VISITING: Brazil ( Rio) 3N| Argentina ( Iguassu and Buenos Aires) 5 N| Chile ( Santiago) 3N| Peru ( Lima & Cusco) 4 N| Ecuador ( Quito) 3N|
Sightseeing: Rio: Half day Corcovado Tour, Opt: Rio by night and show at Plataforma , Opt. Half day Tijuca Forest| Iguassu; HD Brazilian side of the falls, Opt. Argentinian side of the falls| Buenos Aires- Half day City Tour, Opt. Night Tour – Dinner & Tango Show (D),Opt. Full Day Gaucho Party (L)|Santiago -Half day Santiago Panoramic City Tour, Opt. Full day excursion to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso (L)|Lima| City tour, Cusco: Half day City Tour and Nearby Ruins, Opt. Full day Sacred Valley: Authentic Sacred Valley (L)| Cusco: Full day Machu Picchu| Quito: Half day Quito Colonial & The Intiñan Museum,Opt. FD Andean Handicrafts and Markets (L)
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro, meet and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro
Day 2 –Rio: Half Day Corcovado Tour
HD CORCOVADO & SOUTH BEACHES / Duration 4 hours Passengers will be picked-up from their hotel between 8:00am and 9:00am, depending on the hotel location, proceeding for a half-day tour of Corcovado Mountain and Beaches. Board a cog train from Cosme Velho Station for a ride to Corcovado Mountain to visit one of the world’s most famous landmarks, the gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Experience the 20 minutes steep train journey which takes you through the dense Atlantic rain forest of Tijuca offering a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and city. You will disembark at the top of Corcovado and then proceed up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Get up-close to Christ the Redeemer and spend some time viewing the panoramic view of this beautiful city of Rio from the incredible mountain-top vantage point. Then, you will descend by the train. The tour continues passing by Rio’s world-famous beaches. By noon, the passengers are returned to their respective hotels between 12:00 and 13:00, depending on the Hotel.Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
Optional: Rio by night with dinner and show at Plataforma (D)
Passengers will be picked-up from their hotel between 19:00 and 20:00, depending on the Hotel location. Enjoy a nice dinner in one of the best barbecue restaurant, where you can try all different cuts of meat as well as a delicious salad buffet. After dinner, have fun and enjoy a great samba show where “mulatas” exhibit the intricate steps of local dances and “batuqueiros” produce a delirium beat from exotic percussion instruments the world most famous mark of samba rhythm. By midnight the passengers are returned to their respective hotels between 00:00 and 01:00, depending on the Hotel location
Day 3 – Rio de Janeiro
The day is at leisure for own activities. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
OPTIONAL: HD TIJUCA RAIN FOREST JEEP SAFARI
After pick-up at the hotel, tour starts riding on a less known road, starting behind the Botanical Gardens. First stop will be at Vista Chinesa – “Chinese View” a lookout that has a pagoda-like gazebo. Further up and already entering the Tijuca forest national park, passing by the Açude da Solidão which is a secondary entrance to the forest. After driving into the forest for a while, the jeeps stop at the entrance of one of the many trails. On foot, the guests will trek and explore for some 30 minutes. The trail is leveled, without obstacles and fascinating. No-one will believe that they are in the middle of a “jungle” in Rio de Janeiro! Returning to the jeeps, another stop now at the famous Tijuca Waterfall, Cascatinha. Return back to the Hotel.
Day 4 – Rio de Janeiro / Iguassu
At proper time, transfer from the hotel to the airport.Arrival in
Iguassu, meet and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Iguassu.
