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Amazon, Andes & Incas - luxury tour of South America

South America is a vibrant continent, renowned for its pulsating cities, great beaches, Iguassu Falls, the incredible Incan ruins of Machu Picchu and Cuzco high in the Andes. Cruise the remote Amazon and experience La Paz in Bolivia. This incredible luxury tour of South America can be extended to include the Galapagos Islands.

Dates: 13 September 2013, 11 October 2013
Duration: 21 Days
We visit: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, (Ecuador)

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Tour Highlights

Spend 3 nights in Buenos Aires at the Park Tower- a Luxury Collection hotel
Enjoy a spectacular Tango show and Argentine steak dinner at the famous Esquina Carlos Gardel Tango house
View the spectacular Iguassu Falls from your guaranteed Falls View room in your hotel
Stay beside the iconic Copacabana beach with ocean views in Rio de Janeiro
Savour the stunning sunset view from the top of Sugar Loaf mountain with a refreshing Caipirinha - Brazil’s national cocktail
Experience the glamour and rhythm of a colorful Samba Show
Take a helicopter flight over Rio de Janeiro (additional cost)
Discover La Paz (Bolivia), nicknamed ’the city that touches the clouds’, with its unique lunar landscapes and Witchcraft market
Cruise sacred Lake Titicaca aboard your private catamaran and discover Sun Island - the legendary birthplace of the Incan Empire
Enjoy the spectacular scenery as we traverse the Peruvian Altiplano aboard the Andean Explorer
Join the Orient Express operated Hiram Bingham luxury train, and dine and delight in dramatic landscapes as you travel from Cuzco to Machu Picchu
Overnight near the lost city of Machu Picchu and experience a spectacular and magical once in a lifetime sunrise
Discover the mighty Amazon aboard our privately chartered luxury cruise ship, offering floor to ceiling panoramic windows and gourmet cuisine
Experience the beauty and view the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos islands aboard the newly refurbished Silversea Expedition Ship (formerly Galapagos Explorer II)

Tour Itinerary

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Day 1: Australia – Buenos Aires (Argentina)

We join LAN airlines and fly from Sydney to Buenos Aires (via Santiago, gaining a day crossing the International Date Line). On arrival we check into the luxurious Park Tower Hotel for a three night stay.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

This afternoon we drive to Tigre for a cruise on the canals of the Tigre Delta.

Our morning tour includes the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the beautiful Colon Theatre, the famous ornate tombs in Recoleta Cemetery and the colourful Boca District. After lunch enjoy a free afternoon. This evening we will enjoy a spectacular Tango Show and a traditional Argentine steak dinner.

Day 3: Buenos Aires

Enjoy a free day for independent exploration or shopping; join an art historian to visit local art galleries.

This evening is a dine-around dinner, choose from a selection of restaurants.

Day 4: Buenos Aires – Iguassu Falls

A short flight takes us to Iguassu Falls on the Argentine side. The roar of the torrent and the view of the falls spread over several kilometres is an awe inspiring sight.

You will have the option to take an exhilarating boat trip, skimming over the rapids to the base of the falls (additional cost).

We stay overnight at the Sheraton Iguassu Resort & Spa in rooms with views of the falls.

Day 5: Iguassu Falls – Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

We cross to the Brazilian side to walk at leisure through the rainforest to the base, which provides a new perspective of the falls.

You may wish to take a helicopter flight over the falls (additional cost).

Later this afternoon we fly to Rio de Janeiro for three nights at the luxurious Sofitel Rio de Janeiro in deluxe ocean view rooms beside Copacabana Beach.

Day 6: Rio de Janeiro

This morning join a fleet of jeeps waiting beside Copacabana Beach and wind our way through the Tijuca Forest to the summit of Corcovado Mountain with its imposing statue of Christ The Redeemer overlooking Guanabara Bay and the city. After enjoying the view we will take a spectacular drive through the cobblestone streets of the historic Santa Teresa District to the historic centre of Rio. After visiting the futuristic Metropolitan Cathedral designed by Oscar Niemeyer we lunch at Porcao, a delicious Brazilian barbecue restaurant beside Guanabara Bay. After lunch return to the hotel or enjoy time for shopping or visit the Jewellery Museum in Ipanema. This evening we go into the hills for a view of Rio by night before we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. The evening ends with an entertaining Samba Show, in the spirit of Carnivale.

