15 SEPTEMBER - 11 OCTOBER 2020
- 27 ADVENTURE FILLED DAYS VISITING ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, PERU, CHILE & URUGUAY
- BUENOS AIRES - IGUASSU FALLS - RIO DE JANEIRO - LIMA - CUZCO - MACHU PICCHU - LAKE TITICACA - SANTIAGO
- COMPREHENSIVE DAILY SIGHTSEEING
- QUALITY ACCOMMODATION
- BREAKFAST & A MAIN MEAL ON MOST DAYS, ALL MEALS INCLUDED ON SOME DAYS
- FULLY ESCORTED EX NEW ZEALAND
- SMALL GROUP TOUR - MAXIMUM 16 GUESTS.
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TUESDAY
15 SEPTEMBER |
AUCKLAND - BUENOS AIRES Ⓑ Ⓓ
Depart Auckland early this evening for Santiago, Chile with an onward connection to Buenos Aires, Argentina where we arrive in the late evening. 
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WEDNESDAY
16 SEPTEMBER |
BUENOS AIRES Ⓑ Ⓓ
Bienvenida to Buenos Aires, Argentina! This morning you will discover the highlights of the city beginning with a drive along ‘9 de Julio Avenue’ (the widest in the city) where you’ll see the Obelisk - the monument that symbolises Buenos Aires, and the famous Colon Theatre (Opera House) - a masterpiece of architecture with superb acoustics. The tour continues on to the traditional San Telmo neighbourhood (the birthplace of the city), and also to May Square. This is the heart of Buenos Aires’ tango district, with many tango dancers and other street performers in action on Sundays - a great way to get a real “feel” for this vibrant city. See the impressive National Congress, the civic centre encompassing the Plaza de Mayo, the Government House (Casa Rosada), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (City Hall during the Spanish colonial period). Afterwards, head to La Boca neighbourhood, the first settlement of the city’s Italian immigrants, where you’ll be enchanted by the colourful architecture. The tradition behind the bright colours dates back to the Genoese heritage of the barrio’s early inhabitants. They were poor and worked mostly in the nearby port, and used paint left over from painting boats to paint their houses. There was never enough paint to paint one house in all one colour, so they became multi-coloured.The tour then passes by Puerto Madero on the way to Palermo (the largest residential neighbourhood of the city). Finally, visit Recoleta, the most elegant neighbourhood of the city with its famous cemetery where Eva Peron was laid to rest. |
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THURSDAY
17 SEPTEMBER |
BUENOS AIRES Ⓑ Ⓛ
Enjoy an authentic day in the countryside where you will learn about the history and development of the Argentinian pampas and the lifestyle of the Gauchos. Estancia El Ombú de Areco is a historical estancia (ranch) just over an hour's drive from downtown Buenos Aires. Located in San Antonio de Areco, birthplace of the gaucho tradition, the Late-Colonial style mansion was built in 1880 by Lieutenant-general Pablo Riccheri. Enrique Boelcke, grandfather of the present owner Eva Boelcke who purchased the El Ombú in 1934. Eva's father, Osvaldo, a renowned botanist, ran the estancia as a working ranch until his death in 1990. Eva was trained as an agronomist, but since 1993 has expanded her role as farm manager to include local and international estancia tourism.Presiding majestically over the park is the estancia's namesake, the great ombú (Phytolacca dioca), a plant as characteristic of the pampas as the baobab is of the African savanna. Nearly as ancient as well: gauchos have been hitching their horses to the estancia's main ombú for over a hundred years. Centennial oaks, araucarias (monkey-puzzle trees), palms, eucalyptus, casuarinas and magnolias adorn the four-hectare (ten-acre) park, tempting guests to stroll about and enjoy the scent of gardenias, roses and lime trees. The park and surrounding ranch land, with its natural lagoons and small water courses running to the Areco River offer a rich habitat to a large proportion of Argentina's 1000 bird species. Explore the 300-hectare estancia on foot or on horseback, accompanied by seasoned gauchos. Horse drawn carriages are also available. Those that want to learn some of the thousand species of Argentinean birds are provided binoculars and guide books. Enjoy a delicious asado (barbecue) lunch and a folklore show, which is followed by a demonstration of gaucho skills. |
