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Looking for an adventure of a lifetime? Get ready for your own ‘Indiana Jones’ moment and embark on a 25-day cultural experience across Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile with TripADeal.
Your journey begins in Lima, where you will immerse yourself in the Andean culture during a city tour. From there, fly to Cusco and explore the Sacred Valley before reaching Machu Picchu, the lost sacred city of the Incas. Then, venture deep into the Amazon Jungle to discover incredible wildlife such as macaws, monkeys, tapirs, capybaras and other jungle beasts. Next, witness the passion of tango dancers in Buenos Aires before flying to the border of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay to marvel at the magnificent Iguazu Falls, a system of 275 waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle. After that, head to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and visit the iconic Ipanema Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. Finally, travel to Santiago de Chile, a city nestled in the majestic Andes Mountains, before heading back home.
With return international full-service flights, six other flights during the trip, 22 nights of hotel or eco-lodge accommodation, and 29 delicious meals (including a 3-course dinner & tango show, plus all meals in the Amazon), this cultural experience will stay with you forever.
For those wanting to explore further, extend your adventure to include a pre-tour trip to the Galapagos Islands & Ecuador., Arrive Early or Stay Behind packages are available. Get ready to create unforgettable memories on this incredible South American adventure.
Want more? Add extra days to your itinerary with Arrive Early in Lima, Peru and Stay Behind in Santiago, Chile packages
HIGHLIGHTS
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
DINING
ESSENTIALS
TRANSPORT
TRANSFERS
UPGRADES AVAILABLE
Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.
Same as the Standard itinerary (excluding flights) plus the following:
HIGHLIGHTS
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
DINING
TOUR ESSENTIALS
TRANSPORT
Today depart from Australia for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival in Lima be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
Lima is a huge and fascinating city, a melting pot of all things Peruvian where world-famous restaurants sit alongside ancient archaeological sites. Known as The City of Kings, the Peruvian capital is packed with stunning colonial architecture, huge religious buildings, the seat of government, and other important structures.
Please note:
• Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.
• Some customers may experience an extended layover. Lounge passes may be purchased at your own expense.
Overnight: Hotel José Antonio Lima, Peru or similar
Meals included: In-Flight
Today embark on a city tour of Lima, where you will be guided to some of the most important locations in the city, including Huaca Pucllana, the Plaza de Armas, Lima Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Convent.
Huaca Pucllana is a huge archaeological site in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular districts. Huaca Pucllana was an important ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture, which developed along this part of the Peruvian coast between 200 AD and 700 AD.
After exploring Huaca Pucllana with your guide, travel to the historic centre of Lima, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Go to the beautiful Plaza de Armas (Lima’s main square) which is surrounded by impressive colonial and Republican-era buildings, many of which have ornate wooden balconies. Visit the Cathedral of Lima, which was completed in 1649. It’s a huge structure, with a large central nave and 14 side chapels. Inside, we’ll see the sculptures and paintings that decorate the interior.
Next, we’ll walk one block to the Convent of Santo Domingo. Founded in the 1530s and completed in 1766, it is one of the most important religious buildings in Peru, and its large bell tower is a landmark in the historic centre of Lima.
Afterwards, transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Cusco. Once arrived in Cusco, a tour representative will be waiting at the airport and transfer you to the hotel where you will stay for the next three nights.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Wake up in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, one of the most fascinating cities in South America. Just walking through the city centre you can see the incredible mix of Inca and colonial architecture, watch the merging of indigenous and Spanish influences, and feel the history that flows through every cobblestone street. Cusco is located in the Peruvian Andes at an altitude of 3,399 metres above sea level.
Today you will embark on a half-day tour, visiting Cusco Cathedral, the Koricancha (Qorikancha), Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay, giving you a deep insight into the city and its history. First go to the wonderful Koricancha, next to the Church of Santo Domingo. According to chroniclers writing during the period immediately after the Spanish conquest, the Koricancha was the most sacred and important temple of the Inca Empire. Its walls were covered in gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals, all made of pure gold and silver, decorated its rooms and corridors. Unfortunately, this wealth was stripped away by the Spanish conquistadors.
Afterwards, visit the Cathedral of Cusco, located in the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 on the foundations of an existing Inca temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art from the Cusco school of painters, and its high altar and pulpit are covered in gold and silver reliefs. The next stop is the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which stands on a hill above Cusco. Here you will see some of the best examples of Inca stonework and construction, including huge rocks that were carefully cut and fitted perfectly to form the walls. Then we visit the Qenqo Archaeological Complex, which is considered an Inca labyrinth where there is an altar with ritual motifs. Then we head to Tambomachay. The exact purpose of this site is unknown, but it may have functioned, at least in part, as an Inca spa.
After a morning of exploring, you’ll have the remainder of the day at your own leisure.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful valley that is located north of Cusco. Also called the Urubamba Valley, it extends from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, its course irrigated by the Urubamba River. Civilizations have inhabited this valley since at least 800 BC, when the Chanapata civilization arrived here to make use of the rich soil. Today you will embark on a full-day tour to discover the fascinating archaeological sites of civilizations past.
Leaving Cusco, we pass through the Abra de Corao and head into the mountains before descending about 450 metres to the bottom of the valley. Here we will explore the colourful traditional markets in Pisac before heading to the archaeological site, where we will explore the extensive ruins and enjoy beautiful views of the valley. Afterwards, we stop in Urubamba for lunch (not included) before heading to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo which was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial centre. Visit the amazing Temple of the Sun, carved and polished by Inca master stonemasons. Walking towards the town square, we will have great views of the ruins above us, as well as the Inca granaries and warehouses built into the surrounding mountain slopes.
