Grand South America

Itinerary

Our first class tours are best suited for the traveller who wishes to have more of the activities preplanned and prepaid and includes a number of meals in the tour cost. When you travel on a first class tour of South America you'll simply get more - you get more selection, included features, quality hotels, experience and more value. Escorted travel allows you to have plenty of time to explore on your own and experience a destination without worrying about the travel details such as transfers, transportation and hotels.

Day 1

Arrival in Quito

Upon arrival, you will met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2

Quito Colonial and The Intiñan Museum

In the morning a short trip to the north of the city of Quito will lead us to our planet's Latitude 0'0'0'' where the Intiñan museum known too as 'The trek of Sun' will guide us through the wonderful world of the Andean Cosmo-vision, culture and traditions. After this visit, enjoy of a wonderful tour through the streets and main squares of Quito's Historical Center. A visit to the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo is included in this spectacular visit. Overnight in Quito. B

Day 3

Quito - Andean Handicrafts and Markets

Located at 2530 meters above sea level we find the everlasting fertile, Province of Imbabura, these magical lands surrounded by lakes are home to artists, historical and pre-Inca cultures. We will visit Peguche, a picturesque little town whose inhabitants are famous for their weaving abilities on hand made looms in vivid colors representing figures of the Andean Region. In the area, we also find the strong and artistic hands of the people of San Antonio. Art studios with wood, stone and ceramic sculptures that represent the Quito school of art transport us into the spirit of the indigenous villages who have kept this Spanish cultural manifestation for many generations. Each of the artistic towns, showcase their art in the Otavalo Market, beyond a shopping tour this tour shows us the work, traditions and customs of the indigenous communities. Overnight in Quito. BL

Day 4

Quito - Lima

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima. At arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Lima. B

Day 5

Lima City Tour: Colonial and Contemporary Lima

In the morning, a trip to the essential Lima, 'The City of Kings' including the most important architectural icons of the city, such as the Main Square, where you can find the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. Then, we continue with a visit to the San Francisco Convent, an architectural jewel dating back to the 16th century. On our way to the modern area of the city, we will cross the exclusive district of San Isidro, the new financial heart of the city to take a look at pre-inca Huaca Huallamarca. Finally, we conclude our circuit in Miraflores, where we will visit the 'Parque del Amor' (Love Park) an excellent spot to enjoy a great view of the Pacific Ocean. Overnight in Lima. B

Day 6

Lima - Cusco: Half Day City Tour, Sacsayhuaman Tour

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you are met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit the Imperial City,a living example of the mixture of the Andean and Spanish cultures. We start our trip visiting the Santo Domingo Convent, built over the Koricancha, an ancient Inca palace and place of worship of the Sun God. Later, we will stop at the Main Square, where you will find the Cathedral and the beautiful Church of La Compañia. Continuing the tour, we will visit the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, imposing sample of military Inca architecture which domainates the city. Finally, we will visit the archaeological sites of Qenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, located north east of the city. Overnight in Cusco. B

Day 7

Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo

We will drive towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. We will stop on the way to have a classic view of the Urubamba valley, with crops dressing the mountains like carpets. We will arrive to the colourful market of Pisac, where we will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen, or to purchase their hand-made souvenirs. We will continue to the town of Urubamba for a buffet lunch. Finally, we will visit Ollantaytambo, an attractive town of Inca origin with remarkable channels and stone streets. At its highest point one rises to an impressive ceremonial center.. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. BL

Day 8

Machu Picchu 'The Lost City of the Incas'

You will visit one of the most important energetic centers of the world: Machu Picchu. The excursion will be by train and during the trip we will have an amazing view of the landscapes of the Sacred Valley of Urubamba. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, our representatives will assist you to board the bus which will take you to the citadel. It will be an unforgettable experience, where a professional tour guide will impart the history around this mysterious and charming place. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the area on your own, relax and meditate. Buffet lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon you return to Cusco by train, and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco. BL

Day 9

Cusco - Lima - Santiago

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima to join your connecting flight to Santiago. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Santiago. B

Day 10

Santiago - Panoramic half day city tour

Views of a moving city, from the history of the colonial neighborhoods to the modernity of the new financial center also known as 'Sanhattan'. We will begin at the city's old residential area, passing by beautiful residences that today are part of the Barrio Universitario (university area). Our trip continues to the historical and financial City Center where the La Moneda government palace, the Main Square and its buildings are the main highlights. Then we will continue to the green Parque Forestal, where we can admire the stunning building that houses the Fine Arts museum. We will end the tour visiting the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Santiago. B

Day 11

Santiago - Free Day

Day at leisure for personal activities. Overnight in Santiago. B

Optional: Full day excursion to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso

Depart in the early morning from Santiago, passing through the beautiful Casablanca Valley to the magical port of Valparaíso dubbed a World Heritage site by UNESCO. We continue our tour to Cerro Alegre. We then visit the Open Sky Museum with walls and stairways of murals painted by local artists. We continue our tour along the coast to Viña del Mar to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Day 12

