Day 1
Bogotá
Take the flight to Bogota. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Bogota has a combination of influences: Spanish, Indian and African, which create a diverse and rich culture heritage. With an intense and vibrant intellectual and social life, this modern city provides travelers with a unique look in the heart of Colombian culture.
Day 2
Day 2
City tour of Bogota with Monserrate
Visit to the famous Gold Museum, the Museo del Oro which houses 30,000 gold objects and 20,000 in stone, ceramic, textiles and precious stones of the Quimbaya, Calima, Tairona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. The Museo del Oro has the most important collection of its kind worldwide. Our tour continues to the historic center known as La Candelaria where the center square is Plaza Bolivar. The square named for the statue in the center of Simón Bolívar. La Candelaria, the oldest part of the city, boasts grand houses of profound Spanish influence with iron windows, thick wooden doors, balconies and internal patios that hide beautiful gardens. Once we leave this area we will continue on to Quinta de Bolivar, the country house of Simon Bolivar. Set at the foot of Cerro de Monserrate, with magnificent surrounding gardens, the museum is filled with documents, letters, maps, uniforms and personal possessions that help to piece together events in his life. We travel by cable car up to 10,500 feet, top of the Mountain that looks over Bogotá. Note: Museums closed on Monday.
Day 3
Zipaquira's Underground Salt Cathedral
We take the Pan American highway north towards Zipaquirá, traveling across the central region of the savanna, passing some typical villages villages to reach Zipaquirá where the Salt Cathedral is located. The Salt Cathedral is an impressive work of engineering. The visit begins in a tunnel that exhibits the fourteen stations of the Way of the Cross and leads to the dome where you can observe the great cross sculpted in low relief. You finally arrive at the three naves of the cathedral joined by openings that represent the birth and death of Christ. The central nave houses the main altar, a 16 meter cross, and the Creation of Man, a marble statue by the sculptor Carlos Enrique Rodríguez.
Day 4
Bogotá – Cartagena
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, transfer to you hotel. Cartagena is the fifth largest city in Colombia and an important port city on the Caribbean coast. After numerous pirate attacks during the colonial era, a wall was built to surround the historic city center and protect its inhabitants. Cartagena is now a popular tourist destination that retains its colonial architecture and charm.
Afternoon Old Town Walk Guided walk along the walled old town, watching the streets, churches, colonial houses with their balconies, the Museum that was the residence of the five times president of the Republic, Rafael Nuñez; the Santa Catalina bastion, the craftsmanship place at Las Bovedas (The Dungeons) where you will find handmade souvenirs.
Day 5
Islas del Rosario
Cruise to Rosario Islands, to the south of the Bay of Cartagena. These Islands are a National Natural Park with a group of coral islands surrounded by a crystal clear sea, the habitat of a great variety of marine fauna. Opportunity to swim and snorkel. The 23 coral islands were formed by volcano activity which raised the seabed to create ideal conditions for the development of coral reefs. Lunch Included. Return to Cartagena.
Day 6
Totumo Volcano
Tour the Totumo Volcano, known for its medicinal properties, only 50 minutes away from Cartagena. You will be able to get into its crater to enjoy a healthy mud bath, and then you will be able to take a regular bath at El Totumo Lagoon. Lunch included.
Day 7
Cartagena – Quito
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Bogota and connect with your international flight to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 8
Otavalo Market
The Indian markets in Ecuador are well known for their color and diversity. Otavalo is the most famous of the markets. Operates every day but main market day is on Saturdays.
Driving north from Quito, your trip begins in Cayambe, where we invite you to savor the local specialty biscuits or “Bizcochos” before we arrive in the province of Imbabura, also known as “the Province of Lakes”. As we approach Otavalo, you will have stunning views of the San Pablo Lake with the high peak of Imbabura Volcano behind it. Next is the town of Otavalo, home of the largest indigenous market of its kind in South America. (Saturdays only ). After lunch we head for Cotocachi, a town renowned for its handmade leather goods. If time allows, we will also visit Cuicocha, an ancient, eroded volcanic crater famous for the deep lake found within it. Lunch included today.
Day 9
Full-day colonial Quito tour and the Equator
The tour begins with a visit to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. We will also visit the Church of La Compañia (1605), with its amazing gilt altars. This is considered the finest example of baroque art in America and the Moorish influence can also be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red and gold columns and ceilings. Afterward, we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535), the oldest Ecuadorian church. There is also a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Finally, we will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, El Panecillo, for a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see the only statue in South America of the Virgin Mary with wings.
