5 COUNTRIES CROSSING SOUTH AMERICA. Arrival in Santiago and transfer to the hotel. City tour through Santiago.

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "5 COUNTRIES CROSSING SOUTH AMERICA. Arrival in Santiago and transfer to the hotel. City tour through Santiago."

Richard Golden
5 years ago
Views:

1 5 COUNTRIES CROSSING SOUTH AMERICA SANTIAGO DE CHILE SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA LIMA YUCAY CUSCO PUNO LIMA IGUASSU BUENOS AIRES MONTEVIDEO RIO DE JANEIRO DAY 01: SATURDAY SANTIAGO DE CHILE (-/-/-) transfer airport SCL/Hotel half day city tour Santiago Arrival in Santiago and transfer to the hotel. City tour through Santiago. Santiago de Chile is a city of contrasts with remains of its colonial past to the ultramodern, high-rise buildings of the financial centre; Chile s capital city will surprise you. The city tour begins with the visit of the church San Francisco, which was built between 1572 and You will pass through the Barrio Paris & Londres which is characterized by its European architectural style and its narrow cobbled street. Then you will pass by the sector of Club Hípico, one of the most beautiful horseracing tracks in South America, privileged by its architecture of the early centuries. Continuing your tour to the Barrio Concha y Toro where you will immediately notice that the constructions of the buildings are very similar to those in the Barrio Paris y Londres. While walking through the main street you will recover vestiges of the aristocratic past of the capital this district was declared as Zona Típica. You will be impressed by the gothic, neo-colonial and Bauhaus constructions. After that you will visit the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. Just around the corner, you will find the main post office, the National History museum, the Metropolitana and the town hall of Santiago. From here you head along the famous Alameda, Santiago s colourful main avenue, to the heart of the city, seeing the Palacio de la Moneda (seat of government), various monuments and public buildings. Afterwards, you continue the tour by driving up to the San Cristóbal Hill. From one of the hill s view points, you will have the finest views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. To round off the tour, you will pass through the modern residential areas of the city with their daring architecture and, finally, the bustling Providencia shopping zone. Overnight at HOTEL TORREMAYOR (3*) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL ATTON VITACURA (4*) or similar (standard room)

2 DAY 02: SUNDAY SANTIAGO DE CHILE CALAMA SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (-/-/-) Transfer hotel/airport Flight SCL/CJC (not included) Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama Walking tour of San Pedro de Atacama Transfer to the airport for the flight to Calama (not included). Arrival and reception by our local tour guide, transfer of approx. 1 ½ hours to San Pedro de Atacama. In the afternoon half day city walk of San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro de Atacama is the most important Archaeological centre in Chile situated 2,438 meters above sea level and surrounded by a green fertile oasis picturesque, San Pedro has been the centre of a Paleolithic civilization with its narrow streets that have preserved of its old style dating back to the Spanish Conquerors and its beautiful colonial church that was built in The village is the centre for Indian culture in the Atacama Desert. Middle class: Overnight at HOSTERIA SAN PEDRO (3*) or similar (superior room) Comfort class: Overnight at KUNZA HOTEL & SPA (5*) or similar (standard room) DAY 03: MONDAY SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (B/L/-) Full day shared excursion Salar de Atacama, Miscanti & Meñiques Lagoons and Toconao including lunch Today you will start your tour visiting the huge Atacama Salt Lake, an inland sea dating back millions of years. Enjoy a unique experience viewing this doubtlessly driest desert in the world. The flatness, clearness and emptiness here are overwhelming. Following the road in direction to Argentina, you will get to know the Lagunas Miscanti & Meñiques, set at the base of two immense volcanoes. These highland lakes (Lagunas Altiplanicas) are fringed with salt deposits and surrounded by brilliantly coloured clumps of paja brava, creating a singular visual experience. Afterwards you continue to the small Indian village of Toconao. The inhabitants of Toconao are producing beautiful small sculptures out of a white volcanic stone that can be found in a quarry near the village. Lunch is included. Return to the hotel. Middle class: Overnight at HOSTERIA SAN PEDRO (3*) or similar (superior room) Comfort class: Overnight at KUNZA HOTEL & SPA (5*) or similar (standard room)

