Starting Price:	£7,298.00
Trip Length:	23 days
Includes airfare allowance from London (UK)

Amazing Machu Picchu

Bolivia Salar De Uyuni

Tango in Buenos Aires

Peru, Bolivia, Atacama and Crossing to Uyuni, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro

Description Pricing Itinerary Hotels

This South America Highlights Tour is the most unique way to visit this amazing continent. We will take you to Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Visit Lima, Cuzco, and Machu Picchu; take a hydrofoil cruise across Lake Titicaca to La Paz, Bolivia. From here we travel overland to the Uyuni salt flats, a massive area that beautifully reflects the sapphire blue of the Andean skies. We then cross the Andes into Chile to visit the Atacama Desert and then to Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital city of Argentina. We will also visit both sides of the falls, starting in Argentina and ending in Brazil. Our trip ends in the lively Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

After a trip to La Paz, Bolivia’s unique capital, we travel overland to the Uyuni salt flats, a massive area that beautifully reflects the sapphire blue of the Andean skies. We then cross the Andes into Chile to visit the Atacama Desert. It is the highest, driest desert in the world with salt flats, geysers, hot springs and the Andes looming in the distance. Next, we take you to Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital city of Argentina. From here we take you to visit the 275 waterfalls of Iguazu Falls, which always inspire Yampu travelers. We go to both sides of the falls, starting in Argentina and ending in Brazil. Our trip ends in the lively Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

We offer a choice of 3, 4, 5-Star and deluxe hotels. In Peru the Deluxe option is with the Orient Express hotels: the Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu, Monasterio in Cuzco and the Park Plaza in Lima. The Deluxe option also includes the new Titilaka hotel near Lake Titicaca in a Dawn Suite; choice of excursions in and around Titicaca Lake with bilingual (Spanish and English) guide; breakfast, lunch and dinner. You may also choose to upgrade to the luxury Hiram Bingham train from Cuzco to Machu Picchu.

Deluxe Option in Lake Titicaca is at Titilaka Hotel including a personalized welcome with private transfer from airport or train station; 2 nights and facilities in an Amanecer (Dawn) Suite (all suites overlook the lake and are furnished with one king or two double beds, lake-view spa bathrooms and have individually controlled heated floors); concierge and trip planner services; choice of excursions in and around Titicaca Lake with bilingual (Spanish and English) guide; breakfast, lunch and dinner; and wireless internet access.

In Buenos Aires, the deluxe option includes the Alvear Palace. Iguazu: Sheraton (Falls View Room); Iguazu at the Iguazu Grand or Sheraton with a room with a view to the falls. Rio de Janeiro at the majestic Copacabana Palace or the brand new Fasano Hotel in Ipanema Beach. Please inquire about these options with one of our Travel Consultants.

In Rio de Janeiro the Deluxe option includes either the majestic Copacabana Palace, or the Fasano Hotel. Right on Copacabana beach, the Copacabana Palace is South America’s most famous hotel and has welcomed the rich and famous since 1923. The Copacabana Palace has 225 rooms and suites, 147 of which are in the main building and 78 suites in the Annex. All are individually designed with fine period furniture and original works of art. Each of the rooms has view of the sea or of Copacabana Avenue.

The Fasano is uniquely situated in the heart of Ipanema beach. Imagined by Philippe Starck, the decor is elegant and understated with signed pieces of the 50’s and 60’s. The hotel features the lobby lounge, Londra with lounge music and most prominently the Fasano Al Mare, Rogerio Fasano’s gastronomic restaurant, dedicated to traditional Italian Seafood. The rooftop is an area accessible only for hotel guests with spectacular views over Ipanema beach featuring a beautiful pool, fitness center and spa.

This tour includes airfare allowance from London (UK), on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via London; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.

Additional information on this trip:

Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Visited Cities:
Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Puno (Lake Titicaca), Island of the Sun, La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama, Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Rio de Janeiro

Day 1

Overnight flight to Lima.

Day 2

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon 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. Note: check-in is normally after 2 pm. Early check-in may be granted subject to availability (not confirmed).

Day 3

Morning transfer to the airport to take the flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco, 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 4

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 marshes 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 have 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 5

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 6

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 7

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 the 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 8

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" archaeological 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 is running parallel with the Royal Range of the Andes. Arrival to La Paz and transfer to your hotel.

