Latino Fiesta
Itinerary
Day 1 - Sunday
Sydney - Santiago, Chile
Depart Sydney on your flight via Auckland to Santiago. Cross the International Dateline and arrive the same afternoon. Upon arrival you are transferred to your hotel. Chile’s elegant capital is one of South America’s most progressive and delightful cities.
Day 2 - Monday
Santiago
This morning step back in time as your local guide retraces Santiago’s heritage and history. This half day tour will provide an insight into the Chilean capital’s colonial past, as well as its modern business hub. Among the sights included are the La Moneda Presidential Palace, the city’s main square - the Plaza de Armas, the National Congress, the Supreme Court of Justice, and the Cathedral. The hill of Cerro San Cristóbal provides a breathtaking finale to this tour with its view of the city and the Andes Mountains. Remainder of day at leisure. B
Day 3 - Tuesday
Santiago - Lima, Peru
This morning you transfer to the airport for your flight north to Lima, capital of Peru. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. B
Day 4 - Wednesday
Lima - Iquitos - Ceiba Tops
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. Upon arrival you are transferred to your boat for the continuing 40km journey to Ceiba Tops, the Amazon’s newest and only luxury resort positioned directly on the banks of the mighty Amazon river. You’ll be able to explore the myths, mysteries and magic of the world’s most exotic and vast jungle, then step from the tropics into the air-conditioned comfort of your private room. Surrounded by primary rainforest, Ceiba Tops offers the discriminating adventurer a soothing hot shower at the end of each day’s excursion. This afternoon hike in the beautiful rainforest surrounding the resort. BLD
Day 5 - Thursday
Ceiba Tops
Morning boatride where you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins. Then you visit a small nearby village of the Yagua Indians where your guide will explain to you the local Indian culture and how it has been transformed since the arrival of Europeans and the passing of time. There may also be an opportunity to see some local crafts and enjoy a demonstration of the blowgun which some of the tribal elders still use for hunting. After, enjoy a walking excursion to the neighbouring town of Indiana. Originally a Franciscan mission, Indiana has grown into a large river community with its own market, high school and small hospital. BLD
Day 6 - Friday
Ceiba Tops - Iquitos - Cuzco
Return by boat to Iquitos this morning to join your flight to Lima with a connecting flight to Cuzco, the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon a delightful sightseeing tour of Cuzco, with its ancient Inca walls, Spanish colonial palaces, churches and cathedral as well as the impressive surrounding archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Puka Pukara, Kenko and Tambo Machay, once a sacred bathing site. B
Day 7 - Saturday
Cuzco
Morning tour to Moray and Maras, where you’ll encounter huge circular agricultural terraces at Moray, built by the Incas in natural sinkholes on a limestone plateau overlooking the Urubamba valley. It has been suggested that they have a cosmological meaning, but their function, other than agricultural, remains a mystery. Nearby, age-old terraced salt mines and ponds sit below the colonial town of Maras. Afternoon at leisure. B
Day 8 - Sunday
Cuzco - Pisac - Urubamba
A full-day visit to Ollantaytambo, the oldest continually occupied settlement in the Americas. Ollantaytambo’s narrow streets, complete with canals unchanged since Inca times recall its ancient heritage. After lunch you will visit the colourful Indian market in Pisac which is a blaze of colour, peoples and their traditions. Located 30km from Cuzco and at an altitude of 2,970 metres, Pisac is situated at the entrance of the Sacred Valley. Overnight in Urubamba. BL
Day 9 - Monday
Urubamba - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
A day you will never forget!. This morning travel by train to the archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu, which was built at the end of the 4th century. Machu Picchu was obviously a highly-planned and carefully built city, made up of two clearly different sectors, one agricultural and one urban. With mountains towering to one side, and a white-water river roaring far below, this solemn fortress is a fascinating remnant of a once-bustling city that was mysteriously abandoned after the middle of the 6th century. We leave the train at Aguas Calientes and continue by bus up the winding mountain road to spectacular Machu Picchu. The Incas’ last refuge from the Spanish, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by Europeans until 1911. Your guide will explain the intricate layout of the city and you will marvel at the remains of the watchtower, magnificent palaces, temples, tombs and rock-hewn steps. After lunch you have time at leisure to explore the ruins. Tonight is spent in Agua Calientes. BLD
Day 10 - Tuesday
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Take a shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes back up to Machu Picchu. We suggest an early bus so as not to miss the effects of the sunrise over the ruins. You could climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu or to the Inca Sun Gate for superb panoramic views. Alternatively, there is always the option of a relaxing swim in the thermal springs after which the town of Aguas Calientes is named. Or visit the Indian market for a little more bargain hunting. After lunch you board the train for the return journey to Cuzco where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. B
Day 11 - Wednesday
Cuzco - Puno
Morning transfer to the station to board your comfortable 'Andes Train' for a stunning journey across the Altiplano (High Plateau) to Puno. A fascinating experience with the local Indians in differing and colourful garb crowding the platforms at every stop selling food and handicrafts. En-route, you’ll see Alpacas, Llamas and Vicuna - all natives of the Altiplano. Arrive into Puno early evening where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. BL
Day 12 - Thursday
Puno - Huatajata, Bolivia
