|
 |
 |
| Sensational South America |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
The Sensational South America Tour is designed for first time visitors to South America and visits
many of the major cities and exotic locations of this exciting continent, making it an ideal
introduction to South America. The tour features:
 |
|
| CHILE |
|
|
|
| • |
Elegant Santiago |
|
| • |
The Andes Lakes District |
| • |
Puerto Varas - "City of Roses" |
|
|
| PERU |
|
|
|
| • |
Historic Lima |
| • |
Iquitos and Ceiba Tops Amazon Jungle Lodge |
| • |
Charming Cuzco, capital of the Inca Empire |
| • |
Overnight in Machu Picchu village, below the "Lost City of the Incas" |
| • |
Overnight in Yucay, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas |
|
|
| BRAZIL |
|
|
|
| • |
Colonial Paraty |
|
| • |
Vibrant Rio de Janeiro |
|
|
|
| ARGENTINA |
|
|
|
| • |
Majestic Iguazú Falls |
| • |
Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires |
| • |
The Andes Lakes Crossing and beautiful Bariloche |
Day 1
BRISBANE - AUCKLAND - SANTIAGO
Departing Brisbane this morning, we fly direct to Auckland, where we connect with our LAN flight to Santiago, Chile's elegant capital set in the shadows of the Andes Mountains. On the way we cross the International Dateline and arrive the same afternoon. On arrival, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Atton El Bosque (or similar)
Day 2
SANTIAGO
A morning at leisure to recover from the long flight before commencing an afternoon tour of Santiago's principal sights, notably, Providencia, San Cristóbal Hill, Santa Lucia Hill, Parque Forestal, Santiago Cathedral and major avenues, plazas and buildings in this picturesque city. Evening at leisure. (B.)
Accommodation: Hotel Atton El Bosque (or similar)
Day 3
SANTIAGO - VALPARAISO - VINA DEL MAR - SANTIAGO
Today we will enjoy a drive via the Southern Beach Road stopping to visit Isla Negra, just one of the homes of Nobel Prize winning poet, Pablo Neruda. Lunch at Vina del Mar, Chile's premier resort town, before continuing to the port of Valparaiso, with its colourful houses perched delicately on its steep hills. Late this afternoon we return to Santiago and an opportunity to experience some of the fine restaurants near to our hotel (B.L.)
Accommodation: Hotel Atton El Bosque (or similar)
Day 4
SANTIAGO - LIMA
This morning is free for us to revisit some of the places that were included in our city tour, or to continue to explore this interesting city at our pace. This afternoon, we once again travel out of the city to see more of Chile's picturesque countryside. A highlight of the tour will be a visit to a winery and an opportunity to sample one of Chile's best known exports - their wine. At the conclusion of the tour we will be taken to the airport, where we will board our evening flight to Lima. (B.)
Accommodation: San Agustin Exclusive Hotel (or similar)
Day 5
LIMA
A chance to sleep in after our late arrival, before commencing our afternoon tour of the city. Lima was founded by the great conquistador, Francisco Pizarro in 1535, and soon became the capital of the extensive and tremendously wealthy, Peruvian Vice-Regency of Spain. By the end of the 16th Century it had grown into a city of fine palaces and churches and the cultural centre of the southern hemisphere. Today, Lima still retains the essence of Spanish colonialism. We visit many of Lima's principal attractions, including the Government Palace in the colonial setting of the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the modern residential suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro with their lovely homes and gardens. (B.)
Accommodation: San Agustin Exclusive Hotel (or similar)
Day 6
LIMA - IQUITOS - CEIBA TOPS
A morning at leisure to relax, shop, or visit one of the fine museums for which Lima is famous. This afternoon we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Iquitos, a bustling port on the Amazon River. On arrival we will transfer to the pier and then travel by boat to Ceiba Tops Lodge, located on the banks of the Amazon River, just 40 km from Iquitos. Ceiba Tops enjoys the best of two worlds - a rustic environment with primary jungle, combined with air-conditioned rooms with private facilities (B.D.)
Accommodation: Ceiba Tops
Day 7
CEIBA TOPS
Guided tours will fill our time during our two days at Ceiba Tops, with informative treks through primary rainforest, a visit to a primitive native village, excursions by boat along the Amazon in search of the elusive freshwater dolphins and, maybe, try our hand at piranha fishing. (B.L.D.)
Accommodation: Ceiba Tops
Day 8
CEIBA TOPS - EXPLORNAPO - TREETOP CANOPY WALK - CEIBA TOPS
An early start as we travel downstream by fast boat to our "sister" lodge, Exlornapo, on the Napo River. After breakfast, we will take a short hike into the surrounding primeval forest, where one of the longest canopy walks awaits us. The 500-metre suspended treetop walkway reaches a height of 35 metres above the forest floor and offers us an unrivalled view of an area scientists refer to as "The Biodiversity Capital of the World". Late this afternoon we return to the air-conditioned comfort of our luxury lodge, Ceiba Tops. (B.L.D.)
