2015 El Conquistador
Departs: Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays
Day 1: Australia - Los Angeles/Dallas - Mexico City
Mexico City, the City of Palaces, the ancient capital of the Mexican empire and the jewel in
New Spanish Viceroys’ crown, is today one of the biggest, most complex and most beautiful cities in the world. The mere size
of the urban spread makes it a city among cities.
Mexico City is a modern, cosmopolitan city situated in an old lake basin that is surrounded by volcanic mountains.
The different cultures that inhabited the city during the course of the centuries left an interesting architectural legacy
that comprises many different styles. Firstly, there are the pre-hispanic remains that tell of the greatness of the
civilizations that settled on this land before the arrival of the Spaniards. Mexican art can be seen through the ruins of
the Templo Mayor (The Great Temple), the site where the monolith of the goddess Coyolxauqui was found.
The architects that arrived from Europe during the colonial period applied and shared their knowledge of baroque,
neo-classic and other styles of art that were combined with the indigenous styles to create an architecture that is quite
unique. Works such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, palaces, mansions and an endless number of sober, sumptuous
churches adorn the central area of the city now called the Historic Centre; these extraordinary types of buildings can
also be seen in some of the picturesque towns and villages such as Coyoacán, San Ángel, Tlalpan and Xochimilco
that used to be the outskirts of the city but have now become incorporated into the built up areas; in spite of this, they
still maintain their provincial atmosphere. Later, after Mexico became an independent country, new districts of the city
were built in a Frenchified style and in the art deco and colonial Californian styles.
Modernism was characterized by magnificent skyscrapers that sprung up in districts such as Polanco, Anzures, Del
Valle and Santa Fe. The advantage of a mega-city such as Mexico City is that it offers the visitor all sorts of
entertainment possibilities during the day and at night. Avenues like Avenida Insurgentes are a true axis of fun and
recreation and has spots that cater to all tastes. Mexican culture in all its manifestations can be admired at the large
number of quality museums that can be found in many different parts of the city. These have displays and exhibitions
of art and culture ranging from the pre Hispanic (the National Museum of Anthropology) to the Vice Regal (the Franz
Mayer Museum) to the modern (the Museum of Modern Art), as well as Mexican traditions suh as those in the Frida
Kahlo Museum.
► Arrival Transfer - Private service ◄ (Spanish speaking driver only)
On arrival at Mexico City airport, you will be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel in the Zona Rosa / Polanco
or Centro districts.
Day 2: Mexico City (B)
► Half Day City tour of Mexico City - Seat in coach service ◄
Discover the heart of this exciting city, visit the Main Square (Zocalo), the National Palace adorned with famous mural
paintings by Diego Rivera, the metropolitan cathedral, the Square of Three Cultures and enjoy a drive through Paseo
de la Reforma Avenue until reaching Chapultepec Park.
• Includes transportation and bilingual guide.
**Seat in coach service operates with a minimum two passengers. If there is no one else confirmed for a specific
date, a single supplement may apply.
Day 3: Mexico City (B)
► Full Day Tour visiting the Square of the Three Cultures, Shrine of Guadalupe and the Archeological site of
Teotihuacan - Seat in coach service ◄
You will visit the ‘Square of Three Cultures’ , a historical site where the last fight between the Aztecs and the Spanish
took place and which symbolises the fushion of three cultural epocs represented by the Aztec ruins, the Church of
Tlatelolco, and the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before continuing to the Shrine of Guadalupe and the
Teotihuacan pyramids.
Few cities in the world have been considered worthy of being inhabited by Gods but Teotihuacan is such a city, and a
thousand years of civilization, which today can still be felt along its wide avenues projecting out towards the cardinal
points of the universe, had to pass before this place could be elevated to the ranks of a mythical city. This full day tour
will take you to the archeological site of Teotihuacan, which is one of the most impressive sites of the Aztec World.
Located only one hour outside of Mexico City, you will have the chance to see the complexities of Aztec treasures.
