LATIN AMERICA HOLIDAY ITINERARY
22 Days / 21 Nights of Travel Exploration & Memorable Experience
DAY 1: SANTIAGO DE CHILE - VALPARAISO Chile Welcomes You! A long sliver of land wedged between the Andes and the Pacific, Chile packs a wealth of diverse landscapes in its narrow borders. Vibrant beaches, first-rate vineyards, and bustling cities like Santiago and Valparaíso make it easy to tap into the good life in central Chile A private transport will wait for you at the airport to take you straight to Valparaiso. A great tasting of Chile for two hours drive. Enjoy half hour of boat trip by twilight and appreciate the city at night and see sea lions Night Stay at a restored old port house date 1885 VOGA Exclusive Guesthouse
DAY 2: VALPARAISO After a restful night and hearty breakfast a busy and interesting day is waiting for you. We will take you to places in Valparaiso that will simply enchant you! Enjoy the tour of one of the most colorful cities on the world. Remember everything is colorful in this city facades, doors, windows, stairways, rubbish bins Sky Walk A walk-drive tour will take you to very interesting staircases, alleys, facades, and street corners adorned with murals. The tour also includes a ride with one of Valparaiso s traditional lifts ( ascensor ) and the old-fashioned Trolley bus. Mt. Eden
DAY 3: VINA DEL MAR SANTIAGO DE CHILE Today we would head to the capital of Chile. Surprising, cosmopolitan, energetic, sophisticated and worldly, Santiago is a city of syncopated cultural currents, madhouse parties, expansive museums and top-flight restaurants. It's a wonderful place for strolling, and each neighborhood has its unique flavor and tone In the morning you will head to the capital, with a stopover in Vina del Mar "the garden city", where you can appreciate the flower filled streets and gorgeous gardens. We visit Casa del Bosque vineyard, where you can taste Chilean wine and we will finish with a 4-course lunch in one of the boutique restaurants in Chile. Night Stay at the best hotel in Chile 2011 (National Geographic) THE AUBREY SANTIAGO
DAY 4: SANTIAGO DE CHILE After breakfast, experience the spectacular sights and colorful culture of Chile s capital city. See all of the city s legendary landmarks as you stroll through Santiago s streets, visiting the picturesque Moneda Palace, the verdant Parque Forestal and the colossal Cathedral.
DAY 5: SANTIAGO DE CHILE - CALAMA Distance from Santiago de Chile to Calama 1535km (Two hours flight)
DAY 5 (CONTD): CALAMA In the morning you are flying to Calama. After two hours of flight, we will transfer you to San Pedro de Atacama. Spend the afternoon on a scenic drive to Salt Mountain and Valle de Marte (Chile s Death Valley), and watch a spectacular sunset in the extraordinary landscape of Moon Valley. Next three nights at the cozy & intimate Hotel Incahuasi (unique accommodation with an adobe style).
DAY 6: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA Following breakfast, you'll be driven out to the Atacama Salt Flat to see three species of flamingos nesting on Lake Chaxa. After visiting the picturesque town of Toconao, renowned for its classic bell tower, continue on to the village of Socaire and the altiplanic lagoons of Meñique and Miscanti. Ringed by volcanoes of the Andes Mountains chain, the vivid blue lakes lie 14,850 feet (4,500 meters) above sea level and are protected by Flamingos National Reserve (Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos).
DAYS 7 & 8: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA It is a pre-dawn start today, departing your hotel at 4am to reach the Geysers del Tatio by sunrise. Once at the geysers, enjoy a breakfast box before taking a guided walk around the geothermal field, seeing the breathtaking sight of columns of steam rising from the ground as the sun rises over the Andes Mountains. The following morning, we will visit the Puritame Hot Springs. Its waters are flowing from the river that is born in the mountains and heat up nicely because of the proximity to subterranean volcanic activity. Mother Nature gives us the chance to enjoy a swim in its soothing waters which in addition to reaching around 33 C, are rich in minerals providing health benefits.
