy the special atmosphere. Browse in the many craft shops, enjoy a coffee overlooking the plaza, or relax in the courtyard of your colonial style hotel. The day is yours. (B)

DAY 18
Today we depart Cuzco and travel by road across the Altiplano to Puno - located on the shore of Lake Titicaca, Sacred Lake of the Incas and the world's highest navigable lake (3860 m above sea level). Enjoy spectacular Altiplano scenery along the way, with plenty of photo stops. (B)

DAY 19
After breakfast we board our boat to explore - Lake Titicaca visiting the fascinating floating reed islands of the Uros. We continue on to Amantani Island to experience a special overnight treat. Being home hosted and entertained by local Quechua inhabitants. This experience is a highlight of the trip & a chance for you to interact with the locals, learning about their way of life on the islands. (B, L, D)

DAY 20
In the morning we head off to visit Taquile Island. Make sure to bring some small change as they have intricate knitted and woven goods for sale. Returning by boat to Puno in the afternoon to relax & explore this mostly Aymara town.(B)

DAY 21
From Puno we travel by coach along the Andes and cross the border in Bolivia. After exploring the beautiful township of Copacabana we continue by road to La Paz –Capital City of Bolivia (at 4km above sea level it is the highest capital city in the world). (B)

DAY 22
Our morning tour of La Paz includes the historic San Francisco Church, the colourful Indian markets and the unusual Witch Doctor’s market. Later we visit the mysterious ‘Valley of the Moon’ with its strange moonlike shapes and craters. Dinner tonight in our hotel restaurant is known for their sumptuous regional specialities. (B, D)

DAY 23
Today you have free time to explore this fascinating city, shop for those colourful South American souvenirs and explore La Paz further.

Day 24
After breakfast depart for your morning flight to Santiago. Enjoy a walking tour of Santiago, and take in views over the city skyline from Cerro San Cristobal. After our last night dinner, we’ll be transferred to the airport for our flight back to New Zealand. (B,D)

Day 25 – in flight

Day 26 – Fri 10 September Arrive in New Zealand

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

Fully escorted with kiwi bilingual tour leaders, plus some expert local guides. This tour will give you a taste of the diverse cultures and geography that is South America and will whet your appetite to explore further. You will experience a variety of climatic zones from the steamy Amazon Basin and tropical heat of Rio, to the cool heights of the Andean Altiplano.

Our trips are designed for everyone who is reasonably fit and prepared to be active. You’ll be responsible for moving your own luggage from your hotel to taxis and transport. There is moderate walking involved on most days and all of the Inca sites have lots of steps. This can be a bit tougher with the altitude in areas like Cuzco, Puno and La Paz but we take it easy and give you time to acclimatize.  

Be prepared to travel a on a variety of transport from planes to motorized canoes,  but mostly private vans and buses. Accommodation is simple but comfortable with en-suite rooms and hot water. Hotels are chosen for their safety, location, ambience and friendly staff. There may be one multi-share night (triple or quad) at the home stay on Lake Titicaca, the rest of the trip is twin share basis.

If you enjoy travel less ordinary and look forward to unique experiences, this will be the trip of a lifetime.  

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE ... pretty much everything!

• Spectacular Samba show & dinner
• Corcovado and Sugar Loar tours in Rio de Janeiro
• Brazilian Falls tour and Macuco Safari
• Rafain Dinner and Folklore show at Iguacu
• Buenos Aires city tour and Tango show
• Half day Lima city tour
• Guided tour of the Uros Islands, Amantani and Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca (overnight)
• Guided tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu
• Eco Lodge Amazon Excursion (3 nights)
• La Paz city tour and Valley of the Moon tour
• Santiago City walking tour
• Bilingual tour leader throughout and local guides for excursions
• All airline flights ex New Zealand, transport & accommodation
• All transfers to and from hotels and airports
• The cost of entry fees for all scheduled tours.
• Meals as listed under (B,L,D) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE: 

· All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, souvenirs etc
· International and internal flight departure taxes
· Tips for local guides, a suggested tip pool will be advised 
· Travel insurance