Worldwide Tour Dossier Best of South America Worldwide Tour 16 Days Moderate Pace
The Tour Dossier is designed to be read in conjunction with the other pre-departure information provided by Wendy Wu Tours including the tour itinerary as described in our brochure and/or website. The itinerary of the tour dossier has three distinct sections. The first section is to give you a day outline, giving an overview of each day s activities. The second section provides an overview of any physical activity which may be faced on a day of touring and provide approximate durations of transfers, air travel etc. For moderate and active paced tours, please pay special attention to this. The third section provides a more in depth description of destinations and sights you will visit on each day, including any shopping experiences.
Worldwide Tours These tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites from far and wide on an all-inclusive excellent value group tour. Best of South America tour highlights: The Incan city of Machu Picchu Fascinating Lake Titicacca The natural wonder of Iguaçu Falls The vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro Cultural and dynamic Buenos Aires The breathtaking scenery of La Paz Best of South America tour inclusions: Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges All accommodation All Meals All sightseeing and entrance fees All transportation and transfers English speaking National Escort and Local Guides Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, discretionary tipping and early check in or late checkout.
Destination profile South America South America South America is a continent dominated by verdant rainforest and steeped in rich culture. Reminders of the ancient Inca civilisation are prominent and ruins can be found scattered around the Western nations. The colourful and vibrant cities of Argentina and Brazil are juxtaposed by the traditional and relaxing cities of Peru and Bolivia. Development in South America Though parts of South America match the west in modernity and technological advances, particularly the main cities, it is important to remember that many parts of South America are still developing and as such, many aspects of tourism in South America do not have the expected standards of comfort as seen in Europe. We would always enourage that our guests travel to South America with an open mind and a sense of adventure. South American Cuisine Peru and Bolivia s traditional cuisine features a variety of spiced meat and fish as well as broths and soups. Argentina is famed for its beef, and is known as one of the top steak countries in the world. Brazil s cuisine is known for a variety of exotically spiced meat dishes and stews. Tour Profile Best of South America On our Best of South America itinerary, you will visit Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Puno, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Buenos Aires, the Parana Delta, Foz do Iguaçu and Rio de Janeiro Best of South America is a Moderate Paced tour. This means that as a whole, clients require a good level of fitness. During your tour, there will be several days of sightseeing on foot for a period of time and in some cases for an extended period of time. Of course, our National Escort and local guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
Itinerary Best of South America Day 1: Fly to Lima Fly to Peru s historical and sophisticated capital Lima. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. The transfer from Lima Airport to your hotel is approximately 50 minutes. Lima The second driest capital in the world after Cairo, Lima overlooks a long coastline marked by precarious cliffs. Steeped in history, Lima is home to a civilization dating back thousands of years and there are many museums in the city showcasing a snippet of its rich story. Day 2: Lima city tour This morning, enjoy a city tour of Lima, visiting the Plaza des Armas to admire the cathedral, Archbishop s Palace and City Hall. Explore the San Francisco Monastery, including the catacombs, finishing at Parque de los enamorados, where there are great ocean views. Transfer to Lima s airport and fly to the Andean city of Cusco. The city tour is roughly 4 hours of sightseeing on foot at a comfortable pace. The transfer from Cusco airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes. Cusco Home to an incredible Incan legacy Cusco has some of the richest heritage in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cathedrals and Incan temples overlook the narrow streets where alpaca knitwear can be bought for a fair price. For anyone interested in the Incan civilization, Cusco is the must see destination. Day 3: Cusco city tour Take a morning tour of Cusco visiting the Plaza de Armas, once the heart of the Incan capital of Huacaypata; and Qoricancha, the temple of the sun. Head just out of town to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, from where you can get fantastic views back over the city. The rest of the day is at leisure. The city tour in Cusco will involve approximately 4 hours of sightseeing on foot at a comfortable pace. Day 4: Machu Picchu Getting on the train at Ollantaytambo, travel through the mountainous landscapes to the small town of Aguas Calientes. From here you will ascend to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Stumbled upon by Hiram Bingham in 1911 after it had been long abandoned, it is considered by many to be a wonder of the world. A guided tour will give you some insight into the Inca Empire. Return to Ollantaytambo by train and transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. The transfer to Ollantaytambo is 1 hour 30 minutes and it is a further 1 hour 30 minutes by train to Aguas Calientes. From here the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu takes 30 minutes along winding roads. The tour of Machu Picchu involves roughly 3 hours of sightseeing on foot along uneven terrain. Machu Picchu The abandoned city of Machu Picchu was forgotten until its rediscovery in