DAY 8 (CONTD): CALAMA LIMA Distance from Calama Lima 1865 km (Transit in Santiago de Chile, around 6 hours total flight time)
DAY 8 (CONTD): CALAMA - LIMA In the morning we fly from Calama to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, we will visit some of the highlights of Lima (it depends of how much energy you have after the long flight ). In the historic district, you will see the Main Squares of Plaze de Armas and Plaza San Martin. We will explore the Cathedral, Government Palace, and the Monastery of San Francisco. We will also visit the huge central market to sample local churros, juices and street snacks. And why not to try the Peru s legendary cocktail, the pisco sour! It s a heady mix of lemon or lime juice, brandy and sugar. Night Stay at the Hotel Casa Andina Miraflores
Today you will enjoy the modern Lima, visiting areas such as Miraflores, San Isidro and the traditional district of Barranco. Also you will have the opportunity to experience one of the most great parks in Lima: The Magic Water Circuit. It is a delightful tour of dancing water and lights more than a dozen fountains send water shooting into the air, choreographed to music and light. DAY 9: LIMA
DAY 10: LIMA - HUACACHINA Distance from Lima to Huacachina 309km (Six and half-hour drive)
DAY 10 (CONTD): LIMA ICA - HUACACHINA You will be picked up from their hotel in Lima and then transferred to the Huacachina Oasis in the city of Ica a scenic journey for the main Panamericana road. On the way we will visit the Ballestas Island on a boat, the Paracas Reserve, a marine sanctuary located at the shore of the Pacific Ocean. Also we will stop at a local vineyard where we will learn about making of the Peruvian national drink Pisco. Afterwards you will visit the Huacachina Oasis, this place is very well known for its sand dunes. You can enjoy sandboarding if you wish. We will see the sunset before heading off to Nazca and stay at the Hotel Casa Andina.
DAY 11: ICA NAZCA LINES LIMA You will be picked up from hotel and driven you to Ica Airport where you will board your plane for a flight over the famous Nasca Lines. Around midday you will return to Lima. On the way out we will stop at the Nazca desert to visit the Mirador Metallic tower from where you can see 2 of the famous Nazca drawings
DAY 12: LIMA - CUZCO After breakfast, the Capital of the Inca Empire is waiting for you. The city of Cuzco is located in the southeastern Peru, only an hour s flight from Lima. When you arrival to this city, you will be able to explore the narrow lanes and cobbled backstreets with massive walls built by the Inca, and a rich collection of colonial churches pinpoint the city s leafy squares. Cusco s museums feature fabulous collections of Inca jewelry, pottery and textiles, and one of the best examples of the Inca s famously well-fitting stonework forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. The next three nights we will stay at a hotel located at the Sacred Valley Inkalpa Valle Sagrado Lodge and Spa
Today you will visit the Salt mines of Maras and the agricultural terraces of Moray. You will be able to see snow-capped mountains, fields and traditional villages. You will also visit the Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo ruins. DAY 13: CUZCO
DAY 14: MACHUPICHU Today you are going to explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu!!! This magnificent Inca city was untouched by the Spanish conquistadores, and went virtually forgotten for centuries. It wasn't until 1912 when locals showed the site to an American adventurer that Machu Picchu began earning international attention. We will enjoy a guided tour.
DAY 15: LIMA - QUITO Distance from Lima to Quito 1844km (Flights has a stopover in Lima, and is around 6 hours flight)
DAY 16 (CONTD): CUZCO LIMA - QUITO Welcome to Ecuador. You will flight from Cuzco to Quito (Ecuador s capital). You deserve a relax day because your next big adventure is about to start! Nights at the hotel City Art Hotel Silberstein
DAY 17: QUITO AMAZON Departing from Quito, 30 minute flight to Coca where we begin our canoe ride along the Napo River for about 2 hours, lunch box en route. After arriving at the Napo Wildlife Centre's entry dock we then take a majestic and peaceful 1 hour dugout canoe ride surrounded by trees overhead, paddling along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located. Late afternoon arrival to the NWC lodge, welcome drink and tour of facilities. After dinner optional cayman (alligator) observation around the lake.
DAY 18: AMAZON RAINFOREST An early start to visit the parrot clay licks in Ecuador; a total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen. Later, we hike along a forest trail to visit the Quichua community of Añangu and share time with a family during their traditional activities. Return to the creek and hike through a Terra Firme Forest for about 30 minutes until we arrive to the second parrot clay lick Box lunch at the parrot clay lick observatory. Late afternoon arrival to the lodge.
