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Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Lima, City of Kings, where we are met and transferred to settle in to our hotel for the next 2 nights. Our welcome dinner will feature regional Peruvian specialties. (D)
DAY 2
Visit Lima’s historic city center during an insightful city tour. Rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore further or we can take a short orientation walk in the neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. (B)
DAYS 3 to 5
After a short flight we arrive in the steamy Amazon town of Puerto
Maldonado, where we're met and taken to our lodge. First we ride by boat
from the Tambopata Port to the lodge trail head, then we don gumboots
and walk 3km to stunning Sandoval lake, where we are canoed across to
the lodge. Orientation meeting and check in.
Amazon lodge – Nature walks, canoeing, medicinal plants and their uses, wildlife videos and lectures will have you enthralled. We have the chance to see spider, capuchin and howler monkeys, macaws, sloths, giant river otters which are resident in the lake, hummingbirds, caimans and a vast variety of insects. The lodge's unique location is sure to be a highlight of your trip. (3B,3L,3D)
DAYS 6 & 7
We retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado. A 45 minute flight takes us to Cuzco, then we head out by road into the beautiful Urubamba Valley (Sacred alley of the Inca’s) where we’ll spend the next two nights. The following morning we will visit the famous Pisac Inca site. If time allows, we'll drive to Ollantaytambo to explore the township and the Inca ruins. (2B)
DAY 8
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 stay the night in Aguas Calientes. (B)
DAYS 9
to 11
Returning to Cusco in the morning, 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 site of Sacsayhuaman. 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. Dinner this evening will feature Andean cuisine.(2B, 1D)
DAY 12
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 13
After breakfast we board our boat to explore - Lake Titicaca visiting the fascinating floating reed islands of the Uros, where the hoses, schools, boats and the islands themselves are made of the Totora reed. We continue on to Taquile Island to experience life on the islands and get a unique insight to the 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. Return to Puno in the late afternoon. (B, L)
DAY 14
From Puno we travel by coach along the Andes and cross the border in Bolivia. After exploring the fascinating township of Copacabana we continue by road to La Paz, Capital City of Bolivia (at 4km above sea level it's the highest capital city in the world). (B)
DAY 15
Our tour of La Paz includes the historic San Francisco Church, the colourful 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)
DAY 16
Our 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. Walk down to the Recoleta cemetery where Eva Peron is buried, and stroll the labyrinth of alleyways. (B)
DAYS 17
& 18
Today 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. Visit the San Telmo antiques district and shop for that hidden treasure. Enjoy a free day in Buenos Aires or head out to the Parana River Delta to cruise the canals of this unique region. This evening will feature an exciting ‘Dinner and Tango show”. (2B, 1D)
DAY 19
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 Argentine Falls tour the spectacular “Devils Throat”. There are many walkways to explore on
both the upper and lower circuits, and plenty of wildlife to see. Along with the exciting Macuco Safari. (B)
DAYS 20 & 21
After breakfast we cross the border into Brazil and explore the heart of Iguacu National Park (Brazil side). This is a totally different perspective of the falls and sure to be a highlight. After the falls a short flight takes us to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. We take you to Corcovado, Statue of Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf.
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. Rio by night - enjoy a dazzling show featuring Brazilian folkloric music, Carnival costumes and dances, with special emphasis on the world famous “Samba”. (2B,1D)
DAYS 22 & 23
Morning free to enjoy Rio, before boarding our afternoon flight to Santiago, the capital of Chile. We take you on an insightful winery tour and tasting to sample Chile's fine wine. Enjoy a walking tour of Santiago, its Plaza de Armas and fascinating central market. If conditions are good, there may be time to head up the San Cristobal hill for stunning views of the city and surrounding Andes. On the last night we'll celebrate with a final dinner of Chilean cuisine. (2B,1D)
DAY 24 - Departure day and free day until your transfer to the airport in the evening for your flight home to NZ. **Ask us about joining on to our Galapagos 10 Day Adventure Tour**
Is this tour for you?
Fully escorted with a kiwi bilingual tour leader, plus some expert local guides. Choose this trip if you either think you will only visit South America once to sample of the highlights, or to get an idea of the area so you can then come back for further in depth travel to specific regions.
It 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 of moderate fitness and prepared to be active. You’ll be responsible for moving your own luggage from your hotel to taxis and transport. There is some 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. There is a 3km walk through the rainforest to get to the Amazon Lodge, gumboots are provided and your bags will be carried by porters. You only carry a daypack.
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, on a twin share basis and have en-suite rooms and hot water. Hotels are chosen for their safety, location, ambiance and friendly staff. If you enjoy unique journeys and look forward to special experiences, this will be the trip of a lifetime.
What is included in the tour price?... pretty much everything!
Spectacular Samba show
Corcovado and Sugar Loaf tours in Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian Falls tour and Macuco Safari
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
Bilingual tour leader throughout and local guides for excursions
All airline flights within South America, transport & accommodation
All transfers to and from hotels and airports
Tips for local guides
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 flights, and internal flight departure taxes
Travel insurance
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| Tour Summary |
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- Duration: 24 days from Lima to Santiago
- Trip focus: An moderately active sightseeing trip exploring the highlights of South America
- Accommodation: 21nts hotels, 3nts Rainforest lodge
- Transport: flight, bus, train, launch, motorized canoe
- Group Size: Max 12 + S.E.T. tour leader, Min 6
- Trip cost 24 days Lima to Santiago: *USD6995 per person
- *If
not arriving internationally on Lan or Qantas, a surcharge of USD634
applies for internal flights in South America which cannot be
issue on an airpass.
- Tip pool: USD100 per person (included in cost above)
- Local payment: USD400 per person (included in cost above)
- Single Supplement: USD750
- Departure Date: August 6th 2012
**Can be combined with Galapagos**
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| Tour Highlights |
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- Lima City of Kings
- Amazon Eco Lodge stay
- Cusco & the Sacred valley of the Incas
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- Lake Titicaca and floating islands
- La Paz & witches market
- Buenos Aires the Paris of the Americas
- Thundering Iguassu falls
- Flamboyant Rio de Janeiro
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