Sample Itinerary here

9 August, 2012
Tailor-made South America Tour
Day 1 – Sydney / Rio de Janeiro
8 Feb – Friday
This morning you fly from Sydney to Rio de Janeiro via Santiago. Upon
arrival at the International Airport in Rio de Janeiro you will be met and
transferred to your hotel. Rio is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and
exciting cities in the world, with its miles of golden beaches, laid back
atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. Brazilians call Rio de Janeiro - "Cidade
Maravilhosa" - the marvellous city and you are about to find out why...
Day 2 – Rio de Janeiro
9 Feb – Saturday
Today you have a Full Day Tour of Rio, the tour starts passing through
downtown Rio with the contrast of modern buildings such as Petrobrás
headquarters and the new Cathedral. You will see Rio's aqueduct, built in
the 18th century and now serving as a bridge for the street-cars connecting
downtown to Santa Teresa district, an old residential area. We will drive
through one of the highlights of this tour: the Flamengo Park, from where
you have a privileged view of the top highlight of this tour, the Sugar Loaf.
You shall visit this famous mountain with 1,200 ft tall that received its name
in the 17th century, due to its resemblance to the cone shaped blocks of
unrefined sugar that were prepared for shipment from Brazil to Portugal.
We will take you to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car. The
view overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular
views of the world and one you will never forget. Lunch at local restaurant
and after lunch the tour takes towards the Christ the Redeemer. At Cosme
Velho Train Station you board a cog-train for the ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain. Disembarking at the
top of Corcovado and then proceeding up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering 36 metres statue of
Christ the Redeemer stands with open arms embrace stunning views of Rio’s mountains, harbour and beaches. After
appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below, you will descend by train and continue passing by some of Rio's
beaches in the way back to your hotel B L
Day 3 – Rio de Janeiro
10 Feb – Sunday
Day at leisure, and this evening: you will be transferred to the Sambadrome to watch one of the most amazing spectacles
on Earth and the biggest shows in the planet - Rio Samba Schools Parade with its seductive rhythms and unforgettable
experiences. B
Day 4 – Rio de Janeiro
11 Feb – Monday
Day at leisure, we highly suggest the optional tour (at additional cost) to Tijuca Atlantic Forest, the largest urban forest in
the world. The Tijuca Forest (Floresta da Tijucain) is a mountainous hand-planted rainforest in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It
is the world's largest urban forest, covering some 32 km² (12.4 mi²). The forest shares its name with the Tijuca
neighbourhood that contains it. Tijuca Forest is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, many threatened by
extinction, found only in the Atlantic Rainforest. After all the original forest had been destroyed to make way for coffee
farms, Tijuca was replanted by Major Manuel Gomes Archer in the second half of the 19th century in a successful effort to
protect Rio's water supply. In this tour we visit the Chinese View belvedere with a magnificent view of the Ipanema and
Copacabana beaches, the Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf. We walk through a trail of easy tracking. During the
trekking we can see tropical animals like monkeys, sloths and exotic birds, we visit also Mayrink Chapel, with murals
painted by Candido Portinari and the giant granite picnic table called the Mesa do Imperador. On the way back to the
hotel, we stop at the Pepino Beach to watch the hang- gliders.
Day 5 – Rio de Janeiro
12 Feb – Tuesday
Day at leisure. Perhaps you could join one of the optional tours (at additional cost) to Petrópolis, The Imperial City.
Drive through the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, up Serra dos Orgãos Range, scenic road crossing the Atlantic Forest's lush
vegetation, will take you to the "Imperial City of Petrópolis", 810 m (2,660 ft) above sea level. W e will visit the museum at
the Summer Palace of Brazil former Emperor Dom Pedro II and the Cathedral with the tomb of the Emperor and his wife.
The Brazilian Royal Family spent their summer holidays during the monarchy years in the 1800 in this beautiful house.
You will see the highlights of this charming city, such as the "Crystal Palace", Santos Dumont's House, mansions and
buildings from the imperial and modern times B
Note: Seat in coach tour operates only on Tue, Thu and Sat. It does not include lunch.
