Explore South America, off the

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1 Explore South America March 10 April 7, 2017 South America, a land of culture, history and discovery! This amazing continent has so much to offer that we are excited to share with you our Explore South America journey. From the colonial charm of Cartagena, a 4-night cruise of the Galapagos Islands, wondrous Lake Titicaca and the floating island of Uros in Peru, the amazing salt flats of Uyuni, a traditional ranch experience at Estancia Vik in the rolling countryside of Uruguay, the exclusive beach resort Ponta dos Ganchos and a dune buggy adventure in Brazil, to the magnificent, new Pink Sands Club in Canouan, this is the Journey for the discriminating traveler! INTERESTING TRIP FACTS Trip Duration 29 days Countries Visited 8 Nautical Miles 9,870 Languages 4 Join Thierry and Sophie Pouille in March 2017 when they beaten path! Explore South America, off the 1931 Commerce Lane Ste 5 Fax: (561) Jupiter, FL

2 ITINERARY Day 1 - Friday, March 10: Stuart, FL Boscobel, Jamaica Cartagena, Colombia NM Air Journey will greet you at Witham Field (KSUA) for a briefing about the forthcoming flight. Our flight today will bring us over Cuba before landing in Boscobel (Jamaica) to refuel. We ll then continue on to Colombia one of the most ethnically diverse nations in South America for our visit to Cartagena, undeniably one of Latin America s most beautiful cities lost somewhere in time between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, with the Caribbean sea as a sparkling backdrop. Sir Francis Drake laid siege to the city but the fortress walls and cannons remain, making the area within the old walled city a living museum. There will be time to relax before we enjoy a well-deserved welcome cocktail and dinner. Hotel: Sofitel Santa Clara Welcome Cocktail and Dinner included Day 2 - Saturday, March 11: Cartagena Enjoy a full day tour to experience Cartagena s colonial charm with its tiled roofs, balconies and flower-filled courtyards and relive history in the old walled city, the Ciudad Amarullada, where we ll explore the four sectors, each one with a peculiar story to tell: San Diego, La Matuna, Getsemani and Santo Domingo. Today s tour will include a walking tour of the Old City. After lunch, we ll continue with a city tour to enjoy the highlights of this beautiful city. Hotel: Sofitel Santa Clara Day 3 - Sunday, March 12: Cartagena Guayaquil, Ecuador 795 NM After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Strategically located in the downtown commercial and banking heart of the city, the Hilton Colon Guayaquil is only a short transfer from the airport. Hotel: Hilton Colon Guayaquil Jupiter, FL Page 2 of 11

3 Days 4-8- Monday, March 13 Friday, March 17: Cruising the Galapagos aboard the Y/La Pinta La Pinta 5 day / 4 night cruise Breakfast, lunch and dinner included aboard La Pinta All tours are included Days 4 - Monday, March 13: Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos The Y/La Pinta is a 48 guest luxury yacht offering superb service, expert crew, the most knowledgeable multilingual naturalist/guides and menus that feature the very best international cuisine and celebrated Ecuadorian dishes. Morning and afternoon sightseeing is included. There will be ample time each day to swim, snorkel and relax. Embarkation Today we will fly commercial airline (ticket not included) to Baltra in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, transfer to the Itabaca Channel. A small ferry will take us across the Channel to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. We board our bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where guests will learn about the unique montane ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon: El Chato (Santa Cruz Island) After lunch, travel by bus to El Chato Reserve, one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools that are common in the reserve. You may also spot some highland birds, like cattle egrets, mockingbirds, finches or flycatchers. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, a great place to spot the barn owl. There is also a small lagoon covered in red algae where gallinules and Galápagos pintails can be found. Bus ride to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta. Welcome introductory briefing including the expedition plan for Tuesday. Boat Drill and other activities will be explained by the staff. Day 5 Tuesday, March 14: Bahia Ballena Whale Bay (Santa Cruz Island) and Sombrero Chino Islet Morning: Bahía Ballena Whale Bay (Santa Cruz Island) After breakfast disembark (wet landing) at a beautiful olivine beach (a volcanic crystal that forms in fast-cooling lava). The area has historical relevance since a small community lived in this area in the late 1900s, collecting lichen (Rosella Tictoria), used in the textile industry. The trail leads guests to an old water hole used by the former settlers. There are also boobies, land birds and beautiful views of the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy. Several activities are possible after the walk, such as snorkeling or a panga ride along the shoreline. Back on board for lunch. Afternoon: Sombrero Chino Islet Less than a quarter-of-a-square-kilometre in size, the tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance: a Chinese hat. Lying just off the southeastern tip of San Salvador Island (James), this island, only formed fairly recently, makes a beautiful visit as one explores along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. Several species of shore birds can be spotted, along with marine iguanas, lava lizards, Galápagos penguins and sally lightfoot crabs. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities with white-tipped reef sharks and tropical fish. Jupiter, FL Page 3 of 11

