Grand Tour of South America (29 Days)

Introduction

Quito - Iglesia de San Francisco

© Clos Apalta Winery

© Clos Apalta Winery Lapostelle Residence

Torres del Paine - Patagonia

Torres Del Paine National Park - Chile

Lago Grey Glacier

La Bamba de Areco - Gaucho

La Bamba de Areco

Iguazu Falls - Argentina

Iguazu Falls - Argentina

Argentine National Dance - The Tango

Buenos Aires Architecture

Cusco Plaza de Armas - Peru

Machu Picchu - Peru

Inca Fortress - Ollantaytambo

Amazon Jungle Peru - Spider Monkeys

Amazon Jungle © Inkaterra

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge

Galapagos Marine Iguanas

Galapagos Marine Iguanas

Discover the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Cormorant Catamaran Royal Galapagos

Cormorant Catamaran Royal Galapagos

Quito - Iglesia de San Francisco

© Clos Apalta Winery

© Clos Apalta Winery Lapostelle Residence

Torres del Paine - Patagonia

Torres Del Paine National Park - Chile

Lago Grey Glacier

La Bamba de Areco - Gaucho

La Bamba de Areco

Iguazu Falls - Argentina

Iguazu Falls - Argentina

Argentine National Dance - The Tango

Buenos Aires Architecture

Cusco Plaza de Armas - Peru

Machu Picchu - Peru

Inca Fortress - Ollantaytambo

Amazon Jungle Peru - Spider Monkeys

Amazon Jungle © Inkaterra

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge

Galapagos Marine Iguanas

Galapagos Marine Iguanas

Discover the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Cormorant Catamaran Royal Galapagos

Cormorant Catamaran Royal Galapagos

• 1

  Day 1

  International Arrival Quito Ecuador. Overnight Quito

  Arrival to Quito Ecuador. Private transfer to your Quito Hotel.

• 2

  Day 2

  Morning Tour of Colonial Quito. Overnight Quito

  The city has one of the best-preserved colonial centers in all South America. Its integrity was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared Quito a World Cultural Heritage site. On our morning visit to colonial Quito. We will walk through the Main Plaza, where you will see the Government Palace, La Compañía, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery from 1534. Then we will visit the city’s famous La Ronda street, where we will learn about traditional work in Colonial Quito. For our last stop, we will also be visiting the ‘Panecillo’, the hill that dominates the South of the city, and where we will be able to admire the famous statue of Our Lady of the Panecillo and enjoy spectacular views of Quito.

• 3

  Day 3

  Galapagos Cormorant Cruise

  Flight from Quito to the Galapagos Isles. Your cruise vessel is the beautiful catamaran Cormorant. All cabins and suites are appointed with panoramic ceiling to floor windows and private balconies. The vessel has a length of 108 ft (33 m) and a beam of 39 ft (12 m). Sixteen passengers in total, nine crew, a cruise director and an expert naturalist guide, ensure the finest individual attention on all excursions.

  This 4-day cruise will have an arrival to San Cristobal Airport and transfer to the vessel at San Cristobal. Your itinerary includes the destinations of Kicker Rock, Española – Suarez Point, Gardner Bay & Gardner Islet, Floreana Island- Post Office Bay, Baroness Viewing Point, Cormorant Point & Champion Islet, Santa Cruz Twin Craters and finish at Baltra airport. View the complete 4 day Galapagos Cruise itinerary here. Flight to Lima Peru and Overnight Lima airport hotel.

  This fine cruise affords opportunity to see frigate bird, sea lion, giant tortoise, sharks, tropical fish, turtles, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, Nasca boobies, mockingbirds, blue footed boobies and so much more.

  Note: Itineraries are unlikely to change significantly but are subject to change. Weather, wildlife breeding, safety concerns, instructions from the Galapagos National Park, specific abilities and interests of passengers as well as operational matters may cause your guide or captain to change the time or nature of visits. Your guide and captain will always endeavor to select the best itinerary within these limits.