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FRIDAY
18 SEPTEMBER |
BUENOS AIRES - COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO - BUENOS AIRES Ⓑ Ⓛ
This morning you will be met at the hotel for your full day excursion to Colonia de Sacramento in Uruguay. Depart Buenos Aires on the Buquebus fast ferry and sit back, relax and enjoy the ferry trip across the River de la Plata from Argentina to Uruguay. Upon arrival at the pier in Colonia you will be taken on a private half day tour of the fascinating old town of Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay’s province of Colonia, is steeped in history. It was the only Portuguese settlement along the Rio de la Plata, founded as ‘Nova Colonia do Sacramento’ in 1680 by Manuel de Lobo. It became the focus of a struggle over control of the area between the Spanish (who founded the settlement at Montevideo in response) and the Portuguese. For years it operated as a contraband port, evading the strictures imposed on trade by the Spanish crown. Today it is a resort city, a port, and the trade centre for a rich agricultural region. The Barrio Histórico (historic quarter) section of Colonia del Sacramento was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. Built on a small peninsula jutting out into the river with Portuguese-style houses and cobblestoned streets, this historic portion of Colonia is reminiscent of old Lisbon. The winding streets and colourful houses are laid out in a pattern that differs from Spanish colonial cities, and is a delight to explore. Some of the notable visitor attractions around the tree-lined Plaza Mayor (Main Square) include the City Gate and wooden drawbridge, the ruins of the 17th century Convent of San Francisco and the Basilica del Sanctisimo Sacramento (the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament) - built out of stone by the Portuguese in 1808 |
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SATURDAY
19 SEPTEMBER |
BUENOS AIRES Ⓑ Ⓓ
Today enjoy a half day shared Parrilla walking tour in Palermo. Parrillas are Argentine restaurants offering the most traditional cuisine and on this tour you'll experience and taste authentic Porteño flavours and discover the restaurants where the locals go, learn about Argentina’s culture and traditions, and meet others during the relaxed and social tour. The Parrilla Tour includes: a walking tour of 3 different authentic local restaurants, tasting of traditional foods at each stop and excellent Argentine wine, a visit to one of the best artisanal “heladerias” (ice cream shops) in the city with explanations of the food sampled along with an immersion into local culture. Palermo – Our Palermo tour centers around the Las Cañitas section of Palermo, a neighbourhood known for its beautiful tree lined avenues, historic polo fields, and burgeoning culinary and nightlife scene. On this route we begin at a classic parrilla filled with soccer fanatics known for its choripan. Next, we visit a Northern Argentine style casa de empanadas to try some of our favourite handmade empanadas and a glass of Torrontés wine, before moving on to enjoy some of the best meat and service in the city at a historic and hidden parrilla famous among locals, and finally finishing at an incredible artisanal “heladeria” (ice cream shop). After the walking tour ends you will be dropped back at your hotel for some time at leisure before your evening excursion. This evening you will be collected from your hotel by your local guide for your dinner and Tango Show at La Ventana with private transfers. |
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This evening we have arranged for you to attend what many consider the very best public Tango show in Buenos Aires when you take a trip back in time, courtesy of La Ventana. This historic restored ‘conventillo’ is a classic example of the Buenos Aires of the past. The interior architectural style has been preserved, creating the ideal setting for a unique and dazzling experience comprising more than 25 dancers, singers and musicians, a folkloric ensemble and a superb menu that includes local and International cuisine and superb list of fine Argentine wines.