Climb the magnificent Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. See also the Butterflies Temple, the Avenue of the Dead,
and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
You will also visit the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe, the most visited religious site in Latin America. Built in the 16th
Century, this Shrine is a wonderful example of Spanish Baroque Art. In 1531 a 'Lady from Heaven' appeared to a
poor Indian at Tepeyac, a hill northwest of Mexico City; she identified herself as the Mother of the True God,
instructed him to have the bishop build a temple on the site and left an image of herself imprinted miraculously on his
tilma.
• Includes: transportation, guide and entrance fees. (Estimated duration: 8 hours)
Day 4: Mexico City (B)
► Full Day Tour to Cuernavaca & Taxco - Seat in coach service ◄
Today you will take a tour of Cuernavaca, the "City of Eternal Spring", for a glimpse of the colonial city centre with its
sober cathedral and the fortress like palace of Hernan Cortes. Continue through the fertile Morelos valley and the
Sierra Madre Occidental until reaching the city of Taxco, famous for its silver and considered the pearl of colonial art
and architecture.
• Tour includes transportation and bilingual guide, shared basis.
(**Seat in coach basis operates with a minimum 2 passengers. If no one else is confirmed for a specified date, a
single surcharge may be applicable.)
Day 5: Mexico City - Havana (B)
► Departure transfer - Private service ◄ (Spanish speaking driver only)
Your driver will meet you from your hotel foyer (hotels in Zona Rosa, Polanco or Centro), and transfer you to Mexico
City airport.
Havana is Cuba’s capital and the largest city in the Caribbean. It is Cuba’s political, cultural and economic hub.
Founded in 1519, Havana was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. There is something for everyone
In Havana with its eclectic mixture of architectural styles, from neo-classical, art nouveau to colonial and art deco. The
city offers all kinds of attractions, hotels, restaurants, universities, modern hospitals, theatres, cinemas, zoo,
aquarium, botanical gardens, museums and an incredible nightlife.
** A TOURIST CARD IS REQUIRED TO ENTER CUBA, VALID FOR 30 DAYS STAY**
**THIS CARD MUST BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL INTO CUBA**
** Upon arrival, travellers may be required to present an insurance policy, insurance certificate, or medical assistance
card valid for the period of their stay in Cuba
►Transfer in: Airport-Hotel (Private Service)◄
On arrival in Jose Marti International airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Day 6: Havana (B)
►Half Day Panoramic City Tour of Old Havana in Horse & Carriage (Private service)◄
Duration: 3 Hours
Discover Old Havana from a comfortable and elegant horse and carriage as it was customary in the 19th Century.
This colonial style tour will be along the periphery of the Old Havana’s Historical Centre (Havana port, remains of the
former City Wall, Central Train Station,Jose Marti’s House and birthplace, Capitol Building, Central Park, Prado
Promenade, and
Revolution Museum – former Presidential Palace). The journey includes a walking tour through Old Havana’s
Historical Centre and some of its main squares (Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco de Asis).
Includes: Guide Service, 1 hour Horse Carriage.
Suggestions: Comfortable Clothes and Shoes.
Day 7: Havana (B)
►Full Day Tour to Vinales (Seat in Bus Service)◄
Duration: 8 Hours
The province of Pinar del Rio, just west of Havana, offers a wonderfully different experience from that found at the
beach resorts. Because of the rich and fertile soil, this is where many of Cuba's tobacco and coffee plantations are
clustered.
A beautiful setting, with many rivers and natural springs, the area is under conservation as an ecological biosphere.
Largely untapped by tourism, the towns and villages along the coast retain all the charm of the classic 1950s time
warp, with their horse-and-cart traffic and thatched-roof barns dotting the landscape.
The population is devoted largely to the production of tobacco and it is said that the leaves rolled here account for the
very best Cuban cigars. This is the place to visit a cigar factory!!
Day 8: Havana (B)
Day at leisure to explore the surroundings and enjoy the music.
Day 9: Havana - Lima (B)
►Transfer out: Hotel-Airport (Private Service) ◄
You will be met by our guide from your hotel foyer, and transferred to the airport.
Lima is situated in the coastal desert district between the Pacific Ocean and the western hills of the Andes mountains.
