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A Grand Journey through South America
Set a course for the Galapagos archipelago, once described by ancient mariners as the "Enchanted Islands," geologically young and famed for their vast number of endemic species. This is where Charles Darwin's observations and collections contributed to the inception of his Theory of Evolution. Head to the Amazon and explore the wilderness from up high on a jungle canopy walk. Witness the incredible 'Lost City of the Incas' at Machu Picchu, and cruise in luxury across the highest commercially navigable lake in the world - Lake Titicaca. Sample a vast range of South American cultures, colours and sights, including the vibrant cities of Santiago, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. This journey truly earns the bold title of "Grand tour of South America" - Economy class return flights ex Auckland
- Galapagos Island cruise and Amazon River cruise
- Accommodation in superior tourist class hotels
- Meals as per itinerary
- All transfers and transportation on tour
Special conditions may apply.
Itinerary
Auckland - Santiago
We depart Auckland this afternoon and fly non-stop to Santiago. Transfer to our hotel.
Santiago
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we will have a tour of the historical centre of Santiago and its superb pre-Columbian Museum. Welcome dinner this evening.
Santiago - Guayaquil
Breakfast
Morning at leisure before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Guayaquil - Galapagos Islands
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We fly to Galapagos and transfer to our first class ship, M/V Galapagos Legend. This afternoon we visit North Seymour Island where we should encounter swallow tailed gulls, sea lions, blue footed boobies and the magnificent frigate bird. We should also spot both the marine iguanas and land iguanas and will have snorkeling opportunities.
Galapagos Islands
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning we visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island where we will look for marine animals such as spotted eagle rays, golden rays, mullets, sharks and sea turtles. In the afternoon we stop at Floreana Island and walk to the lagoon which holds one of the biggest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. We can also snorkel with the playful sea lions.
Galapagos Islands
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our morning stop is on Española Island where we will cross the ancient lava fields in search of sea lion colonies, the hooded mocking bird, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and sally light foot crabs. We will also see the mating season of the world's largest colony of waved albatross. In the afternoon we visit the San Cristobal breeding centre and learn about the National Park's breeding program of giant tortoises.
Galapagos - Quito
Breakfast
We navigate through the beautiful Itabaca Channel with its turquoise waters to Santa Cruz Island and transfer to the airport for our flight to Quito.
Quito
Breakfast
We tour this charming city - once the Northern Capital of the Incan Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Quito - Lima
Breakfast
Morning flight to Lima. Afternoon tour of the city and its famous Larco Herrera Museum.
Lima - Puerto Maldonado The Amazon
Breakfast, Dinner
We fly to Puerto Maldonado in the Peruvian Amazon jungle and visit the Butterfly House. We then transfer by boat to our lodge in the National Park. Accommodation is in thatched cottages with private facilities.
The Amazon
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
During our time in the Amazon we will enjoy nature walks; take a twilight river excursion; visit Lake Sandoval & Gamitana Creek. A highlight will be the Canopy Walk where we can admire the jungle from a bird's eye view.
Puerto Maldonado - Sacred Valley
Breakfast, Dinner
We return by boat to Puerto Maldonado for the short flight to Cuzco. Drive through the small villages of the Urubamba Valley to our hotel.
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
We travel by train to the incredible "Lost City of the Incas" and enjoy a guided visit. Dinner and overnight at our hotel at the base of the mountain.
Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Breakfast
Time for an optional second visit to the ruins this morning before we travel by train to Cuzco.
Cuzco
Breakfast, Dinner
Morning tour of the city and the Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Dinner and folklore show.
Cuzco
Breakfast
We have a full day at leisure to explore this wonderful city of ancient cobble-stoned streets and bustling markets.
Cuzco - Puno
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a luxury full day journey on an Orient Express train through beautiful mountain scenery to Lake Titicaca.
Lake Titicaca Overnight Cruise
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We cruise across Lake Titicaca on a comfortable catamaran with private facilities. Enjoy a fascinating visit to the Indians of Sun Island - birthplace of the Incas.
Lake Titicaca - La Paz
Breakfast
We continue across the lake then by road to La Paz, capital of Bolivia.
La Paz
Breakfast
Morning tour to the markets of this most "Indian" of South American cities. Then through the affluent suburbs to the Moon Valley.
La Paz - Buenos Aires
Breakfast
We fly via Santiago to elegant Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires
Breakfast, Dinner
A tour of the "Paris of the Americas" including the antique market at San Telmo. This evening we have dinner and a special tango show.
Buenos Aires
Breakfast
Explore, shop or relax in this great city.
Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls
Breakfast
Fly to the mighty Iguazu Falls and transfer to our hotel at the edge of the falls.
Iguazu Falls
Breakfast
We visit the spectacular Devils Throat and can take an optional boat ride up to the base of the Falls.
Iguazu Falls - Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast
We visit the Brazilian side of the falls and an excellent bird park well known for its toucans before flying to Rio de Janeiro. We transfer to our hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach.
Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast
Morning at leisure. This afternoon we will visit the historical centre of old Rio then take two cable cars to the summit of Sugarloaf.
Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we will visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer which towers over the city from the summit of Mt Corcovado. Then drive through the Tijuca rainforest and along Rio's famous beaches. We will have lunch at a typical churrascaria.
Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast, Dinner
Our last full day in South America is at leisure before we have our farewell dinner in Ipanema.
Rio de Janeiro - Auckland
Breakfast
Afternoon flight to Santiago and connection to our non-stop flight to Auckland.
In Flight
Auckland
Early morning arrival
From $17,995.00 per person share twin
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