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SUNDAY
20 SEPTEMBER |
BUENOS AIRES - IGUASSU FALLS Ⓑ Ⓓ
This morning you will fly from Buenos Aires to Iguassu. On arrival at Iguassu Falls Airport you will be met and taken on a half day tour of the Argentine side of the falls and the Devils Throat Cataract, then transferred to your hotel located on the Brazilian side of the falls. Heading into the Argentine Iguazú National Park, stop at the Interpretation Centre, where you will board an ecological train up to first station called Cataratas. Walk along the lower catwalks under the waterfalls and then the higher catwalks above them. Continue by train up to the next station called Garganta, where you will get off to walk along a catwalk up to the main balcony of Garganta del Diablo – the famous Devil’s Throat - the most impressive waterfall. |
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MONDAY
21 SEPTEMBER |
IGUASSU FALLS Ⓑ Ⓓ
A natural wonder of the world, the Foz do Iguaçu (Iguassu Falls) produce spectacular clouds of spray as the Iguaçu River tumbles down a 60 metre precipice before joining the Rio Parana. The stunning spectacle of colour as immense rainbows appear, combined with the sheer roar of the water, is breathtaking. Not surprisingly, the falls are one of Argentina and Brazil’s main attractions. Extending 2.7 km across, there are 19 major waterfalls (with the number of smaller falls varying between 150 to 275, depending on the river’s flow), but only three are on the Brazilian side - Floriano, Deodoro and Benjamin Constant. Most of them are on the Argentinean side and face Brazil, thus their beauty can be admired on the Brazilian side. Surrounding trails that wend their way through the lush, subtropical forest of Parque Nacional do Iguaçú (Iguassu National Park) allow visitors to observe the many angles of the falls via runways and lookouts. Covering 185,000 hectares, Parque Nacional do Iguaçú is the largest remaining sub-tropical forest in South America. Here you’ll find trees such as Brazilian walnut, silk-cotton tree, jaracatiá, angico, canella, guacumbu, ipê, and secular peroba. This lush forest provides a home for birds and animals, such as the macaw, toucan, parakeet, monkey, crocodile, otter, jaguar and armadillo. The park’s museum also provides a wealth of information on the wildlife, plant life, and geology of the area |
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On this morning’s tour, enjoy wonderful panoramic views across the river to the Argentine side of the falls. Walk through subtropical forest and eventually you can reach the bottom of Salto Floriano cataract along a walkway that extends to the lip of the falls. Make sure you have some protection for your camera and a jacket for yourself if you plan to do this as there is often a great deal of spray. Continuing on, catch a wider view by either using the stairs or an elevator up to the trail that brings you to a vantage point right below a very impressive waterfall.
After visiting the falls, explore the excellent bird park, Parque das Aves, with an outstanding display of tropical birds (including humming birds), reptiles and butterflies found in South America. It is a unique and unforgettable experience in which you will find amazing birds including many endangered species, from all four corners of Brazil and from various parts of the world. Enter the immerison aviaries to feel the beat of wings from vibrant macaws and look into the eyes of a toucan. |
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Afterwards enjoy the Macuco Safari where towed by jeep, enjoy a short ride through the jungle in an open trailer, keeping your eyes open for birds, wild animals and exotic vegetation as your guide points out examples of flora and fauna along the way. At the end of the ride, walk through an old Indian track that leads to the Macuco Falls which spills down from a height of approximately 20 metres. Access to the falls is via a stairway carved into the ancient rock. Then stop where the Macuco Safari docks on the Brazilian side of the Iguassu River.
Here you board a specially-built jet boat to travel up-river, passing through the canyon and rapids until you reach the base of the falls, next to the great horseshoe, known as the “Devil’s Throat”. It’s at this juncture that you’ll get to experience a waterfall shower - where rainbows, blue sky, mist and water in profusion punctuate the spectacle before you. Your captain will manoeuvre the boat in order to get close enough to provide you with a quick and refreshing shower.At the end of the fun everyone normally gets soaked, so wet weather clothing here is essential. Afterwards return to your hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. |
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TUESDAY
22 SEPTEMBER |
IGUASSU FALLS - RIO DE JANEIRO Ⓑ Ⓓ
This morning you will fly between Iguassu Falls and Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro International Airport you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your accommodation and the remainder of the day is at leisure. |
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WEDNESDAY
23 SEPTEMBER |
RIO DE JANEIRO Ⓑ Ⓓ
Capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro and also Brazil’s capital from 1763 to 1961, Rio is nestled between the mountains and the sea, with its iconic landmark - ‘Christ the Redeemer’ - watching over it from the summit of Corcovado. The city’s magnificent shoreline includes charming bays and beautiful beaches, dotted with islands up and down the coast. It is also an important centre for art and fashion: works by Brazilian and international artists feature in local galleries and museums; new styles and clothing concepts are always available in Ipanema’s elegant stores and boutiques; and precious and semiprecious stones are also a specialty in Rio, where some of the world’s largest and most renowned jewellers are located. |
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This morning you will be met at the hotel for your Corcovado & Santa Teresa tour. Starting at the bottom of Corcovado Mountain, catch the train to the top, through the dense Tijuca rain forest to the 38m tall (125ft) Christ Redeemer Statue. The 20 minute ride up will give you a chance to thoroughly appreciate the Tijuca Forest, which is considered to be the largest urban forest in the world. It represents 7% of the whole city`s territory! It's breathtaking and that alone already makes the trip well worth it.