Lima seems to scare off some tourists because of its status as one of the biggest cities in the Americas. Lima runs at
a slower pace however than many South American metropolises; its rhythm is more traditional and its people reflect a
steadier, calmer constitution. Lima's unusually amenable inhabitants give the metropolis the feeling, at times of a
cluster of smaller towns.
Lima's physical atmosphere is slightly dreamlike, mostly because of the garua, a mist that settles over the city
between May and October. Under its blanket, Lima's inhabitants meet at the peñas (bars offering folk and Creole
music), shop at the open marketplaces, and dine at Lima's celebrated restaurants. Several museums display and
preserve Peru's golden past, including most notably the internationally famed Museo Nacional de Antropologica y
Arqueologica and the Museo de Oro, the stunning museum of Gold.
Every part of Lima has its own unique atmosphere. Downtown Lima is crowded and busy, both modern and colonial
at the same time. The Plaza Mayor is considered one of the most beautiful plazas in Latin America. Most
neighbourhoods around the centre are friendly and green, with many small parks and an unmistakable colonial touch,
especially Jesús María and Magdalena del Mar.
The other heart of Lima is the uptown shopping and business area, Miraflores. Here you can find stylish avenues and
fancy beaches. Close to Miraflores is the romantic, village-like district of Barranco, overlooking the Pacific.
► Arrival transfer - Night service with guide ◄
On arrival at Lima airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Day 10: Lima - Cuzco (B)
► Half Day City Tour of Colonia & Modern Lima - Private Service ◄ AM
This three hour sightseeing tour offers the best of colonial & modern Lima. Included are Lima's most imposing
colonial churches and mansions such as the Government Palace, the Plaza Mayor, the City Hall, and the Cathedral,
including the 17th Century San Francisco Monastery. The tour ends with a visit to the modern suburbs of San Isidro
where you will visit the pre - Inca pyramid of Huaca Huallamarca (closed Mondays) and on-site museum before
continuing to Miraflores, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Tour includes: Return transfers, private English speaking guide & entrance fees.
► Departure transfer - Day service with guide ◄
You will be met by our guide from your hotel foyer, and transferred to Lima airport.
Cuzco or Qosqo, was the capital of the Inca empire – one of the greatest planned societies the world has ever known
– from the 11th to the early 16th century. Standing at 3310 metres above sea level, Cuzco has around 280,000
inhabitants, mostly descendants of the Quechua tribes. The city is remarkable for its many colonial churches,
monasteries, convents and for its extensive Inca ruins. The heavy Incan influence can be seen on almost every street
in the city centre with with many remains of Inca walls, arches and doorways.
The heart of the city is the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by colonial arcades and four churches. The Cathedral from
the early 17th century was built on the site of the Palace of the Viracocha. The cathedral is a fine example of colonial
baroque art. Another church, the La Compania de Jesus was built on the site of the Palace of the Serpents (Amarucancha)
and the interior is rich in murals, paintings and carved altars.
The Inca area overlooking Cuzco, called Sacsayhuaman, is awesome. This is one of the outerlying ruins that you will
visit. It was a ceremonial centre and stands on a hill in the northern outskirts of Cuzco. There are rocks weighing up
to 130 tons and they are fitted together with absolute perfection; three walls run parallel for over 360 metres!
Sacsayhuaman was thought for centuries to be a fortress, but the layout and the architecture suggest a great
sanctuary and temple to the sun, which rises exactly opposite the place previously believed to be the Inca’s throne –
which was probably an altar, carved out of solid rock.