Day 5 – Iguassu: HD Brazilian Side of the falls
Breakfast at the hotel. HD BRAZILIAN SIDE OF THE FALLS Departure in vehicle heading to the National Park of the Brazilian Falls (entrance fee not included). The tour starts with a visit to the Main Center of the park, where the participants will have the opportunity to get some hints about the local ecosystem. From there the tour follows with a walking time through the most important track of the park where the participants could enjoy
an astonishing view of the waterfalls. From the local belvedere the participants will have a privileged sight of the both parks of the waterfalls, Return to the main point via the panoramic elevator.Overnight in Iguassu
Day 6 – Iguassu / Buenos Aires
OPTIONAL: HD ARGENTINEAN SIDE OF THE FALLS
Departure from hotels ahead to Argentina side with a quick stop at customs check out. After that, the tour continues to the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River, which separates the border between Argentina and Brazil. Once in Argentina, a scenic highway up to the Argentine Iguassu Park is taken from where the visit of the Argentinean Falls at Porto Canoas, which gives the access to the very brink of the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat, largest of the Argentinean Falls, including the San Martin Falls. On the way back from the falls a stop at the “Three Borders” Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet. At proper time, transfer from the hotel to the airport – private service with English speaking guide. Departure flight (not included). One way transfer in Private Service from Domestic Airport to hotel (Downtown) with guide.Overnight in Buenos Aires.
Day 7 – Half Day City Tour in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires City Tour. Duration: 3 hs approx. – Shared Services with Guide. Highlights: Plaza de Mayo – San Telmo – La Boca – Retiro – Recoleta – Palermo. This service is unique due to its specific characteristics: small groups of people per tour, one single language per vehicle, profile and preparation of the guides. The tour is 3 hours long and visits the most important points of the spectacular city of Buenos Aires. At the first stop
discover the history of May Square, the site of the most important historical events and their protagonists since its foundation: see its surroundings, the most emblematic buildings, and learn all about them. Then enjoy May Avenue and wonder in awe at the oldest residential neighborhood in Buenos Aires: San Telmo. Walk along its cobble-stoned streets and discover its antiques shops and picturesque buildings. Live and feel the original Tango in the neighborhood of La Boca: walk along Caminito Street and enjoy the dancers and souvenir shops. See the mythical Boca Juniors soccer stadium. Contemplate the modernization of the city whilst traveling along Madero Port and its exclusive docks, full of excellent restaurants and large offices. Pass through the Retiro neighborhood and move on to see Palermo and its most exclusive residential area before finally arriving at Recoleta. Once there, discover the final resting place of Eva Peron, “Evita” and wander through Recoleta Cemetery where she is to be found.Overnight in Buenos Aires. Dinner and Tango Show at La Ventana (Optional)-Duration: 4:30 hs approx. – Shared Service – Shared Transfer without Guide. Highlights: Dinner and Tango Show. Famous for its amazing nightlife and for being the land of Carlos Gardel, Buenos Aires countless gastronomic and artistic options. Tango portrays the ’Queen of the River Plate’ (’Reina del Plata’). We will enjoy an unforgettable night, surrender to the magic of this city that never sleeps and to the charm of this overwhelming and sanguine music —main protagonist of the night— while enjoying the best of its varied gastronomic offer.Overnight in Buenos Aires.
Day 8 -Buenos Aires
The day is at leisure for own activities. Overnight in Buenos Aires..A day at the Pampas with lunch (Optional).Duration: 8 hrs approx. – Shared Service with Guide – Beverages Included Highlights: Ranch – Traditional Argentine Asado – Gauchos Entertainment – Folkloric Show. This is a visit to a typical “estancia” of the Argentine wet pampas, one of the most fertile natural prairies of the world and famous for its meat and cereal production. The guest will be received with “empanadas”,”asado”, good Argentine wines, and will be able to enjoy folkloric songs, dances and show of Creole. Enjoy the flavour of our “pampas” at a touristy ranch located 110 km away from down-town Buenos Aires. You will be welcomed with meat pies (typical “empanadas”), a glass of wine or juices by the owners and served an argentine B.B.Q. After lunch, a folkloric Gaucho`s Show will be performed and you will have the possibility of appreciating the typical “Ring Race” (Carrera de Sortijas) or ride on horseback. Overnight in Buenos Aires.