4 Day 6 Wednesday, March 15: Bartolomé Island & Sullivan Bay (James Island) Morning: Bartolomé Island A small satellite island of the neighboring Santiago Island, Bartolomé is a landmark of Galápagos. Broken volcanic material reveals some of the most striking volcanic landscapes: the Pinnacle rock. After a dry landing, the short, yet somewhat steep trail will unfold virtually every volcanic feature expected to be found in Galápagos. Lava flows, tuff, cinder and spatter cones. To reach the summit a wooden staircase was build to minimize erosion on the island s slopes. The vista is the prize: The Pinnacle Rock next to golden beaches and turquoise waters. This is the introduction to the next activity: swimming and snorkeling along the north beach of Bartolomé. Glass Bottom boat is an option for non-snorkelers. Lunch on board. Afternoon: Sullivan Bay (James Island) After lunch, board the panga for the short ride to the landing site at Sullivan Bay on the East Coast of Santiago. Wet landing on a white coral sand beach and a walk over lava that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galápagos. The last major eruption on Santiago was probably in the early 1900 s. One observer aboard a sailing vessel reported that the ship approached the lava flow so closely that the pine tar used to seal the hull of the ship began to soften, and the captain had to hurry the ship away from the bay. Day 7 Thursday, March 16: Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island) and Price Philip/s Steps Morning: Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island) In the morning, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks. Lunch on board. Afternoon: Prince Philip s Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island) The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (weather permitting). Day 8 - Friday, March 17: Baltra Island Disembarkation to Guayaquil Disembark on Baltra Island. Transfer to the airport to take the commercial flight (ticket not included) back to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hilton Colon Hotel. The afternoon is free for you to relax and explore the city on your own. Hotel: Hilton Colon Guayaquil Day 9 - Saturday, March 18: Guayaquil Arequipa, Peru 980 NM Fly to Arequipa (its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) - known as the White City (Ciudad Blanca) due to its many colonial-era buildings made from sillar - a white volcanic rock. Hotel: Liberator Jupiter, FL Page 4 of 11

5 Day 10 - Sunday, March 19: Arequipa Juliaca, Peru 95 NM Fly to Juliaca. Transfer to Puno (12,500 above sea level) - gateway to wondrous Lake Titicaca and its unique inhabited islands. The lake is South America s largest and the world s highest navigable body of water. Long considered a sacred place among indigenous Andean peoples, those who live on and around the lake believe that powerful spirits live in the lake's depths. Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Puno Day 11 - Monday, March 20: Juliaca We ll visit the floating islands of Uros for a brief visit before continuing by boat to Taquile Island a fascinating island of stunningly beautiful landscapes and friendly people - to visit archaeological remains belonging to the Tiahuanaco and Inca Culture and the local market. Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Puno Day 13 - Wednesday, March 22: Uyuni Day 12 - Tuesday, March 21: Juliaca La Paz, Bolivia Uyuni, Bolivia NM Fly to Uyuni. There will be a stop in La Paz to clear customs and refuel. The Luna Salada Hotel, providing a wonderful view of the Uyuni salt flats, is extraordinary because it is constructed entirely out of salt blocks. Hotel: Luna Salada Hotel (Salt Moon Hotel) We ll spend the day exploring the beautiful Salar de Uyuni (white desert) - the world's largest salt flat at 4,085 square miles. It s estimated to contain 10 billion tons of salt (less than 25,000 tons is extracted annually). Hotel: Luna Salada Hotel (Salt Moon Hotel) Day 14 - Thursday, March 23: Uyuni Yacuiba, Bolivia Asuncion, Paraguay NM Fly to Asuncion a picturesque city of modern and colonial architecture. Situated on unassuming hills above the east bank of Paraguay River, Asuncion is the capital and largest city of Paraguay. With few high rises downtown, El Centro retains its intimate 19 th century feel with low balconied buildings and orange trees lining the narrow streets. Hotel: La Mision Day 15 - Friday, March 24: Asuncion Enjoy a scenic tour to San Bernardino situated on Lake Ypacaraí. Along the way we ll visit the local handcraft cities of Luque (renowned for its craftsmanship of guitars and Paraguayan harps as well as Filigranas, gold and silver filigree jewelry), Aregua, Itaugua (famous for its cobweb-like lace - the Ñanduti weave) and Capiatá. Hotel: La Mision Jupiter, FL Page 5 of 11