**** Cuzco is at 3310m and is at high altitude and can cause breathing problems. To combat the effect of the altitude,
it is advised to drink plenty of liquids on your first couple of days, coca tea is a wonder. Most people are fine, some
experience headaches, vomiting, dizziness. Check out. www.high-altitude-medicine.com ****
**** Medical "Assist Card" insurance for the entire journey within Peru, with 24 hours medical assistance is provided
to assist any relevant issues with altitude or any sickness. ****
► Arrival transfer - Private service ◄
Upon arrival into Cuzco city, you will be met by our guide from the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Day 11: Cuzco (B)
► Half Day City Tour of Cuzco & Archaelogical Ruins - Seat in coach service ◄
Cuzco, one of the most famous cities in South America and the oldest continuously inhabited metropolis in this
continent. The city itself was probably founded in 1000 BC, but in 1534 the Spanish Conquerors re-founded it
according to the European way. Wherever you stop in Cusco you will find remnants of the ancient civilizations that
once inhabited Peru. As this was the Capital of the Incas, Cuzco is also the home of most of their superb works. This
city is considered as the Archaeological Capital of South America and was declared by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage
of Mankind site.
This tour includes the Qoricancha (temple of the sun) and the Cathedral. The tour drives along the Circunvalacion
Road up to famous fortress of Sacsahuaman, then to Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay with an English
speaking guide. Also includes the Cuzco tourist ticket valid for entrance to the many museums and ruins.
Pick up: 13.00pm
• Tour includes: Return hotel transfers, bilingual guide & entrance fees. (Please note that the BTC tax USD 45.00 is
included)
Day 12: Cuzco - Sacred Valley (B L)
► Full Day Tour to Sacred Valley, Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo with Lunch - Seat in coach service ◄
(ONLY OPERATES: TUE / THU / SUN)
Pick up: 08:00am
The area of the valley between Pisac and Ollantaytambo is known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a long narrow
valley which, in the southern region goes back up to Urcos and towards the north, crossing Ollantaytambo before it
finally reaches the citadel of Machu Picchu.Over the years, the power of the Incas became more and more firmly
implanted. The terraces are a testimony of the vast production of food, and the Ollantaytambo ruins reflect the
ambitious plans of the leaders of Cuzco.
During this tour you will have the chance to visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, along with a visit to the colourful Andean
market of Pisac, a chance to do some souvenir shopping! During the tour you will have lunch at a restaurant in the
Sacred Valley.
Return back to your hotel in Cuzco late in the afternoon / transfer to your hotel located in the Sacred Valley.
• Tour includes: Land transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fees & lunch (Tour duration: approx. 8 hours)
Day 13: Urubamba (Sacred Valley) - Machu Picchu (B L D)
► Railway Transfer - Seat in coach service ◄
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to Ollantaytambo railway station to continue to Machu Picchu.
► Full Day Machu Picchu Tour with Vistadome Train & Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge restaurant - Seat in coach service
An early morning transfer to Ollantaytambo railway station where you will board the Vistadome train to the Aguas
Calientes station and then a bus to Machu Picchu, the fabled city of the Incas. The joy of visiting Machu Picchu is not
limited to the ruins themselves. After leaving Ollantaytambo, the railway enters the beginnings of a gorge, which
grows narrower and deeper. The vegetation grows more prolific. You are entering the “eyebrow of the jungle”!
And finally Aguas Calientes station, 1-½ kilometres below Machu Picchu.
When Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, he mistakenly thought he had found the location of
Vilcabamba, the lost city of the Incas. The true site of Vilcabamba was actually discovered by Gene Savoy in 1964.
So, what was Machu Picchu? Many people say that it was some secret refuge. The Incas actually had no written
language but they did have oral history recorders, however, the existence of Machu Picchu and the region seems to
be entirely erased from official memory.
Your local guide will guide you through the ruins and then you will have lunch at the Santuary Lodge restaurant. After
lunch you will be free to wander around the ruins. Then you will be getting the bus down to Aguas Calientes town for
your overnight.
**Please note that if you would like to climb Wayna Picchu the next morning (the mountain that rises over the ruins)
you will need to let us know as the number are restricted.****
Day 14: Machu Picchu - Cuzco (B)
Morning at your leisure.
If you wish to return to the Machu Picchu ruins or climb the Huanya Picchu mountain, you will need to contact us well
in advance to pre-purchase your entrance.
Huanya Picchu or Waynapicchu ("The Young Mountain") is the famous mountain you can see in front of the citadel,
appearing in most of the usual vistas of this place. Only 400 passengers will be allowed to climb this mountain daily
and is restricted to two time schedules of 07:00hrs and 11:00hrs.