Day 6 – Rio de Janeiro / Foz do Iguassu
13 Feb – Wednesday
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Foz do Iguassu. Upon your arrival transfer to hotel, your hotel is the only hotel
located inside of Iguassu National Park on the Brazilian side of the falls. Iguassu Falls surpass in grandeur both Niagara
and Victoria Falls and form the frontier between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Ranking among Latin America’s true
nature treasures, Iguassu Falls is a highlight to any visit to Brazil or Argentina. The word Iguassu in the local Indian
language means “big water”, and with a length of over 3.5Km and a height of 78 meters, the falls certainly live up to their
name! B
Day 7 – Foz do Iguassu
14 Feb – Thursday
Today you have a Half Day tour to the Argentine side of the Falls with Devil’s Throat, The Argentine side comprises three
sections: the upper falls, the lower falls, and the Devil's Throat. The Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is U-shaped, 82meter-high, 150- meter-wide, and 700-meter-long.B
Day 8 – Foz do Iguassu / Buenos Aires
15 Feb – Friday
Transfer to the airport in Puerto Iguazu for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon your arrival you will be met and transferred to
your hotel. Buenos Aires, ‘the Paris of South America'. Porteños, as the residents are called, number around 13 million and
have a rich and diversified cultural identity. Here Italian and German names outnumber Spanish, the lifestyle and
architecture are more European than any other city in the Americas. The architecture of Buenos Aires has quite a French
influence and the streets, tango bars and cafes give the city a very elegant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Why not join the
Porteños for a coffee at one of the charming cafes, or at a steakhouse for a cut of fine beef for which they are world
renowned B
Day 9 – Buenos Aires
16 Feb – Saturday
This morning you have a morning tour of Buenos Aires, during which you will see the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada
(Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), the City Hall, the monumental Congress Building set in its impressive
Square. 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. This afternoon you have at leisure for you to explore this cosmopolitan city. In the evening you will
enjoy a nice dinner with a traditional Tango show B D
Day 10 – Buenos Aires
17 Feb – Sunday
Day at leisure, we recommend the optional tour (at additional cost) Full Day Tigre & Delta, Rio de la Plata with lunch.
Drive along the Northern residential districts of the city, until getting San Isidro, a colonial and aristocratic area. You will see
the mansions and houses in front of the River Plate. You will continue the driving to Tigre, a charming area near Buenos
Aires city where a great number of summer residences, yacht clubs and rowing clubs attract the week-end activity of many
“porteños”. The Tigre Delta with its rivers, streams and numerous green islands is one of the most attractive
areas for visitors. Enjoy a boat excursion (1 hour) along the innumerable channels of the Paraná-Delta to see some of the
hundreds of islands covered with luxuriant vegetation. Lunch included at local restaurant B
Day 11 – Buenos Aires / Lima
18 Feb – Monday
This morning you have at leisure and this afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. On arrival, transfer to
your hotel. LIMA, capital of Peru, 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. B
Day 12 – Lima
19 Feb – Tuesday
Today you will be taken on a half day tour 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
Day 13 – Lima / Puerto Maldonado / Hacienda Concepcion
20 Feb – Wednesday
Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Puerto Maldonado. Arrival in Puerto Maldonado and checking-in at the
INKATERRA Lounge (Butterfly House). Immerse yourself in the rainforest navigating on an outboard dugout canoe along
the Madre de Dios River to Hacienda Concepción (approximately 25-minute navigation). Taste a buffet lunch with organic
ingredients and native flavours. After lunch, take a walk at Concepcion Trails, our inside property nature trails, where
you’ll discover and learn about primary and secondary rainforest, its components, uses, transformations by the human
being, and its relevance for the world. At dusk navigate on canoe in the Twilight River Excursion. Sailing on the Madre
de Dios River, you’ll learn about its ecosystems, Amazon creeks, nocturnal animals’ behaviour, and the southern
constellations. In the evening enjoy a nice dinner at our main house. B L D
Day 14 – Hacienda Concepcion
21 Feb – Thursday
New experiences are ahead and after taking a nutritious buffet breakfast, get ready for a long trek through terra firma in
the Tambopata National Reserve to Lake Sandoval. Here you’ll understand why Madre de Dios is called the
biodiversity capital of the world, while learning about the reserve’s conservation efforts and the lake’s formation. Travel
across this mirror-like oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), blue and yellow
macaw (Ara ararauna), red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), and one of the
world’s biggest fresh water fishes, the paiche (Arapaima gigas). Get back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon you have
the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Anaconda W alk. Take a 20-minute outboard-dugout canoe ride to the Inkaterra Canopy
Walkway Interpretation Center where you’ll learn about its construction and the conservation projects of ITA-Inkaterra
Asociación (NGO). Ascend one of the two 98-foot towers (30 mts.) and cross the 7 hanging bridges that connect the
treetops at 91 feet high (28 mts.). Enjoy the breathtaking vistas and get the chance to watch white-throated toucans
(Ramphastos tucanus), woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) and the three-toed sloth (Choleopus
hoffmani). After descending keep on feeling the incredible primary rainforest vibe going for about 30 minutes along the
200-meter wooden bridge over the aguajales swamps. You’ll learn about the fauna and flora of these flooded ecosystems.