Day 7: Rio de Janeiro

A day to relax and immerse yourself in one of the world’s greatest cities. Enjoy shopping for Brazil’s fine jewellery and handicrafts; join the cariocas on the beach; visit a Favela (shanty town); or simply relax. You may wish to take a helicopter flight over Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountain and this amazing city (additional cost).

Late this afternoon we drive beside Copacabana Beach to join the cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain for a stunning sunset view over Rio de Janeiro and its beaches.

This evening is a dine-around dinner.

Day 8: Rio de Janeiro – La Paz (Bolivia)

We depart today for Bolivia, located over 4,000m above sea level. We check into our centrally located Europa Hotel and relax as you become accustomed to the high altitude.

Day 9: La Paz

La Paz is an extraordinary city surrounded by the higher peaks of the Andes. This morning is free to explore on your own. This afternoon we tour La Paz including the unique Witchcraft market and later see the lunar landscape of the Valley of the Moon.

Day 10: La Paz – Lake Titicaca (Peru)

We travel by coach to the sacred Lake Titicaca. We explore the lake by boat this afternoon before spending the night in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 11: Lake Titicaca – Cuzco

Today we join our train for the spectacular rail journey to Cuzco across the Altiplano. The glass walled observation car aboard the Andean Explorer provides a comfortable way to admire the amazing scenery passing by. We arrive into the ancient Incan capital of Cuzco late this afternoon where we will enjoy two nights at the superb Libertador Hotel, located within a historic building.

Day 12: Cuzco

This morning we will visit the famous Pisac Indian market in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lunch will be served before touring the many Incan remains around Cuzco including the fortresses of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay and Kenko. We also take a walking tour of the delightful city of Cuzco with its Spanish colonial influences.

Sample local cuisine during our dine-around dinner.

Day 13: Cuzco – Machu Picchu

This morning we join the iconic Orient- Express operated Hiram Bingham train, and travel in luxury to the Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu. The city, located on a remote mountaintop, is still intact (except for the straw roofs) and we will explore a maze of empty chambers, palaces and stairways carved from solid rock. This evening we stay close by within the village of Machu Picchu.

Day 14: Machu Picchu – Cuzco

Early this morning we make our way to the Lost City to view one of the most spectacular sights in South America – sunrise over Machu Picchu. Take in this special morning prior to returning to Cuzco for a further night.

Day 15: Cuzco – Join MV Aria

Enjoy a relaxing morning prior to our flight via Lima to Iquitos. We transfer to our luxurious expedition ship; the MV Aria, and spend three nights exploring the Amazon River and her tributaries.

Over the next three days you are offered a range of land and river excursions, introducing you to the magic of the Southern Amazon rainforest.

Day 16: Amazon Cruise

Spend your day enjoying exploring the Iguana islands, fishing on Lake Charo, and visiting the Amazon Jungle searching for three-toed sloths and Amazon Monkeys.

Day 17: Amazon Cruise

Visit the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve located deep within the Amazon rainforest at the headwaters of the Amazon River basin. Pacaya Samiria is one of Peru’s most well preserved havens for Amazon wildlife, plants and birdlife. Keep an eye out for Monkeys and Dolphins.

Day 18: Amazon Cruise – Lima

We disembark today and make our way back to Iquitos for our flight to Lima. Time permitting we’ll embark on a short city tour before arriving at our five star hotel.

We have our Farewell Dinner this evening before our group disperses tomorrow.

Day 19: Depart Lima

Depart early afternoon for your LAN flight home, via Santiago and Auckland.

Passengers taking the Galapagos Islands Cruise option, please see further down the page.

Day 20: Travelling

Today is spent in transit.