After visiting the colonial and modern areas of Quito, a 30-minute drive will take us to La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) with its 30-meter-high monument marking the equatorial line and excellent ethnographical museum. Afternoon transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 10
Lima
City tour of Lima—always one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. Journey through the historic center of the city. Admire the beauty of San Martín and Major squares, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and visit San Francisco Convent, religious building from the late 16th century, and its catacombs. Also drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.
Day 11
Cuzco
Morning, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon city tour of Cuzco, visit the Korikancha Temple or Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. After your visits, you will continue to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko and finally the Sacsahuaman Fortress. After the tour, return to your hotel.
Note: Because of the altitude in Cuzco, we recommend that this tour be done privately at your own pace, at an additional cost of $28 per person, based on two people.
Day 12
Cuzco – Sacred Valley
Full-day excursion to Pisac town with a visit to its authentic and traditional Indian market. Continue through the Urubamba Valley to Ollantaytambo, favorite residence of the Incas, with its terraces running up the steep slope to the top where a carved stone throne allowed the ruler a magnificent view of his holdings. Buffet lunch included. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. Note: Market operates only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Tour can operate any other day privately at additional cost; visit to the market would be replaced by visit to the Pisac ruins.
Day 13
Machu Picchu
Morning, transfer to the train station. Train takes us through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, we will board a bus to the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu. We will then have a guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marches of the Inca empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stoneworks of the Cuzco imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca royal family and priests. You will have time to enjoy a light lunch or snack, and return to your hotel at your leisure. In the evening, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in Aguas Calientes.
Note: Government regulations limit the number of visitors to Machu Picchu daily. Entrance is subject to availability. Please book with plenty of notice so we may confirm your entrance to the ruins.
Day 14
Machu Picchu
Day at leisure. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, we will board the train to return to Cuzco. Upon arrival, train station reception and transfer to your hotel.
Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Please contact your Yampu travel consultant if you think you would like to go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability).
Day 15
Cuzco – Lima – Santiago
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Santiago. Reception at the Santiago airport and transfer to your hotel.
Day 16
Morning at leisure.
Afternoon city tour of Santiago. We will pick you up from your hotel to explore the historic and modern sights of Santiago de Chile. We will start our tour at the Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago’s main avenue, visiting La Moneda, the Government Palace, where we will explain to you the historical and actual meaning of this place. We will enjoy a walk through the pedestrian streets of Huerfanos and Ahumada, where the main commercial activity of the city is concentrated. We will then visit the famous Plaza de Armas, the main square of the city, which is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and other historical buildings such as the City Hall and the Post Office, both dating from colonial times. Next we head to Santa Lucia Hill, the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. It is a lone steep rock, with many plants and an antique building rising steeply from the city below. From here you can see the Parque Forestal (park) on one side and the Mapocho River on the other. We will cross the river to visit Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighborhood of Santiago. Return to your hotel.
Day 17
Full day of touring around Santiago
On this day you may choose from one of the following excursions: Vina del Mar and Valparaiso; Valle Nevado; Isla Negra - Pablo Neruda Museum; Cousiño Macul and Concha y Toro wineries.
Day 18
Santiago – Puerto Montt
Transfer to the airport and take the flight to Puerto Montt. En route to Puerto Varas, we will have a tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. Puerto Montt is the capital of the region. We will visit the town, Pelluco beach area and Chinquihue on the Tenglo Canal before getting to the picturesque village of Angelmó with time to explore this pretty fishing port and craft center famous for its woolens and woodwork.
We will then visit the town of Puerto Varas, founded by German immigrants in 1854. Continue on to Philippi Hill, where there are many native trees and also a beautiful view over the town and the lake. Head down to the lakeshore and enjoy the view of the tranquil waters with Osorno Volcano in the background. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 19
Lake crossing to Bariloche
The tour begins by bus from Puerto Varas, taking the road via Ensenada. On arrival at Petrohue, board the catamaran which takes you across the All Saints Lake (Esmeralda Lake), until you reach the tiny village of Peulla. Time to eat lunch (included). The journey continues by vehicle to Puerto Frías in Argentina where a boat takes you to Puerto Alegre. Travel by bus to Puerto Blest. Continue on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Pañuelo. The last stage of the journey, from here to Bariloche, is done by vehicle.