Return to the lodge and enjoy a nice dinner. B L D
Day 15 – Hacienda Concepcion
22 Feb – Friday
The sun rises once again and after breakfast, get ready for the Cocha Excursion. Enjoy a canoe ride on the Hacienda
Concepción cocha. Try native fishing applying the “catch and release” techniques, as you enjoy the scenery observing
hoatzins (Opisthocomus hoazin), a diversity of fly catchers, and gray-necked woodrails (Aramides cajanea). Disembark at
the remains of Fitzcarrald steam boat, and learn about its history. Getting back to Hacienda Concepción you’ll have lunch.
In the afternoon prepare yourself for your next Excursion at the River Island, known as “Rolin”. Take a boat ride and walk
through the island. Learn about this flooded ecosystem and vegetation succession while enjoying bird watching. Later on
explore our Inland Collpa. Walk 15 to 20 minutes toward one out of four clay licks that we have in Hacienda Concepción.
Learn about this mammal inland collpa activity and the difference between collpas according to their location, while
looking for footprints and traces of animal activity on the clay lick walls, such as the agoutis’, monkeys’, and peccaries’
among others. At night get ready for an adventure at the Hidden Rainforest Excursion. Explore the nocturnal rainforest
and observe animals that only emerge at night enhancing their senses to create new adaptation mechanisms. You’ll feel
surrounded by this living nature sounds. End up your day with a pleasant dinner. B L D
Day 16 – Hacienda Concepcion / Puerto Maldonado / Cuzco
23 Feb – Saturday
After a breakfast buffet, take an outboard dugout canoe ride back to Puerto Maldonado. Visit the INKATERRA Lounge
(Butterfly House) where you may wait for your flight to Cuzco. On arrival at Cuzco airport you will be met and transferred
to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and adjusting to the altitude. Cuzco is a city combining several
different cultures and many kinds of architecture. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring its winding cobbled streets that
transport visitors through its rich and beautiful past. B.
Day 17 – Cuzco
24 Feb – Sunday
Morning at Leisure. In the afternoon enjoy a city tour which includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas; and the
Koricancha Temple. Just outside Cusco, visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a testimonial to the Incan architectural skills.
Compiled of massive stones (one weighs 125 tons!) you are challenged to try to slip a piece of paper between the cracks
of these blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This
ancient fortress where the greatest battle between the Spanish and Incas took place overlooks the red-tiled roofs of
Cusco and the spectacular lush countryside. Also visit Qenqo (“The Labyrinth”), an Incan shrine dedicated to the Earth
Mother; the small fortress of Puka Pukara; and Tambomachay, a sacred bathing place. B.
Day 18 – Cuzco / Sacred Valley
25 Feb – Monday
Visit Ollantaytambo, the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the Americas. With its narrow streets, complete with
canals unchanged since Inca times, displays its ancient heritage. Visit the colourful Indian market in Pisac to see a blend
of colour, tradition and people. After lunch enjoy a scenic drive along the Urubamba Valley, “the Sacred Valley of the
Incas”, to visit the Inca ruins that lie above the town of Pisac 31 km. overlooking the Vilcanota river. Fortresses, urban
complexes, temples and well preserved Andean terraces built by the Incas all make up an imposing and unforgettable
sight. Overnight at your hotel in Sacred Valley. B. L.
Day 19 – Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu
26 Feb – Tuesday
Today is set aside for an experience you will never forget, as you transfer to the station and travel by train (Vistadome)
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. Your guide will explain the intricate layout of the city, as you marvel at the remains of
the watchtower, magnificent palaces, temples, tombs, and rock-hewn steps. This afternoon is yours to explore the ruins at
your own pace, and perhaps walk up to the Sun Gate (Intipunko) for a panoramic view of this mysterious lost city. Lunch
included. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of the ruins or the quaint town of Aguas Calientes, at the base of the
mountain. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. B. L. D.
Day 20 – Machu Picchu / Cuzco
27 Feb – Wednesday
It is said that Machu Picchu is a place of great spirituality, and the ultimate spiritual moment of the day happens at
sunrise. This morning rise early to visit the world’s most spectacularly situated ruins at sunrise (No guide). Perhaps climb
to the summit of Huayna Picchu or up to the Sun Gate for panoramic views. This afternoon, you will take the bus back to
Aguas Calientes and board the train to Cuzco, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. B.