Day 21: Arrive Australia

Arrive into Sydney early this morning, with connections to other cities.

Galapagos Islands Cruise Option

Day 19: Lima – Quito (Ecuador)
This afternoon we fly to Quito, the quaint capital of Ecuador, located only 23km from the Equator, almost 3,000m high in a huge valley in the Andes. Quito’s rich colonial architecture radiates the charm of old Europe and the excitement of the modern world. UNESCO has declared the whole city a World Heritage Site. We will take a brief tour of the colonial heart of the city this afternoon followed by a transfer to our hotel, the JW Marriott.

Day 20: Quito – Join Galapagos Explorer II
This morning we fly to San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival we visit Wizard Hill, which is famous for its sea lion colonies, frigate birds and abundant flora. Later this afternoon we join Galapagos Explorer II. Our ship offers the highest standards in this remote part of the world with quality suites and excellent food, combined with the best naturalist guides, landing craft and itineraries. (Please note: actual itinerary in the Galapagos may alter.)

Day 21: Cruising Gardiner Bay, Osborne Islet & Espanola Island
This morning we visit Gardiner Bay and Osborne Islet, ideal for swimming and snorkelling and with a spectacular view from its hilltop. We hope to see Galapagos penguins, lava lizards and sea turtles. After lunch onboard we land at Espanola Island in search of weaved albatross, hawks, red billed tropic bird, blue-footed boobies and coloured marine iguanas.

Day 22: Santa Cruz Island & Plazas Island
This morning we land at Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station at Puerto Ayora and see giant tortoises, turtles, vermilion fly catchers and Darin finches. This afternoon we visit Plazas Island. Formed by a lava current, sea lions, land iguanas and frigate birds regularly visit this island.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change.

Day: 23 Galapagos – Lima (Peru)
After disembarking we transfer to Baltra airport for a flight to Lima via Guayaquil.

Day 24: Depart Lima
Relax before our early afternoon flight home, via Santiago and Auckland.

Day 25: Travelling

Day 26: Arrive Australia
We arrive in Australia today.

Tour Inclusions

Flights from Australia are included and are based on twin share – per person, from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, flying with LAN. Prices from other cities are available on request.
Seating is in the following classes subject to availability:

Economy Class
Business Class

On Australian domestic flights all guests travel Economy Class to/from Sydney.
All regional flights are in Economy Class,
Limited Business Class may be available at additional cost.

If you prefer we can book you with another airline or you can use frequent flyer points to join the tour. If you wish to fly with another airline or use frequent flyer points you simply take the Land Only price.

We use centrally located 5 star hotels. In the more remote areas we use the best available hotels. The hotels we use are a combination of the world’s premier properties and boutique hotels. In each city our hotels are centrally located to ensure you can step out of your hotel door and absorb the atmosphere of the local destination.

Park Tower Hotel, Buenos Aires
Situated in the heart of vibrant, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Park Tower epitomizes the city's inimitable allure. Inside the hotel, exquisite décor and innate elegance seduce while outside, unlimited and enriching activities await—just steps away.

Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa, Iguassu
The hotel is in the lush heart of Iguazú National Park with views of the Falls from the rooms.

Sofitel Rio de Janeiro
This luxurious hotel in Rio de Janeiro stands in one of the world's most beautiful places. With the fabulous Ipanema beach on one side and the marvellous Copacabana on the other, the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro is among the few to have terraces in all 388 rooms.

Libertador Hotel, Cuzco
Located across from the impressive Koricancha, or Temple of the Sun, and surrounded by magnificent Inca and colonial buildings the hotel is also just minutes away from the city’s major attractions: the main plaza, the Cathedral, the artisans’ neighborhood known as San Blas, and others, as well as the route to the architectural complexes of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

Galapagos Islands
Aboard Silversea
On our journeys to remote and exotic destinations, we’ve been fortunate to witness some remarkable Wonders of the World, both natural and man made, but nothing compares to what mother nature has created on the Galapagos Islands. The archipelago of islands belonging to Ecuador is barren, volcanic and isolated. The ongoing seismic and volcanic activity continues to form the somewhat 120 islands, which have produced an environment consisting of crater lakes and lava tubes. What is more fascinating is the creation of the most unique wildlife that only exists in this isolated part of the world. The Galapagos Islands is truly a living museum. Listed as a World Heritage Park in 1978, the islands offer spectacular wildlife encounters including the land iguana, giant tortoise, finches that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, frigate birds and the popular blue footed booby.