DAY 19: AMAZON RAINFOREST Morning visit to the 36m tall canopy tower on the Napo - a great way to experience the life above the forest floor. As you ascend the 12-story tower, you pass through different levels of the forest and emerge on top of a huge Ceiba tree. Here you cross onto a wooden platform that is actually built into the tree and experience the view formerly reserved only for the birds. Lunch is served at the lodge. Afternoon trekking in the primary forest to discover the forest interior and then a dugout canoe ride with great chance of running into a Giant otter family on the way.
DAY 20: AMAZON RAINFOREST - QUITO Return journey to Coca with wildlife spotting opportunities along the way in the dugout canoe.
DAY 21: QUITO A full day to acquaint yourself with the best sites of the city of Quito. In the morning you will enjoy a tour of the colonial highlights including the cathedral and most impressive churches and pretty plazas. After lunch we head north to the equator - stand literally in the middle of the world! We also visit the unique Intiñan museum where you can prove (or disprove) various scientific phenomena that only hold true at the equator. Don t forget to take your passport along if you want a special equator stamp in it! Nights at the hotel City Art Hotel Silberstein
DAY 21: QUITO SANTIAGO DE CHILE (DEPARTURE) OPTIONAL EXTENSTION DAY 21-25: QUITO GALAPAGOS ISLAND OR Day 21: You are transferred to the International Airport, for your flight back home. Fly back home with the sense of an adventure completed, fond memories and loads of photographs! OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Day 21: An early morning flight will take you to the enchanted Galapagos Islands! A member of the cruise s crew will shuttles you to your Galapagos cruise. (Depending on the cruise and the day you arrive to the islands the itinerary will vary)
OPTIONAL EXTENSTION DAY 21-25: GALAPAGOS ISLAND CONTD This is an example of an itinerary in the North of the islands: 1) The Galapagos islands cruise itinerary begins on Santa Cruz island with an excursion which includes snorkeling on the beach. 2) The following day the Galapagos islands cruise itinerary continues onto Genovesa with more extraordinary hiking on amazing terrains and beautiful snorkeling. 3) On the third day of your North Galapagos islands cruise itinerary you venture to both Santiago and Santa Cruz on the same day. This portion includes stops at both Sullivan Bay and Dragon Hill with several excursions on each. 4) This day on Galapagos islands cruise itinerary you get to visit the breeding center and are exposed to the amazing tortoises that can be found all over the island. 5) The fifth day of your Galapagos islands cruise itinerary you head to Isabela and venture to both Moreno Point and Urbina Bay.
OPTIONAL EXTENSTION DAY 21-25: GALAPAGOS ISLAND CONTD CHOICE OF ITINERARIES FOR CRUISE DEPENDS ON THE OPERATOR NORTH ITINERARY SOUTH ITINERARY
OPTIONAL EXTENSTION DAY 25: GALAPAGOS QUITO SANTIAGO DE CHILE After breakfast at the cruise you will have a flight to Quito and from there to Santiago de Chile where our driver will meet you at the airport for a transfer to your hotel (The Aubrey). Your afternoon is free. DAY 26: DEPARTURE You are transferred to the International Airport, for your flight back home. Fly back home with the sense of an adventure completed, fond memories and loads of photographs!
INCLUSIONS 25-nights accommodation Double Room for Chris & Joc / Triple sharing room for kids on most days 2 x Double Rooms on Galapagos Cruise. 1 person needs to be accommodated in a twin-sharing room with someone else. Otherwise, we need to take one full room at an additional cost. Breakfasts on all days / 7 Lunches / 9 Dinners All surface transports & transfers by pre-arranged A/C vehicles or casual cabs (only when Erika is with you ) Erika as your Tour Manager from your arrival till you depart from Cusco to Quito on Day 15 International & domestic flights All applicable taxes Activities Boat cruise at night Valparaiso Valparaiso guided tour (incl Acensor lift ride) Santiago de Chile guided tour Visits to Atacama salt flats, pink flamingos, Geysers Lima guided tour Magic water circuit Ballestas Island visit by boat Stopover at Vina del Mar The Garden City Vineyard visit in Chile Valparaiso to Santiago Scenic flight over Nazca Lines Sandboard & buggy Huacachina dunes Sacred valley Inca ruins 1 st Class train journey Cuzco to Aguas Calientes Guided tour of Machupichu Flight from Quito to Amazon Full Amazon tour as explained in itinerary Quito guided tour Cruise around Galapagos Islands as per itinerary