Ultimate South America

Overview

This tour takes you on a 25-day adventure through South America, starting in Quito. Immerse yourself in local culture, visit the breathtaking Galapagos Islands, explore the Sacred Valley and iconic Machu Picchu. Travel through diverse landscapes, from floating reed islands to salt lakes and the Atacama Desert. Experience the majestic Iguazu Falls from both sides before ending your journey in Rio de Janeiro, where you can unwind on its famous beaches.

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito

On arrival in Quito, you will be met and transferred to your HOTEL for your two-night stay. (B)

Day 2: Quito

This morning you will be taken on a city tour of colonial Quito to experience the bustling streets and squares of the historical old town. You will also visit the “Middle of the World”, situated at 0º0’0” latitude. (B, L)

Day 3: Quito – Galapagos Islands

Today you will be transferred via light aircraft to the Galapagos Islands (own expense). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the pier, where you will board the GALAPAGOS LEGEND, your accommodation for the next 3 nights. (B, D)

Days 4 – 5: Galapagos Islands

Moving between islands overnight, you will have the opportunity for a range of activities aboard the Galapagos Legend, including excursions like hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, and exploring unique volcanic landscapes. Expect active days led by naturalist guides, exploring diverse ecosystems and viewing endemic species like giant tortoises. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Galapagos – quito

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your light aircraft transfer back to Quito (own expense). On arrival, you will be transferred to your HOTEL. (B)

Day 7: quito – Lima

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima (own expense). On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your HOTEL, with the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

DAY 8: LIMA

This morning you will be taken on a tour of Lima, starting in the historic downtown district. The tour concludes in the modern area of Miraflores offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Overnight at your HOTEL. (B)

Day 9: lima – Cusco

After breakfast you will fly to Cusco (own expense), where you will be met and transferred to your HOTEL. Today you will be taken on a city tour of Cusco visiting both Inca and Colonial landmarks, including Qoricancha. Continue to the archaeological park of the fortress temple, Sacsayhuaman. (B)

Day 10: Cusco – sacred valley

Today you will be taken on a tour of Chinchero and a local weaving community, before continuing to Ollantaytambo. Visit the Inca fortress, one of the most impressive architectural complexes of the Incan Empire. Overnight at your HOTEL. (B, L)

Day 11: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU

This morning you will embark on a train journey to Aguas Calientes. On arrival, you will be met by a local guide who will join you on a bus trip to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins, with free time to explore on your own. Overnight at your HOTEL. (B, L)

Day 12: MACHU PICCHU CUSCO

This morning is at leisure, before you board the afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Overnight at your HOTEL in Cusco. (B)

Day 13: cusco – puno

Today you will travel through the highland plateau, stopping en route at the archaeological site of Andahuaylillas and the ruin of Raqchi. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before arriving at Puno in the early evening, where you will be transferred to your HOTEL. (B, L)

Day 14: puno

The tour begins with a transfer to the port of Puno, where a boat awaits to take you to the beautiful Uros Islands then you will continue to the island of Taquile, renowned for its ancestral culture and traditional way of life. Finally, you will return to the city of Puno. (B, L)

Day 15: puno – santiago

This morning you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Santiago (own expense). On arrival at Santiago, you will be met and transferred to your HOTEL. (B)

Day 16:  Santiago

This morning you will be taken on a half-day walking tour, visiting “Plaza de Armas”, the Cathedral, Paseo Ahumada and the Government Palace, “La Moneda”, followed by seeing the main avenues of old Santiago. From there you will cross to the bohemian neighbourhood of Bellavista with its colourful streets, whimsical architecture and the Cerro San Cristobal. Continue up to San Cristobal Hill, for a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Andes Mountain Range, before visiting the modern part of Santiago. (B)

Day 17: Santiago – Buenos Aires

Today you will be transferred to Santiago Airport for your onward flight (own expense). On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your HOTEL for your three-night stay. (B)

Day 18: Buenos Aires

Today you will be taken on a half-day city tour, visiting the Historic Plaza de Mayo and Avenida De Mayo as well as 9 de Julio Avenue (the widest avenue in the world) and the Obelisk. Continue to La Boca, Puerto Madero and Palermo. The tour ends at Recoleta Cemetery, known for its rich architecture and graves of notable people, including presidents of Argentina, Nobel Prize winners and Eva Perón (Evita). (B)

Day 19: Buenos Aires

Today will be free to enjoy the lively city of Buenos Aires and explore it at your leisure. In the evening, you will be met and escorted to a local restaurant for dinner and an exciting cultural showcase of the tango. (B, D)

Day 20: buenos Aires – Iguazu

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Puerto Iguazu (additional cost). On arrival, you will be transferred to your HOTEL. The evening is at your leisure. (B)

Day 21: Iguazu

Today you will experience Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side. Here you can explore the suspended walkways on both the upper and lower circuits. (B)

Day 22: Iguazu – Rio de Janeiro

After breakfast, you will visit the Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the lower Iguazu River and the Devil’s Gorge Canyon. Afterwards, you will be transferred for your flight to Rio de Janeiro (own expense). On arrival, you will be transferred to your HOTEL in Copacabana for two nights. (B)

Day 23: Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a full day tour of Rio de Janeiro, beginning with a scenic drive from Copacabana Beach to Christ the Redeemer. Visit the district of Urca and the famous Sugarloaf Mountain where you will be taken by cable car to the top of Urca Hill. After a traditional Brazilian barbecue lunch, you will head to the Monument to the Fallen in World War II and the beaches of Flamengo and Botafogo. (B, L)

Day 24: Rio de Janeiro

Today is at leisure to explore this vibrant city or relax on the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. (B)

Day 25: DEPART

After breakfast you will be transferred to Galeao Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Includes

  • 21 nights accommodation in superior hotels on a twin share basis
  • 3 nights aboard Galapagos cruise MV Legend
  • Meals as per itinerary (B, L, D)
  • Guided excursions and tours as detailed
  • Entrance fees
  • Vistadome Train

NOTE: Internal flights not included. Based on a minimum of 2 passengers travelling together.

This tour can be reduced, extended or amended to suit. Cruise options are available for the Galapagos Islands. Please contact South American Travel Specialists for full details.

Subject to change without notice.

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