3 DAY 04: TUESDAY SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA PM Moon Valley Tour Morning at leisure. The following optional tour can be booked at our local office: Optional: Excursion to visit El Tatio Early in the morning (04:00 AM) you will depart for a drive of 78 miles northeast to visit the impressive Tatio Geysers at an altitude of 4.321m! The steaming geysers are at their best between 06:30 and 08:30 hrs. In the afternoon half day shared excursion to the Moon Valley. Right in time for the beautiful sunset, you will drive to the Moon Valley in the late afternoon. It fascinates with silence, moonscape and the snow-capped volcanoes in the background. The last sun rays reaching the ground color the valley in shining orange, red and purple hues. Don t miss this unique experience! Middle class: Overnight at HOSTERIA SAN PEDRO (3*) or similar (superior room) Comfort class: Overnight at KUNZA HOTEL & SPA (5*) or similar (standard room) DAY 05: WEDNESDAY SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA CALAMA SANTIAGO LIMA Transfer hotel/airport (regular seat-in basis without local guide) Flight CJC/SCL/LIM (not included) Transfer airport LIM/Hotel Shared transfer to Calama airport for the flight to Lima via Santiago. (no local guide included) Arrival in Lima and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at HOTEL JOSE ANTONIO LIMA (3*+) or similar (standard room) Overnight at CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION MIRAFLORES (4*) or similar (superior room)

4 DAY 06: THURSDAY LIMA CUSCO YUCAY Transfer hotel/airport Flight LIM/CUZ (not included) Transfer airport/hotel in the Urubamba Valley including Pisac & Ollantaytambo Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On the way you will visit the typical Pisac Market in the town of Pisac. Here a very special and traditional market is performed every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. A large handicraft fair is organized by the Pisac and Cusco craftsmen who exhibit and sell wide variety of fine crafts such as woven goods, Alpaca rugs, tapestry, sculpture, jewellery. Continue to the ruin site of Ollantaytambo and visit the town, the shrines and the fortification with its stairs to the sky. Afterwards transfer to the hotel in Yucay located in the Urubamba valley. Overnight at HOTEL SONESTA POSADA DEL INCA YUCAY (3*) or similar (standard room) Overnight at ARANWA SACRED VALLEY HOTEL & WELLNESS (5*) or similar (colonial room) DAY 07: FRIDAY YUCAY MACHU PICCHU CUSCO Full day excursion to visit Machu Picchu Transfer by bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo where the tour starts by train that goes through the fertile plain of the Urubamba valley and on to Aguas Calientes. From there, small busses drive up the steep mountain to the ruin town Machu Picchu. Called the Lost City of the Incas, this cultural heritage of mankind is a beautifully located impressive stone city constructed with a technique incredible for its era and even for present times. Stone upon stone, fitted together perfectly without any cement, with impressive delicacy, exquisite detail and discrimination worthy of the world s greatest palaces. There are many theories about Machu Picchu, but one thing is for sure - it is one of the most impressive sites in the world. Enjoy a guided visit of around 2 hours of the ruins and return by bus and train to Ollantaytambo station. Transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Overnight at HOTEL ECO INN (3*) or similar (standard room)

5 Overnight at HOTEL ARANWA CUSCO BOUTIQUE (5*) or similar (classic room) DAY 08: SATURDAY CUSCO Half day city tour + ruins In the morning the half-day city tour begins. It will be shown the exact centre of the Inca Empire, the Plaza de Armas. There one can find the cathedral built on the ruins of the ancient Inca Palace. The cathedral borders on other churches on both sides. Next stop will be the old town with its magnificent renovated colonial buildings; some of them are being used as hotels. Then proceed to Sacsayhuaman, a ruin located approx. 3 km above Cusco. Sacsayhuaman also offers a fabulous view of the city. Afterwards visit the surrounding ruins. The afternoon is free at leisure. Overnight at HOTEL ECO INN (3*) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL ARANWA CUSCO BOUTIQUE (5*) or similar (classic room) DAY 09: SUNDAY CUSCO PUNO (B/L/-) Overland shared transfer Cusco/Puno A full day bus journey from Cusco to Puno leads through the Peruvian highland along snow-covered peaks, passes up to m above sea level and then goes down to Puno, which is right on Lake Titicaca. On route we will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi and the small town of Pucara. Lunch in a typical restaurant en route is included. After arrival in Puno transfer to your hotel. Overnight at HOTEL JOSE ANTONIO PUNO (3*+) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL LIBERTADOR LAGO TITICACA (4*) or similar (superior room)

