Latino Fiesta
Itinerary
This marvellous tour boasts some of the world's most outstanding natural and archaeological wonders. Each day is a day of discovery, excitement and visual splendour. You'll be in good company all the way and enjoy delightful and distinctive accommodations. Our local, enthusiastic guides are some of the best in each region and have the ability to bring their country's attractions vividly to life.
Day 1
Commences in Santiago, Chile
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
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. We continue through the financial area to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, where you'll see a fine collection of pieces from various Pre-Hispanic cultures, including the oldest mummies in the world. We continue to the heart of Santiago and the centre of its social life, the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) which is surrounded by historical buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the main post office and the National Historical Museum. Afterwards drive through the Barrio Bellavista with its many cultural activities, art galleries, theatres, restaurants and dance halls before reaching the Cerro San Cristobal, a very well-known recreational area with a marvellous view of the city. After lunch we visit the handicraft town of Los Dominicos. Pueblito de Los Dominicos is a beautiful arts and craft centre that exhibits styles from all over the country and from different cultures. The delightful architecture makes for a pleasant stroll through the centre, while browsing the work of 120 craftspeople. Remainder of the day is at leisure. BL
Day 3
Santiago - Lima, Peru
This morning transfer to the airport for the flight north to Lima, capital of Peru. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure. B
Day 4
Lima
This morning your tour of this marvellous capital will highlight it's principal attractions, the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the elegant, modern residential suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro. Visit the Larco Herrera Museum to see the world's largest private collection of Peruvian Pre-Columbian art. The museum is also famed for its erotic pottery collection. This afternoon and evening are at leisure. B
Day 5
Lima - Cuzco
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of today has been purposely left free in order for you to gently acclimatize to the higher altitude. B
Day 6
Cuzco
This morning you depart on a 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. Return to Cuzco for the balance of day at leisure. B
Day 7
Cuzco - Pisac - Yucay
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 Yucay. BL
Day 8
Yucay - 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 Aguas Calientes. BLD
Day 9
Aguas Calientes - Cuzco
This morning before we depart for Cuzco, you could take a shuttle bus back up to Machu Picchu. We recommend an early bus so as not to miss the effects of the sunrise over the ruins. Alternatively, there is always the option of a relaxing swim in the thermal springs after which the town of Aguas Calientes is named. Later this afternoon we board the train for the return journey to Cuzco and on arrival transfer to your hotel. B
Day 10
Cuzco - Puno
This morning transfer to the train station to board your comfortable 'Andes Train' for a stunning journey across the Altiplano (High Plateau) to Puno. A fascinating experience today, as you see the local Indians in differing, 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 11
Puno - Huatajata, Bolivia
Travel by bus along the shores of famous Lake Titicaca to Juliaca where you join yVessel 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 12
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 early afternoon. 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 13
La Paz
Today you will have a delightful tour the city and, a few kilometres 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. Return to your hotel later this afternoon. B
Day 14
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.
Day 15
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 16
Buenos Aires
Today is reserved for a 'Gaucho Fiesta', an opportunity to see life on the Pampas. Enjoy a traditional barbeque lunch with all the trimmings, local dessert specialties, delicious wines and a display of Gaucho horsemanship. BL
Day 17
Buenos Aires
Today is free for you to discover this wonderful city at your leisure. B
Day 18
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
Iguaza Falls - Rio de Janeiro
This morning 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). After lunch you fly to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. There is no city like Rio! Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, vibrant nightlife and atmosphere. BL
Day 20
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. B
Day 21
Rio de Janeiro
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning. Should you be travelling back to Australia today you will be transferred to the airport this evening to join your flight. B
