South America, the Beautiful March 1st-13th, 2020 Rio de Janeiro - Iguazu Falls Buenos Aires - El Calafate Explore the highlights of South America with Columbus Travel s foremost expert in Latin America, Carlos L. Fida, C.T.C. Carlos is hosting this tour while celebrating his 40th year of traveling throughout Latin America. South America is a land of contrasts. Our tour visits; Buenos Aires and the Argentine pampas where the gauchos, the cowboys of South America created legends still very much alive. We visit Iguazu Falls, one of the wonders of the world; ride a train to the top of the Corcovado Mountain to see the inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer, who, with open arms welcomes visitors from all over the world. Together with the Sugarloaf Mountain, these are Rio s landmarks. Carlos will guide you through the wonders of South America; from Gauchos in Argentina to Cariocas in Rio de Janeiro; including places of pristine beauty, such as Iguazu Falls and El Calafate, a charming Patagonian village, close to lakes and glaciers. Tour Host Carlos Fida: I am a native of Argentina where I held teaching positions at the University of Patagonia and at the Military Academy. I have lectured for university groups on the rich history of pre-colombian and modern Latin American history. I immigrated to the United States and after working for five years in the travel industry. I earned my Certified Travel Agent degree, (C.T.C.) in 1985. Since then, I have devoted 40 years of my life as a highly qualified specialist in Latin American travel. I was instrumental in setting the Latin American programs for LAN Vacations and United Vacations and was nominated among the top specialists in Latin American Travel by Travel & Leisure Magazine starting in 2006. My travels around the world have taken me to every corner of Central and South America and many other exotic countries. I bring passion to every tour I take, I share my experiences of years living dangerously in a country ruled by militaries for more than 30 years. I know the countries first hand and I love their people, they are also my people. I have designed this particular departure that covers Rio the Janeiro, the most vibrant and colorful city in the South America, Iguazu falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Buenos Aires, called the Paris of South. It is my hometown even when far away. I will guide you to places featuring impressive falls and pristine lakes hidden amidst the towering Andes Mountains, and monumental glaciers dripping from the high peaks into pristine lakes. There is no other tour in our market including the unique and unusual at the most reasonable price. I invite the eager traveler to explore the beauties of South America in Brazil and Argentina. We will taste delicious typical meals which I have included in our itinerary. Part of the experience is not only the impressive views but also the gourmet meals.
Itinerary: March 01: Los Angeles to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Our adventure starts with a flight from Los Angeles to Rio de Janeiro, the Marvelous City. In Los Angeles we board the newest aircraft of LATAM. The Boeing 788 a very comfortable plane, just for the first segment of our journey. March 02: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Afternoon arrival in Rio, the city resort by the Atlantic Ocean. We will be met at the airport in Rio and transferred to our hotel, located across the street from famous Copacabana beach. March 03: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Our excursion will give us a full eight hour of sightseeing and lunch. We will ride a train to the top of the Corcovado Mountain where the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. We continue to Sugarloaf Mountain. A gondola ride will put us at the top. From this vantage point we have a 360 view of Rio and its environs. A buffet lunch will be served at Confeitaria Colombo, a very traditional place in the old city of Rio. (B, L) March 04: Rio de Janeiro - Museum of Tomorrow tour This iconic modern museum is an amazing experience into a world of the future. The museum is a true work of art, for its futuristic design and for the different presentations offered. Jutting diagonally into the sky, like a giant dinosaur, from the old port of Rio de Janeiro, the museum is one of the planets most powerful arguments for sustainability. Famous Spanish architect used his vision of tomorrow in the most amazing work of architecture in the world. (B, L) March 05 Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls Today we fly to Iguazu. The world famous "Cataratas del Iguassu" awaits us. We will witness the exuberant beauty of the falls, surrounded by a pristine Atlantic forest. The Iguazu Falls were discovered by Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca in the 1541 while he was searching for the "Fountain of Youth. Transfer to the Recanto Resort Park Hotel. The hotel features a great swimming pool fed by a natural spring. Plan on bringing your swimming suit. We will also sightsee the Argentine side of the falls. (B) March 06: Iguazu National Park After a hearty buffet breakfast, we enter the Iguazu National Park and visit the impressive Iguazu falls on the Brazilian side. We walk from the top of the river bank all the way down to the level of the river, stopping in several miradors to take pictures and marvel at this fantastic wonder of the world. After our sightseeing we drive to a port station and climb on a jeep, which will take us through the forest to the pier and start our nautical experience called the Macuco Safari. Plan on getting soaked from head to toe. We also sightsee the Argentina side of the falls. (B) March 07: Iguazu, Argentina to Buenos Aires, Argentina This morning we cross a bridge over the Iguazu River and enter Argentina. A 90-minute flight will take us to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, which is known as the "Paris of South America." Of all the great metropolis of South America, Buenos Aires is the most cosmopolitan. The flavor of
