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 be 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
An early start will take you due north on a beautiful scenic drive to the province of Imbabura, a magic land of lakes and mountains of outstanding beauty. The day opens the possibility to learn about the customs of the people living in the area, learn about the relationship between the concept of the Middle of the World and all the archaeological sites found in the area. The Northern Highlands are the home of the Otavalo Community, the Otavalos are known around the world for their weaving patterns and textiles which pre-date the Spanish conquest. The market is world known for its colorful textiles, woven on back-strap and shuttle looms, its piles of ponchos and hand-made textiles, hats, Indian jewelry and creative handicrafts. This is a unique occasion to wonder through this maze of color and enjoy some fun bargaining and buying great quality handicrafts at superb prices. Close by is the town of Peguche where some of the Otavalo Indians live and opens the possibility to see the typical houses of the area. Lunch will be offered at one of the many charming Hosterias or Country Inns of the area. Overnight in Quito. BL
Day 4
Quito - Lima City Tour: Colonial and Contemporary 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. City tour of 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 5
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 6
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 7
Machu Picchu 'The Lost City of the Incas' -Cuzco
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 8
Cuzco - 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 9
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 10
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 11
Santiago - 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 12
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 13
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 14
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 15
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 16
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
Day 17
Rio de Janeiro - Departure
Transfer to the airport to join your homeward flight or additional day and overnight in Rio de Janeiro.B