After Ollantaytambo, head to Chinchero, where we will visit the famous church and the huge Inca stone wall in the main square, which has ten trapezoidal niches. The people of Chinchero are very connected to the old traditions, and many still dress in colourful clothing that combines indigenous and Spanish influences. After a day of exploration, we return to Cusco for the evening.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you will check out from your accommodation in Cusco and be transferred to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Take the train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), a colourful town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The two-hour train ride is a memorable experience in itself, as we pass through river canyons and rolling hills.
Aguas Calientes is the gateway to Machu Picchu, sitting in a deep gorge at the foot of the mountain on which Machu Picchu stands. It is a beautiful town that mixes traditional life with a huge tourist infrastructure, with a multitude of markets, souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants. It's also largely pedestrianized, making it a fun place to explore on foot. Aguas Calientes is surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and cliffs, and the Urubamba River flows right by the town. Aguas Calientes is also surrounded by hot springs, soyou will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a dip in one of the steaming natural springs. You will also have time to walk around the city and explore the colourful markets and the general bustle of this unique Peruvian settlement.
Alternatively, as you prepare for an unforgettable experience in Machu Picchu, you can supplement your tour by embarking on a short 1-day Inca Trail Trek (at own expense)
Optional Tour Supplement - Express Inca Trail Trek - $515 per person
Your Machu Picchu adventure begins in Cusco, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Ollantaytambo train station by your tour guide.
You will be picked up in the early morning (approximately 04:30). You will board the train for a 1.5 hour scenic train ride to Kilometre 104 to start your short Inca Trail trek. From here, you will hike approximately 4 hours to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) which is approximately 2,680 metres above sea level. Built on a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River, this archaeological site has a series of 10 baths and numerous Inca buildings displaying high levels of Inca masonry. Wiñay Wayna was discovered almost 30 years after the entire world knew about Machu Picchu and almost 40 years after Machu Picchu was first discovered. Little is known about what Wiñay Wayna was originally built for, however there are theories that it was built as a spiritual destination or resting place before reaching Machu Picchu, where elders and royalty would cleanse themselves in the baths. Others believe that the site functioned as a kind of administrative centre to keep track of the amount of produce stored on-site.
After exploring Wiñay Wayna, you will continue your walk to Inti Punku (the Puerta del Sol). From here, you will have your first and spectacular view of Machu Picchu. This site was believed to have once been the main entrance to Machu Picchu and was dedicated to Inti, the Inca Sun God. You’ll then head to Aguas Calientes where the remainder of your afternoon will be spent at leisure. Please note, given the nature and overall length of this tour, the fitness level required for this supplement tour is of moderate to active fitness. This will be done early on in your 25-day tour, so please bear this in mind. There may be uneven surfaces on the trek and you may experience trekking at high-altitudes. Should you have any concerns, it is best to speak to your GP for advice.
Overnight: Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu, Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today is an early start, at approximately 05.40 you will be picked up and board the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. You will have time for breakfast before being picked up this morning.
Pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here you’ll be guided on a two-hour tour, to the most famous and most spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and other key locations. And as you walk around, you’ll have spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across to the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges.
Once you’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Poroy and Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, a tour representative will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own leisure. The capital city of the Inca Empire is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
Optional Activity: Folklore Show & Dinner - $50 AUD per person
Head to the Tunupa restaurant, located just near the central Plaza de Armas of Cusco (a short walk from the hotel), and experience a fabulous buffet dinner. There is a large selection of typical Peruvian dishes featuring meat, fish and vegetables. The night becomes more enjoyable when the traditional dance show begins; get involved with folk, traditional and classical music, enjoying the sounds of Andean instruments. If you wish, you can also share the dance floor with the dancers and enjoy a great, memorable experience.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in Cusco in preparation for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Once arrived, you will be met by your tour leader and transferred to your accommodation for the next three nights.
Puerto Maldonado is Peru’s capital of biodiversity and gateway to the Amazon. You will be transported to Puerto Capitanía, the port where our riverboat will be waiting for us. We will sail across Rio Bajo Madre de Dios (Winding River) until arriving at our lodge, 30 km away from Puerto Maldonado City. On the way to the lodge, you can observe diverse animals such as the capybaras, caimans, water turtles, herons, cormorants, carrion birds and birds of prey.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with delicious Amazon tropical fruit nectars and a hearty lunch will be served in the rustically designed dining room.
In the afternoon, the specialised guide will take you through an interpretive trail, conveniently signposted, to Caiman Cocha, a little lagoon where you will have the chance to observe the black caiman and the common caiman, as well as efficient predators located at the top of the food chain. They feed on a rich water fauna—mainly represented by fish— that inhabits the pond. In the evening you can enjoy a delicious dinner and time to share unforgettable moments at the bar, equipped with an excellent game room.
Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After breakfast, embark on a hike deep into the forest on well-looked-after trails. On the way, cross the riverside to reach high-elevation forests, and then you will descend to floodable forests. During the journey, you will see the widest range of flora and fauna in the wild. Arrive at the majestic Lake Apu Victor, surrounded by immense swamps and gigantic trees. Then, you'll go up to an Amazonian observation deck, from which you’ll get to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake, and observe parrots, macaws, toucans, horned screamers, hoatzins, herons and other animals like caimans, turtles, etc. A wide variety of fish enter Lake Apu Victor with flooding in the rainy season. In addition, there are other species of fauna associated with the lake, like the yellow-footed tortoise, the mata mata, the twist-necked turtle, the freshwater blenny, the kinkajou, the white-tailed deer, the Central American agoutis and the giant otter of the Amazon rainforest.
Return to the lodge for a refreshing lunch before heading on a guided tour in the afternoon to Monkey Island. This island shows an enormous variety of exuberant flora and hosts numerous primate specimens like the black spider monkey, the black-cap capuchin monkey, the squirrel monkey and the lion monkey. Also other species of little mammals like the ring-tailed coati (nasua nasua), the squirrel and an enormous variety of coloured birds.