Upon arriving at the Statue, you have two options to reach the top, either by a lift and then an escalator, or the traditional way, by stairs, 222 Steps - the prize makes it all worthwhile. From the top, you can see most of the city, all of the south zone and all the way to Niteroi. A breathtaking view that will astound you. After returning down the mountain continue onto to visit Santa Teresa. The neighbourhood of Santa Teresa is located on Morro do Desterro (Exile Hill), which during the XVIII century served as a convent. The hill is located in the heart of the city, and has been well-maintained in order to preserve aspects of Old Rio (‘Rio Antigo’). Artists and bohemians flock to Santa Teresa because of its architectural and cultural charm. Old-fashion cable cars manoeuvre the narrow streets and are considered one of the city’s historical heritages. |
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THURSDAY
24 SEPTEMBER |
RIO DE JANEIRO Ⓑ Ⓓ
Today you will be collected from your hotel by your local guide for your half day Sugar Loaf Mountain tour. Over a million tourists a year visit the world famous Pão de Açúcar, (Sugar Loaf Mountain) which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of a concentrated refined sugar loaf. The ascent is done in two stages by glass cable-cars. The first cable-car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay its islands. From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf which rises 395 metres above sea level and offers a 360 degree view of the entire city including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, the Corcovado and downtown Rio. |
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FRIDAY
25 SEPTEMBER |
RIO DE JANEIRO Ⓑ Ⓓ
Enjoy a half day Brazilian Food tour today! The best way to get to know a city is by strolling along the streets, eating the food and rubbing shoulders with the locals. You will find the true spirit of Rio in the bustling street markets and little restaurants that only the locals know. Brazilian food is distinctive, exciting and, most importantly, delicious! But with so many dishes and ingredients unique to Brazil it can be baffling for the newcomer and it’s all too easy to order something disappointing. With your foody host, you will explore the bustling street markets and little bars and restaurants that have been favourites with the locals for generations. You will taste the best of Brazilian cuisine – delicious street food, tasty bar snacks, amazing fruits and juices, weird Amazonian dishes, Brazilian beers and cocktails and plenty more. The tour isn't just about eating – as you walk around, your host will point out street art and other places of interest, he will tell you about the history of Rio, chat about life in the city today and give you insider tips on the best things to do in Rio. |
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Samba is the rhythm that swings Rio. From carnival to the gafieira dance clubs, the different variations of this musical style can be danced alone or in pairs. In this fun 1 hour shared class, you will learn the basic steps to be able to dance samba, choro and pagode, which are played at the bohemian clubs of Lapa. After the lesson, you will depart with your small group and instructor to Rio Scenarium, to practice your newly learned moves.
Rio Scenarium is an unusual bar, a mix between an antique shop and an auction room, where the locals come to listen to traditional Brazilian jazz and samba. There is no other place in Rio that embodies the "alegria" or happiness of the Brazilian people more than the nightlife scene of the Lapa neighbourhood. Once at the club, your instructor will break the ice and invite you and fellow students to the dance floor. |
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SATURDAY
26 SEPTEMBER |
RIO DE JANEIRO - LIMA Ⓑ
We check out of our hotel after breakfast this morning and then the day is yours at leisure. Perhaps you wish to stroll the neighbourhood or take in a bit of retail therapy; what ever your wish, you're free until our afternoon transfer to Rio Airport. Fly between Rio de Janeiro and Lima, Peru. |
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SUNDAY
27 SEPTEMBER |
LIMA Ⓑ Ⓛ Ⓓ
Lima is Peru’s cultural and business centre although it runs at a slower pace than many South American metropolises; its rhythm is more traditional, and its people reflect a steadier, calmer constitution. Lima’s unusually amenable inhabitants give the metropolis the feeling, at times, of a cluster of smaller towns. Its physical atmosphere is slightly dreamlike, mostly because of the garua - a mist that settles over the city between May and October. Under its blanket, the locals meet at the penas (bars offering folk and Creole music), shop at the open marketplaces, and dine at the city’s celebrated restaurants. Several museums display and preserve Peru’s golden past, most notably including the internationally famed Museo Larco Herrera. This morning’s tour will take you through the commercial and social centre of Miraflores overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the residential district of San Isidro, where you will visit the pre-Inca adobe platform of the Huaca Huallamarca, and onto the newly refurbished Plaza de Armas where you can appreciate the majestic colonial architecture. Flanking the square is the Government Palace, where Francisco Pizarro took up residence in 1538, the Cathedral which houses Pizarro's remains and where you will visit the on-site museum, the Town Hall and the Archbishop's Palace with its beautiful balconies. Continue on to the Larco Herrera Museum, which houses some of the finest examples of Inca and pre-Inca artifacts in the world. The museum displays countless superb examples of pre-Hispanic gold, silver and copper articles. Included are magnificent necklaces, bracelets, rings, masks, vases, erotic pottery, tools, statuettes, and many others. They also have a wonderful display of ancient textiles – beautifully preserved in the arid climate of the Peruvian desert coast. There is an excellent café at the museum where you will have lunch before enjoying the exhibitions. |