Santiago - Mendoza

Full day by public bus from Santiago crossing the Andes to Mendoza in Argentina (without guide). Overnight in Mendoza. B

Day 13

City Tour in Mendoza

Through the tour called City and Suburbs we get to know a modern city, with tree-lined streets and clean wide sidewalks. We also learn about its history and culture since its foundation four centuries ago. Sightseeing includes La Alameda (an area of restaurants and coffee shops along a poplar-lined avenue), History museum and Plaza Pedro del Castillo, Aquarium, downtown main avenues, Plaza Independencia, Government House, Court House and Emilio Civit Avenue which leads to the General San Martín Park. As a complementary option a short way away from the park, you can visit El Challao, a residential area with restaurants, camping-sites, and hotels, and where the Lourdes Virgen Church stands. Large Catholic crowds congregate at this temple. Overnight in Mendoza. B

Optional: Wine Cellars (The wine route)

On this tour we will learn about how man has turned a desert into an oasis by means of canals and irrigation ditches. The original system was created by the Huarpes indigenous people, and is now run by computerized drip irrigation and has made Argentina one the main wine producers in the world. We will visit two wineries where enologists will explain the wine-making process and we will participate in a wine tasting session. Some of the wineries involved in this tour are López, Zuccardi, Lagarde, Don Bosco, Flichman, Di tommaso, Wainert, Viñas del Cerno, Reiter.

Day 14

Mendoza - Buenos Aires

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Buenos Aires. B

Optional: Dinner and Tango Show

The various Tango Houses, offer the possibility of admiring all qualities of tango in its different expressions. First category of tango dancers and singers as well as a tango orchestras, will let you enjoy and feel the spectacular music of Buenos Aires. Dinner included.

Day 15

Half Day City Tour in Buenos Aires

This afternoon become acquainted with Buenos Aires, during a tour highlighting the city's major neighborhoods and attractions. Among the points of interest you will see the Main Square Plaza de Mayo surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Presidential Headquarters Office), the Cabildo (Colonial Town Hall) and the Cathedral. You will also drive through the charming streets of San Telmo and down the colourful roads of La Boca, famous for its multicolor tin houses. Later, drive through elegant Barrio Norte on your way to the Recoleta Cemetery, an amazing aboveground cemetery lined with mausoleums and statues. Finally, visit Palermo and its magnificent mansions and parks. Overnight in Buenos Aires. B

Day 16

Free Day

The day is at leisure for private activities. Overnight in Buenos Aires. B

Optional: Full Day Gaucho Party at Santa Susana

Visit a typical 'estancia' of the Argentine wet pampas, one of the most fertile natural prairies of the world and famous for its meat and cereal production.. Enjoy the flavour of the 'pampas' at a ranch located 110 km from down-town Buenos Aires. You will be welcomed with meat pies (typical 'empanadas'), a glass of wine or juices by the owners and served an argentine B.B.Q. After lunch, a folkloric Gaucho's Show will be performed and you will have the possibility of appreciating the typical 'Ring Race' (Carrera de Sortijas) or ride on horseback.

Day 17

Buenos Aires - Iguazu: Visit the Argentinean Side of the falls

Transfer to the airport to take your fight to Iguazu. In the northeast of Argentina a dense forest, inhabited by over 400 different varieties of birds, makes it one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world,. It is here that Iguazu River hurls itself down in 257 different falls over 70 meters high. Crashing at the bottom, the water shatters to a fine spray which, rising up forms a multitude of rainbows. Boardwalks and observatories will let you enjoy the magnificent falls, which culminates in the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). Overnight in Iguazu. B

Day 18

Visit the Brazilian Side of the falls - Rio de Janeiro

Depart by vehicle heading to the National Park of the Brazilian Falls. The tour starts with a visit to the Information Center, where you will have the opportunity to get some hints about the local ecosystem. From there the tour continues on foot through the most important track of the park where the participants could enjoy an astonishing view of the waterfalls. From the local belvedere the participants will have a privileged sight of the both parks of the waterfalls, Return via the panoramic elevator. Later this afternoon transfer to the airport to join your flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro. B

Day 19

Rio de Janeiro, Full Day Corcovado and Sugar Loaf

This morning's tour takes you through some of the finest locations of the city heading to the Cosme Velho's district, to join the cable car to the Corcovado. From the top of the Corcovado mountain is one of the most famous postcards impressions of Rio de Janeiro, the 40 meter statue of Christ the Reedemer. The tour continues to the Urca's district and specifically to the Praia Vermelha, the location of the Sugar Loaf cable ferry station. There are two stages, the first from Praia Vermelha to the Urca's Station, and the second from Urca to the top of Sugar Loaf (at 396 meters). At the top, you'll thrill at the view of downtown, beaches and the meeting of Guanabara's bay and the Atlantic ocean. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro. B