• 4

  Day 4

  Galapagos Cormorant Cruise

  See the descriptions for Day 3 for details.

• 5

  Day 5

  Galapagos Cormorant Cruise

  See the descriptions for Day 3 for details.

• 6

  Day 6

  Galapagos Cormorant Cruise

  See the descriptions for Day 3 for details.

• 7

  Day 7

  Amazon Jungle Lodge Tambopata National Reserve

  Flight to Puerto Maldonado and a 4D/3N stay at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. This wonderful lodge is located aside Tambopata National Reserve. A luxury eco- lodge fronting to Madre de Dios River, the property consists of 35 very well-appointed wooden cabinas. It has been acclaimed by National Geographic Traveler and Conde Nast as among the very best in the world. Activities include a canopy walkway set 100 feet (30m) in the air, boating excursions to Lake Sandoval, Jungle Trails, The Anaconda Walk and many more. The region is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet with an estimated 580 bird species, 100 mammals and countless breathtaking flora. You can discuss your preferred activities on arrival with your guide. Following on from your amazing four-day Amazon adventure you take a flight to Cusco and private transfer to your Sacred Valley hotel.

• 8

  Day 8

  Amazon Jungle Lodge Tambopata National Reserve

  See the descriptions for Day 7 for details.

• 9

  Day 9

  Amazon Jungle Lodge Tambopata National Reserve

  See the descriptions for Day 7 for details.

• 10

  Day 10

  Amazon Jungle Lodge Tambopata National Reserve

  See the descriptions for Day 7 for details.

• 11

  Day 11

  Sacred Valley Tour. Overnight Sacred Valley

  Full day private tour of Moray Ruins, Maras Salt Pans and Ollantaytambo Ruins. Built in huge circular terraces, it is unclear exactly what the purpose of Moray was to the Incas, but it is thought that it was built for farming purposes as a crop laboratory. Moray is a fantastic place to explore and walk down to the core of the circular terraces or take a picture from on-high, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. A trip to Moray is also a great opportunity to explore the stunning Salt Pans of Maras, a surprisingly unexplored gem of the Sacred Valley. Local workers at the mine will demonstrate the process of extracting salt. Towards the eastern end of the Sacred Valley is the famous ruin of Ollantaytambo. This impressive and large ruin was one of the last strong holds for the Incas after the invasion of the Spanish nearly 500 years ago. Built into the mountain side and ascending rapidly to the peak of the ruins, Ollantaytambo was almost certainly built as a fortress to protect the eastern end of the Sacred Valley. Overnight Sacred Valley.

• 12

  Day 12

  Train to Machu Picchu and Private Tour. Overnight near Machu Picchu

  We embark upon today’s journey aboard the Vistadome Train with its panoramic roof for the best vistas as we journey from Ollantaytambo Station to Aguas Calientes the gateway to Machu Picchu. Your guide will accompany you on the short bus ride to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Here you will take a 2 ½ hour privately guided tour of all the main attractions including The Caretakers Hut, Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, Three Windowed Temple, Intihuatana / Solar Clock, and the Inca quarry. Overnight Aguas Calientes.

• 13

  Day 13

  Revisit Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hike. Overnight Cusco

  Take the short shuttle bus ride to re-visit Machu Picchu and enjoy time to explore some of the parts not visited on the previous day. It includes time to hike up to the Sun Gate or take a hike on the Machu Picchu Mountain Trek. Located to the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel and towering 3,050 metres (10,007 feet) above sea level, the mountain trek offers unparalleled views of the famous Inca sanctuary and panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain scenery. At its summit, Inca priests once performed rituals on special dates as well as liturgical greetings to the Salkantay Apu mountain. Evening return train and overnight Cusco.

• 14

  Day 14

  Afternoon Cusco and Market Tour. Overnight Cusco

  Take time to relax this morning. In the afternoon, we enjoy a wonderful private tour of Cusco, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you will start your tour at the iconic San Pedro Market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavours and traditions of modern Cusco. The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, upon which the Order of the Dominicans built a church, which remains standing to this day. You will continue ascending to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place. Finally, you will arrive to the Plaza de Armas (main square), where you will visit Cusco Cathedral, the most revered temple of the city.