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MONDAY
28 SEPTEMBER |
LIMA - CUZCO Ⓑ Ⓛ Ⓓ
This morning you will fly between Lima and Cuzco. On arrival at Cuzco Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley stopping en route at the Pisac Markets and visiting the Ollantaytambo Ruins including lunch. Your tour begins at the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the Americas, the town of Ollantaytambo with its imposing Inca fortress. It was here that Manco Inca defeated the Spanish in 1538 before fleeing to the mountains of Vilcabamba. Climb the steps up to the fortress and from here you may admire the huge Monoliths that form the Temple of the Sun and the view down the valley. Afterwards, visit the colourful Pisac Market where the local Indians meet to barter and sell their merchandise as they have done for centuries. Be prepared to bargain when making purchases!Continue onto your hotel in the Sacred Valley for your 2 night stay, as the Sacred Valley is lower in altitude than Cuzco it will give you time to acclimatise. |
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TUESDAY
29 SEPTEMBER |
SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS Ⓑ Ⓓ
The Sacred Valley is located in the Andean highlands and along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, it formed the heart of the Inca Empire. There is evidence that it was inhabited as far back as the stone-age and throughout its length you can find a variety of Pre-Inca and Inca sites (and sometimes the two rolled in to one). The main interest of the Sacred Valley was its fertile soil and warm climate that allowed the Andean civilisations of the area to produce the food they needed to flourish and grow. Even today the Sacred Valley is an important agricultural zone and you can see a wide variety of crops being grown along its length. The Sacred Valley is home to many Inca sites with the most well-known being Pisac and Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu at its far end. This morning you will be met at the hotel for your half day private tour of Maras & Moray. Visit the colonial town of Maras, best known for its nearby salt evaporation pools known as the Salinas de Maras (Maras salt pans) or Salineras which lie a couple kilometres north of the town. Families living in Maras have worked the nearby salt pans since pre-Inca times and grow crops in the surrounding fields. Women wearing traditional hats stroll through the town’s dusty streets lined by small shops and private residences made of sun-dried mud brick. The salt encrusted ponds at Maras look like a blanket of snow covering the mountainside at a distance. But as you get closer, each of the 3,000 plus ponds take on various shades of white or tan because each one is filled with different levels of salt water that flows from a nearby saltwater spring. Continue on to the important archaeological site of Moray. The impressive circular agricultural terraces at Moray, were built by the Incas in natural sinkholes on a limestone plateau overlooking the Urubamba Valley. It has been suggested they hold a hidden cosmological meaning, but their true function, other than agricultural, remains a mystery. After the tour concludes you will be returned to your hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. |
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WEDNESDAY
30 SEPTEMBER |
SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU Ⓑ Ⓛ Ⓓ
Early this morning you will be collected from your hotel for your transfer to Ollantaytambo Station to commence the spectacular train journey to the ancient Lost City of the Incas onboard the Vistadome train. The Vistadome train has panoramic windows offering unsurpassed views and photo opportunities. Surrounded by glass on all sides, you will feel as if you are part of Peru’s remarkable landscape. Entertainment onboard, snacks and hot and cold refreshments are included in the journey. Enjoy the spectacular 90 minute train journey to the ancient Lost City of the Incas. As the train leaves Ollantaytambo and travels through the scenic Urubamba Valley, the temple complex known as ‘The Fortress’ (dedicated sometime in the 15th century to the many deities of the Inca pantheon) can be seen to the right above the earthwork ramp once used to drag its monolithic blocks up from the valley floor. The railway then follows the river into the Urubamba Gorge. At Coriwaynachina, a fine staircase carved into the rock leads to a series of ruined buildings where once, it is said, Inca artisans took advantage of the constant wind that rises from the valley floor to smelt gold. Emerging from a short tunnel, a series of beautiful agricultural terraces marks the ruins of Qente, which in Quechua means hummingbird. In this fertile microclimate fed by a nearby