Day 9

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 the 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 10

Today 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 11

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 12

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.

Day 13

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 14

Atacama Salt Lake and Toconao. Afternoon, half-day excursion to the Atacama Salt Lake and Toconao. Upon leaving San Pedro de Atacama (3 pm in the winter, 4 pm in the summer), we head along the side of the huge salt flat and continue until arriving at Toconao, a village where the inhabitants dedicate themselves to working with the local liparite stone. 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. Continue to the Chaxa Lagoon, where three types of pink flamingoes breed. Return to San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 15

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 16

Transfer to Calama airport to take the flight to Buenos Aires via Santiago. (Optional: You may add a stay in Santiago here, please ask your travel advisor) Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer to your hotel.

Day 17

Morning, city 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, and 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).

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 constitutes the perfect way to leave Buenos Aires, the city of tango. Return to the hotel.

Day 18

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 horseback 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.

Day 19

Morning transfer to the airport to take the flight to Iguazu. Afternoon guided tour to the Argentinean side of the waterfalls. Pick-up at your hotel and 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 board a little train that runs from the visitor center to the paths and between them. You may also walk from the visitor center to the upper and lower paths but not to Devil's Throat because it is located more than 4 kilometers from the visitor center.

Day 20

Morning, tour the Brazilian side of the falls. Listen to the thunderous crash of tons of rushing water against basaltic rocks amidst the jungle of birds, butterflies and orchids. Afternoon transfer to the airport to take the flight to Rio. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 21

Full-day tour of 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 the Urca Mountain (midway station) with its gardens and lookout points. Then, the second part of the ride will take you to the peak of famous 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, you will have a breathtaking view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the nine-mile Rio-Niterói Bridge, the 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 22

Day at leisure in Rio

Day 23

Transfer to the airport to take your flight back home

Suggested Hotels by City and Category *

Lima
3-star	Casa Andina, Allpa, or similar.
4-star	San Agustin Exclusive, Antigua Miraflores or similar.
5-star	Casa Andina PC, Radisson Decapolis or similar.
Airport	Ramada Costa del Sol airport hotel.
Deluxe	Miraflores Park Plaza (Orient Express), JW Marriott, Lima Country Club or similar.
Cuzco
3-star	Casa Andina Classic, San Agustin El Dorado, Rumi Punku or similar.
4-star	Costa del Sol Picoaga, Novotel, Casa Andina Private Collection (oxygen available) or similar.
5-star	Inkaterra La Casona, Libertador Palacio del Inka, Casa Andina Private Collection (suite inc. oxygen with matrimonial beds only), Casa Cartagena (suite), or similar.
Deluxe	Monasterio (Orient Express), Casa Cartagena (master suite), or similar.
Machu Picchu
3-star	El MaPi, La Cabana, Andina Luxury or similar.
4-star	Sumaq Machu Picchu (this is a free upgrade to all 4 star clients). Yampu guests enjoy special benefits: welcome drink, tea time, dinner and cooking lessons.
5-star	Sumaq Machu Picchu (see above for special benefits) OR Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Deluxe	Sanctuary Lodge (Orient Express - includes all meals), or Junior Suite at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Puno (Lake Titicaca)
3-star	La Hacienda Puno (downtown), Casa Andina Puno (downtown), or similar.
4-star	Casa Andina Private Collection (standard room, oxygen available), Sonesta Posadas del Inca or similar.
5-star	Libertador Lago Titicaca, Casa Andina Private Collection (suite, oxygen inc) or similar.
Deluxe	Hotel Titilaka (full board), or similar.
Island of the Sun
Standard	Posada del Inca Eco Lodge, Inca Utama or similar
La Paz
3-star	Rosario or similar.
4-star	Rey Palace or similar.
5-star	Camino Real Suites , Europa or similar.
Uyuni
3-star	Los Jardines de Uyuni, Girasoles or similar.
4-star	Salt Hotel Palacio del Sal, or similar.
5-star	Salt Hotel Luna Salada, or similar.
San Pedro de Atacama
3-star	La Casa de Don Tomas or similar
4-star	Hotel Altiplanico, Kimal or similar.
5-star	Hotel Alto Atacama, Tierra Atacama B&B or similar.
Deluxe	Hotel Tierra Atacama - All Inclusive (2 nights minimum). Includes: - American breakfast, lunch and dinner, open bar and excursions.
Buenos Aires
3-star	Hotel Babel, Esplendor Palermo Soho or similar.
4-star	Howard Johnson Recoleta Boutique, Design Suites, Esplendor, or similar.
5-star	Plaza Marriott, Hotel Madero, Melia Recoleta Plaza or similar.
Boutique Hotels	Mine, Bobo Palermo, Miravida Soho, Legado Mitico Boutique Hotel.
Deluxe	Alvear Palace, Four Seasons, Faena, Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt or similar.
Iguazu
3-star	Harbor Hotel, Colonial Iguazu, San Martin Foz do Iguazu, or similar.
4-star	Recanto Park (Deluxe), or similar
5-star	Das Cataratas (Standard), or similar.
Deluxe	Das Cataratas (Deluxe), or similar.
Rio de Janeiro
3-star	South American, Copa Sul or similar.
4-star	Golden Tulip Regente, Porto Bay Rio Internacional, Astoria Palace, Royal Rio Palace or similar.
5-star	Sofitel, Pestana, Ipanema Plaza or similar.
Boutique	Relais & Chateaux Santa Teresa
Deluxe	Copacabana Palace, Fasano Hotel, Caesar Park or similar.