Day 21 – Cuzco
28 Feb – Thursday
You have the day at leisure to enjoy this beautiful city on your own pace. B
Day 22 – Cuzco / Puno
1 Mar – Friday
This morning begins a journey by road across the Altiplano (high plateau) to PUNO, you will see local Indians in different
local garb crowding the platforms at every stop, selling food and handicrafts. En route, you may also view Alpacas,
Llamas and perhaps Vicuña - native animals of the Altiplano. Arriving into PUNO early evening and transfer to your hotel.
B. L.
Day 23 - Puno
2 Mar – Saturday
This morning you have a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to visit its islands. Taquile Island, three and a half hours from the city of
Puno, is inhabited by its campesino community that continues to preserve its culture, traditions and archaeological
remains. After a short lunch, we will return to the city of Puno, again crossing Lake Titicaca, making a brief stop at the
floating Islands of Uros. These unique islands built with blocks of reeds and cattail roots by the Uros people, considered
the oldest inhabitants of the altiplano that still inhabit the area. Suspended in Lake Titicaca, the 22 Uros Islands are home
to 2,000 people who are devoted mainly to hunting and fishing. B L
Day 24 – Puno / Sun Island
3 Mar – Sunday
Overland transfer from your hotel in Puno to Copacabana on Lake Titicaca Visit the shrine and the "Dark Virgin" Hydrofoil
cruise to Moon Island, visit the Sun Virgins Temple "Iñak Uyu" Continue to Sun Island by Hydrofoil Visit the "Pilcocaina"
Temple Llama trek to "Posada del Inca Eco-Lodge" Lunch at the "Posada del Inca Eco Lodge" PM at leisure to explore the
surroundings Dinner Overnight at the "Posada del Inca Eco Lodge" L D
Day 25 – Sun Island / Puno
4 Mar – Monday
This morning we have more to explorer on the Sun Island, descending to Yumani harbor on the "Inca Grand Stairs" Visit
the Sacred Fountain Lunch at the "Uma Kollu" archaeological Restaurant. Visit the small handicraft market. Hydrofoil
cruise back to Copacabana Overland returning trip to Puno and drop off at hotel in Puno B L
Day 26 – Puno / Juliaca / Lima
5 Mar – Tuesday
Today you have a transfer to Juliaca’s airport for your flight to Lima. Overnight at Ramada del Sol Airport Hotel in Lima B
Day 27 – Lima / Havana (Flight operates only on Mon, Wed and Sat)
06 Mar – Wednesday
Today you have your flight to Havana de Cuba. Upon your arrival at Havana Airport you will be met and have a private
transfer to your hotel. Havana was founded on November 16, 1519 as Villa de San Cristóbal de La Habana, Cuba's
capital remains a city of meetings. Music, dance, culture, art, fun and entertainment come together in a versatile and
amazing personality. Its historic center, declared a UNESCO W orld Heritage Site, is one of the oldest colonial and best
preserved of America. Its beaches invite the pleasure of enjoying a summer residence of the sun and sea in the largest
city in the Caribbean. Old Havana is the maximum exponent, the largest concentration of the colonial architecture in the
Island and in the whole Caribbean B
Day 28 – Havana
7 Mar – Thursday
Today is you first day of Pearl of Caribbean Group Tour, you will meet the guide and the first tour with the group is
scheduled for tomorrow as today is the first day of the tour and some of the group members are still arriving. You have the
day at leisure. B
Day 29 – Havana
8 Mar – Friday
After breakfast we will depart for a detailed guided sightseeing tour of Havana. A unique experience, the tour will visit all
the major sights of the city including the historic Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Square. W e can absorb the atmosphere
of the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Havana, flanked by old colonial buildings dating back as far as the 16th Century.
We will visit the impressive Museum of the Revolution and experience how Cuba’s famous cigars are still handmade by
local experts by visiting one of Havana’s famous Cigar Factories. Stop at the Havana Club Rum factory where there may
be the chance to sample the different rums. Lunch will be taken at the famous El Patio restaurant situated in a beautiful
location overlooking the historic Cathedral Square in the heart of Old Havana, before continuing to the impressive
Revolution Square overlooked by the mural of Ernesto “Che” Guevara with the tour ending with a drive along the
“Malecon”, Havana’s seafront promenade. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to enjoy exploring Old Havana or
relax by the hotel pool! In the evening dinner will be taken at El Aljibe restaurant specialising in traditional Cuban cuisine.