Your Silversea expedition ship
Step aboard the ultimate ship to experience the Galapagos Islands in true expedition style. The newly refurbished Silversea Expedition Ship (formerly Galapagos Explorer II) will make her maiden voyage in September 2013 as a Silversea owned and branded ship. Guests can expect the Silversea touch including spacious cabins with full amenities, the finest in cuisine at sea, personalized service from the professional crew and complimentary beverages with meals. A fleet of zodiacs onboard will allow guests to explore the wonders of the Galapagos Islands and an expert Expedition Team will provide insight and understanding of your Galapagos Adventure.

Sightseeing is included at every destination to ensure you make the most of your time in each region; there are no “surprise” additional cost tours.

On most tours we also include flexible Select options, enabling you to tailor your holiday to your suit your personal interests.

In each destination we use local English speaking guides who provide information on the history, culture, geography and modern way of life.

On all tours we provide each guest with a radio headset and our guides carry transmitters that enable you to hear the guide’s commentary through a small earpiece. Our Headsets greatly enhance you appreciation and understanding of the guide’s commentary.

Each day whilst sightseeing bottled water is provided.

All meals are included on our tours – every breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinners throughout each tour feature flexible dine-around evenings, where you can choose from a selection of restaurants, dining from the a la carte menu at a time and with dining companions that suit your preferences.

Feature dinners with regional entertainment are included on most tours, enabling you to absorb the local culture.

Wine, beer and soft drink are included with each dinner. Bottled or purified water accompanies all meals and is provided to you each day whilst sightseeing.

An experienced Tour Escort Team including a Tour Doctor accompanies each tour. Our Tour Escorts smooth out the bumps of travel to remote destinations; take care of your luggage and are convivial travel companions.

Where possible we expedite customs and immigration clearances to ensure your holiday time is maximised.

Each guest is provided with a customised destination guide prior to departure to give you a bit more insight into the regions we are visitng. Upon return from each tour, guests receive a group photograph, travel certificate and DVD of photos from your tour.

Many people travelling alone join The Captain’s Choice Tour. You will be made most welcome by our Tour Escort Team and have the opportunity to travel with many others on their own. To make meeting new friends easier we invite single travellers to a special Welcome Reception at the beginning of each tour to enable you to meet other passengers travelling alone.

We can arrange for you to share a hotel room with another traveller of the same gender and guarantee that you will not have to pay extra, even if we cannot find a roommate for you (except on cruise and train tours involving overnight rail travel). Alternatively you can choose to have a single room, provided to you at a low supplement. Whilst we will endeavour to find you a companion to share with, on cruise tours and tours involving overnight rail journeys we are unable to guarantee this and occupancy of a single room (by choice or circumstance) on cruise or train tours will involve a surcharge (with the exception of Silk Route, where there is no additional charge).

We invite people travelling solo to join us, and rest assured, the care of our Tour Escort Team and enjoyment of company with your fellow guests means you won’t feel alone – there will always be someone to share in the joy of travel.

We also include all

Tipping
Taxes
Transfers
Travel Insurance (not included on Land Only or Land & Cruise only packages)

Tour cost

Based on twin share – per person, from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, flying with LAN, in Australian Dollars. Prices from other cities are available on request.

On Australian domestic flights all guests travel Economy Class to/from Sydney. All regional flights are in Economy Class, limited Business Class may be available at additional cost.

Important Note: La Paz and Cuzco are located up to 4000m above sea level. If you are concerned about travelling to high altitudes please speak to your doctor.

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