SOUTH AMERICAN ADVENTURE TOUR 2013 CHILE • PERU • ECUADOR • BOLIVIA • GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Tour Departs: 7 June 2013 • Tour Length: 25 Days South America is a continent of absolute diversity and you will experience that every day on tour. We start in Chile, the city of Santiago and then move up to Peru, visiting Lima and Cusco before travelling to the Lost City of The Incas – Machu Picchu. We cross the Altiplano to Puno where we visit the “reed” islands before our 2 day crossing of Lake Titicaca and on to the Bolivian capital of La Paz. Then, its north to Quito, Ecuador and the 5 day/4 night cruise of the mystical Galapagos Islands before returning to Guayaquil, returning home via Santiago. HIGHLIGHTS: • Machu Picchu – Discover the Empire of the Incas, the amazing mountain citadel, from the high Andes, steeped in indigenous culture. The legendary “Lost City of the Incas” is one of the most magical and mysterious places on earth and one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites. Discover this incredible site forgotten for centuries by the outside world. • Cuzco – Puno – Lake Titicaca - A spectacular journey between Cuzco and the beautiful city of Puno with the magnificent Andes dominating the view. Lake Titicaca, a 2 day (one night) cruise, visiting the floating islands of the Uros. Unbelievable, built of Totara reeds, these floating islands (4 in total) are villages, homes and trade centres to the locals. This is an insight into and the opportunity to discover the marvels of Peru and Bolivia, the most exotic countries in the America’s. • 5 day Galapagos Islands Cruise - An incredible journey far out in the Pacific Ocean to discover the captivating wildlife on and around the enchanting Isles of Galapagos Archipelagos. The Galapagos experience offers travellers a way to step back in time to visit an isolated relatively untouched place on earth. COSTS INCLUDE: • Economy class air travel from Auckland or Sydney (Business Class available-price on request) • Prepaid airport/government security charges/taxes and fuel surcharges (as at 01/10/12) • Superior tourist/first class accommodation throughout • First class air conditioned coach transportation • Meals as indicated in the itinerary B=Full Breakfasts, L=Lunches, D=Dinners • Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary • Services of a tour director and local guides for touring and sightseeing • Baggage handling of one suitcase per person • All tips and gratuities to cruise staff and all coach drivers and tour directors/guides • Fully Escorted COSTS EXCLUDE: • Any meals and sightseeing tours not specifically mentioned in the itinerary • Travel insurance (Advice together with excellent insurance package will be offered) • Items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, drinks, telephone charges etc. • Visa fees TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR: Please complete the Tour Booking Form and return it to our office together with the deposit of $750.00. Note our tour booking conditions are detailed on the back of the booking form. For any further enquiries, don’t forget our toll free lines: NZ: 0800 500 518 and AUS: 1800 358 741. W P MAHER SOUTH AMERICA ADVENTURE TOUR 2013 DAY TO DAY ITINERARY: Friday 7 June Home – Santiago (D) Today we depart from home and, after crossing the International Dateline, we arrive in Santiago early in the afternoon of the same day. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to relax after our long flight. Dinner is at our hotel this evening. Saturday 8 June Santiago (B, D) After breakfast we will be taken on a panoramic city tour. The excursion begins with a tour of the main avenues of the city’s civic center. After leaving the downtown area, the tour proceeds to the Forestal Park passing in front of the Fine Arts Museum towards Bellavista, the bohemian quarter of Santiago. Then we ascend the San Cristobal hill, a beautiful public park dominated by the monumental sculpture of Virgin Mary (36 meter high). The ride goes downhill and continues toward the modern residential neighbourhood of Pedro de Valdivia Norte, Las Condes and Vitacura. The rest of your day is at leisure. Sunday 9 June Santiago - Lima (B) We have an early flight to Lima this morning. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two stay. The rest of the day is at leisure and tonight you will enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant. Monday 10 June Lima (B, L, D) After breakfast you will be picked up and taken on a morning city tour of Lima. The tour will begin with a drive to the main square, Plaza Mayor, visiting the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the City Hall and the XVII century church and cloister of San Francisco, a world cultural heritage building. After the city tour is finished you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure, tonight you will enjoy dinner at Rosa Nautica, which offers ocean views. Tuesday 11 June Lima – Cusco (B, L, D) After breakfast, depart to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to you hotel for a two night stay. After check in and some free time to freshen up, you will be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight you will enjoy dinner and a folklore show at a local restaurant. Wednesday 12 June Cusco (B) Today you will enjoy a half day city and ruins tour. Cusco, the Archaeological Capital of the Americas, exists in the present and the past at the same time, being a living example of the meeting of two different age of culture. Visit to the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, the Cathedral from the early 17th century, a fine example of colonial baroque art. You will then return to your hotel and have the afternoon at leisure. Thursday 13 June Sacred Valley (B, L, D) Today you will drive towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking direct route to Pisac. We will stop on the way to have a classic view of the Urubamba Valley, with crops dressing the mountains like carpets. We will then travel to the colourful markets of Pisac, where we will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen, who sell their hand-made souvenirs. In the afternoon, you will visit the remarkable fortress of Ollantaytambo, built by the Incas. A very steep stone staircase leads into the fortress. Beyond another esplanade, six huge rectangular monoliths (estimated weight: 50 tons) form the Temple of the Sun. Later in the day, we travel on to our hotel where we have dinner tonight. Friday 14 June Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu (B, L, D) This morning there is an early pick up and transfer to the Ollanta Railway station to board the tourist train that goes through the Urubamba Valley or Sacred Valley of the Incas, to the fabulous mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was never discovered by the Spaniards. For centuries it was buried in the jungle until Hiram Bingham found