• 15

  Day 15

  Free Day to Explore Cusco. Overnight Cusco

  Cusco is the perfect city to have a free day. You can choose to relax and enjoy your hotel, stroll about the local markets and cobble lined streets or enjoy some of the amazing Peruvian cuisine. Your travel adviser will be happy to let you know the best options. Overnight at your Cusco hotel

• 16

  Day 16

  Flight Cusco - Lima - Iguazu. Overnight Foz do Iguaçu

  Private transfer to Cusco Airport and take a flight, first to Lima and connect onward to Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. Our representative and driver will then transfer you to your hotel at Foz do Iguaçu. Overnight Foz do Iguaçu.

• 17

  Day 17

  Tour of Argentinian Iguazu Falls. Overnight Foz do Iguaçu

  Today we transfer across the border into Iguazú National Park in Argentina. We board the narrow-gauge jungle train to embark upon a private tour of the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls. It includes the walkway to the famous Devil’s Throat where you can witness falls up to 260 feet (80m) in height. After lunch we enjoy a rather different shared excursion in a boat right venturing out right under the cascading falls. We sail the lesser Iguazú River Canyon, rafting the river rapids to appreciate falls from the tranquility of San Martín Island. Then we will visit the Tres Mosqueteros (Three Musketeers) fall and the Garganta del Diablo (Devil`s Throat) which will crown the tour. Finally, we sail to the culmination at San Martín fall which is a truly exhilarating approach by boat.

• 18

  Day 18

  Tour Brazilian Iguaçu Falls. Flight to Buenos Aires. Overnight Buenos Aires

  This morning we visit the falls on the Brazilian side. The Parque Nacional do Iguazu offers a wonderful panoramic oversight which you will not have witnessed yesterday from Argentina. The circuit here takes about two and a half hours with continual views of the falls to enjoy. We later fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to overnight at your hotel.

• 19

  Day 19

  Private Tour of Buenos Aires & Evening Tango Show

  Buenos Aires, The Paris of the South. On an unforgettable route, we will live all the porteño magic. Visit the glamorous neighborhoods of Recoleta and its most famous cemetery, Palermo, May Square and the Pink House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the newest & trendiest Puerto Madero district. In addition we include many other emblematic buildings and palaces of unique architectural, historical, and cultural value. The visit would not be complete without the sights of the first settlements of the city of Buenos Aires. The picturesque neighborhood of San Telmo, residence to the porteño aristocracy until the end of the XIX century and where the renowned antiques market is held every Sunday. We complete the tour at Caminito Street, in the colorful, Italian immigrant neighborhood of La Boca.In the evening you will enjoy dinner and a true flavour of Argentina with a Tango Dance Show at one of the finest venues. This captivating dance began in the 1880’s in the port districts as the Argentine milonga fused with a Spanish tango. Tango, the essence of a melancholy yet evocative pulsating heart, is analogous to the very being of Argentina itself. Overnight Buenos Aires.

• 20

  Day 20

  Estancia La Bamba de Areco Ranch. Overnight Buenos Aires

  We journey by private vehicle some ninety-minutes to the sleepy town of San Antonio de Areco in the heart of the Pampas. Herein lies one of the oldest estancias (ranches) in Argentina, La Bamba de Areco, recently rejuvenated as a luxury boutique hotel and suitably draped in fine colonial elegance. The feeling of being welcomed into a private home, into a property steeped in history and tradition, makes this hotel a special and timeless place for relaxation. Exquisite cuisine, refined service, gaucho traditions and equestrian sports are the essence of La Bamba de Areco. This is a wonderful day learning of Argentine bucolic culture, a return to the essentials of life. Evening private transfer and overnight Buenos Aires.