the early part of the 20 th century. In modern times Macchu Picchu is one of the most visited sites in the world and has been designated as one of the seven new wonders of the world. Day 5: Sacred Valley The Sacred Valley, also the Urubamba Valley, is home to colonial towns, Incan citadels and beautiful scenery. Beginning in the charming town of Pisac, visit the excellent market to both mingle with the locals and to browse the plentiful Peruvian handicrafts, then see the fascinating terracing techniques at the Pisac ruins. This afternoon, meet a typical Incan community at Ollantaytambo. Above the town is an old Incan fortress, whilst there is also an area of wonderfully preserved houses, both of which you can explore. Travel back to Cusco. Today will be a full day of approximately 8 hours sightseeing including transfers and touring. Pisaq A vibrant village overlooked by an Incan Fortress, Pisac is a haven for spiritual seekers. It is also home to a magnificent market and fascinating ruins. Ollantaytambo The Incan Ruins of Ollantaytambo are a fine example of how an Incan city would have been constructed. Ollantaytambo has a relaxed pace of life and is best enjoyed when wandering the cobblestone streets. Day 6: Travel to Puno Leave Cusco and head across the Peruvian Altiplano, passing Andean peaks and crossing La Raya Pass, 4,335 metres above sea level, to reach the town of Puno on Lake Titicaca. Stops en route will include the towns of Andahuaylillas and Pucara and the ruins of Racchi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. The train from Cusco to Puno is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, stopping en route at Pucara. Touring in Pucara will last roughly 1 hour. Puno The upbeat and forward-looking Puno is a perfect gateway between Cusco and La Paz. However Puno is a tourist destination in its own right and hosts the famous Virgen de la Candelaria parades every year. Day 7: Lake Titicaca Travel along the shores of the lake and over the border into Bolivia, to the town of Copacabana. Visit the shrine of the Virgen de Copacabana before cruising out to Moon and Sun islands, where you ll explore a wealth of Incan relics. Cruise on to Huatajata where you ll visit the Andean Roots Eco Village to learn about the culture of the region and to meet some more of Bolivia s residents vicuñas, llamas and alpacas. Later, visit a Kallawayas, a natural healer, before a night time visit to the Native Observatory Alajpacha to study the skies of the southern hemisphere. The transfer to the Kansani border is 2 hours. The walking tour of Lake Titicaca lasts around 3-4 hours. Lake Titicaca The largest lake in South America it is surrounded by a slow pace of life where crops are still harvested by hand and vast plateaus stretch for miles. Day 8: La Paz city tour Transfer from Huatajata to Bolivia s administrative capital La Paz. On arrival you will embark on a city tour that will include the spectacular formations of the Moon Valley, the mystical Witch Doctor s Market, San Francisco Church, Killi Killi lookout point and the Presidential Palace. This evening watch a
peña show where you can enjoy dances and music from all over Bolivia. The transfer to La Paz is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Take a city tour lasting roughly 4 hours. La Paz Resting at an altitude of 3,660 metres, La Paz is one of the highest cities in the world. It is therefore important to take time to acclimatize. La Paz is one of the fastest growing cities in Latin America. The tradition is rich and lively markets are ever-present with some of the finest alpaca knitwear to be found. Day 9: Buenos Aires city tour Transfer to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires. On arrival spend some time at leisure and later take part in the ultimate Argentine experience with a night of creating your own empanadas, eating the world s best steak and learning Argentinian gestures and the etiquette of Mate tea. The flight to Buenos Aires connects at Santa Cruz and is 5 hours. The transfer from the airport to your hotel is approximately 40 minutes. Buenos Aires An exciting and vibrant city, Buenos Aires has qualities of a European City with an exotic twist. There is an endless list of things to do in Buenos Aires, from a traditional tango performance, a high quality steak at a Parilla steak house and all the shopping one could need to last a lifetime. Day 10: Buenos Aires Take a city tour of Buenos Aires today. This will take you to some of the city s most colourful and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods including San Telmo, La Boca, Palermo and Recoleta. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure. The city tour involves approximately five hours of sightseeing on foot at a comfortable pace. Day 11: The Parana Delta A town situated in Greater Buenos Aires, Tigre sits on the Parana Delta, an area of rivers and streams packed with marinas, Belle Époque mansions and rowing clubs. Spend some time travelling through the channels and see the sights on a boat excursion. This evening there is an optional excursion to one of the famous Tango Houses for dinner and a Tango show a must in Buenos Aires. The touring in Tigre and the Parana Delta lasts approximately 7 hours including a 1-hour boat ride. Tigre A popular weekend destination from Buenos Aires, Tigre sits on the banks of the Parana Delta and most activities here are water-based. The surrounding waters have a dark tint due to the iron deposits washed down from the jungle. Day 12: Foz do Iguaçu Depart Buenos Aires for the airport and fly to Puerto Iguaçu before popping over the border to Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. The rest of the day is at leisure. The journey to the airport is 30 minutes. Your flight to Iguaçu is 1 hour 40 minutes. On arrival transfer another 30 minutes to your hotel.