6 Day 16 - Saturday, March 25: Asuncion Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Hotel: La Mision Day 17 - Sunday, March 26: Asuncion Punta del Este, Uruguay 590 NM Fly to Punta del Este known as the Pearl of Uruguay. Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio sits on 4,000 spectacular acres of rolling countryside where herds of cattle, horses and sheep roam freely alongside wild ostrich, fox, armadillo and other indigenous wildlife. The private residence hotel is located on a high point of the estancia with magnificent views out over the Laguna and Southern Atlantic Ocean. Hotel: Estancia Vik Day 18 Monday, March 27: Punta del Este Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Hotel: Estancia Vik Day 19 Tuesday, March 28: Punta del Este Florianopolis, Brazil 545 NM Fly to Florianopolis. Situated on a private peninsula, Ponta dos Ganchos is one of Brazil s most exclusive beach resorts. A ridge of Atlantic rainforest runs down to the water, where three tiny islands horseshoe around a sandy bay. A thatched restaurant idles ten feet from the beach, but paddle across to one of the islands and you find a bar that's illuminated by torches at night. Hotel: Ponta dos Ganchos Resort Day 21 Thursday, March 30: Florianopolis Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Day 20 Wednesday, March 29: Florianopolis Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Late in the afternoon we will board a speedboat for a visit to Ganchos Bay known for its calm and clean waters. Legend has it that Captain Hook frequented the bay (Ganchos means hooks in Portuguese) but it is much more likely that the name alludes to the fact that the bay itself is hook-shaped. The tour takes in the beaches of Canto dos Ganchos, Calheiros, Ganchos do Meio and Ganchos de Fora. You ll be in the bay when the setting sun provides a spectacle of rare beauty. Hotel: Ponta dos Ganchos Resort Optional tours and activities (boating, kayaking, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, paragliding, golf, horseback riding, etc.) are available Hotel: Ponta dos Ganchos Resort Jupiter, FL Page 6 of 11

7 Day 22 Friday, March 31: Florianopolis Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 410 NM Fly over the immense cattle ranches and fields of southern Brazil, follow the Atlantic coast characterized by its high plateaus and white sandy beaches before ending with an exciting approach amongst the spectacular Bay of Rio de Janeiro and land at downtown Santo Dumont airport. Hotel: Copacabana Palace Day 23 Saturday, April 1: Rio de Janeiro A full day tour will show us the highlights of the city including a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf, a climb to the foot of the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) and to Ipanema, Copabana and many other historical and spectacular sights. Dinner is on your own to enjoy the exciting nightlife of Rio! Hotel: Copacabana Palace Breakfast and Lunch included Day 24 - Sunday, April 2: Rio de Janeiro Natal, Brazil 1,115 NM Fly to Natal situated on the North coast of Brazil. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Northeast, Ponta Negra is renowned with its alluring blue water, its golden sand beaches, and the lovely Morro do Careca - the highest sand dune in the Northeast, surrounded by a dense pristine forest. Hotel: Manary Praia Day 25 - Monday, April 3: Ponta Negra We ll enjoy a buggy ride on the North coast beaches of Jenipabu, Pitangui and Jacuma. Prepare to be enchanted by the lagoons formed in the dunes by the accumulation of water from the rain. Relax on the beach, have a swim in the cool water. An exciting highlight of our day trip is traversing the buggies as we climb the famous dunes of Jenipabu! Having gained fame because of its unique mobile dunes, you'll think you're on a roller coaster as your experienced buggy drivers take you for a wild ride! Hotel: Manary Praia Day 26 - Tuesday, April 4: Natal Belem, Brazil Paramaribo, Suriname NM Fly to Paramaribo the capital city of Suriname. The city center of Paramaribo is placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List of historical monuments due to its unique architecture. It is a diverse city consisting of various population groups, cultures and religions. Hotel: Royal Torarica Day 27 - Wednesday, April 5: Paramaribo Canouan 565 NM Fly to Canouan. Our hotel is Pink Sands Club located on the beautiful beaches of Canouan. Hotel: Pink Sands Club Jupiter, FL Page 7 of 11

