Starting Price:	£6,857.00
Trip Length:	24 days
Includes airfare allowance from London (UK)

Colonia

Montevideo

Machu Picchu

South America Highlights Tour with Uruguay

Description Pricing Itinerary Hotels

Yampu’s comprehensive tour includes all the highlights of Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil along with an extension to visit the beautiful town of Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay, and Montevideo, the small but cosmopolitan capital of Uruguay. Colonia is a lively colonial town, with narrow cobbled streets flanked by whitewashed buildings, whereas Montevideo is one of the safest major cities in the world.

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, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Visited Cities:
Quito, Lima, Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Santiago, Puerto Varas, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Colonia, Montevideo, Iguazu, Rio de Janeiro

Day 1

Flight to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Otavalo market
In a very packed day, we visit Otavalo and Peguche, towns known for their weavings and handicrafts, and for their Indian market on Saturdays. We continue on to Cotacachi, known for its leather works. We have lunch at a local restaurant. Along the way, we see the fascinating agricultural mosaic of rural Ecuador. 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 Compańia (1605), with its amazing gilt altars. This is one of the finest examples 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), 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, where we will have a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see the only statue of the Virgin Mary with wings in South America.

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 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.

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 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 jungles 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 partake of a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in 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 Santiago. Reception at the Santiago airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 10

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 11

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; Cousińo Macul and Concha y Toro wineries.

Day 12

Transfer to the airport and take 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 ending up in 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 13

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. Continue on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Pańuelo and the last stage of the journey; from here to Bariloche is done by vehicle.

Day 14

Morning, free to enjoy Bariloche and its fabulous views of the Andes across the blue waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Surrounding Bariloche 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 15

Buenos Aires is an impressive city that combines the atmosphere of an old European town with the features of a Latin American capital. On this tour, you will acquire an appreciation 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 attend 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 16

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 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. Duration: 6 hours. Operates every day except Monday. .

Day 17

Morning transfer to the port to take the ferry to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. Colonia is a lovely little city located across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires. We will visit the historic areas of the town with its quaint streets and friendly people. Highlights of the tour include the Parque de Ferrando, the bullfighting ring of the Real de San Carlos, the historic neighborhoods and the beautiful walk down the Rambla Costanera. After lunch, we will take a shopping tour at the native market, Feria de la Ciudad. Overnight in Colonia.

Day 18

Day of leisure to enjoy Colonia. In the late afternoon, transfer to Montevideo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 19

City tour of Montevideo
We begin by visiting the old city, where we walk through the Plaza of the Constitution, the Matriz Church, Club Uruguay, the historic municipal buildings and the local market at the port. Next we will visit Solis Theatre, the Plaza of Independence, the former government buildings and the Salvo Palace. As we head toward a beautiful section called El Prado, we will see beautiful works of architecture and botanical gardens. The tour finishes off with a drive through the city’s neighborhoods, beaches and coastal houses. Evening, transfer to your hotel.

Day 20

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 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 that 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 not to Devil’s Throat because it is located more than four kilometers from the visitor center. Afternoon, transfer to your hotel.

Day 21

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 22

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. The second part of the ride will take you to the peak of 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 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 23

Day of leisure in Rio de Janeiro, then 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 24

Evening transfer to the airport to take the flight back home.

Suggested Hotels by City and Category *

Quito
3-star	NU House, Vieja Cuba (Room Class AA), Reina Isabel or similar.
4-star	Mercure Alameda, Dann Carlton, Stubel Suites, Cafe Cultura, or similar.
5-star	Swissotel, Casa Aliso (boutique), Hilton Deluxe room, Le Parc Boutique Hotel, or similar.
Deluxe	Plaza Grande (Royal Suite) or Casa Gangotena (Balcony Jr. Suite)
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.
Sacred Valley
3-star	La Hacienda Sacred Valley, La Casona de Yucay or similar.
4-star	Sonesta Posada del Inca, Casa Andina Private Collection (standard room) or similar
5-star	Casa Andina Private Collection (suite), Sol y Luna, Aranwa or similar.
Deluxe	Tambo del Inka, Rio Sagrado 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.
Santiago
3-star	Hotel Foresta or similar.
4-star	Orly, Meridiano Sur Petit Hotel or similar.
5-star	Santiago Park Plaza, Radisson Plaza or similar.
Airport	Holiday Inn Express (Santiago Airport), across from the airport
Deluxe	Ritz Carlton, Aubrey, W Santiago, Le Reve or similar.
Puerto Varas
3-star	Casa Kalfu, or similar.
4-star	Cabanas del Lago (standard), Hotel Solace (Jr. Suite), or similar.
5-star	Cabanas del Lago (superior room), Hotel Patagonico, or similar.
Deluxe	Cumbres Patagonicas Hotel (luxury room), or similar.
Quincho Country Home	10 Km outside Puerto Varas An exclusive Country Home under the management of a dedicated Chilean/German team. Surrounded by a four hectare garden of lawns and woodland, Quincho Country Home is a unique hotel with impressive views of the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco and Lake Llanquihue. Wood in a combination of traditional and modern lines plays an important role in the overall decoration.
Bariloche
3-Star	Tres Reyes Hotel or similar.
4-star	Design Suites, Nido del Condor or similar.
5-star	Edelweiss, La Cascada or similar.
Correntoso Lake Hotel	Correntoso Lake Hotel is located on the Route of 7 Lakes, 5 minutes from Villa La Angostura, 80 KM from Bariloche. Program will need to be ammended from here. Great place for Skiing, Fly-Fishing,Trekking, Mountain Bike, Horse Riding, Kayaking and Canopy.
Deluxe	El Casco Art Hotel (Bustillo Studio room) or similar.
Llao Llao Resort and Golf	Llao Llao Resort, Golf and Spa located at Puerto Pañuelo, 25 KM from Baricloche
Pire Hue Ski Lodge	Pire Hue Ski Lodge Includes Breakfast, happy hour every evening, spa and swimming pool. Skiing is not included.
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.
Colonia
3-star	Posada don Antonio or similar.
4-star	Radisson Colonia or similar.
5-star	Sheraton Colonia Golf and Spa or similar.
Deluxe	Four Seasons or similar.
Montevideo
3-star	Ermitage, Embajador or similar.
4-star	Melia Confort, NH Columbia or similar.
5-star	Belmont House, Sheraton or similar.
Deluxe	Radisson Victoria Plaza SUITE 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

Occupancy Type	3-star	4-star	5-star
Double	£6857	£7639	£8454
Single	£8499	£9508	£10925

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