waterfall, giant hummingbirds are indeed a common sight in the early morning and bright flowers bloom all year round. Further along, surrounded by tall ceibos and rocky outcrops hung with orchids and bromeliads, the train passes the 104 km mark at Chachabamba, from where the one-day trek to Machu Picchu via the magnificent ruins of Wiñay Wayna begins. At just 2km from Machu Picchu, the train arrives at Aguas Calientes. Surrounded by high, green mountains that cradle the famous lost city, as well as a myriad of other Inca remains, this small town, which is well known for its thermal baths, has blossomed into a popular overnight destination for travellers to Machu Picchu. After alighting from the train, you will be transferred by bus up a steep winding road to the ancient citadel. Your guide will explain the history of the ruins and the people who lived here as well as allow plenty of time for taking photographs. (Don’t forget to hike up to the ‘Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock’ - this is where you get the classic shot of Machu Picchu). Afterwards, there is an included lunch at the hotel right outside the gates to the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is one of the most famous examples of Inca architecture, situated in lush jungle, 2,350 metres above sea level. Believed to have been built in the mid-15th century by Inca Pachacutec, it had been lost in history, until discovered relatively recently in 1911. This famous citadel combines the visual and spiritual force of magnificent natural scenery with the natural diversity of a historic sanctuary, and is recognised as a one of the new ‘wonders of the world’. Only the Inca and his noblemen, priests, priestesses and chosen women (Akllas) had free access to the premises of the Machu Picchu sanctuary. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two separate areas - agricultural and urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings and canalisations) and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares and royal houses). Although the constructions show different levels of architecture, the religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfection. After lunch take one of the minibuses that run back to town continuously through the afternoon back down the mountain to Aguas Calientes town and your hotel for your overnight stay. |
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THURSDAY
01 OCTOBER |
MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO Ⓑ Ⓓ
This morning you have the option of returning to the ruins with your Guide. We have included admission tickets & shuttle bus tickets and you may explore independently, within the walking routes of Machu Picchu. After exploring the ruins return down to the hotel and collect your luggage for your journey back to Cuzco aboard the Vistadome train. On arrival at Poroy Station you will be met and transferred to your hotel. |
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FRIDAY
02 OCTOBER |
CUZCO Ⓑ Ⓓ
The city of Cuzco (or Cusco), the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, was placed on the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO in 1983 and is, without a doubt, one of the most important destinations in Peru. There are Incan buildings waiting for you to discover among its cobble-stoned streets, such as Koricancha and the palace of Inca Roca, as well as Andean Baroque structures from the Colonial Period like the Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Christ. In addition, you can visit the picturesque neighbourhood of San Blas where the best artisans in the department have set up their workshops. This magical city has an exciting nightlife with cafés, restaurants and bars where backpackers, tourists and travellers alike converge. Just ten minutes away from the city stand the massive walls of the Sacsayhuamán Fortress, and a few kilometres further on are the archaeological sites of Kenko, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. During today’s half day excursion, you will visit the Temple of the Sun, the main temple of the ancient complex of Koricancha (Qorikancha). This was not only the most sacred site or huaca in the Inca religion but was considered the very centre of the Inca world. Mostly destroyed in the 16th century war with the Spanish conquistadors, the Santo Domingo church and convent was built by the Spanish, on top with the ancient stonework of the Koricancha site forming much of its foundations. The tour then takes you on to the Plaza de Armas. – the scene of so many historical events in Cuzco during the Inca and Spanish reigns. Under a backdrop of the majestic Andean mountains and the remarkable Spanish Colonial architecture, Cuzco seems to have been frozen in time. Cuzco Cathedral (built in the form of a Latin cross) dominates the square. Inside you will find beautifully carved woodwork, a baroque pulpit with the high alter covered in silver, and the interesting painting of the Last Supper by Marcos Zapata in which a guinea pig is depicted. Continue on with a drive up to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán on the hill above Cuzco. The views from here down the Andean valley and overlooking the city are spectacular. Continue on to the underground cave and temple of Kenko and then to Tambomachay (known as the “Baths of the Inca” due to its thermal springs), before returning to your hotel in Cuzco to enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. 