Accommodation: Ceiba Tops
Day 9
CEIBA TOPS - IQUITOS - LIMA - CUZCO
A morning transfer by boat to Iquitos to join our flight back to Lima, where we will connect with our flight to Cuzco. On arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to allow us to adapt to the altitude, or undertake some independent sightseeing. (B.)
Accommodation: The Eco Inn (or similar)
** Note - Amazon itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
Day 10
CUZCO
Cuzco was the Inca capital and this morning we visit the historic highlights of the city. Later, we travel a short distance to the surrounding Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Tambo Machay, Puku Pukara and Kenko - each different in construction and purpose. There is so much to see in Cuzco and the afternoon is free for us to continue our exploration of this historical city. (B.)
Accommodation: The Eco Inn (or similar)
Day 11
CUZCO - SACRED VALLEY - YUCAY
A morning departure from Cuzco for a full day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including a visit to Pisac and its colourful Indian market - a not-to-be-missed opportunity to purchase Peruvian weavings and pottery. After a sumptuous lunch , we continue along the Urubamba Valley to the ruins of Ollantaitambo, an impressive Inca fortress. Late this afternoon we travel to Yucay, in the heart of the valley, where we will spend the night and our charming colonial hotel. (B.L.)
Accommodation: Posada del Inca Yucay (or similar)
Day 12
YUCAY - MACHU PICCHU
Today is set aside for an experience we will never forget, as we travel by train through lush valleys and terraced hillsides, following the course of the tumbling Urubamba River to the hidden "Lost City of the Incas" - spectacular Machu Picchu. Reputed to be the Incas' last refuge from the Spanish, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered until 1911. Our guide will explain the intricate layout of the city, as we marvel at the remains of the watchtower, magnificent palaces, temples, tombs, and rock-hewn steps. This afternoon is ours to explore the ruins at our own pace, and perhaps walk up to the Sun Gate (Intipunko) for a panoramic view of this mysterious lost city. Late afternoon we take the bus back to Machu Picchu Village. (B.L.)
Accommodation: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (or similar)
Day 13
MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO
A morning at leisure. Why not rise early and take the bus trip up the mountain to Machu Picchu, in time to see the effects of sunrise over the ruined city, before spending the morning further exploring the ruins? Alternatively, there is always the option of a relaxing swim in the thermal springs after which the town of Aguas Calientes is named, or shopping for more bargains in the Indian market. Later this afternoon, we board our train to Cuzco, where we will be transferred to our hotel. (B.)
Accommodation: Eco Inn (or similar)
Day 14
CUZCO - LIMA - SAO PAULO
A morning free and our last opportunity to experience the Andean culture, before boarding our flight to Lima this afternoon, where we will connect with our evening flight to Sao Paulo. (B.)
Accommodation: In flight
Day 15
SAO PAULO - PARATY
Arriving into Sao Paulo early morning, we will be met and transferred by road to the beautiful colonial coastal village of Paraty. Dating back to the year 1600, its port was the gateway from which the gold in Minas Gerais was shipped to Portugal. The centre, with its flagstone paved streets, Portuguese colonial houses and churches, has been declared a national monument. It is a virtual museum within a tropical paradise. (B.)
Accommodation: Pousada Corsario (or similar)
Day 16
PARATY
Today we will enjoy some relaxation time, with a schooner cruise around the picturesque bay, including lunch on board. The evening is free to wander the cobble stoned streets and perhaps dine at one of Paraty's renowned small restaurants. (B.L.)
Accommodation: Pousada Corsario (or similar)
Day 17
RIO DE JANEIRO
This morning we travel by road to Rio de Janeiro, with its beautiful beaches, beautiful people, and vibrant nightlife. Sightseeing this afternoon includes an ascent of Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car for superb views of one of the world's most beautiful harbours. Saturday night on Copacabana Beach is where it all happens and we are right in the midst of it !! Enjoy a cold drink at one of the beachfront cafes or bars. Try one of the many nearby fine restaurants. Or, just chill-out and watch the locals at play. Alternatively, you may prefer the visual extravaganza of a "Plataforma Show" * - a truly unique Brazilian experience. (B.)
* Both optional and at our own expense.