* Subject to confirmation at time of booking

23 days , from £7298

Occupancy Type	3-Star	4-Star	5-Star	Deluxe
Double	£7298	£8084	£8791	£11335
Single	£9453	£10584	£12065	£15495

Prices shown above are per person, in Sterling (Ł).

International air from London to Lima, Santiago to Buenos Aires and Rio to London in economy class; domestic air from Lima to Cuzco, Cuzco to Juliaca, Calama to Santiago, Buenos Aires to Iguazu and Iguazu to Rio; hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast; guided tours in English including all entrance fees; all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; Train ride to Machu Picchu and from Cuzco to Puno, Transfer by hydrofoil and by road to Bolivia.

Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Local airport departure taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Airfare taxes and security fees that can be paid at the time of ticketing are included in the cost.

Note: Cost includes Expedition train for 3-star category, and Vistadome train for 4-star category and above. Expedition train features comfortable seats, fixed tables, backpack storage, panoramic windows as well as heating and air conditioning. Vistadome is ideal for travelers who want a personalized immersion of Andean culture with traditional dances and music along the way. This train features panoramic windows, leather seats, new table design as well as heating and air conditioning. Upgrades available from Expedition to Vistadome; please add $46 per person.

Deluxe service Hiram Bingham train features an observation wagon with a bar and two dining cars. In addition, this train includes a gourmet brunch on board, exclusive bus return to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu as well as a guided tour. Afternoon tea in the Sanctuary Lodge, pre-dinner cocktails and a 4-course, a la carte dinner is also included. Does not operate on Sundays. Upgrades available from Vistadome to Hiram Bingham Deluxe; please add $575 per person.

Andean Explorer Train from Cuzco to Puno (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday only):

Fantastic train ride that takes a gentle climb to higher, and cooler, altitudes. The first half of the journey is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains which tower over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River. It then reaches the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where vicuńa and alpaca can be seen. The glass-walled observation car provides the perfect opportunity to view the beautiful scenery. The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya, which is also the highest point on the route. Three-course lunch included. Restaurant and bar service is available at an additional cost. Train leaves Cuzco at 8 am and arrives in Puno at 6:00 pm.

During the rainy season (November to March) the Uyuni salt flats get flooded, making it sometimes difficult to visit the area and also cross from Bolivia to Chile. We do not recommend booking this program between those dates.

Note: U.S. and Canadian citizens require a Visa to enter Brazil which must be requested with plenty of notice.

Note: A yellow fever vaccination and visa is required for travel to Bolivia. This must be obtained at least two weeks prior to departure and the certificate must be taken on the trip. You will not be allowed to board the flight to Bolivia or enter via the border crossing without a certificate.

Note: Yellow fever is recommended (not mandatory) for travelers visiting Iguazu, Manaus and Minas Gerais (Belo Horizonte and Ouro Preto).

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