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SATURDAY
03 OCTOBER |
CUZCO - PUNO Ⓑ Ⓛ
Today we have a full day's journey by bus from Cuzco to Puno. The first stop is at the beautiful town of Andahuaylillas to visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, better known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, due to its decorated polychrome ceiling. Continue on to Rajchi, a walled archaeological complex formed by 14 smaller temples, 150 large circular buildings and the large Wiracocha temple. A stop will be made for lunch at Sicuani, before you arrive at the La Raya Pass – the highest point on today’s journey at 4,312 metres above sea level. The last stop for the day is at Pukara, an Inka archaeological complex formed by semi–subterranean temples and stepped structures and monoliths, where you will enjoy a guided visit to the museum. Upon arrival at Puno you will be dropped at your hotel for your 2 night stay. Perched at a breathtaking 3,800 metres above sea level, Puno and the surrounding countryside are the cradle of the Aymara civilisation and the legendary birthplace of the founders of the Inca Empire. Puno lies on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, from whose waters the Inca believed Manco Capac, their cultural founder, emerged. Many ethnic groups like the Uros still depend on the resources of the lake for their living. The Uros themselves dwell on the floating islands they build with the lake’s reed vegetation. Near Puno, overlooking Lake Umayo, are chullpas, or burial towers, that once served as the tombs of high-ranking Aymara Lords. |
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SUNDAY
04 OCTOBER |
PUNO - TAQUILE & UROS ISLANDS - PUNO Ⓑ Ⓛ Ⓓ
Enjoy a full day Taquile & Uros Islands excursion beginning early early as you head out by fast boat to Taquile Island, about 35 kilometres away and 3950 metres above sea level. The culture on the island dates back to Pre-Incan times. The islanders still live according to the traditions and beliefs of their ancestors and are world renowned for their lovely outfits and incredible textiles. In fact, UNESCO has declared the textile art of Taquile Island as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. On Taquile Island, visit the community of Huayllano, whose members will demonstrate their traditional handcraft and farming activities. A box lunch will be provided before you cruise to the famous Uros Islands, a set of man-made floating islands in the middle of the Lake Titicaca National Reserve. Here you will witness the Uros Indians living as they have done for generations, building their huts and boats with the totora reeds from the lake and eeking out a living by fishing and selling handicrafts. The Uros Indians are known for their beautiful and intricate handiwork, weaving, spinning and embroidery. |
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MONDAY
05 OCTOBER |
PUNO Ⓑ Ⓓ
Today is entirely at leisure for you to do as you please with no group activities planned or included. Perhaps you wish to explore Puno further, relax with a book or do a spot of shopping. Whatever you fancy, today is yours to enjoy. |
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TUESDAY
06 OCTOBER |
PUNO - LIMA - SANTIAGO Ⓑ Ⓓ
We farewell Peru today as we fly from Juliaca via Lima to Santiago, Chile. Met on arrival in the evening and transfer to our accommodation where we will spend the next three nights. |
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WEDNESDAY
07 OCTOBER |
SANTIAGO Ⓑ Ⓓ
The capital of Chile, Santiago was founded in 1540 and is today one of South America’s most modern cities with a population of over 5 million people. The city’s history is reflected in its many monuments, palaces, museums and parks - the Metropolitan Park, which includes the San Cristóbal, the Chacarillas, the Gemelos and the Pirámide hills, is the biggest park in Chile, covering a total area of 728 hectares. Here, the statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception stands at the summit of the famous San Cristóbal hill. High on the ‘must see’ list for visitors to Santiago is the Plaza de Armas, located right in the heart of the city. Designed by Pedro de Valdivia in 1541 as a fortified area for gunpowder storage, the Plaza was built by the Spaniards who carried out their military exercises there. Numerous historical buildings surround the plaza, namely la Real Audencia, the house of the Governors of Chile (now the Municipality of Santiago) and the Central Post Office respectively, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Portal Fernández Concha building. |
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Today is a day in which you will experience and feel Santiago as a true "Santiaguino" beginning with a ride on one of the most efficient and clean underground trains in the world, the Santiago Metro. You will get to know the classic and most important underground station of the City called "University of Chile" where a giant mural of a local artist is exhibited. The metro station of the University of Chile was chosen by a prestigious British newspaper as one of the 7 most beautiful in the world. When you leave the station you will find yourself in the middle of the bustling centre of Santiago. Passing through the Stock Exchange and the classic streets of downtown Santiago. Here you will have the opportunity to experience a striking experience, having a coffee in one of the many cafés called "Café con piernas" which means literally coffee with legs, where you can understand the reason for its name.