6 DAY 10: MONDAY PUNO (B/L/-) Full day shared excursion Uros & Taquile including lunch Full day excursion on Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros floating islands. The Aymara Indians build their houses over floating artificial islands that elaborate themselves on the waters of the Titicaca in which they inhabit in organizations and with ancestral customs. Continue to Taquile Island where you find numerous pre-inca and Inca ruins and Inca terracing. The island is narrow, only about 1km wide, but 6-7km long. The people here still wear their traditional clothes and there is a co-operative shop on the Plaza where one can buy woollen goods of very fine quality. A typical lunch at Taquile Island is included. Overnight at HOTEL JOSE ANTONIO PUNO (3*+) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL LIBERTADOR LAGO TITICACA (4*) or similar (superior room) DAY 11: TUESDAY PUNO LIMA Transfer hotel / airport of Juliaca Flight JUL/LIM (not included) Transfer airport Lima / hotel 4 hours City Tour including San Francisco monastery and Larco Herrera Museum Transfer from the hotel to the airport of Juliaca. Flight to Lima and transfer to the hotel. Today you will explore the city on a sightseeing tour through Lima. The Plaza de Armas with the beautiful buildings of the government Palace, the town hall, the Palace of the archbishop and the cathedral are still the most important places in town. After that you will visit the beautiful San Francisco monastery which displays the largest collection of religious art in America. The highlight of this convent is the visit of the underground vaults known as catacumbas or catacombs. Proceed through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and to the Coastline enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards enjoy a guided visit of one of the Lima s most noted museums, the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum which houses the world s largest private collection of Peruvian pre-columbian Art. Mr Rafael Larco Hoyle founded the museum on July 28, 1926, in the Chiclin sugar estate in Trujillo, naming it as his father as an expression of filial homage. In 1958 he moved the collection to Lima, installing the Museum in a Colonial house in the district of Pueblo Libre, where it currently functions. This locale was adapted to the characteristics style of the 18th

7 century Colonial houses from Trujillo. The approximate 45,000 objects of the collection have been exhibited to the public in the Permanent Hall, Jewellery Vault and the Classified Storage Area ever since. The Halls of the Larco Museum are organized by subjects. The Metals, Ceramics, the Stones, the Culture, the Great Jewellery Vault and Textile Halls emphasize the technological aspects by Pre-Columbian cultures. Finally the World s unique Erotic Hall gives us a glimpse of the fascinating sexual life of ancient Peruvians. Overnight at HOTEL JOSE ANTONIO LIMA (3*+) or similar (standard room) Overnight at CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION MIRAFLORES (4*) or similar (superior room) DAY 12: WEDNESDAY LIMA Day at leisure optional tours can be booked. Overnight at HOTEL JOSE ANTONIO (3*+) or similar (standard room) Overnight at CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION MIRAFLORES (4*) or similar (superior room) DAY 13: THURSDAY LIMA IGUASSU Transfer hotel / airport of Lima flight LIM/IGU (not included) Transfer airport / hotel Transfer from the hotel to the airport of Lima. Flight to Iguassu and transfer to the hotel. Middle class: Overnight at HOTEL CONTINENTAL INN (3*) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL MABU FOZ (4*) or similar (master room)

8 DAY 14: FRIDAY IGUASSU visit of the Argentinean side of the falls (duration approx. 6 hours) Iguassu is one of the biggest wonders of nature in South America: located amidst a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, a gigantic row of waterfalls goes down into the river Iguassu. Today visit the Argentinean side of the falls. Leaving from the hotel on the Brazilian side for a drive and a quick customs check, crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River, which forms the border between Argentina & Brazil. Once in Argentina, tour takes a scenic highway up the Argentinean Iguassu National Park. Stopping at the Visitors Centre and proceeding from there the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades, to the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls and then takes the Ecological Jungle Train that leads visitors to and from the most impressive observation point of the falls The Devil's Throat. Return to the hotel. Middle class: Overnight at HOTEL CONTINENTAL INN (3*) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL MABU FOZ (4*) or similar (master room) DAY 15: SATURDAY IGUASSU BUENOS AIRES visit of the Brazilian side of the falls Transfer to the airport of Iguassu flight IGR/AEP (not included) Transfer airport / hotel Today visit the Brazilian side of the falls. The tour leaves from the hotel by coach and crossing Iguassu National Park as far as the Brazilian Falls. It follows a walk along the paths following cascades and then along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil s Throat to enjoy magnificent views. Take an elevator to go up to the road, and there board the coach to get back to the hotel. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at HOTEL DE LAS AMERICAS (3*) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL INTERSUR RECOLETA (4*) or similar (standard room)