Finally, we will complete our visit to the island, enjoying a sunset with the most impressive dusk in the jungle. Back in the lodge, you will taste an exquisite dinner.
Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Magic begins with birds singing from the Amazon paradise, waking up to the howler monkey calls. A hearty breakfast will provide you with the necessary energy for a morning full of new experiences.
After breakfast, start an adventure in the virgin forest. Accompanied by a local guide, go on a hike in the deep forest: you will cover very well preserved prepared trails. You will cross temporary water courses, called tributaries, through very well-kept bridges, and you’ll witness the widest range of flora and fauna in the wild. You’ll identify a great variety of ornamental plants with unparalleled beauty. With luck, you’ll get to see bigger mammals, like the jaguar or Peruvian jaguar, the Brazilian tapir and the white-lipped peccary; rodents like the giant otter, the capybara, the spotted paca and the armadillo; primates like the coto or howler monkey and the squirrel monkey; reptiles like the iguana; amphibians like the toad, and birds like the guan, the partridge, the golden parakeet or the scarlet macaw.
After a morning of exploring, you will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have time at leisure to explore the lodge, visit the botanical garden or observe the medicinal plants and fruit trees. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner.
Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
This morning wake to the sounds of the amazon, enjoy breakfast before departing the lodge and transferring to Puerto Maldonado Airport in preparation for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina via Lima, Peru
Please note: due to flight availability and scheduling, your flight to Buenos Aires will depart late afternoon and you will arrive into Buenos Aires the following day.
Overnight: NH 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Early this morning, you will arrive in Buenos Aires. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our tour representative and taken to the hotel to rest and freshen up before we embark on an afternoon city tour of Buenos Aires.
Discover the beauty and magic of Buenos Aires, an intoxicating mix of busy and beautiful streets full of Tango aromas and football passion. You’re first stop at Plaza de Mayo, an important site for the country’s political past, surrounded by emblematic buildings. Here, you will learn the history of the area before visiting one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods, San Telmo, with its cobble-stoned streets, antique shops and picturesque buildings. Experience the history of Tango in the neighbourhood of La Boca, one of the city’s most authentic and charming neighbourhoods, as you walk along Caminito Street. Visit the Pink House, our Presidential Palace, the Cabildo, our old town hall, and the Neoclassical-style Metropolitan Cathedral, the final home of Argentina’s founding father, José de San Martín. After the city tour be returned to your hotel where you can enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: NH 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Buenos Aires at your own leisure. The name, Buenos Aires, literally means "good airs" in Spanish. It is one of the largest cities in Latin America, with a wide range of cultural offers and stunning sights.
In the evening (between 7.30pm-8pm) you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Aljibe Tango for a 3-course dinner and Tango show. Aljibe Tango Show is located in the heart of the San Telmo neighbourhood, in a historic fully-restored barn. This Tango venue is a classic site in the route through Buenos Aires’ culture and customs. The interiors, which preserve the purest of the building, are the ideal setting for a unique proposal with artists on stage: two Tango orchestras, a set of folk music, dancers and singers. After the show, you will be returned to the hotel.
Overnight: NH 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Enjoy another day at leisure in the beautiful Buenos Aires. Relax at the hotel, or go walking around the town searching for some local and authentic Argentinian food. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in one of the following optional activities.
Optional Activity 1: Gaucho Ranch Experience $365 AUD per person
Full-Day Tour (approximately 9 hours)
Immerse in the cultural legacy of Gauchos, Argentinian Horsemen and drovers at a traditional cattle ranch. Once at the estancia (cattle ranch), you can enjoy horseback riding or go for a ride in a sulky or carriage, whilst enjoying some "empanadas" and beverages. At lunchtime, you will enjoy a typical country-style barbeque, prepared using only the finest quality meats. Dessert is accompanied by a folk music performance and a demonstration of gaucho skills (horse whisper or tropillas).
Optional Activity 2: Tigre & Delta Tour With Boat Ride $190 AUD per person
Full-Day Tour (approximately 6 hours)
Head to the city’s port to board a First-Class motorboat which will take you to the Tigre Delta. Admire Buenos Aires from the water on this 90-minute tour of its northern suburbs and Delta rivers, whilst enjoying refreshments on board. After the motorboat trip, a minibus will take you to visit Paseo Victorica, an elegant neighbourhood in Tigre and Puerto de Frutos, a riverfront market. It is then onto San Isidro to visit the town’s historical centre and the cathedral, before ending the tour in the city’s northern suburbs and the Presidential Residence in Olivos, before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: NH 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today transfer to the airport for your onward flight to the town of Puerto Iguazu, on the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Puerto Iguazu is the gateway to the Iguazu Waterfalls, located near the triple border between Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. They are composed of 275 cascades and are fed by the Iguazu River. One of the most popular attractions is "Garganta del Diablo," or “Devil ́s Throat,” which is the biggest fall of the complex (80m high). No matter if you decide to explore the waterfalls on the Argentinean side or if you want to contemplate them from Brazil, you may rest assured that the experience is a mesmerising show.
Overnight: El Pueblito Theme Hotel, Iguazu or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, be met by the local guide for an excursion into the Argentinian side of Iguazu National Park to spend the day exploring the falls and surrounding rivers and jungle. The park consists of various trails that take you through the jungle on walkways built a few metres above the jungle floor and waterways. These raised platforms protect the natural habitat of the jungle wildlife and provide spectacular views.
Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in the park (not included) or bring a packed lunch with you from Puerto Iguazu to enjoy in the great outdoors. Return to Puerto Iguazu in the afternoon.