OR:
**ORCHID TOUR** (Reservations for this tour must be made at hotel)
Guided tour of the hotel orchidarium -the most important protected genetic bank in Machu Picchu- led by our resident
biologist to discuss the growth, characteristics and habitat of Machu Picchu Cloudforest orchids.
The orchidearium has 372 native orchid species, including 4 new species to science: Keferstenia koechlinorum,
Stanhopea marizaiana, Masdevallia marizae, and Masdevallia barlaeana var. Denise. The best time to observe
orchids in bloom is from November to March, during the orchid season.
• 8.30am - 12pm (Duration: 3hrs 30min)
In the afternoon take the train back to Cuzco.
► Railway Transfer - Private service ◄
You will be met by our guide from Poroy Railway Station, and transferred to your hotel in Cuzco.
Day 15: Cuzco - Puno (B L)
► Bus service: Cuzco to Puno with Lunch ◄
Early morning, you will be met by our driver from your hotel foyer, and begin your journey from Cuzco to Puno by bus
(shared service with guide).
Departure by bus from Cuzco to Puno (7 to 8 hours), visiting en route the Church of Andahuaylillas, also called the
"Sistine Chapel of America", the Pikillacta ruins and of the temple of Raqchi. The remains of the central high wall of
the Viracocha Temple, probably the largest roofed building built by the Incas, are impressive. On either side of the
high wall, great sloping roofs were supported by rows of unusual round pillars, also of masonry topped by adobe.
Nearby are the remains of large living quarters and many round store-houses. The whole complex is surrounded by a
large stone wall several miles long. A stop is made at La Raya Pass, at 4,321 metres / 14,260 ft to visit the steaming
pools of hot water nearby. The trip continues toward Puno with a stop at the Inca ruins of Pucara. Arrival in Puno in
the early afternoon. Buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Sicuani.
• Tour includes: pick-up from hotel, bilingual guide, bus from Cuzco to Puno & lunch.
Puno was the territory of the Tiahuanacos (800 A.D. – 1200 A.D.) who were the highest cultural expression of the
Aymara people that established themselves in what is today Peru and Bolivia. The Incas took over these lands in the
fifteenth century, and the Spanish, attracted by the mining industry developed there, left an important Colonial legacy
throughout the entire area.
Today, the city of Puno (3,287 masl), which lies on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the
world, is the folklore capital of Peru and the site of the Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria. In the outskirts, you can
visit the spectacular Chullpas de Sillustani, a complex of impressive burial towers built by the Kollas, Juli, famous for
its beautiful Colonial churches, Lampa with its vice royal church built between 1675 and 1685, Llachón, a community
that still maintains its centuries old customs and cultural expressions, and Pucará, known for its pre-Inca pottery and
for the “toritos de Pucará” that the artisans of today create from clay.
The lake contains numerous islands whose inhabitants continue to live as their ancestors have in custom and
tradition. The Uros an example of this; this people group lives on “floating islands” that they have artificially made
entirely of totora reeds, and they navigate in their traditional boats also made out of totora reeds. Taquile, Suasi, and
Amantaní are knows for their kindness of their residents, their ancestral skill in weaving, their pre-Columbian
constructions, and lovely countryside. The Titicaca National Reserve (36,180 hectares) protects extensive stretches
of totora reeds and various species of plants and animals.
► Arrival transfer - Private service ◄
On arrival into Puno bus station, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Day 16: Puno (B)
► Half Day Uros Island Tour - Seat in coach services ◄
Pick up at : 09.00am
Half day tour to Uros Islands to experience the Andean culture. The lives of the Uros Indians are dependent upon the
tortora reeds. You will note that their boats, their houses and their islands are even made from these reeds. The Uros
on the islands have intermarried with the Aymara and no pure Uros exist. The present Puno Bay people still practise
some Uros traditions, but Aymara influence predominates. The people are friendly, but very poor, and consequently
there are constant requests for money. Rather than giving the children money or sweets, we suggest that you buy
their little reed boats or drawings.