• 21

  Day 21

  Flight Buenos Aires to Santiago de Chile. Overnight Santiago

  Flight from Buenos Aires International Airport to Santiago de Chile. Evening transfer to your Santiago hotel.

• 22

  Day 22

  Tour of Santiago + Cerro San Cristobal. Overnight Santiago

  We venture out this morning for a tour of Santiago de Chile. This includes all the main attractions of Plaza de Armas, Santa Lucia Metropolitan Park and La Moneda. Along with the combination of San Cristobal Hill, the funicular and teleferico for the very best 360-degree experience.In the evening we especially recommend a meal (not included) at Boragó Restaurant. Boragó deals in ‘territory rather than technique’, according to chef Rodolfo Guzmán. He and his energetic team source native Chilean products used by the Mapuche indigenous people to create endémica, a menu starring diverse preparations that can change during the course of an evening according to produce supply, paired with natural and biodynamic wine or juices. Guzmán’s environmentally minded ethos earned Boragó the inaugural Sustainable Restaurant Award in 2018.

• 23

  Day 23

  Flight Santiago to Punta Arenas. Transfer Lago Grey Hotel Torres del Paine

  Today we bear south by taking a flight to Punta Arenas. Here you will be met by our representative and driver. They will drive 200 miles (325km) to your hotel on the shores of the Grey Lake at Torres del Paine National Park. Overnight at Lago Grey Hotel.Your stay at Lago Grey Hotel is all inclusive as per the hotel programme. Lago Grey Hotel has a team of specialist tour guides who offer multiple daily excursions. These include sailing the Grey Glacier, trekking into the park or tours by vehicle. There exists a comprehensive catalogue of both half day and day tours to suit all client preferences. This ensures you maximize enjoyment of all the main attractions. All outings are designed to make it possible to come in full contact with nature, discovering every possible corner of flora and fauna within Chilean Patagonia. For exact details contact your travel adviser or meet with the local representative upon arrival.

• 24

  Day 24

  Flight Santiago to Punta Arenas. Transfer Lago Grey Hotel Torres del Paine

  See the descriptions for Day 23 for details.

• 25

  Day 25

  Flight Santiago to Punta Arenas. Transfer Lago Grey Hotel Torres del Paine

  See the descriptions for Day 23 for details.

• 26

  Day 26

  Flight to Santiago. Overnight Santiago Hotel

  Shared transfer from Lago Grey Hotel to Punta Arenas Airport, approx..4h 30m. Flight to Santiago Chile and private transfer to your Santiago hotel.

• 27

  Day 27

  Clos Apalta Winery Lapostelle Residence Colchagua Valley

  Today we take a private transfer from Santiago to the Colchagua Valley some 2h 15 mins by road to arrive at the superb Clos Apalta Residence. Each of the rooms at this outstanding winery, offers a breathtaking view of the Apalta vineyards and surrounding mountains. From the dawn light until the last embers of sunset, it is the perfect haven of tranquility. The secluded property is home to a gourmet restaurant encompassing the vibrant cuisine of the rich terroir. The perfect residence for those of bon vivant for exquisite Chilean food and wine. Evening opportunity to relax, enjoy some local forest hiking or get out to experience the biking trails across the vineyards in this beautiful setting. You can also visit the private wine cellar or take a Chilean culinary class at your residence.

• 28

  Day 28

  Clos Apalta Winery Lapostelle Residence Colchagua Valley

  A day of relaxation at Clos Apalta or partake in local forest hiking or the biking trails across the vineyards in the beautiful countryside. Culinary classes are available too, in addition a visit to the private wine cellar is included. For the most relaxing moments, you can enjoy the swimming pool in summer and massages in the privacy of your casita. The view presents a fabulous way of admiring the wild beauty of the landscapes. The residence also boasts wellness experts, who come to teach yoga classes and reunite body with mind.

• 29

  Day 29

  Transfer to Santiago Airport. International Departure.

  Private transfer with guide from your Santiago Hotel to Santiago Airport. International departure.

  “We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey” – John Hope Franklin.