Day 9 – Buenos Aires / Santiago
At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, reception by our representatives and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 10 –Santiago
The day is at leisure for own activities. Overnight in Santiago. Optional: (SIB) Full day excursion to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso with Lunch. We will depart from your hotel in Santiago to head toward the coast, located just 120 kilometers from Santiago. We are going to visit the two major cities of the country: “Viña del Mar”, Chile’s main seaside and “Valparaiso”, a port city founded in the sixteenth century and declared as “World Heritage Site by UNESCO.” Further on, we will cross the fertile “Curacavi and Casablanca Valleys”, its beautiful vineyards, fruit tree farms, and forest reserves. Our trip includes a scenic tour through “National Congress”, “Parque O’Higgins” (Park), “Parque Italia” (Italian Park), “Plaza de la Victoria” (Square), “Plaza Sotomayor” (Square) and “Muelle Prat” (Wharf) located at the port itself. Then we will visit the Museum of the famous Chilean poet/ writer and Nobel Prize Literature (1971) Pablo Neruda called “La Sebastiana House-Museum”(in some cases, the visit to the museum is replaced by a navigation). “La Sebastiana” was the dreamt place by Pablo Neruda, who wanted to run away from the hectic and busy Santiago. “I feel the tiredness of Santiago. I want to find in Valparaiso a little house to live and write quietly. It must have some conditions…”This was the request Pablo Neruda asked in 1959 to his friends Sara Vial and Marie Martner. With the house there are preserved collections of old maps, seascapes and other paintings. There are many other relics from the port and curious pieces, such as: music boxes and an old horse, carved in wood. Further on, we are going to pass along the wonderful viewpoints “Atkinson” and “Gervasoni”, located on the most important hills of Valparaíso: “Cerro Alegre” and “Cerro Concepción”. We will also use its ancient and picturesque “Cable Cars”. Directly afterwards, we are going to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Thereafter, we will go through the lovely road to reach “Viña del Mar” city. “Viña del Mar” is known as “Garden City” elegant, sophisticated and inspired by the French Riviera town. Then pass through the scenic “Flower Clock”, crossing the “Avenida Peru” (main Avenue and boardwalk) alongside the traditional “Casino” close to its “Hotel del Mar”, the first of Chile founded in 1930. We will find a real Moai from Easter Island, located just outside the major “Paleontology and Anthropology Fonck Museum”. This is the perfect place for taking your camera and snaps some amazing photographs. Return to your Hotel.
Day 11 – Santiago- Panoramic half day city tour
Views of a moving city, from the history of the colonial neighborhoods to the modernity of the new financial center also known as “Sanhattan”, be part of this trip through the different sceneries that characterize this Southamerican Metropolis. We will begin by the city’s old residential area, passing by beautiful residences that today are part of the Barrio Universitario (university area). Our trip continues to the historical and
finantial City Center where the La Moneda government palace, the Main Square and its buildings are the main highlights. Then we will continue to the green Parque Forestal, where we can admire the stunning building that house the Fine Arts museum. We will end the tour visiting the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 12 – Santiago / HD Lima City Tour
At schedule time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima.At arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel.H/D CITY TOUR – LIMA. Today, we will visit the modern part and the colonial part of the city of Lima, “The City of Kings”, starting with the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, where we will pass by a pre-Inca construction that is 1200 years old, the Huaca Pucllana. Then, we will go to the Historic Center, where you will visit the Main Square (Plaza Mayor), which comprises the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, The Municipality and the Cathedral. We will make a stop at the chocolate museum where we will see the transformation of cocoa into delicious products. Later on, we will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, declared cultural heritage of humanity and house of the remains of our patron saints, San Martin de Porres and Santa Rosa de Lima. Finally, we will return to Miraflores where we will pass by another pre-Inca pyramid-shaped building in downtown, an incredible contrast. Then, we will descend into one of the most representative parks of Miraflores, the Love Park, inspired by the Güell Park of Barcelona, where you will see the beautiful sculpture dedicated to love, “The Kiss”, made by the famous Peruvian artist, Victor Delfin.Overnight in Lima.