Accommodation: Pestana Rio Atlantica (or similar)
Day 18
RIO DE JANEIRO
This morning we visit the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, before taking a funicular railway trip to the summit of Corcovado Mountain, to see the 36 metre high statue of Christ the Redeemer, whose outstretched arms embrace stunning views of Rio's mountains, harbour and beaches. At the conclusion of the tour we will have lunch at a "churrasqueria" - a local barbeque restaurant, an experience not to be missed. Sunday is also market day in Rio and the remainder of the afternoon is free for us to search for that elusive bargain, or just immerse ourselves in the electric atmosphere of Sunday afternoon on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. (B.L.)
Accommodation: Pestana Rio Atlantica (or similar)
Day 19
RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUASSU - IGUAZU
Transfer to the airport this morning, for our flight to Iguassu Falls, Brazil. Iguassu Falls surpass in grandeur both Niagara and Victoria Falls and form the frontier between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. On arrival we will be taken on a tour of the Brazilian side of the falls - with time for an optional helicopter flight (at our own expense). Later we will be transferred to our hotel on the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls. (B.)
Accommodation: Panoramico Hotel (or similar)
Day 20
IGUAZU - BUENOS AIRES
The first of the more than 275 cataracts that make up Iguazu Falls is only a short drive from our hotel and this morning we will take a guided walking tour of the Falls. Afterwards, time permitting, we may take the train to the new 'Devil's Throat'' boardwalk, where we can approach the most powerful of the cataracts. This afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires, where we will be met and transferred to our hotel. (B.)
Accommodation: Amerian Buenos Aires Park Hotel (or similar)
Day 21
BUENOS AIRES
A morning tour of Buenos Aires, during which we will see the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada (Government House) and Cabildo (Old City Hall). Other highlights are the 9 de Julio Ave, the widest in the world; the Colón Theatre, Argentina's famous Opera House, which stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit the picturesque La Boca district, which resembles a typical Italian neighbourhood, Palermo Park and the historical Recoleta Cemetery, with its ornate memorials. The afternoon has been left free for us to shop, or explore this cosmopolitan city at our leisure. This evening why not dine at a typical Argentine Barbecue Restaurant and then continue on to an exciting Tango show - both optional and at our own expense, but truly unique to Buenos Aires! (B.)
Accommodation: Amerian Buenos Aires Park Hotel (or similar)
Day 22
BUENOS AIRES - SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE
A late morning transfer to the airport for our flight to San Carlos de Bariloche, a lovely mountain town set amidst deep blue lakes and snow-capped mountains. On arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free for us to wander and explore this beautiful town (B.)
Accommodation: Edelweiss Hotel (or similar)
Day 23
SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE
This morning's tour is known as "Circuito Chico" and it takes us through the most beautiful part of this National Park of forests, lakes and mountains, culminating at Punto Panoramico for a spectacular 360 degree view of this stunning area. The afternoon is at leisure. Bariloche is known for its shopping, but if cashmere and leather are not for you, then there are always the infamous chocolate shops! (B.)
Accommodation: Edelweiss Hotel (or similar)
Day 24
SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE - PUERTO VARAS - LAKES CROSSING
Another sensational day, as we transfer to Puerto Pañuelo to board our catamaran to cross Lake Nahuel Huapi, to Puerto Blest. Disembarking, we take a short bus ride to Puerto Alegre, where we will board a smaller launch, crossing Lake Frias, to Puerto Frias. After completing Chilean immigration formalities, we travel by bus to PEULLA, beautifully situated on the lakeside, where, after lunch, we will board our catamaran to cross Lake Todos los Santos. On arrival into Petrohué, we continue by bus around Lake Llanquihue, via Ensenada to our hotel in Puerto Varas. (B.L.)
Accommodation: Hotel Bellavista (or similar)
Day 25
PUERTO VARAS - PUERTO MONTT - SANTIAGO - INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Puerto Varas enjoys one of the most spectacular settings in South America and we have most of the day free to explore this picturesque town and its environs. On a good day you can see four separate volcanoes from our lakeside hotel. Late this afternoon, we will be transferred to the airport at Puerto Montt, for our flight to Santiago, where we will connect with our flight home. (B.)
Or
Extend your South American experience by combining your "Sensational South America" tour with a Chilean Fjords Cruise, a cruise through the Beagle Channel, a Patagonia tour, a Galapagos Island cruise, The Atacama Desert, or a visit to nearby Chiloe Island - the possibilities are endless. Please ask us for details.
Day 26
IN FLIGHT
We recross the International Dateline, losing the day gained at the beginning of our tour.
Day 27
AUCKLAND - BRISBANE
Arriving into Auckland this morning, we connect with our flight to Brisbane and our journey comes to an end, leaving us with enduring memories of the many fascinating highlights of our "Sensational South America" tour.
Please contact us to learn more about this tour, or to reserve your place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