Optional Activity: The Great Adventure Tour - $185 AUD per person
The Great Adventure is a unique tour that combines viewing the jungle and the waterfalls. Led by experienced guides, this tour starts by entering the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” trail with special transportation that allows a panoramic view of the magical surrounds. A short way into the jungle, follow stairs up to a floating platform where a motorboat waits to take you through the Canyon of the Iguazu River. After enjoying the view from San Martin Island you will sail to the “Tres Mosqueteros” waterfall, where the Brazilian and Argentinean sides and the Devil’s Throat can be appreciated. From there, sail along the shore of the island until you reach the face of the San Martin waterfall, an unforgettable experience.
Please note:
• The Great Adventure Tour will take place during the scheduled tour of the Argentinian side of the falls mentioned in the itinerary above. Customers who purchase the Great Adventure Tour will split from the main group partway through the scheduled tour to take part in this optional tour.
• This tour is not suitable for the following people:
- Children under 12 years old.
- Pregnant women.
- People with osteoporosis, neck, back conditions or surgery.
- People with heart conditions or surgery.
- People with COPD or neurological condition or surgery.
- People with any physical, cognitive or/and sensorial disability unable to react in a nautical emergency.
Overnight: El Pueblito Theme Hotel, Iguazu or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you will be met at the hotel and transferred across the border to the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park. Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the Iguazu River Canyon, the Salto Rivadavia, Three Musketeers and the Devil's Throat, among other iconic landmarks on this side of the park. This wonderful setting is enhanced by the almost permanent rainbows that are created by the spray from the waterfalls. Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants (not included) and then transfer onwards to the airport in Foz de Iguazu (Brazil) for your connecting flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast depart from the hotel to visit the iconic Christ The Redeemer. The statue sits 700-metres above the city of Rio and has fascinated visitors and historians for nearly a hundred years. It’s the fourth largest statue of Jesus Christ in the world, the largest Art Deco-style sculpture on the planet, and to top it all off, in 2007 the statue was deemed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Perched on the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio, the statue stands at a whopping 30 metres tall (making it two-thirds the height of New York’s Statue of Liberty), and its outstretched arms reach 28 meters horizontally. Not only is the statue the most recognizable landmark of Rio, it’s become a cultural icon of Brazil as well. Continue to visit the impressive Selarón Stairs: Jorge Selarón’s unique and vivid mosaic steps. The Escadaria Selarón, 125 metres of steps covered in bright tile, is a product of sheer determination by Selarón and they act as a source of inspiration for the neighbourhood.
After the tour, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Rio de Janeiro at your own leisure. Rio is a vibrant city with stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, mountains and tropical rainforests. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in the following optional activities:
Optional Activity: City Tour & Sugar Loaf Mountain - $165 AUD per person
Half-Day Tour (approximately 4 hours)
Enjoy a city tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro, visit the Sambadrome, Praca XV, Cinelandia, Maracana Stadium and the Metropolitan Cathedral (entrances not included). Continue to Sugarloaf Mountain, ascending by cable car to a vantage where you can enjoy amazing views including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance.
Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today at the appropriate time, you will be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Santiago, Chile. Once in Santiago you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.
Santiago de Chile is the capital and largest city of Chile, located in the country ́s Maipo Valley. The city combines colonial and European architecture with a distinctive style that invites thousands of visitors to explore its streets full of museums, stores, and world-class restaurants. Santiago is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Latin America.
Overnight: Almasur Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, after breakfast, embark on a city sightseeing tour where you will first head to Plaza de Armas (translates to ‘square of weapons’) which, in colonial times, a gallows served as the square's grisly centrepiece. Today, there’s a fountain celebrating libertador (liberator) Simón Bolívar, shaded by more than a hundred Chilean palm trees.
Tour through the civic district, with ministerial buildings surrounding the government house - the Palacio de la Moneda. The final stop in the historical area is a tour of the old and stately neighbourhoods, a place full of an exquisite architectural variety brought by mainly European immigrants. Then observe magnificent panoramic views of the city and mountains before heading to the western area to see the great architectural contrast. A thriving and contemporary city with impressive buildings of daring styles that represent a seal of modernity to this big city.
Afterwards, be returned to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Almasur Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Santiago at your own leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in the following optional activity.
Optional Activity: Valparaiso & Vina del Mar Tour - $350 AUD per person
Full-Day Tour (approximately 9 hours)
Visit Valparaíso, the main port in Chile considered a World Heritage Site for its rare architecture of narrow streets and stairs that go up to the top of the hills. Continue to Viña del Mar - also known as the Ciudad Jardín (Garden City) - Chile’s most popular seaside resort. Here you will find wide sidewalks, beautiful plazas, and bloomed gardens. Discover the contrast of both cities next to the sea, located only 120 km from Santiago.
Overnight: Almasur Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today at the appropriate time be transferred to the airport in preparation of your return flight to Australia.
Meals included: Breakfast
Sit back, relax and reminisce on the memories created over the past weeks on your trip through South America.
Once arrived in Australia, make your own onward travel arrangements.
Today depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Quito, Ecuador. Once you arrive you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel. Quito is the largest, best-preserved colonial city of America and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the cultural capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano.
Please note:
• Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.
• Some customers may experience and extended layover. Lounge passes may be purchased at your own expense.
Sheraton Quito Ecudaor, Quito or similar
Meals included: In-Flight
Today you’ll have the day at leisure to relax or alternatively, you can choose to partake in an optional tour.
Optional Tour: Full-Day Quito City Tour - $75 AUD per person
Enjoy a truly unique experience in the heart of Quito city and discover its history from a local eye. Walk around its narrow streets, visiting the most iconic buildings such as; the Golden Church, San Francisco Square, and the Main Square. Visit Luis' local workshop, “Cruz Verde”, a well-known artisan whose family has prepared the local candy “Colaciones” for the last 100 years keeping alive Quito ́s tradition. For lunch, you will have the opportunity to sit with locals and enjoy a tasty meal freshly prepared using local products and flavours. In the afternoon, you will go for a walk on the colourful Ronda Street, you can enjoy a giant empanada and to finish the day, go to Panecillo Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of Quito.
Overnight: Sheraton Quito Ecudaor, Quito or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Island of Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be picked up and transferred to Santa Cruz, a nearby island, crossing the narrow Itabaca channel by ferry and then continuing by car. Your first stop will be at the highlands of Santa Cruz. The “Parte Alta” as the highlands are called in Spanish are very lush and green and home to the iconic giant Galapagos tortoises. Here you will visit a private ranch where you will enjoy lunch before heading out on a walk in search of the giant tortoises.
During this visit you will also visit some lava tubes, which are formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies, but the inside remains a liquid and flows out like a river. After this tour, you will continue by private transport to the hotel. Here you will have a meet and greet with a local guide who will explain the following days itinerary to you. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to explore this beautiful Island.
Overnight: Hotel Fiesta or similar, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Today, after breakfast, you will enjoy a half-day tour of Academy Bay. Be sure to pack sun protection, a bathing suit, a towel, a camera and comfortable walking shoes. Optional snorkel equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it. During the tour, you will take a boat to Academy Bay where you can swim and snorkel with sea lions and all kinds of colourful fish. Here you can see the blue-footed boobies who are resting at the edge of the cliffs.
Afterwards, climb to a nearby viewpoint and if you are lucky, you can see white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below. Afterwards, take a walk to ‘Playa de los Perros’ where many sea iguanas are found resting in the sun. The enormous cacti, the red colour of the rocks and the turquoise colour of the ocean make for great photo opportunities.
Overnight: Hotel Fiesta or similar, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
This morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon you will be met and transferred from the hotel to the dock of Santa Cruz from where you will take a boat (approx. 2 hours) to the island of San Cristobal. Upon arrival at the dock in San Cristobal, you will be transferred to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here you will have a meet and greet with another local guide who will explain the rest of your itinerary to you. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure on this stunning island.
Overnight: Hotel Arena Blanca or similar, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, you will be met and transferred to a dock where you will take a quick boat ride to the nearby Isla Lobos. During this boat trip, you will observe a lot of sea life before even setting foot on the island. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour where you will have the chance to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions that all inhabit the island. Afterwards, you will have time for a swim or snorkel in the beautiful waters.
Continue onwards to a nearby beach on San Cristobal where you may enjoy an included packed lunch and some time at leisure. The white coral beaches of San Cristobal are great to walk around, relax and swim in the shallow waters before returning to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Overnight: Hotel Arena Blanca or similar, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Enjoy some free time this morning before transferring to the airport in San Cristobal. From here, you will take a quick flight back to Ecuador's mainland. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Sheraton or similar, Quito, Ecuador
Meals included: Breakfast
Today at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival in Lima, be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
Lima is a huge and fascinating city, a melting pot of all things Peruvian, where world-famous restaurants sit alongside ancient archaeological sites. Known as The City of Kings, the Peruvian capital is packed with stunning colonial architecture, huge religious buildings, the seat of government, and other important structures.
Overnight: Hotel José Antonio Lima, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today embark on a city tour of Lima, where you will be guided to some of the most important locations in the city, including Huaca Pucllana, the Plaza de Armas, Lima Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Convent.
Huaca Pucllana is a huge archaeological site in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular districts. Huaca Pucllana was an important ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture, which developed along this part of the Peruvian coast between 200 AD and 700 AD.
After exploring Huaca Pucllana with your guide, travel to the historic centre of Lima, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Go to the beautiful Plaza de Armas (Lima’s main square) which is surrounded by impressive colonial and Republican-era buildings, many of which have ornate wooden balconies. Visit the Cathedral of Lima, which was completed in 1649. It’s a huge structure, with a large central nave and 14 side chapels. Inside, we’ll see the sculptures and paintings that decorate the interior.
Next, we’ll walk one block to the Convent of Santo Domingo. Founded in the 1530s and completed in 1766, it is one of the most important religious buildings in Peru, and its large bell tower is a landmark in the historic centre of Lima.
Afterwards, transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Cusco. Once arrived in Cusco, a tour representative will be waiting at the airport and transfer you to the hotel where you will stay for the next three nights.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Wake up in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, one of the most fascinating cities in South America. Just walking through the city centre you can see the incredible mix of Inca and colonial architecture, watch the merging of indigenous and Spanish influences, and feel the history that flows through every cobblestone street. Cusco is located in the Peruvian Andes at an altitude of 3,399 metres above sea level.
Today you will embark on a half-day tour, visiting Cusco Cathedral, the Koricancha (Qorikancha), Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay, giving you a deep insight into the city and its history. First go to the wonderful Koricancha, next to the Church of Santo Domingo. According to chroniclers writing during the period immediately after the Spanish conquest, the Koricancha was the most sacred and important temple of the Inca Empire. Its walls were covered in gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals, all made of pure gold and silver, decorated its rooms and corridors. Unfortunately, this wealth was stripped away by the Spanish conquistadors.
Afterwards, visit the Cathedral of Cusco, located in the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 on the foundations of an existing Inca temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art from the Cusco school of painters, and its high altar and pulpit are covered in gold and silver reliefs. The next stop is the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which stands on a hill above Cusco. Here you will see some of the best examples of Inca stonework and construction, including huge rocks that were carefully cut and fitted perfectly to form the walls. Then we visit the Qenqo Archaeological Complex, which is considered an Inca labyrinth where there is an altar with ritual motifs. Then we head to Tambomachay. The exact purpose of this site is unknown, but it may have functioned, at least in part, as an Inca spa.
After a morning of exploring, you’ll have the remainder of the day at your own leisure.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful valley that is located north of Cusco. Also called the Urubamba Valley, it extends from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, its course irrigated by the Urubamba River. Civilizations have inhabited this valley since at least 800 BC, when the Chanapata civilization arrived here to make use of the rich soil. Today you will embark on a full-day tour to discover the fascinating archaeological sites of civilizations past.
Leaving Cusco, we pass through the Abra de Corao and head into the mountains before descending about 450 metres to the bottom of the valley. Here we will explore the colourful traditional markets in Pisac before heading to the archaeological site, where we will explore the extensive ruins and enjoy beautiful views of the valley. Afterwards, we stop in Urubamba for lunch (not included) before heading to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo which was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial centre. Visit the amazing Temple of the Sun, carved and polished by Inca master stonemasons. Walking towards the town square, we will have great views of the ruins above us, as well as the Inca granaries and warehouses built into the surrounding mountain slopes.
After Ollantaytambo, head to Chinchero, where we will visit the famous church and the huge Inca stone wall in the main square, which has ten trapezoidal niches. The people of Chinchero are very connected to the old traditions, and many still dress in colourful clothing that combines indigenous and Spanish influences. After a day of exploration, we return to Cusco for the evening.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you will check out from your accommodation in Cusco and be transferred to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Take the train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), a colourful town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The two-hour train ride is a memorable experience in itself, as we pass through river canyons and rolling hills.
Aguas Calientes is the gateway to Machu Picchu, sitting in a deep gorge at the foot of the mountain on which Machu Picchu stands. It is a beautiful town that mixes traditional life with a huge tourist infrastructure, with a multitude of markets, souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants. It's also largely pedestrianized, making it a fun place to explore on foot. Aguas Calientes is surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and cliffs, and the Urubamba River flows right by the town. Aguas Calientes is also surrounded by hot springs, soyou will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a dip in one of the steaming natural springs. You will also have time to walk around the city and explore the colourful markets and the general bustle of this unique Peruvian settlement.
Alternatively, as you prepare for an unforgettable experience in Machu Picchu, you can supplement your tour by embarking on a short 1-day Inca Trail Trek (at own expense)
Optional Tour Supplement - Express Inca Trail Trek - $515 per person
Your Machu Picchu adventure begins in Cusco, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Ollantaytambo train station by your tour guide.
You will be picked up in the early morning (approximately 04:30). You will board the train for a 1.5 hour scenic train ride to Kilometre 104 to start your short Inca Trail trek. From here, you will hike approximately 4 hours to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) which is approximately 2,680 metres above sea level. Built on a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River, this archaeological site has a series of 10 baths and numerous Inca buildings displaying high levels of Inca masonry. Wiñay Wayna was discovered almost 30 years after the entire world knew about Machu Picchu and almost 40 years after Machu Picchu was first discovered. Little is known about what Wiñay Wayna was originally built for, however there are theories that it was built as a spiritual destination or resting place before reaching Machu Picchu, where elders and royalty would cleanse themselves in the baths. Others believe that the site functioned as a kind of administrative centre to keep track of the amount of produce stored on-site.
After exploring Wiñay Wayna, you will continue your walk to Inti Punku (the Puerta del Sol). From here, you will have your first and spectacular view of Machu Picchu. This site was believed to have once been the main entrance to Machu Picchu and was dedicated to Inti, the Inca Sun God. You’ll then head to Aguas Calientes where the remainder of your afternoon will be spent at leisure. Please note, given the nature and overall length of this tour, the fitness level required for this supplement tour is of moderate to active fitness. This will be done early on in your 25-day tour, so please bear this in mind. There may be uneven surfaces on the trek and you may experience trekking at high-altitudes. Should you have any concerns, it is best to speak to your GP for advice.
Overnight: Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu, Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today is an early start, at approximately 05.40 you will be picked up and board the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. You will have time for breakfast before being picked up this morning.
Pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here you’ll be guided on a two-hour tour, to the most famous and most spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and other key locations. And as you walk around, you’ll have spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across to the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges.
Once you’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Poroy and Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, a tour representative will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own leisure. The capital city of the Inca Empire is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
Optional Activity: Folklore Show & Dinner - $50 AUD per person
Head to the Tunupa restaurant, located just near the central Plaza de Armas of Cusco (a short walk from the hotel), and experience a fabulous buffet dinner. There is a large selection of typical Peruvian dishes featuring meat, fish and vegetables. The night becomes more enjoyable when the traditional dance show begins; get involved with folk, traditional and classical music, enjoying the sounds of Andean instruments. If you wish, you can also share the dance floor with the dancers and enjoy a great, memorable experience.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in Cusco in preparation for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Once arrived, you will be met by your tour leader and transferred to your accommodation for the next three nights.
Puerto Maldonado is Peru’s capital of biodiversity and gateway to the Amazon. You will be transported to Puerto Capitanía, the port where our riverboat will be waiting for us. We will sail across Rio Bajo Madre de Dios (Winding River) until arriving at our lodge, 30 km away from Puerto Maldonado City. On the way to the lodge, you can observe diverse animals such as the capybaras, caimans, water turtles, herons, cormorants, carrion birds and birds of prey.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with delicious Amazon tropical fruit nectars and a hearty lunch will be served in the rustically designed dining room.
In the afternoon, the specialised guide will take you through an interpretive trail, conveniently signposted, to Caiman Cocha, a little lagoon where you will have the chance to observe the black caiman and the common caiman, as well as efficient predators located at the top of the food chain. They feed on a rich water fauna—mainly represented by fish— that inhabits the pond. In the evening you can enjoy a delicious dinner and time to share unforgettable moments at the bar, equipped with an excellent game room.
Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After breakfast, embark on a hike deep into the forest on well-looked-after trails. On the way, cross the riverside to reach high-elevation forests, and then you will descend to floodable forests. During the journey, you will see the widest range of flora and fauna in the wild. Arrive at the majestic Lake Apu Victor, surrounded by immense swamps and gigantic trees. Then, you'll go up to an Amazonian observation deck, from which you’ll get to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake, and observe parrots, macaws, toucans, horned screamers, hoatzins, herons and other animals like caimans, turtles, etc. A wide variety of fish enter Lake Apu Victor with flooding in the rainy season. In addition, there are other species of fauna associated with the lake, like the yellow-footed tortoise, the mata mata, the twist-necked turtle, the freshwater blenny, the kinkajou, the white-tailed deer, the Central American agoutis and the giant otter of the Amazon rainforest.
Return to the lodge for a refreshing lunch before heading on a guided tour in the afternoon to Monkey Island. This island shows an enormous variety of exuberant flora and hosts numerous primate specimens like the black spider monkey, the black-cap capuchin monkey, the squirrel monkey and the lion monkey. Also other species of little mammals like the ring-tailed coati (nasua nasua), the squirrel and an enormous variety of coloured birds.
Finally, we will complete our visit to the island, enjoying a sunset with the most impressive dusk in the jungle. Back in the lodge, you will taste an exquisite dinner.
Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Magic begins with birds singing from the Amazon paradise, waking up to the howler monkey calls. A hearty breakfast will provide you with the necessary energy for a morning full of new experiences.
After breakfast, start an adventure in the virgin forest. Accompanied by a local guide, go on a hike in the deep forest: you will cover very well preserved prepared trails. You will cross temporary water courses, called tributaries, through very well-kept bridges, and you’ll witness the widest range of flora and fauna in the wild. You’ll identify a great variety of ornamental plants with unparalleled beauty. With luck, you’ll get to see bigger mammals, like the jaguar or Peruvian jaguar, the Brazilian tapir and the white-lipped peccary; rodents like the giant otter, the capybara, the spotted paca and the armadillo; primates like the coto or howler monkey and the squirrel monkey; reptiles like the iguana; amphibians like the toad, and birds like the guan, the partridge, the golden parakeet or the scarlet macaw.
After a morning of exploring, you will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have time at leisure to explore the lodge, visit the botanical garden or observe the medicinal plants and fruit trees. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner.
Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
This morning wake to the sounds of the amazon, enjoy breakfast before departing the lodge and transferring to Puerto Maldonado Airport in preparation for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina via Lima, Peru.
Please note: due to flight availability and scheduling, your flight to Buenos Aires will depart late afternoon and you will arrive into Buenos Aires the following day.
Overnight: NH 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Early this morning, you will arrive into Buenos Aires. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our tour representative and taken to the hotel to rest and freshen up before embarking on an afternoon city tour of Buenos Aires.
Discover the beauty and magic of Buenos Aires, an intoxicating mix of busy and beautiful streets full of Tango aromas and football passion. You’re first stop at Plaza de Mayo, an important site for the country’s political past, surrounded by emblematic buildings. Here, you will learn the history of the area before visiting one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods, San Telmo, with its cobble-stoned streets, antique shops and picturesque buildings. Experience the history of Tango in the neighbourhood of La Boca, one of the city’s most authentic and charming neighbourhoods, as you walk along Caminito Street. Visit the Pink House, our Presidential Palace, the Cabildo, the old town hall, and the Neoclassical-style Metropolitan Cathedral, the final home of Argentina’s founding father, José de San Martín. After the city tour be returned to your hotel where you can enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: NH 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Buenos Aires at your own leisure. The name, Buenos Aires, literally means "good airs" in Spanish. It is one of the largest cities in Latin America, with a wide range of cultural offers and stunning sights.
In the evening (between 7.30pm-8pm) you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Aljibe Tango for a 3-course dinner and Tango show. Aljibe Tango Show is located in the heart of the San Telmo neighbourhood, in a historic fully-restored barn. This Tango venue is a classic site in the route through Buenos Aires’ culture and customs. The interiors, which preserve the purest of the building, are the ideal setting for a unique proposal with artists on stage: two Tango orchestras, a set of folk music, dancers and singers. After the show, you will be returned to the hotel.
Overnight: NH 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Enjoy another day at leisure in the beautiful Buenos Aires. Relax at the hotel, or go walking around the town searching for some local and authentic Argentinian food. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in one of the following optional activities.
Optional Activity: Gaucho Ranch Experience - $365 AUD per person
Full-Day Tour (approximately 9 hours)
Immerse in the cultural legacy of Gauchos, Argentinian Horsemen and drovers at a traditional cattle ranch. Once at the estancia (cattle ranch), you can enjoy horseback riding or go for a ride in a sulky or carriage, whilst enjoying some "empanadas" and beverages. At lunchtime, you will enjoy a typical country-style barbeque, prepared using only the finest quality meats. Dessert is accompanied by a folk music performance and a demonstration of gaucho skills (horse whisper or tropillas).
Optional Activity: Tigre & Delta Tour With Boat Ride - $190 AUD per person
Full-Day Tour (approximately 6 hours)
Head to the city’s port to board a First-Class motorboat which will take you to the Tigre Delta. Admire Buenos Aires from the water on this 90-minute tour of its northern suburbs and Delta rivers, whilst enjoying refreshments on board. After the motorboat trip, a minibus will take you to visit Paseo Victorica, an elegant neighbourhood in Tigre and Puerto de Frutos, a riverfront market. It is then onto San Isidro to visit the town’s historical centre and the cathedral, before ending the tour in the city’s northern suburbs and the Presidential Residence in Olivos, before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: NH 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today transfer to the airport for your onward flight to the town of Puerto Iguazu, on the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Puerto Iguazu is the gateway to the Iguazu Waterfalls, located near the triple border between Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. They are composed of 275 cascades and are fed by the Iguazu River. One of the most popular attractions is "Garganta del Diablo," or “Devil ́s Throat,” which is the biggest fall of the complex (80m high). No matter if you decide to explore the waterfalls on the Argentinean side or if you want to contemplate them from Brazil, you may rest assured that the experience is a mesmerising show.