After coffee we will walk through Huérfanos until the streets Bandera and Company where we will have the opportunity to see the ancient building of the newspaper El Mercurio, the Supreme Court of Justice and the Former National Congress. Our tour continues along Compañía Street until we reach the Plaza de Armas, also known as kilometre 0. From here we can see the Catholic Cathedral, the mail building, the National History Museum and the Municipality of Santiago. We will continue along Puente Street until we reach the famous Mercado Central, where you can try empanadas or sopaipillas and perhaps the typical Chilean drink called Mote con huesillos. We will continue our walk until we reach the central Vega, where you can find a great variety of fruits and vegetables of the season. In the interior of the Vega, we find the "cuisines", place where the most typical dishes of our country are prepared daily. In this place we will have the possibility to taste typical dishes like Porotos Granados (typical Chilean bean stew) or Pastel de Choclo (particular corn pie made with corn paste, meat and spices). Finally you will arrive to the famous and historical Bar "La Piojera" where you will taste a typical Chilean cocktail called "Earthquake". La Piojera is a traditional "picá" of Santiago. |
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THURSDAY
08 OCTOBER |
SANTIAGO - VALAPARAISO - VINA DEL MAR - SANTIAGO Ⓑ Ⓛ Ⓓ
Depart from Santiago to the beautiful port city of Valparaíso, 120 kilometers away on a road that crosses the valleys of Curacavi and Casablanca, full of vineyards and fruit plantations. Once you get to Valparaiso, you will understand why UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, with its beautiful buildings and colourful hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy discovering the National Congress, Italy Park and Victory Square. The journey continues to La Sebastiana House Museum, which belonged to the poet Pablo Neruda. This house contains his collections of old maps and some of his most beloved personal belongings. Afterwards pass through viewpoints located on Cerro Concepción, with splendid views of the ocean. This is time for a break and to enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch continue your journey to the city of Viña del Mar, better known as the "Ciudad Jardín" (“Garden City”) and the largest beach city in Chile. This is undoubtedly an elegant, sophisticated place inspired by the French Riviera. Finally, you can observe and photograph an authentic Easter Island Moai outside the Fonck Museum of Paleontology and Anthropology before returning to Santiago. |
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FRIDAY
09 OCTOBER |
SANTIAGO Ⓑ Ⓛ
Travel to the southern part of the city to the Concha y Toro Vineyard located in Pirque Mountain Valley. Established in 1883 by Melchor Concha y Toro with vines brought from Bordeaux, France the vineyard and its wines are now one of the major wine exporters with distribution to over 130 countries making it one of the world’s most recognizable wines. The tours take you through the main house, cellars and vineyards. One of the most remarkable aspects about Concha y Toro is the fact it is a global enterprise but tradition and innovation remain perfectly blended. The wines have achieved international recognition through the brands “Casillerodel Diablo” and “Don Melchor”. The tour culminates with wine tasting and the chance to purchase some of these world famous wines. Then enjoy a traditional Chilean lunch in the heart of the nearby village of Pirque. Afterwards return to your hotel and later this evening transfer to Santiago International Airport for your departure flight which leaves early the next morning. |
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SATURDAY
10 OCTOBER |
SANTIAGO - AUCKLAND Ⓑ Ⓓ
Depart Santiago International Airport for Auckland. |
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SUNDAY
11 OCTOBER |
Arrive Auckland early morning and transfer to domestic flights.
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TOUR
INCLUSIONS |
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TOUR
EXCLUSIONS |
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TOUR COST
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$20 680 per person, twin share
$26 570 single *Business/Premium Economy Class flight upgrade $8300 per person for carriage in Business Class on Auckland - Santiago - Auckland sectors and in Premium Economy on Santiago - Rio de Janeiro - Lima - Santiago sectors. On all other flights carriage is in Economy Class. |