Day 13 – Lima, Cusco: Half Day City Tour, Sacsayhuaman and Nearby Ruins
At a proper time transfer from your hotel to the airport. Flight from Lima to Cusco (not included). Arrival to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. HALF DAY CITY TOUR & NEARBY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES. You will visit the city of Cusco, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco and home to a somewhat particular essence. The tour will start at the Koricancha temple, an ancient Inca palace and main worship center of the Sun God, where the order of the Dominicans built an incredible church that can still be seen there. Then, you will tour the Plaza de Armas, where the Cathedral and the beautiful Church of the Society of Jesus, among other colonial buildings, are located. You will then continue the journey to the colonial church of San Cristóbal to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Afterwards you will go on to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an Inca building known for its massive walls of hewn stone, located in a strategic location, on a hill, with a broad view of the city of Cuzco. Later, you will visit the important archaeological complexes of Qenko and Puca Pucara. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 14 – Cusco
The day is at leisure for own activities. Overnight in Cusco. OPTIONAL: FD AUTHENTIC SACRED VALLEY. Today’s first destination is Chinchero, a quaint little town that houses an important Inca archaeological center, built at the end of the 1400’s, as well as a lovely and very traditional church. You will visit “Urpi” a famous textile center where the townsfolk have preserved the traditional Andean spinning and weaving techniques, they will also show you how they get the vivid natural colors for their fabrics. On our way to Ollantaytambo, we will stop at the lookout point of Racchi, where we will have the chance to have some of the best views of the Sacred Valley, after that, lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Afterwards, we will get to Ollantaytambo, one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire, one of the few places where the Spanish conquistadors lost a major battle. Very well known for its “andenes” (terraces dug into the slopes of mountains for agricultural purposes), Ollantaytambo was a highly effective fortress that also served as a temple. Then, we will continue to the adjacent town of Ollantaytambo, “the unique living Inca town”: the best surviving example of Inca city planning, with narrow cobblestone streets that have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century.
Day 15 – Machu Picchu “The Lost City of the Incas”
Transfer from your hotel to the train station. FD MACHU PICCHU. Awaiting you today is by far and away one of the high points in world tourism: Machu Picchu. Your adventure starts onboard the Expedition train. After your arrival at the city of Aguas Calientes, you will disembark and then board a bus that drives you to the actual Machu Picchu archaeological site, where you will definitely have an experience you will never forget. In this tour you will discover this new Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. At the agreed upon hour, you will descend to Aguas Calientes and, later on, board the train for your return trip; you will stop at the train station indicated on your ticket. ** FD Machu Picchu with Expedition train service. **Train departing/arriving to Ollantaytambo’s train station. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 16 – Cusco- Lima – Quito
At schedule time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima.Connection with your flight to Quito. At arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Quito.
Day 17 – Quito Colonial & The Intiñan Museum
In the morning a short trip to the north of the city of Quito will lead us to our planet’s Latitude 0º0’0” where the Intiñan museum known as “The trek of Sun” will guide us through the wonderful world of the Andean Cosmo-vision, culture and traditions. After this visit, enjoy an inspiring tour through the streets and main squats of Quito Historical Center. A visit to the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo is part of this spectacular visit. Overnight in Quito.
Day 18 – Quito
The day is at leisure for own activities. Overnight in Quito. Optional: FD Andean Handicrafts and Markets. An early start will take you due north on a beautiful scenic drive to the province of Imbabura, a magic land of lakes and mountains of outstanding beauty. The day opens the possibility to learn about the customs of the people living in the area, learn about the relationship between the concept of the Middle of the World and all the archaeological sites found in the area. The Northern Highlands are the home of the Otavalo Community, the Otavalos are known around the world for their weaving patterns and textiles which pre-date the Spanish conquest. The market is world known for its colorful textiles, woven on back-strap and shuttle looms, its piles of ponchos and hand-made textiles, hats, Indian jewelry and creative handicrafts. This is a unique occasion to wonder through this maze of color and enjoy some fun bargaining and buying great quality handicrafts at superb prices. Close by is the town of Peguche where some of the Otavalo Indians live and opens the possibility to see the typical houses of the area . Lunch will be offered at one of the many charming Hosterias or Country Inns of the area.
Day 19 – Departure
At scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to the next destination
Inclusions:
- Accomodation for 18 nights including Breakfast
- Sightseeing as mentioned in itinerary
Exclusions:
- International air fare
- Domestic airfare
- Visas, Insurance
- Meals other than what is shown as part of the itinerary
- Optional excursions and sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary
