21 Days South America Discovery Tour Package
Duration: 21 Days / 20 Nights
Priced From: $ 7,290 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jan - Dec
Highlights
- Tour the famous cities & beauty spots of Brazil, Argentina, Chile & Peru.
- Marvel at Iguassu Falls from the Brazil & Argentine sides.
- Travel one of world’s great travel “musts”, the classic Andean Lakes Crossing from Chile to Argentina.
- Explore the outstanding Inca monuments of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman, & Ollantaytambo.
- Overnight visit at the great Machu Picchu, reached by panoramic Vistadome train.
Itinerary
Day 1, Depart USA
Begin your holiday with an overnight flight to Brazil.
Day 2, Arrive Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, the city of mountains and sea, samba and carnival, and a relaxed way of life. You are transferred to your hotel where this afternoon, your orientation begins with a cable car ascent of Sugar Loaf Mountain, a tour of city sights, and a ride along the world-famous beaches. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro – ocean view room
Day 3, Rio de Janeiro
Head out this morning in an open-topped, 4x4 jeep to explore the wilderness surrounding Rio. Weave through the Tijuca Forest’s tropical flora, waterfalls and lagoons. Reach the summit of Corcovado by cogswheel train for grand views from the statue of Christ and the Chinese vista. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro – ocean view room (B)
Day 4, Rio de Janeiro
The day is at leisure to relax on the beach or linger at sidewalk cafes or take in an optional tour. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro – ocean view room (B)
Day 5, Rio de Janeiro / Iguassu Falls
Fly this morning to Iguassu Falls, a wonder of tropical nature, vistas, and 275 thundering cascades. Transfer your hotel overlooking this unforgettable scene. Then set out on a walking tour on the Brazilian side to strategic overlooks at a variety of levels. Tropical Das Cataratas (B)
Day 6, Iguassu Falls / Buenos Aires, Argentina
Today, visit Iguassu from the Argentine side for a more extensive experience of the falls and surrounding rainforest. Walk along the upper trails and take a train ride to the crashing spray of Devil’s Throat, and follow boardwalks to the brink of the falls, for many fantastic views. Then fly to Buenos Aires. Sofitel Buenos Aires (B)
Day 7, Buenos Aires
Take in the city highlights on a morning tour, from the Presidential Palace to La Recoleta cemetery, and La Boca Italian neighborhood with its bright fishermen’s houses and artists’ quarter. Tonight enjoy an Argentine dinner and tango show, the seductive dance rich in folklore and tradition. Sofitel Buenos Aires (B,D)
Day 8, Buenos Aires
Today is at leisure to enjoy the city’s distinguished museums, Colon Opera House, and world-class shopping, or take in an optional tour. Sofitel Buenos Aires (B)
Day 9 & 10, Bariloche
Fly to the Swiss-style town of Bariloche in the heart of the Lake District. En route to your hotel, journey the Short Circuit and weave through glorious mountain scenery to the glacial lakes, gorges, rivers and peaks. There is also free time to enjoy this splendid lakeside resort where in addition to their spa, sailboards, canoes, and mountain bikes are provided for guests’ use. Optional tours allow you to venture into the picturesque village of Bariloche or to explore the nearby lakes and forests. Llao Llao – studio lake view room (B-daily)
Day 11, Andean Lakes Crossing to Peulla, Chile
Travel by bus and boat on one of the great scenic excursions of South America, a crossing of Andean Lakes to Peulla, Chile. Sail across Lake Nahuel Huapi, then from Port Blest to Puerto Frias. Cross the Continental Divide and Chilean border, then descend to Peulla, a small village nestled in the mountains. Hotel Natura Patagonia (B,L,D)
Day 12, Andean Lakes Crossing to Puerto Varas, Chile
Continue your Lake Crossing with a catamaran ride along Todos los Santos Lake, surrounded by dense forest and massive snowy peaks. Disembark in Petrohue to admire the blue-green Falls, then proceed to your hotel overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno Volcano. Cabanas del Lago (B)
Day 13, Puerto Varas / Puerto Montt / Santiago
Tour Puerto Varas village, known for its roses and Baroque church, a replica of one in Germany’s Black Forest, before flying to Santiago. Plaza El Bosque Park & Suites (B)
Day 14, Santiago
This morning, tour some classic city landmarks – the atmospheric old quarter, European-style districts, and Spanish churches, gardens and government palaces. Plaza El Bosque Park & Suites (B)
Day 15, Santiago
Today is at leisure for independent activities or take an optional tour. Plaza El Bosque Park & Suites (B)
Day 16, Santiago / Lima, Peru
Fly along the Andean ridge and Pacific coast to Lima, founded by Pizarro in the 16th century, Lima preserves a fascinating past that you’ll explore on an afternoon tour of the colonial district and the Larco Herrera Museum. Swissotel (B)
Day 17, Lima / Cusco
Fly over the Andes Mountains to Cusco, ancient capital of the Incas, and transfer to your hotel to acclimatize. Spend the afternoon touring Cusco and the outlying Inca ruins of Qenqo and Tambomachay, the watchtowers of Puca Pucara, and the wondrous Sacsayhuaman, built of huge geometric blocks fit together with amazing precision. Libertador (B)
Day 18, Cusco / Urubamba Valley
Descend to the sacred valley of Urubamba visiting the village of Pisaq and its market, and the “living museum” town of Ollantaytambo, with its extensive ruins and unfinished temple containing some of the largest stones ever used by Inca builders. Posada del Inca Yucay or similar (B,L,D)
Day 19, Urubamba Valley / Machu Picchu
A thrilling train ride aboard the Vistadome carries you through breathtaking vistas to Machu Picchu. Walk with your guide through this remarkable “lost city” of stone. Compare the simplicity of its civil dwellings with the high degree of perfection found in its religious temples and royal houses. Stop frequently to simply absorb the mountaintop setting. Machu Picchu Pueblo (B,L,D)
Day 20, Machu Picchu / Cusco
A free morning allows time for you to return to Machu Picchu on your own. A hike up Huayna Picchu for grand panoramas of the valley and ruins is also recommended, if the weather is clear. Return to Cusco by train this afternoon. Libertador (B,L)
Day 21, Cusco / Lima / Depart to USA
Depart by air back to Lima, where a hotel room is available for your convenience for the day. This evening you are transferred to the airport for your overnight flight to the USA. Swissotel (dayroom) (B)
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For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our South America vacation specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
12/08
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