• Tour includes: Return transfers & bilingual guide.
Day 17: Puno - Lima - Rio De Janeiro (B)
► Departure transfer - Private service ◄
You will be met by our guide from your hotel, and transferred to Juliaca airport.
Day 18 Rio de Janeiro (B)
Arrive in Rio….
Early check in is included.
*** PLEASE NOTE: Australian passport holders require a TOURIST VISA in order to enter Brazil. This must be
organised PRIOR to departure.
► Arrival transfer - Private service ◄
Upon arrival into Rio airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
PLEASE NOTE there is a Government tax for accommodation in Brazil that must be paid locally and varies between
USD $1.00-$3.00 per room/per night (Tax varies between hotels).
► Half Day Tour visiting Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer - Seat in coach service ◄
Pick up: from 2pm to 3pm
From any place of the city, visitors can see the most beautiful postcard of Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer statue
on the mountain of Corcovado, located 710 meters above the sea level and inaugurated in 1931.
This tour begins in Cosme Velho's neighborhood from where the cog train starts a trip through the Tijuca Forest, the
largest urban forest in the world, up to the statue. Once there, a breathtaking panoramic view of Rio will be seen.
Sights include the Sugar Loaf, Guanabara Bay, the beaches of Southern Zone and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.
After the visit of the Corcovado, the tour will continue to São Conrado area with a brief stop at the Pepino beach from
where you can appreciate the flight of the hang gliding.
• Tour includes: Land transfers, bilingual guide & entrance fees. (Tour duration: 4 hours)
*
Day 19: Rio de Janeiro (B D)
► Half Day Sugarloaf Mountain Tour - Seat in coach service ◄
Pick up: from 8:00am and 9:00am
This tour begins through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, in pyramid form,
with internal diameter of 96 meters and height of 80 meters. Get to know the traditional Cinelândia Square with the
historical buildings, the Municipal Theatre, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. By taking the
Aterro do Flamengo, you will be taken to the neighbourhoods of Urca where it is located one of the largest symbols of
the city: the Sugar Loaf. This visit is made in two steps by cable car.
The first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill, which is 215 meters high and from where one can have a beautiful
view to the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói Bridge and Corcovado hill. From this stage, a second cable
car will be taken up to the top with 395 meters to find a splendid view from Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz
fortress and some beaches of Niterói.
• Tour includes: Land transfers, bilingual guide & entrance fees (Tour duration: 4 Hours)
► Samba Show & BBQ Dinner - Seat in coach service ◄
Before enjoying the dazzling nightlife of Rio, feast on a scrumptious all you can eat "churrasco" (Gaucho BBQ),
including an irresistible buffet of seafood and typical Brazilian dishes.
After enjoying dinner, you will be transferred to the second highlight of the night; the most famous show of Rio. During
this traditional show, you will get acquainted with the seductive rhythm of the samba, which is the most typical of
Brazilian popular music and the signature music of the best known Carnival in the world.
• Tour includes: Return seat in coach transfers, dinner and entrance to show.
Day 20 Rio de Janeiro -Iguazu Falls (B)
► Departure transfer - Private service ◄
You will be met by our guide from your hotel foyer, and transferred to Rio airport.
The Iguazu Falls. This is the region of great rivers, humid tropics, red earth and magnificent jungle. Just 18kms from
Puerto Iguazu you enter the National Park of the same name where the famous falls sit. The deep flowing waters of
the river fall from heights of 70 metres through 275 falls spread over 2.7 kms. The frontier with Brazil goes through
the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) where the falling water gives the illusion of magic rainbows.
The national park is full of exotic subtropical vegetation which surounds the falls and has 2000 plant species - gigantic
trees, ferns, lianas, orchids - 400 birds species - parrots, colibris, toucans - jaguars and yacares (caimans). A visit to
these falls is a truly unforgettable experience.
