Day 1
Flight to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
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.
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 viewpoint 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 the city 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
Today you will transfer through the picturesque landscape of the Urubamba Valley to the town of Pisac. En route to Pisac you will stop briefly at Awana Kancha where you will have time to peruse an exhibition of local handicrafts including the traditional Andean textiles. Arriving in Pisac you will enjoy some time at the colorful market of Pisac, with time to visit the stands filled with local handicrafts. As you explore you will have opportunities to meet the local people selling their merchandise, as their families have done for many centuries. Leaving Pisac you will continue to the town of Ollantaytambo where you will climb to the ruins of an Inca fortress resting on a hilltop. Lunch is included today, enjoyed at a local restaurant. Overnight in the Sacred Valley
Note: We recommend a visit to the Pisac Ruins; however this is not included in the tour and must be arranged privately. Please ask your travel consultant for information.
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 the lost 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 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.
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 8
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 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. Continue to Sun Island, to visit the Pilcocaina Sun Temple. Llama trek to Posada del Inca (25 to 40 minute trek), 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, 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 that runs parallel with the Royal Range of the Andes. Arrival in La Paz and transfer to your hotel.
Day 12
Full-day city 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 chickens; 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
This morning we will transfer to the airport in La Paz to take the flight to Uyuni. Upon arrival in Uyuni, you will be greeted for airport reception and transferred to your hotel.
Day 14
We begin in Uyuni and enjoy a tour visiting Colchani, Ojos de Agua geysers and the local Salt Museum. We will continue to Isla Pescado, historically named Inka Wasi. This island is located in the center of the Uyuni salt pan and has a rock surface containing fossils of marine algae. This is the largest island here and has an isolated oasis-type ecosystem. The landscape of the endless horizion against the background of the salt pans is a great place for pictures.
This afternoon, after lunch, we will visit the Galaxy Cave and Devil`s Cave before continuing to San Pedro de Quemez and overnight in the Stone Hotel.
Day 15
This morning after breakfast we will visit Frog`s Valley, and Chiarcota, Ramadita, and Hedionda Lagoons.
After lunch we will continue to Siloli’s desert where we can find the Laguna Colorad, located 4,278 meters above sea level. This lagoon is known for its reddish waters and is home to the different species of flamingos. After our visit we will continue to Soniquera and overnight at Ojos de Perdiz Hotel.
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Day 16
After breakfast this morning we will take one last visit to Laguna Colorada and its surroundings. This morning we will also visit Sol de Mañana Geysers, on route to Chalviri Salt Pan. This area has intense volcanic and fumarole activity. This is an amazing site with boiling lava deep at the bottom of the crater and spouts of steam pouring out the top.
We will also explore the Chalviri Salt Flats, visiting both the White and Green Lagoons. The Green Lagoon is named after its brilliant green hues, due to the waters high magnesium content, and gives the appearance of a giant emerald. From here we will be able to see Licancahur Volcano in the distance.
We will enjoy lunch en route to Hito Cajon where we will change cars before continuing to San Pedro de Atacama and overnight in our hotel here.
Day 17
Tulor, Quitor, Atacama Salt Lake and Toconao. Morning, half-day archeological tour to Tulor and Quitor. Departure at 9 a.m. to visit the Padre Gustavo Le Paige Museum, which has an important anthropological collection of Atacameńan culture. Then we continue to the indigenous fortress of Quitor, where the first shepherds of this civilization lived. We continue on to one of the “ayllus” or settlements which reflect the social system and communal aspects of this subsistence society and the ruins of Tulor—a series of round rooms connected to each other and with communal patios. Today, this site is covered partly by the sands of the desert and represents an archeological enigma. Afternoon, half-day excursion to the Atacama Salt Lake and Toconao. Upon leaving San Pedro de Atacama (3 p.m. in the winter, 4 p.m. in the summer), we head along the side of the huge salt flat and continue on to Toconao, a village where the inhabitants dedicate themselves to working with the local liparite stone. We visit the old church and wander around the handicraft shops before a short visit to the Jeri Valley, an oasis in the center of the desert. We continue to the Chaxa Lagoon, where three types of pink flamingoes breed. Then we return to San Pedro de Atacama.
Day 18
Full day Tatio Geysers with Machuca Village. Early departure (around 4am) from San Pedro towards the El Tatio Geysers.
A guided walk around the geothermal field as the fumaroles of steam which appear at dawn rise into the sky. Journey through the Andes mountains, with wonderful views of the Putana volcano and the peaks of Torcopuri. Return to San Pedro, stopping on the way to visiting Machuca, picturesque village of shepherds where the ancient llama caravans used to rest from their travels on the "Inca Highway".
Day 19
San Pedro - Calama – Santiago. Transfer to Calama airport to take the flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel from airport.
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 20
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 21
Transfer to the airport and take a flight to Puerto Montt, capital of the region. We will visit the town, the 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 the town of Puerto Varas, founded by German immigrants. We continue on to Philippi Hill, where there are many native trees and also a beautiful view over the town and the lake. We 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 22
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, 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. We travel by bus to Puerto Blest, continuing on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Pańuelo. The last stage of the journey, from here to Bariloche, is done by vehicle.
Day 23
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 24
City tour of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is an impressive city that combines the atmosphere of a former European town with the features 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).
Evening tango show: 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 25
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 their 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 26
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 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 located more than 4 kilometers from the visitor center. After the tour, transfer to your hotel.
Day 27
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 28
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, this affords a breathtaking view of Rio de Janeiro, the Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the 9-mile Rio-Niterói Bridge, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Afternoon, we visit Sugar Loaf Mountain and 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 29
Day of leisure in Rio de Janeiro or enjoy one of our optional tours in Rio.
Tonight, enjoy Rio by night! Besides being a scenic city, Rio de Janeiro is also a champion of bohemian life. This evening tour starts with a delicious dinner in a typical Brazilian restaurant. After dinner, we will enjoy a Brazilian music presentation at the famous Rio Plataforma. Rio Plataforma is one of the premier places to listen to the best of Brazilian music. The Rio Plataforma is not open on Sundays.
If you prefer a more mellow experience we recommend the show at the Rio Scenarium (avaialable at an additional cost, this tour does not include dinner). Located in the Lapa area, Rio Scenarium is one of the premier places to listen to the best of Brazilian music, and where the real carioca spirit of bohemian way of life can be felt. The venue is an antique shop during the day, and a live music bar during the night. The programming changes every month. Show ends around midnight.
Day 30
Transfer from hotel for international flight back home.
South America Combined Country
Lake Titicaca
La Paz
Iguazu Falls