8 Day 28 - Thursday, April 6: Canouan Today is at leisure to relax on the spectacular white sand beach or explore on your own. Hotel: Pink Sands Club Day 29 - Friday, April 7: Canouan Borinquen, Puerto Rico West Palm Beach, FL NM As the end of the voyage is within reach, one must only look back thirty-seven days to understand an accomplishment of a life time. Not only will you have circumnavigated an entire continent, but more importantly you will have experienced all three of the ancient cultures, seen countless world wonders and enjoyed great accommodations, all while being escorted through bureaucratic troubles that would plague such an attempt without Air Journey s assistance. After a most extraordinary and unique lifetime adventure one could ever hope, we will make our way back to the US leaving Canouan for Florida. There will be a technical stop in Borinquen to refuel and clear US customs. Breakfast included Jupiter, FL Page 8 of 11

9 South America Distance Chart FROM: TO: MILES Stuart, FL Cartagena, Colombia 1,040 Stuart, FL Boscobel, Jamaica 555 Boscobel, Jamaica Cartagena, Colombia 485 Cartagena, Colombia Guayaquil, Ecuador 795 Guayaquil, Ecuador Arequipa, Peru 980 Arequipa, Peru Juliaca, Peru 95 Juliaca, Peru Uyuni, Bolivia 380 Juliaca, Peru La Paz, Bolivia 130 La Paz, Bolivia Uyuni, Bolivia 250 Uyuni, Bolivia Asuncion, Paraguay 590 Uyuni, Bolivia Yacuiba, Bolivia 200 Yacuiba, Bolivia Asuncion, Paraguay 390 Asuncion, Paraguay Punta del Este, Uruguay 590 Punta del Este, Uruguay Florianopolis, Brazil 545 Florianopolis, Brazil Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 410 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Natal, Brazil 1,115 Natal, Brazil Paramaribo, Suriname 1,415 Natal, Brazil Belem, Brazil 840 Belem, Brazil Paramaribo, Suriname 575 Paramaribo, Suriname Canouan 565 Canouan West Palm Beach, FL 1,350 Canouan Borinquen, Puerto Rico 480 Borinquen, Puerto Rico West Palm Beach, FL 870 Total Miles 9,870 Jupiter, FL Page 9 of 11

10 South America Map Jupiter, FL Page 10 of 11

11 COST AND INFORMATION The fully guided Journey to South America price includes: Presence of an Air Journey tour leader who will facilitate clearances, Immigration, refueling, flight planning, and provide help with any difficulty that might arise Full-time services of a professional Air Journey guide and local experts Lodging: for 29 days, 28 nights Meals: All breakfasts and most lunches and dinners. Please note that beverages are not included. Tours and admission to all planned group sightseeing All service charges and taxes Customs expediting Customs and Immigration forms (filled by Air Journey when possible) Briefing prior to every flight covering all aspects of the flight Trip Kit for each aircraft including: Extensive Navigation log (airports, route, frequencies, information of airspace, nav-aids, reporting points, international flight plan) tailored for each aircraft; Flight plans and eapis manifest (departure and arrival) filed on your behalf; Pilot briefing prior to each day s flight; Weather website with constant updates showing TAF, METAR, Wind Aloft, prognostic forecast and review; Fuel availability confirmed along the route of flight; Jeppesen navigation charts and approach plates; Flight bag and collared, cotton shirt for the pilot with his name and aircraft tail number embroidered on the upper front. Shirts are available for passengers and crew at an additional cost. Cost per person Single Supplement Plane Registration Fee $22,795 Available upon request $4,750 Survival gear is not included in the cost of the journey but can be rented out. It will be waiting for you at the departure point. Life vests and survival raft are mandatory. 6. Enough Rental fees: Life vest: $7.00 per day Raft: $25.00 per day Aircraft Insurance coverage needed for: Mexico, Central and South America. Most insurance companies will cover the Caribbean, Central America and South America but often excluding Colombia. BUT make sure that you check with your insurance company before registration for the journey. Should you have any problem getting coverage, please call Air Journey will help you work the details out with your insurance company. Cancellation Policy: Given outside of 90 days of departure: Between 90 and 60 days of departure: Between 59 and 45 days of departure: Less than 45 days or No Show of departure: Air Journey retains the plane registration fee Air Journey retains 50% of the tour cost plus the plane registration fee Air Journey retains 75% of the tour cost plus the plane registration fee Air Journey retains 100% of the tour cost plus the plane registration fee Note: Travel and Cancellation Insurance is strongly recommended and not included in the package but it can be purchased from Air Journey for about 6% of the cost of the Journey. Also note: Air Journey reserves the right to cancel because of lack of participants (less than 7 airplanes), political unrest, terrorism, or severe weather forecast, in which case Air Journey will issue a full refund. Jupiter, FL Page 11 of 11