***Argentina Reciprocity fee****
Australian passport holders arriving into Argentina are required to pay a “Reciprocity Fee” of $100 USD per person
online (https://virtual.provinciapagos.com.ar/ArgentineTaxes/). It is a requirement to have proof of payment of this fee
at ALL border crossings (Land and Sea). This reciprocity fee must be paid prior to your departure. Failure to do so will
result in denied boarding at departure point or denied entry into Argentina.
This applies to any international port, airport or border crossing entry.
*** PLEASE NOTE: Australian passport holders require a TOURIST VISA in order to enter Brazil. This must be
organised PRIOR to departure.
► Arrival transfer & Half Day Brazilian side of the Falls Tour - Private Service ◄
On arrival at Foz de Iguazu airport (Brazil), you will be met by our guide and transferred to the Brazilian side of the
falls to start your tour.
Visiting the falls from the Brazilian side will give you a completely different perspective of the side of this amazing
falls, as you will have the panoramic view of the entire falls.
Also from the Brazil side you will be able to take an *OPTIONAL* helicopter flight over the falls (approx. USD 100.00
per person. Please note that this cannot be pre-booked). This flight takes around 7 minutes but it’s worth every cent
you paid for.
For the adventurous, you can take an optional trip on the Macuco Safari boat, going upstream on the river, taking you
extremely close to the falls. However, in order to combine the two tours, you must book a private tour to the Brazilian
side of Falls.)
Once you have finished your tour, you will be transferred across the border via the International Bridge “Tancredo
Neves” to the Argentine side of the falls to your hotel.
(Remember to have your passport ready when crossing the Argentine/Brazilian border).
• Tour includes: Private transfers, bilingual guide & National Park entrance fees. (Tour duration: 3 to 4 hours)
Day 21: Iguazu Falls (B)
► Full Day Tour: Argentine side of Iguazu Falls with Devil's Throat - Seat in coach service ◄
Pick up at 7.15am - 8.00am
Today you will embark on a full-day guided tour walking along the many tracks on the side of the river and viewing the
falls from platforms that bring you extremely close to the water. In the Indian Tupi Guarani language, Iguasu means
large waters. Appropriately, the Iguasu River flows east west for 808 miles and then drops suddenly and violently into
a 262-foot abyss at the falls. Set amidst jungle, a visit to these falls will be an unforgettable experience.
From your hotel we will provide you transfer to the visitor´s centre inside the Iguazu National Park. You will board a
small train to reach the begining of the upper path, lower path and Devil's Throat. The upper walk is about 500 mts
and lasts about 45 minutes visiting the two sisters,Bosseti, Adam and Eve, Bernabe Mendez, Mbiguá and San Martín
falls. Lower path: Be guided along the 1.3kms of footpaths for a different view, basically from the middle of them but
be warned, you may get wet!
Devil’s Throat: After driving 4 km onboard a small train, you will reach Devil's Throat Station surrounding the upper
part of the Iguazu River. From here you will walk along a bridge (walkway) that leads to the balcony of Devil’s Throat
for the most spectacular view.
• Tour includes: Return transfers, bilingual guide & National Park entrance fees. (Tour duration: 6 hours)
Day 22: Iguazu Falls - Buenos Aires (B)
► Departure transfer - Private service ◄
You will be met by our guide from your hotel foyer, and transferred to Iguazu Falls airport on the Argentinean side.
Buenos Aires is the Argentine Republic’s capital city. Located on the southern bank of the River Plate, the population
of greater Buenos Aires is around 13 million people. Buenos Aires has been virtually rebuilt since the beginning of
this century and very few of the old buildings remain. The centre of Buenos Aires has maintained the original layout
since foundation and the Plaza de Mayo is its heart. Buenos Aires is a city where the traveller yields to the charm of
the tango, the atmosphere of its neighbourhoods and the activities of its business centre. And just one hour from the
city by bus is La Pampa with its beautiful landscape, its gauchos and its comfortable ranches.
***Argentina Reciprocity fee****
Australian passport holders arriving into Argentina are required to pay a “Reciprocity Fee” of $100 USD per person
online (https://virtual.provinciapagos.com.ar/ArgentineTaxes/). It is a requirement to have proof of payment of this fee
at ALL border crossings (Land and Sea). This reciprocity fee must be paid prior to your departure. Failure to do so will
result in denied boarding at departure point or denied entry into Argentina.