famous European cities is found in its architecture, avenues and parks. Our hotel is located in the heart if the city, close to pedestrian streets. Dinner will be at a famous steak house close to hour hotel. You will taste for the first time during this trip a delicious Argentine steak. (B, D) March 08: Buenos Aires El Calafate, Argentina A three hour and a half flight will place us in El Calafate, home to the icefields of Patagonia. After a short rest we will stroll along the busy streets of El Calafate and acquaint ourselves with a different lifestyle. There is an ice-cream parlor that features the best ice cream in the city, as well as hot chocolate. Evening dinner. Patagonia has the best barbecue lamb in all of South America. (B, D) March 09: Perito Moreno Glacier and navigation of Lake Argentino, Argentina After a buffet breakfast at our hotel we start our full day tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier. We cross the Patagonian steppe passing through ranches, marshes formed by the lake, with flamingoes, steamer ducks and many other species endangered to these lands of the South American continent. We navigate the Lago Argentino to see from the lake level the massive walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the wonders of the world. (B) March 10: El Chalten, Argentina After breakfast we drive to El Chalten, a quaint village by the towering Fitz Roy Peak, the highest in the region. We follow the footsteps of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Legend says that after robbing a bank they made a stop at La Leona, the place where we will visit to rest for a few minutes, order a soft drink or a sandwich. The walls of the lodge exhibit photos of the Sundance Kid and the wild bunch. We are in the heart of Patagonia, a land of explorers and adventurers, such as Antoine Orelie the first, self-proclaimed emperor of Patagonia, or like Julius Popper who established a colony and coined currency and used it to trade with the natives. Charles Darwin visited Patagonia and he said: This land possesses my mind, and I cannot explain why. It is because it enhances the horizons of my imagination. In my youth I lived in the heart of Patagonia. I agree with Charles Darwin and many other explorers who had such an attachment to the land. Return to El Calafate. (B, L) March 11: Buenos Aires, Argentina Morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B, D) March 12: Buenos Aires, Argentina Our city tour will take us from the colorful districts of La Boca to Palermo and La Recoleta; driving by Plaza de Mayo, where in the early 1940's Eva and Juan Peron rallied the masses claiming social justice and equality. In La Recoleta district we will visit the mausoleum where Eva Peron is buried. Buenos Aires is a mix of European and local culture. As we visit the district of La Boca we will see tango dancers in their typical attire. Evening transfer to the airport for our flight to Los Angeles, via Lima. (B) March 13: Los Angeles Arrive in Los Angeles at 8:45 AM and connect to flights to final destination
RSERVATION INFORMATION Hotels: Rio de Janeiro: Rio Othon Palace Iguassu: Recanto Park Resort Buenos Aires: Pestana Hotel or similar El Calafate: El Quijote or Los Alamos Meals: B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner Gratuities: Drivers, guides, porters: gratuities are included. Drinks for included meals are additional Land package price: $3,190.00 per person based on double occupancy Estimated airfare $1,694 from Los Angeles Request additional information. Carlos 801 295-9568, extension 1005
RESERVATION INFORMATION CONTINUED Rates includes all taxes and fees. Fuel surcharges may change. DEPOSIT: $ 500.00 per person FINAL PAYMENT: December 4th, 2019 CANCELLATION AND REFUND: Prior to November 15, 2019: Deposit is refundable December 5, 2019 or later: No Refunds TRAVEL PROTECTION: Columbus Travel recommends that you purchase a Travelex travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment. Consider travel protection for: Trip Cancellation Trip Interruption Emergency Medical Expenses Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains Trip Delay Baggage & Personal Effects Baggage Delay and more For a summary of plan details on benefits, coverages, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the applicable Description of Coverage. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, Omaha NE; NAIC #222276. INTERNATIONAL TRIPS: For all tours and cruises that include international air, a valid passport is required. Columbus Travel must receive a copy of your passport information page by final payment date. Airlines have strict policies concerning name changes/corrections after tickets have been issued. If a name change/correction is required on your ticket, you will be required to cover the cost of the fees. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Travel Services, Inc., d.b.a. Columbus Travel, ("Agent") gives notice that all services, reservations and arrangements for transportation, or cruise, or conveyance, or hotel or lodging, or meals or sightseeing services or any other activities made by Agent, are made by Agent as dual agent for the traveler, (Passenger) and for the air carriers, hotels, sightseeing companies, transportation companies, cruise lines and other companies (Suppliers) providing services for this program. As such, Agent shall not be liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reasons of defect in any vehicle or mode of transportation, through the acts, defaults, financial difficulty or bankruptcy or omissions of the Supplier or person engaged in carrying out the arrangements of the trip or otherwise in connection therewith. Agent is not liable for delays and/or cancellations of services and resultant expenses or loss caused by acts of God, sickness, quarantine, weather, strikes, war, terrorism, social or labor unrest, local laws, mechanical or construction difficulties, abnormal conditions or other situations, actions, omissions or conditions outside Agent's control. Agent is not liable for loss of, or damage to baggage or personal possessions. Agent and Supplier reserve the right to alter or cancel the itinerary or substitute services as conditions require or for the safety of Passenger. As a matter of privacy, we do not disclose addresses or other personal information about other travelers in the group. We do all in our power to assure seats for passengers traveling together on aircraft are assigned together, but because airline seating assignments for groups are controlled by the air carrier, we cannot guarantee specific seat assignments. Passengers must be in good health and able to care for their own needs. Please contact us regarding any health concerns you may have or if you need to bring any specialized medical equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, C-Pap, etc. so that we can determine if transportation services, hotels, and other suppliers can accommodate your equipment. If it is determined that your equipment can be accommodated, you or your traveling companion are fully responsible for it and must be able to lift, fold, push, and handle the equipment. Tour directors on the trip cannot be of assistance with such needs. We reserve the right to remove passengers from the group at their own expense if the care of or actions of a passenger become detrimental to the functioning of the tour. Payment of deposit(s) as outlined in this agreement shall be deemed consent to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement. 563 West 500 South, Suite 180, Bountiful, UT 84010 Tel: 801-295-9568; 800-373-3328; Fax: 801-295-9688 www.columbusvacations.com