Tour Dossier South American Trails Worldwide Tour 18 Days Moderate Pace This document has been designed to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour. All passengers should read this dossier to assess the physical requirements of the programme and their ability to complete the tour. 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 that 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 excellent value group tour. South American Trails is a Moderate Pace tour. This is defined in our brochure as the following: Tours that require a higher level of fitness and may include standard activities and longer periods of sightseeing. Easy walking, high altitude and overnight train journeys may feature. Anyone with a good level of fitness should be able to complete this itinerary. Of course, our National Escort/Local Guides always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance, but they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. Please refer to your Travel Guide for more information. Altitude This itinerary visits areas of high altitude. This itinerary reaches an altitude of 3,399m on Day 2 when you arrive in Cusco. If you have an existing respiratory, vascular or coronary condition, we recommend checking with your doctor before undertaking this itinerary. The following parts of the itinerary have high altitude: 1. Cusco is at an altitude of 3,399m 2. La Paz is at an altitude of 3,640m AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) occurs in some people when they travel to altitudes over 3,000m. Mild symptoms of AMS include dizziness, fatigue, nausea or loss of appetite, breathlessness or headache. These usually develop over the first 36 hours at altitude and not immediately on arrival. AMS symptoms are experienced by people of varying ages and levels of fitness, and usually the symptoms will subside after a day or so. If symptoms worsen, you should seek medical advice and descend in altitude immediately. It is recommended to drink more water, non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks and avoid exertion after arriving in altitude over 3,000m.
Making sure you are well hydrated (by drinking lots of water and refraining from alcohol/caffeine) before and during the tour, as well as exercising to improve your aerobic fitness before you leave, are generally considered to be excellent ways to prevent or alleviate the severity of mild AMS. If you smoke, your doctor will probably also advise you to stop several weeks before your tour. If you have an existing respiratory, vascular or coronary condition, we recommend checking with your doctor before undertaking this tour. Take this Tour Dossier with you to your appointment to explain the altitude at which you will be travelling. Information on AMS can also be found at http://www.travelvax.com.au/resource_files/travel-tips---altitude-sickness.pdf. Tour Highlights: On our South American Trails itinerary, you will visit: 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 Destination Profile On our South American Explorer 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. 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. Joining Your Tour - The tour is 18 days in duration including international flights. Travellers booked on Land Only arrangements should make their own way to the starting point. Join the tour on Day 1 in Lima and end the tour on Day 16 in Delhi. Please refer to your final itinerary for more specific meeting instructions pertaining to your departure. Itinerary Changes 1. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. Flight Delays or Changes to Arrival Times - Due to unforeseen circumstances, flights can be delayed, and therefore connecting flights may be missed. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact our local office on +55 21 991836560 to urgently advise your arrival details have changed. Please ensure you have your trip number, tour name (both included in your final documentation) and new arrival details (flight number and arrival time) handy to pass on to our local office in South America. This will ensure your National Escort/Local Guide can be informed of your most up to date information and ensure someone is at the airport to meet you on arrival. If we are not advised of late changes and missed connections, Wendy Wu Tours cannot guarantee someone will be able to meet you upon arrival in India as our local office will have no way of knowing which flight you will be arriving on. Wendy Wu Tours will not be responsible for providing reimbursement of transportation costs from the airport to your hotel in the event that our local office was not advised of changes to arrival times.
Itinerary South American Trails Day 1: Australia to Lima (via Santiago) Fly with LAN Airlines to Lima, Peru s historical and sophisticated capital. 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: Peru 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 you can admire the 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 a 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 This morning transfer to Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board a train that will 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 20th 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. Stop en route to explore the towns of Andahuaylillas, where you will visit a church considered the Sistine Chapel of the Americas and Pucara, well known for pottery, as well as 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 will explore a wealth of Incan relics. Cruise on to Huatajata and 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. Life surrounding the lake is enjoyed at a slow pace, 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 (at your own expense) 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 nearby 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 recognition of being selected as 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 five minute walk from the famous Copacabana Beach. This evening there is an optional extra (at your own expense) 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 will 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, you will pass by 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: Depart Rio A late check out has been included today. Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight to Santiago. In Santiago, you will connect with your international flight to Australia. Days 17-18: Santiago to Australia Fly home overnight (via Auckland), crossing the Date Line before arriving in Sydney. Tour Profile Visa Requirements - Entry visas for Australian passport holders are only required for Brazil. The Brazil visa IS NOT included in the costs for this tour and must be obtained by the passenger. Australian passport holders also must pay a required reciprocity fee for entry into Argentina prior to departure. Failure to provide the proper documentation and proof of this payment upon arrival will result in a denial of entry into the country. This payment must be orgnaised by the passenger prior to departure. Instructions on how to make payment on reciprocity fee: Visit http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/templates/reciprocidad/reciprocidad.htm and follow the instructions on to register, complete the required forms, pay the reciprocity fee, and print the receipt required for entry to Argentina. The Reciprocity Fee is a multiple entry fee valid for one year, commencing on the date the payment is made. The traveller must: Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with two blank visa pages Hold proof of sufficient funds Hold proof of onward/return airline tickets Hold documents showing proof of purpose of trip Hold all documents required for the next destination Hold a visa for the next destination, if applicable Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change Insurance - We strongly encourage all customers to take a copy of their travel insurance documents (especially relevant international contact numbers) with them while on tour. We advise that you check the inclusions and procedures for lodging claims prior to your departure. These documents should be stored separately from the originals. Luggage - All travellers are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 7kg. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that Indian authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated. 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 Australia 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 Early Check-In - Early check-in is not included in our worldwide group tours. If you wish to add early check-in to your booking, please contact our reservations department who can confirm additional pricing and make this arrangement for you, subject to availability at the hotel.
Exchanging Cash - We suggest talking US Dollars in small notes, as US Dollars are easily exchanged throughout South America. We suggest exchanging your money before travelling to remote areas and smaller towns, as exchange facilities can be limited. Your National Escort/Local Guide will remind you to do this before departure. Personal Expenses - You will need to take some extra money to cover drinks, laundry and souvenirs, plus any additional sightseeing that maybe offered to you. Based on the advice of previous customers an approximate amount of AU$300 per week should be sufficient; however for those that cannot resist a bargain, consider allocating a higher amount. Optional Tours - Optional tours may be offered in each city you visit during your tour. These are not included in the standard itinerary and will only be available if time permits. Each option will be arranged locally by your National Escort/Local Guide. 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 nine 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. Vaccinations and Your Health - We recommend that you contact either your GP or Travelvax (1300 360 164) for advice on vaccinations and travel health. Travelvax has a comprehensive website that you may also find useful www.travelvax.com.au. Before You Leave - We strongly recommend registering your travel plans with www.smartraveller.gov.au as in the event of an emergency, Australian Consular assistance will be more readily available. You can also access the Australian Government s travel advisory service for up to date information about your destination on the same website. After your booking - Once you have booked with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a confirmation invoice followed by deposit documentation. Your final documentation pack will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks prior to departure, and will include a travel wallet, along with your final itinerary and international e-tickets. Updated: 12 April 2016