9 DAY 16: SUNDAY BUENOS AIRES Day at leisure the following optional tours can be booked with our local SAT office: Optional: Full day visit of a typical Argentinean Estancia inclusive lunch Enjoy a complete day out in the pampas! After a 2 hours drive to Los Cordales we will reach the Estancia Santa Susana, where the guests will be welcomed by Gauchos with a drink. There is time to visit the Estancia and the daily life of the Gauchos will be explained. Sulky and horse rides will show you the charm of Argentine countryside, its scenarios, and the incomparable wild aroma. Then follows a rustic Barbecue (Asado) lunch with fine meat and sausages. After lunch, a folklore show will present regional music and dances. During the Fiesta Gaucha guests will experience these men's agility with their horses on the Estancia. After the afternoon coffee and tea time you will return to Buenos Aires. **Remark: The visit of San Telmo cannot be guaranteed for above mentioned excursion on regular seat-in basis. Optional: Visit to the San Telmo market. San Telmo is no doubt the best kept historical neighbourhood and eldest district of Buenos Aires. Here one has time to stroll around Plaza Dorrego, where each Sunday an antique market takes place. Tango couples are dancing on the street. Cafes invite to sit on their terrace and to relax by enjoying this nice scenery. Another attraction are the numerous antique shops, where one might find the right souvenir. Optional: visit of a Tango Show incl. dinner at the Restaurant Viejo Almacen. Overnight at HOTEL DE LAS AMERICAS (3*) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL INTERSUR RECOLETA (4*) or similar (standard room) DAY 17: MONDAY BUENOS AIRES half day city tour (4 hours) Today you will visit the most important sites during a city tour. You will drive to the Plaza de Mayo, with the Casa Rosada, the pink house, seat of the government, the Cabildo (town hall) and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The tour goes onto the district San Telmo. Until 1888 this part of the city was a river port, today San Telmo is one of the most modern and desired places to live in Buenos Aires. The worker district La Boca is famous for its colourful tin-houses and its history as living district of Italian seamen and dock workers in the 19th century. The Barrio Norte called Recoleta is the

10 quarter of the rich of Buenos Aires. On the cemetery of Recoleta one will find the grave of Eva Duarte who became famous as Evita Perón. Continue along the widest avenue in the world, the Avenida 9 de Julio, and continue to the Plaza Lavalle with the Federal Court of Justice and the Teatro Colón, to Palermo with its parks and gardens. Return to the hotel. Overnight at HOTEL DE LAS AMERICAS (3*) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL INTERSUR RECOLETA (4*) or similar (standard room) DAY 18: TUESDAY BUENOS AIRES COLONIA MONTEVIDEO Transfer Hotel/Pier Buquebus Ferry to Colonia del Sacramento (regular seat-in basis without local guide) City Tour in Colonia (2,5 hours) Transfer Colonia del Sacramento/Montevideo by public bus without local guide Transfer Bus Terminal Tres Cruces/Hotel Transfer to the ferry station and Buquebus Ride to Colonia (approx 1 hour). Upon arrival in Colonia a comprehensive city tour will take place. Colonia del Sacramento is a small colonial city founded by the Portuguese in 1680, at a time when Spain and Portugal were in the midst of confrontations. For over a hundred years both Empires fought over it, until finally the Treaty of Saint Ildefonso awarded it to Spain. Today the Old City has a lot to say about its Colonial past. Visit the picturesque streets of Colonia del Sacramento, the eldest city in the country, recently declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The streets of Santa Rita, San Gabriel, the Matriz Church, San Pedro road, the Bastion del Carmen, the famous Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs) used so often as a scenery for historical films, Puerta del Campo, Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo. The past can still be felt, in the city s cobblestone streets and stone walls. Colonia complements its archaeological values with natural beauty, the permanent company of the Uruguay River and the emblematic monuments that stand out on the horizon, such as the cathedral and the lighthouse, and very nearby, the Real de San Carlos bullring. The city tour ends at the bus terminal where you will board a very comfortable regular bus including air-conditioning to Montevideo (without local guide). The Journey to Montevideo will take approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival your tour guide will pick you up at the bus terminal.