Overnight: El Pueblito Theme Hotel, Iguazu or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, be met by the local guide for an excursion into the Argentinian side of Iguazu National Park to spend the day exploring the falls and surrounding rivers and jungle. The park consists of various trails that take you through the jungle on walkways built a few metres above the jungle floor and waterways. These raised platforms protect the natural habitat of the jungle wildlife and provide spectacular views.
Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in the park (not included) or bring a packed lunch with you from Puerto Iguazu to enjoy in the great outdoors. Return to Puerto Iguazu in the afternoon.
Optional Activity: The Great Adventure Tour - $185 AUD per person
The Great Adventure is a unique tour that combines viewing the jungle and the waterfalls. Led by experienced guides, this tour starts by entering the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” trail with special transportation that allows a panoramic view of the magical surrounds. A short way into the jungle, follow stairs up to a floating platform where a motorboat waits to take you through the Canyon of the Iguazu River. After enjoying the view from San Martin Island you will sail to the “Tres Mosqueteros” waterfall, where the Brazilian and Argentinean sides and the Devil’s Throat can be clearly appreciated. From there, sail along the shore of the island until you reach the face of the San Martin waterfall, an unforgettable experience
Please note:
• The Great Adventure Tour will take place during the scheduled tour of the Argentinian side of the falls mentioned in the itinerary above. Customers who purchase the Great Adventure Tour will split from the main group partway through the scheduled tour to take part in this optional tour.
• This tour is not suitable for the following people:
- Children under 12 years old.
- Pregnant women.
- People with osteoporosis, neck, back conditions or surgery.
- People with heart conditions or surgery.
- People with COPD or neurological condition or surgery.
- People with any physical, cognitive or/and sensorial disability unable to react in a nautical emergency.
Overnight: El Pueblito Theme Hotel, Iguazu or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you will be met at the hotel and transferred across the border to the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park. Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the Iguazu River Canyon, the Salto Rivadavia, Three Musketeers and the Devil's Throat, among other iconic landmarks on this side of the park. This wonderful setting is enhanced by the almost permanent rainbows that are created by the spray from the waterfalls. Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants (not included) and then transfer onwards to the airport in Foz de Iguazu (Brazil) for your connecting flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast depart from the hotel to visit the iconic Christ The Redeemer. The statue sits 700-metres above the city of Rio and has fascinated visitors and historians for nearly a hundred years. It’s the fourth largest statue of Jesus Christ in the world, the largest Art Deco-style sculpture on the planet, and to top it all off, in 2007 the statue was deemed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Perched on the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio, the statue stands at a whopping 30 metres tall (making it two-thirds the height of New York’s Statue of Liberty), and its outstretched arms reach 28 meters horizontally. Not only is the statue the most recognizable landmark of Rio, it’s become a cultural icon of Brazil as well. Continue to visit the impressive Selarón Stairs: Jorge Selarón’s unique and vivid mosaic steps. The Escadaria Selarón, 125 metres of steps covered in bright tile, is a product of sheer determination by Selarón and they act as a source of inspiration for the neighbourhood.
After the tour, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Rio de Janeiro at your own leisure. Rio is a vibrant city with stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, mountains and tropical rainforests. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in the following optional activity.
Optional Activity: City Tour & Sugar Loaf Mountain - $165 AUD per person
Half-Day Tour (approximately 4 hours)
Enjoy a city tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro, visit the Sambadrome, Praca XV, Cinelandia, Maracana Stadium and the Metropolitan Cathedral (entrances not included). Continue to Sugarloaf Mountain, ascending by cable car to a vantage where you can enjoy amazing views including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance.
Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today at the appropriate time, you will be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Santiago, Chile. Once in Santiago you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.
Santiago de Chile is the capital and largest city of Chile, located in the country ́s Maipo Valley. The city combines colonial and European architecture with a distinctive style that invites thousands of visitors to explore its streets full of museums, stores, and world-class restaurants. Santiago is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Latin America.
Overnight: Almasur Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, after breakfast, embark on a city sightseeing tour where you will first head to Plaza de Armas (translates to ‘square of weapons’) which in colonial times a gallows was the square's grisly centrepiece, today it's a fountain celebrating libertador (liberator) Simón Bolívar, shaded by more than a hundred Chilean palm trees. Tour through the civic district, with the
ministerial building surrounding the government’s house, the Palacio de la Moneda, a silent witness of the most relevant event in our republican history. To conclude the historical area, a tour of the old and stately neighbourhoods of the old “high society”, a place full of an exquisite architectonic variety brought by immigrants, mainly European, in a time of great mining exploitation and high-born families. Then observe magnificent panoramic views of the city and mountains before heading to the western area to see the great architectonic contrast. A thriving and contemporary city with impressive buildings of daring styles that represent a seal of modernity to this big city.
Afterwards, be returned to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Almasur Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Santiago at your own leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in the following optional activities:
Optional Activity: Valparaiso & Vina del Mar Tour - $350 AUD per person
Full-Day Tour (approximately 9 hours)
Valparaíso, the main port in Chile, is considered a World Heritage Site by its rare architecture and narrow-street display, passages, and stairs that go up to the top of the hills. And Viña del Mar, the most visited tourist seaside resort in our country, also known as the Ciudad Jardín (Garden City), because of all the green areas that surround it, wide sidewalks, beautiful plazas, and bloomed gardens. They are the gates to the Pacific Ocean. Discover the contrast of both cities next to the sea, located only 120 km from Santiago.
Overnight: Almasur Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today at the appropriate time be transferred to the airport in preparation of your return flight to Australia.
Meals included: Breakfast
Sit back, relax and reminisce on the memories created over the past weeks on your trip through South America.
Once arrived in Australia (or New Zealand), make your own onward travel arrangements.
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