This applies to any international port, airport or border crossing entry
► Arrival transfer - Private service ◄
On arrival at Aeroparque domestic airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Day 23: Buenos Aires (B)
► Half Day Private City Tour of Buenos Aires - Private service ◄
Departing from the Hotel, we drive down 9 de Julio Ave, the widest avenue in the world, past the famous Colon
Opera House, the Obelisk, commemorating the first founding of the city in 1536 to get to Plaza de Mayo (May
Square). You will also see the surrounding buildings; Government House, the Metropolitan Cathedral with the
Mausoleum of General San Martin, Argentina's greatest national hero and the Cabildo, the colonial town hall built in
1751. Then you will head to La Boca, the typically Italian district where the first Italian immigrants settled and
'Caminito' street. The tour continues to the Buenos Aires port area, past San Martin Square towards the residential
district of Palermo Chico and Palermo Park with its jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in the spring and
late summer. The ride continues to Recoleta elegant district to visit the Recoleta Cemetery where the famous are laid
to rest (including Eva Peron). You will return to the hotel along the stylish Alvear Ave.
You could ask your guide to finish the tour in Recoleta and enjoy some shopping in this elegant part of Buenos Aires.
(Estimated duration: 3 hours)
Day 24 Buenos Aires (B D)
► Day at leisure ◄
Things to do in Buenos Aires:
• Recoleta Market:
When: Weekends only from 11am-6pm
Where: Plaza Francía in Recoleta
Recoleta market is located in the heart of Buenos Aires and is predominantly made up of stalls selling leathergoods,
handicrafts, trinkets and the latest in hippy fashionware.
• Shopping:
When it comes to shopping, Buenos Aires can be one of the most charming cities in the world. From grand
boulevards to the winding streets of Arroyo, the city offers an endless variety of boutiques, galleries and antique
shops. The Sunday Flea Market in San Telmo provides excellent, leisurely people-watching and shopping
opportunities and there is a very good Sunday Antiques Fair at the Plaza Dorego.
- LEATHER: A large number of stores that sell leather clothing as well as bags and other souvenirs, are located in the
proximities of the Plaza San Martín (Florida & Marcelo T. de Alvear). In Villa Crespo, near Palermo (Murillo at 600)
there are many clothing warehouses that sell jackets and other leather garments at great prices.
►Dinner and Tango Show: Tango Porteno - Platea Level (Seat in coach service)◄
Tonight you will experience one of the best Tango Show in Buenos Aires. You will be met at your hotel and
transferred to Tango Porteno. After the dinner and show, you will be transferred back to you hotel.
About Tango Porteno: THE GOLDEN DECADE SHINES ONCE AGAIN!
Tango Porteño recreates the golden age of the forties, which is unquestionably known as the reign of the tango, the
great Argentinean passion. Here you will travel through time in the glory days of Buenos Aires when tango was
enjoyed and breathed in every corner of the city.
Tango Porteño is a marvelous space where all the stars of the Golden Age of Tango live together. During the magical
decade the great orchestras of Canaro, Fresedo, Piazzolla, De Caro, Gobbi, Biagi, De Angelis, Di Sarli, D´Arienzo,
Lomuto, D´Agostino, and of course the unforgettables both Troilo and Pugliese developed to their full potential in a
wholesome but demanding rivalry and challenged each other at the Chanteclair, Marabú, Tabaris, Tibidabo and many
other ballrooms.
The meticulous scenery and costumes at the Tango Porteño create the ultimate framework to transport you to that
enchanting time when all Buenos Aires was Tango - an unforgettable experience.
• Tour duration: 3 to 4 hours.
Day 25: Buenos Aires - Santiago - Sydney (B)
► Departure transfer - Private service ◄
You will be met by our guide from your hotel foyer, and transferred to Ezeiza International airport.
Day 26: In flight
Day 27: arrive in Sydney

Please note that all itineraries may vary due to unforseen weather conditions.