11 Overnight at HOTEL CRYSTAL PALACE (3*) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL RADISSON (4*) or similar (superior room) DAY 19: WEDNESDAY MONTEVIDEO Half day city tour (3 hours) Today we will depart for a 3 hour city tour through Montevideo. The main points of interest are the Old City, Constitution Square with Cathedral and Colonial Town Hall, Solis Theatre, Independence Square at the centre of which stands a monument dedicated to national hero, José Gervasio Artigas and his Mausoleum. Facing the square is the Government House (museum of the Presidents). Main commercial street 18 de Julio lined with shops, cafés and office buildings. The huge Congress Building is the pride of Uruguay. It was constructed between 1908 and 1925 with local marble of 52 colours and 12 types of wood. Drive past Prado neighbourhood, one of the oldest parks in the city which hosts the famous sculpture La Diligencia (The Stage Coach), Monument to the last Charruas Indians, the Rose Garden and offers you the chance of spending some minutes around the Prado Hotel. Battle & Ordoñez Park, passing by the Obelisk, La Carreta (Covered Wagon) monument and the Soccer Stadium, Residential area of Carrasco. Then we will stop at Plaza Virgilio with the monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy, and from which an excellent view of the city will offer a great spot for photographers. Overnight at HOTEL CRYSTAL PALACE (3*) or similar (standard room) Overnight at HOTEL RADISSON (4*) or similar (superior room) DAY 20: THURSDAY transfer hotel/airport transfer airport/hotel MONTEVIDEO RIO DE JANEIRO Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Arrival in Rio and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at HOTEL WINDSOR PLAZA COPACABANA (3-4*) or similar (standard room)

12 Overnight at HOTEL WINDSOR EXCELSIOR COPACABANA (4*) or similar (superior room) DAY 21: FRIDAY RIO DE JANEIRO half day city tour incl. Sugar loaf Today you will enjoy a half day city tour including visit of the Sugarloaf. Downtown is the business heart of Rio. It is a part of the city where colonial Rio meets modern skyscrapers. Passing through Rio Branco Avenue, you will see the Candelaria Church, which was started being built in the late 18th century and was completed in The headquarter of major Brazilian banks and commercial enterprises is located on this avenue. You will also see the Opera House (Teatro Municipal) and the Carioca Square, the church of Santo Antonio built in the 17 th century as well as the contrast of the modern buildings such as Petrobras and the Cathedral. Moreover you will get to know Rio's aqueduct built in the 18th century which is nowadays connecting downtown to Santa Teresa district, an old residential area. Afterwards you will drive through one of the highlights of this tour: the Flamengo Park from where you have the chance to see already the top highlight of this tour, the Sugar Loaf. This famous mountain reached by a cable car 1,200 feet high, will give you an experience you will never forget: looking down at Rio from top of the Sugar Loaf is one of the most spectacular views in the world. Optional: Half day Corcovado & beaches Enjoy a half day beach tour including a visit to the Corcovado statue. Leaving the hotel you proceed as far as Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train for the ride through Tijuca Forest up to Corcovado Mountain. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and the city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado and then proceeding up the steps will lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below descend by train and continue passing by some of Rio s beaches. Optional Rio by night Show in the evening Visit a folklore and Carnival show featuring skilled dancers, entertainers, samba bands and wonderful costumes in a wonderful display of Brazilian folklore and Carnival. Overnight at HOTEL WINDSOR PLAZA COPACABANA (3-4*) or similar (standard room)

13 Overnight at HOTEL WINDSOR EXCELSIOR COPACABANA (4*) or similar (superior room) DAY 22: SATURDAY RIO DE JANEIRO transfer hotel/airport Transfer to the airport for your international flight back home (not included).

2690 WESTON ROAD, STE 200, WESTON FL TEL: FAX:

2690 WESTON ROAD, STE 200, WESTON FL TEL: FAX: Peru Highlights Tour Day 1 - Arrive in Lima Arrive at the airport in Lima, where you will be welcomed by your tour guide. We will then transfer you to your hotel, the Hotel Jose Antonio or Casa Andina