BLD
Day 30 – Havana / Trinidad
9 Mar - Saturday
After breakfast we will journey east through the sugar plantations for the city of Santa Clara the final resting place of “Che
Guevara”. On arrival we will visit the mausoleum and the museum dedicated to his extraordinary life, followed by a short
orientation tour of the city including the train “Tren Blindado” that was attacked in the decisive moments of the Cuban
Revolution. After lunch in a local hotel we will continue through the Escambray Mountains to Trinidad a UNESCO heritage
site and one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the world. Overnight and dinner will be at the Iberostar Grand Hotel
located in the town centre. B L D
Day 31 – Trinidad
10 Mar – Sunday
After a leisurely breakfast, we will explore Trinidad visiting the Romantic Museum, which depicts the lifestyle and
architectural design of Trinidad’s colonial past. Enjoy traditional Cuban music at the Casa de la Trova, followed by a visit
to La Canchanchara, an old house dating back to the 18th Century, where we can try the unique Trinidad rum and sugar
cane juice cocktail. Lunch will be taken at the Grand Hotel Trinidad and there will also be some time to explore the historic
city independently. Dinner this evening will be taken in the hotel restaurant. B L D
Day 32 – Trinidad / Pinar del Rio via Cienfuegos
11 Mar – Monday
After an early breakfast, we will enjoy a tour of Cienfuegos before departing for Pinar Del Rio province, an area known
throughout the world as Cuba’s main tobacco growing region, where steep sided “Mogote” mountains stand guard over
fertile valleys. En route we will stop at Guama where we will take a boat through the mangrove swamps to a replica stilted
Taino Indian village on the shores of Treasure Lake. Lunch will be taken in a local countryside restaurant, before continuing
to the Moka Hotel, situated deep in the Sierra Del Rosario Nature Reserve, just forty-nine miles west of
Havana, one of the most unique hotels of Cuba. Set amid the forested hills of Las Terrazas. On arrival dinner will be
served in the hotel restaurant and the remainder of the evening will be free to relax. B L D
Day 33 – Pinar del Rio
12 Mar – Tuesday
Today we will visit Soroa’s prize attraction, the Orchid garden, which covers three hectares and claims to be the world’s
second largest, with over 20,000 plants representing over 700 species, 250 of them indigenous to Cuba. Lunch will be
taken at the Buena Vista coffee plantation restaurant after which a visit will be made to the local community of Las
Terrazas, maybe buy a locally produced coffee and cake at Maria’s coffee shop on a hill overlooking the village followed
by a cooling swim in the San Juan River. Dinner will be served in a farmer’s restaurant specialising in Cuban cuisine and
set in a peaceful rural setting where you dine at the farmer’s house on his terrace! B L D
Day 34 – Pinar del Rio
13 Mar – Wednesday
Today we will depart for the famous Viñales Valley, with stops for absorbing the beauty of the area. There will be a
subterranean boat ride through the El Indio limestone cave system followed by lunch in the Ranchon San Vicente
countryside restaurant. In the late afternoon, we will return to the Moka Hotel, and dinner will be taken in Cuban’s only
restaurant specializing in organic vegetarian cuisine with all ingredients produced within the Las Terrazas community!!!,
Many previous visitors have said this is the best restaurant in Cuba, an excellent end to the day. B L D
Day 35 – Pinar del Rio / Havana
14 Mar – Thursday
After breakfast, free time to enjoy the additional activities on offer at the Moka Hotel and Las Terrazas. A delightful Lunch
will be served overlooking the lake providing you with wonderful views. Late afternoon / early evening we will transfer back
to Havana where your tour ends. Time to say good bye to the group as some of them are leaving Cuba today. You have
the option to go onwards to Varadero where the tour ends (You have hotel confirmed in Havana for the next 2
nights, if you prefer to go to Varadero please let us know so we can make the changes.). B L
Day 36 – Havana
15 Mar – Friday
Day at leisure B
Day 37 – Havana / Santiago (Flight operates only on Mon, Wed and Sat)
16 Mar – Saturday
Transfer from Hotel to Havana Airport and Flight to Santiago de Chile via Lima. You will arrive in Santiago early morning
on the following day B
Day 38 – Santiago
17 Mar – Sunday
You have an early arrival in Santiago. You make your own way to the Holiday Inn Airport Santiago Hotel; the hotel is
conveniently located across the road of the Airport. You have the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 39 – Santiago / Sydney (Direct Flight operated by Qantas – Operates only Mon, Wed and Sat)
18 Mar – Monday
Today after check out at the hotel, go to the airport for your flight back to Sydney B
Day 40 – Sydney
19 Mar – Tuesday
Afternoon arrival in Sydney.
End of the program
Note: The order of sightseeing tours may change due to unforeseen circumstances and will be at the discretion
of the tour operator.