Foz do Iguaçu Foz do Iguacu is most commonly visited as a gateway to the neaby Iguacu Falls. The recent construction of the Itaipu Dam, the world s largest hydroelectric dam has given rise to steady growth throughout the city. Day 13: Iguaçu Falls Visit the Brazilian side of Iguaçu falls, walking along the paths and catwalks that will get you up close to the waters before hopping back into Argentina to see the falls from a different perspective. Whilst here you ll take the Ecological Jungle Train to the viewpoint for one of the falls most impressive points, the Garganta del Diablo. Touring of Iguaçu Falls will last approximately 7 hours today. Iguaçu Falls The incredible Iguaçu Falls spans the border of Argentina and Brazil and features hundreds of rushing cascades, set in a lush rainforest scene. The region has been declared a world heritage site and received the status of one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011. Day 14: Travel to Rio de Janeiro Depart Foz do Iguaçu for the airport to fly to Rio de Janeiro, the Marvellous City. On arrival, transfer to your hotel just a fiveminute walk from the famous Copacabana Beach. This evening there is an optional extra sunset tour of the city which visits the main sights, finishing at Sugar Loaf Mountain. The flight to Rio de Janeiro is 2 hours. On arrival transfer approximately 30 minutes to your hotel. Rio de Janeiro Decorated with serene beaches and dubbed the Cidade Maravilhosa (the Marvellous City), Rio de Janeiro is one of the world s great cities. Overlooked by the inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue and surrounded by tropical landscapes the city has a lively and friendly atmosphere accompanied by energetic Samba rhythms. Day 15: Christ the Redeemer Leave the hotel for Cosme Velho Station. Board the cog train that ascends the Corcovado Mountain, on the peak of which Christ the Redeemer watches over the city, passing through the lush vegetation of the Tijuca Forest. Emerging from the top terminus, you ll find Rio laid out at your feet, with views over the city proper to the beaches and beyond to the islands that dot the bay. Descending by train, the tour concludes with a visit to some of Rio s beautiful beaches. The cog train through the Tijuca Forest and up the Corcovado Mountain takes 20 minutes. You will also need to take an escalator or steps up to the Christ the Redeemer Statue. Overall touring will last approximately 6 hours today. Day 16: Fly Rio to Ireland Return to Ireland, arriving the same or following day depending on flights.
Best of South America Travel Info Visas No visa is required Insurance - It is a condition of booking with us that you take out suitable travel insurance. You must provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number when you book with us or as soon as possible thereafter. Wendy Wu Tours will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Accommodation - Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Hotels are generally rated as three to four-star standard, but please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Ireland and South America. All group tour hotels have private western bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and telephone. If you experience any difficulty please speak to your National Escort/local guide. Rest assured that all hotels used by Wendy Wu Tours are regularly inspected by our staff and our partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. After your booking - Once you have booked with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a confirmation invoice followed by deposit documentation, which includes a visa application form (if applicable), and a help sheet. Your final documentation pack will be sent to you approx. 2 weeks prior to departure, and will include a travel wallet, badge, lanyard and further destination information along with your final itinerary and international e-tickets. Last updated: January 2017 Meals - All meals (excluding drinks) are included in our fully inclusive group tours from the groups arrival until the groups day of departure. Our schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout South America. Transport: Roads Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary. Transport: Air Internal flights are based on economy class, with reputable airlines. Group Size In most cases the group will operate with a minimum of 8 travellers with local guides only. If there are 10 travellers or more, your group will be accompanied by a National escort as well as local guides. There will usually be no more than 30 travellers in each group.