Day 1
Flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Otavalo market. In a very packed day, we visit Otavalo and Peguche, towns known for their weavings and for some of the best handicrafts, and for their Indian market on Saturdays. We continue on to Cotacachi, famous for its leather works. We have lunch at a local restaurant, and along the way we see the fascinating agricultural mosaic of rural Ecuador. The market operates every day, but the best day to visit is Saturday.
Day 3
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 Compańía (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. Afterwards, we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church, and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. 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 point of the city, “El Panecillo,” where we will have a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see the only winged virgin in South America. After visiting the colonial and modern areas of Quito, a 30-minute drive will take us to La Mitad del Mundo (the 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 4
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 5
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 6
Full-day excursion to Pisac town and 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. You will also see the fabulous Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo. Buffet lunch included. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Note: Market operates only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. This tour can operate any other day privately at additional cost; visit to the market would be replaced by visit to the Pisac ruins.
Day 7
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 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 stone works 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 the village of Aguas Calientes.
Day 8
Day of leisure. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu, or relax in Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, we will board the train to return to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 9
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lake Titicaca. En route to the hotel, visit the necropolis of Sillustani (12,000 feet above sea level), the lagoon of Umayo and the fabulous “chullpas,” cylinder-shaped tombs. Transfer to your hotel.
Note: You may also take the Andean Explorer train from Cuzco to Puno (10 hour scenic ride), although it operates only on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Additional cost of $ 125 per person applies.
Day 10
Pick-up from hotel in Puno and overland transfer to Copacabana, Bolivia. En route, we will stop at the church of Pomata. Upon arrival in Copacabana, we will visit the famous shrine of the Dark Virgin. Then we will board a hydrofoil cruise that will take us to Moon Island and visit the Sun Virgins Temple Ińak Uyu. We continue to Sun Island to visit the Pilcocaina Sun Temple. Llama trek to Posada del Inca (25 to 40 minutes), and enjoy lunch at Posada del Inca Eco Lodge. Afternoon at leisure to explore the surroundings, and dinner at the Posada del Inca Eco Lodge.
Note: Soft trekking involved.
Day 11
After breakfast, visit the Inca “Grand Stairs” and the sacred fountain, where we will drink the water believed to give eternal youth and happiness. We will enjoy lunch at the Uma Kollu archeological restaurant and visit the small handicraft market. After lunch, we take the hydrofoil cruise to Huatajata, where we will visit the Andean Roots Eco Village, the Altiplano Museum, handicrafts village, the mud igloos and the mortuary towers of the Urus Chipayas. We will meet the Limachi family, builders of the RA II and Tigris for epic expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean. Bus transfer to La Paz, on a road running parallel with the Royal Range of the Andes. Arrival in La Paz and transfer to your hotel.
Day 12
Full-day tour of La Paz. We will visit the Gold, Murillo and Costumbrista museums and the Mirador de Laikakota with a beautiful overview of the city. We will also walk through various street markets including the Uruguay Market, where you can see the highland agricultural products of quinua, tunta, chuno (dehydrated potato) and oca (sweet potato) and a variety of small animals such as guinea pigs, pigeons and chicken; the semi-legal black market where imported clothing and other products are sold at very reasonable prices; and the Witch Market where the locals still buy their supplies from a variety of traditional products used in ritual ceremonies like the Ch’alla and offerings to the Pachamama (mother earth). The tour continues going through the modern residential area of the city and ends in the Valley of the Moon, with its impressive geological formations.
Tour includes lunch at a restaurant with typical Bolivian food.
Day 13
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Santiago. Reception at the Santiago airport and transfer to your hotel.
Day 14
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 15
Full day of touring around Santiago. On this day, you may choose from one of the following excursions (see descriptions below):
Vińa del Mar and Valparaiso; Valle Nevado; Isla Negra - Pablo Neruda Museum; Cousińo Macul winery and Concha y Toro winery.
Day 16
Transfer to the airport and take the flight to Puerto Montt, the capital of the region. We will visit the town, Pelluco beach area and Chinquihue on the Tenglo canal before ending the visit in 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 Puerto Varas, a town founded by German immigrants. 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 lake shore and enjoy the view of the tranquil waters with the Osorno Volcano in the background. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 17
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 All Saints Lake, also known as 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 and continue on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Pańuelo. The last stage of the journey, from here to Bariloche, is done by vehicle.
Day 18
Bariloche. Your morning is 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, snowcapped peaks, deep blue or transparent green lakes, spring flowers, and alpine architecture. Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 19
Tour of Buenos Aires, an impressive city that combines the atmosphere of an old European town with that of a Latin American capital. In this tour, you will acquire a deep understanding of 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, and stops in Plaza de Mayo, Caminito and Recoleta with its cemetery. Tours are guided by a historian from the University of Buenos Aires. 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 20
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 gauchos, 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 21
Iguazu Falls. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Iguazu Falls. Reception at Puerto Iguazu airport and afternoon guided 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 each one of them. You may also walk from the visitor center to Upper and Lower Paths, but not to Devil’s Throat because it is more than 4 kilometers from the visitor center. After the tour, transfer to your hotel.
Day 22
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 23
Rio de Janeiro. Full-day tour to Corcovado Mountain, Tijuca Rain Forest and Sugar Loaf A quick drive from your hotel to the Cosme Velho train station. The cogwheel train will climb up through the Tijuca Rain Forest and bring you to the steps of Christ the Redeemer statue. At 2,300 feet above sea level, it offers a breathtaking view of the City of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the 9-mile Rio-Niterói Bridge, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Afternoon, visit Sugar Loaf Mountain. Drive along Rio’s famous beaches to the Praia Vermelha cable car station where you will be taken to the Urca Mountain (mid-way station) with its gardens and lookout points. The second part of the ride will take you to the peak of Sugar Loaf Mountain, 1,300 feet above sea level. 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 24
Day of leisure in Rio de Janeiro. Rio by night: Depart your hotel for dinner at one of Rio’s liveliest restaurants. Following dinner, you will enjoy a real samba show with “mulatas” and “batuqueiros” showing you Brazilian rhythms, folklore and fancy dress carnival costumes.
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 25
Evening transfer to the airport to take the flight back home.
South America Combined Country
Lake Titicaca
Machu Picchu
Lake District