Travel by bus along the shores of famous Lake Titicaca to Juliaca where you join a hydrofoil and cruise to the Sun and Moon Islands, stopping for visits to enjoy many important shrines and temples. After lunch continue to a bustling market before arriving at the small port of Huatajata. Here, you spend the night at the Inca Utama hotel, situated on the lake. Visit Kallawaya Natural Spring and the Eco and Altiplano Museums to witness a fascinating audio-visual presentation. A delightful candlelight dinner this evening, and after dinner you may wish to visit the nearby Native Observatory “Alajpacha”. BLD
Day 13 - Friday
Huatajata - La Paz
Morning tour to the ruins of Tiwanacu, capital of a civilisation which began in 1580B.C and thought to be one of the largest cities in the world at the time with over 100,000 inhabitants. See the ruins of monolithic figures in granite, aqueducts, temples and the famous Sun Door. Travel to La Paz and your hotel arriving around lunchtime. One thousand years ago, Bolivia was part of the fabled Inca Empire. The ruins of the early civilization and many of the Inca’s descendants are still to be found to this day. Bolivia claims the world’s highest city (3,632 metres), highest golf course, ski run and Lake Titicaca being the highest navigable lake. B
Day 14 - Saturday
La Paz
This morning, tour the city and, a few kilometers away, the Valley of the Moon where erosion has given the area the appearance of 'another world'. You will see the charming and timeless Indian markets and beautiful colonial churches as well as the modern residential areas of the city. This afternoon is at leisure. B
Day 15 - Sunday
La Paz - Buenos Aires, Argentina
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, one of the largest cities in the world and capital of Argentina. A cosmopolitan city and home to the romantic Tango. Streets, cafes, parks and nightclubs are filled with friendly portenos, those residents of Buenos Aires who love to eat, drink and enjoy life. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. B
Day 16 - Monday
Buenos Aires
Today you will be taken on a tour of this elegant capital. You will see Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), the City Hall and then on to see the monumental Congress Building and square. Continue along '9 de Julio Avenue', the widest avenue in the world to see the Colon Theatre, the city’s famous Opera House, where artists and musicians from the world over come to perform. You will also visit the picturesque La Boca district, which resembles a typical Italian neighborhood, Palermo Park and the historic Recoleta Cemetery. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening you will be treated to dinner and a spectacular Tango show at 'Esquina Carlos Gardel' cabaret restaurant. Originally the 'forbidden dance', the Tango has now become the elegant dance of high society reaching its present international popularity thanks to Carols Gardel, who took it all over the world through his songs and films. BD
Day 17 - Tuesday
Buenos Aires
Today is reserved for a 'Gaucho Fiesta', an opportunity to see life on the Pampas. Enjoy a traditional lavish barbeque lunch with all the trimmings, local dessert specialties, delicious wines and a display of Gaucho horsemanship. BL
Day 18 - Wednesday
Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls
Morning transfer to join your flight to Iguazu Falls, Argentina. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Iguazu Falls surpass in grandeur both Niagara and Victoria Falls and form the frontier between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Afternoon tour of the 'Argentine' side, walking both the upper and lower pathways. You will be awed by many of the 275 cascades and spectacular displays of nature. From the visitors Centre you take the open train to the new 'Devils Throat' balcony where you can approach the most powerful of the falls. B
Day 19 - Thursday
Iguazu Falls - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. En-route you will have a tour of the 'Brazil' side of the falls where you’ll stroll along the marked paths with amazing views of the permanent rainbow and have an opportunity to see some of the largest flora and fauna reserves in the country. Perhaps take an optional helicopter tour over the falls (time and weather permitting). Upon arrival in Rio you will be met and transferred to your hotel. There is no city like Rio! Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, vibrant nightlife and atmosphere. B
Day 20 - Friday
Rio de Janeiro
Sightseeing today includes the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema and a drive to the summit of Corcovado Mountain to see the 36 metre high statue of Christ the Redeemer whose outstretched arms embrace stunning views of Rio’s mountains, harbour and beaches. Also visit the major points of interest in the city with an ascent to Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car for superb views of one of the world’s most beautiful harbours. BL
Day 21 - Saturday
Rio de Janeiro
A day at leisure. Perhaps visit the cool mountains of Petropolis, the favoured retreat of Dom Pedro II, the last Emperor of Brazil. Tonight, after a delicious seafood dinner, you will be taken to the best Brazilian Floorshow in town: musicians produce an intoxicating beat from exotic percussion instruments, dancers exhibit the intricate steps of the samba, choreographers showcase the Afro-Brazilian dance rituals, fabulous carnival costumes, Brazilian folklore and, of course, a cast of exotic chorus girls ending the show with the magic carnival of Brazil. The group plunges into a unique sight-and-sound experience that takes guests on a stunning tour through Brazilian culture, until the fantastic samba-carnival dance forms the climax of the fabulous floorshow featuring lavishly-costumed artists. BD
Day 22 - Sunday
Rio de Janeiro - Sydney
Morning at leisure and this afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney via Santiago. B
Day 23 - Monday
In flight
Day 24 - Tuesday
Sydney
Arrive into Sydney this morning and your tour comes to a close, leaving you with enduring memories of the many fascinating highlights of your South American Latino Fiesta.