Day 20
Bariloche
Morning, free to enjoy Bariloche and its fabulous views of the Andes across the blue waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Bariloche and its surrounding area are evergreen forests, snow-capped peaks, deep blue or transparent green lakes, spring flowers, and alpine architecture. Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 21
Buenos Aires
Tour of Buenos Aires, an impressive city that combines the atmosphere of an old European town with the features of a Latin American capital. In this tour, you will come to appreciate its characteristics, its history, its architecture, its culture and its best stories. We will visit the center of the city, San Telmo, La Boca, Puerto Madero and Palermo, with stops in Plaza de Mayo, Caminito and La Recoleta. Tour is done on group basis and may involve wait times picking up other
passengers at different hotels. We recommend that this tour be done
privately in order to avoid this, at an additional cost of $ 42 per person,
based on two people ($ 84 based on one person).
At night, you will be treated to an unforgettable tango show performed by the best dancers and singers, while enjoying a delicious meal. This is the perfect way to leave Buenos Aires, the city of tango. Return to the hotel.
Day 22
Fiesta Gaucha
Full-day excursion to an estancia for a typical barbeque lunch and a folklore/gaucho show. Here we will learn about the customs of the Argentinean gaucho, and his abilities on the horse that will leave you breathless. The meat will be cooked "a lo gaucho" outdoors on the barbeque. Lunch and drinks included. Afternoon, return to Buenos Aires.
Duration: 6 hours. Operates every day except Monday.
Day 23
Iguazu Falls
Early morning, transfer to the airport to take the flight to the Iguazu Falls. Reception at Puerto Iguazu airport and tour to the Argentina side of the falls. Transfer to visitor center inside the Iguazu National Park. To get from the visitor center to the beginning of Upper Path, Lower Path and Devil's Throat you will aboard a little train, which runs from the visitor center to the paths and between them. You may also walk from the visitor center to upper and lower paths, but cannot walk to Devil's Throat because it is located more than four kilometers from the visitor center.
Great Adventure: This tour combines a jungle trip with a boat trip to the falls. Trip starts in the jungle of the National Park in 4 by 4 trucks without roof for best visibility of the trees and to take good photos. Then we take a zodiac boat to the lower Iguazu River upstream to discover the falls little by little with a panoramic view of the Iguazu Falls. Be prepared to get wet under the falls! Afternoon return to your hotel.
Note: this boat tour involves some light trekking and climbing of steep stairs. You need to be in reasonably good shape since it can become somewhat strenuous. Please ask your travel consultant about this.
Day 24
Iguazu Falls
Morning, guided tour to the Brazil side of the waterfalls. These natural falls are the largest in the Americas, surrounded by an amazing wildlife preserve in the middle of the jungle. Afternoon, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 25
Rio de Janeiro
Full Day Sugar Loaf, Corcovado Mountain and Tijuca Rainforest: Drive along Rio's famous beaches to the Praia Vermelha cable car station where you will be taken to Urca Mountain (midway station) with its gardens and lookout points. Then, the second part of the ride will take you to the peak of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, 1,300 feet above sea level. Continue to the Cosme Velho train station, where a cogwheel train will climb up through the Tijuca Rainforest and bring you to the steps of the Christ Statue. At 2,300 feet above sea level, it affords a breathtaking view of the City of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, nine-mile Rio-Niterói Bridge, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Lunch included.
Note: This is a group tour and may involve wait times picking up other
passengers at different hotels. We recommend that this tour be done
privately in order to avoid this, at an additional cost of $170 per person,
based on two people ($425 based on one person).
Day 26
Rio de Janeiro
Day at leisure in Rio de Janeiro and evening Rio by night! We will pick you up at your hotel for a wonderful samba show with dinner at one of Rio's liveliest restaurants. The Samba show includes "mulatas" and "batuqueiros" showing you Brazilian rhythms, folklore and fancy Carnival costumes. Dinner and round-trip transfers included.
Note: Transfers are done via bus and may involve wait times picking up other
passengers at different hotels. We can offer private transfers at an
additional cost of $ 42 per person, based on two people ($ 84 based on one
person).
Day 27
Evening, transfer to the airport to take the flight back home.
South America Combined Country
Cartagena
Otavalo Market
Rio de Janeiro