it in 1911. The Holy City of Machu Picchu was built in stone among the flanks of two hills belonging to the eastern mountain range of the Andes, descending into the Amazonian upper sylvan. There is no doubt that Machu Picchu represents an extraordinary example of architecture and engineering. Later in the day we arrive at our Machu Picchu hotel. Saturday 15 June Machu Picchu - Cusco (B, L) You have the morning at leisure to stroll through the colourful markets of Aguas Calientes, or take an optional second visit to the amazing ruins. This afternoon you will begin your journey back to Cusco by train and coach. Upon arrival into Cusco you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay. Sunday 16 June Cusco - Puno (B, L, D) After breakfast you will have an early morning transfer to the train station to board the train to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Enjoy incredible views of the herds of alpaca and llamas grazing on these highland pampas, interspersed with small villages, and the majestic backdrop of the Andes. You will be served lunch at a local restaurant and later in the afternoon arrive at our Puno hotel where we stay for two nights. Monday 17 June Puno (B, D) Today you will visit, by boat, the floating island of the Uros Indians on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Today they still live as they have done for generations, building their huts and boats with the totara reeds from the lake and seeking out a living by fishing and selling handicrafts. Your afternoon will be at leisure. Tuesday 18 June Puno – Lake Titicaca (B, L, D) This morning you will be picked up early and transferred to the Copacabana Sanctuary to board the catamaran Cruise ship. You will have a snack on board while sailing to Sun Island, the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire. Visit the Inca Garden, steps and fountain followed by the Inti Wata Cultural Complex including the Ekako Underground Museum, the traditional medicine and the Titicaca Reed Shipbuilders display centers, the Pachamama agricultural Inca terraces, a handicraft center, the Intica lounge and at the Manco Kapac look out the largest variety of Andean camelids. Also, the Inti Wata Complex at Sun Island includes a unique sailing experience aboard a huge Titicaca Traditional vessel for a panoramic visit to the Pilkokaina Inca Palace. Catamaran Cruise to Sun Island’s isolated Challapampa Village, while enjoying lunch on board. Dinner and overnight on board the Catamaran in lake view cabins with private facilities. Wednesday 19 June Lake Titicaca – La Paz (B, D) Enjoy your breakfast and the panoramic views while cruising along the lake. After breakfast you will leave the ship and travel by land to La Paz. Upon arrival into the city you will be transferred to your hotel where we stay for two nights. The afternoon is at leisure and this evening dinner will be served at the hotel. Thursday 20 June La Paz (B, L, D) This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to visit the famous Witch Doctor’s Market, San Francisco Colonial Church and the typical handicrafts of the Sagarnaga Street. Visit the famous colonial street Jaen where interesting museums are clustered together, followed by a visit to the replica of the semi-subterranean temple of the Tiwanaku Culture. A change of scenery as the tour continues to the residential areas of Obrajes, Calacoto and La Florida. The tour ends with a visit to the unique Moon Valley, where you will have the opportunity to walk around, and visit a ceramic workshop with a demonstration of the art of pottery, after which you return to the La Paz hotel. Friday 21 June La Paz - Quito (B, D) This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito, via Lima. Arrival into Quito is mid afternoon and you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant. Saturday 22 June Quito - Galapagos Islands Cruise (B, L, D) Today you will transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Arrive San Cristóbal Island and transfer to the expedition cruise ship, the M/V Santa Cruz, anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. After lunch on board, disembark on the eastern tip of San Cristóbal Island. Pitt Point is an eroded tuff cone and the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim from the beach or snorkel at the nearby islets. Sunday 23 June Cruising Galapagos Islands (B, L, D) After breakfast, land on a sandy white beach Santa Fe Island, with many sea lion harems. Bulls vie for the right of “Beach Master”, while smaller males masquerading as females make stealthy mating moves. Galápagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The giant prickly pear cactus found here live up to their name with tree-sized trunks! The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the afternoon walk. Snorkelling and swimming from the beach rounds off the rewarding experience, with the glass-bottom boat available for nonsnorkelers. After lunch on board, disembark in the channel between North and South Plaza Islands, where the island tilts toward the water, the approach makes for a colourful sight; the turquoise waters of the channel contrasting brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in places, speckled with bright orange ‘Sally Lightfoot’ crabs. Further up the shore a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide playing with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island. Monday 24 June Cruising Galapagos Islands (B, L, D) Morning disembarkation Santa Cruz Island with visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George” within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem. There are several activity options available for the afternoon, such as forest walks, kayaking, etc. Late in the afternoon, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark back on board the M/V Santa Cruz. Tuesday 25 June Cruising Galapagos Islands (B, L, D) This morning’s outing is at Punta Suárez, Espanola (Hood) Island for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including waved albatrosses, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls as well as a view of the Galápagos famous “blow-hole”. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, Galápagos hawks, Galápagos doves and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch. In the afternoon, disembark at a white coral beach, Gardner Bay for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds and finches. There is great snorkelling in this area and you can also see the marine life aboard the glass-bottom boat. Wednesday 26 June Galapagos Islands – Guayaquil (B, D) This morning, disembark at Baltra Island and transfer for the flight back to Guayaquil. On arrival into Guayaquil you will be met and taken to your hotel for a two night stay. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Thursday 27 June Guayaquil (B, D) Today enjoy a scenic tour of Guayaquil. Drive through the bustling streets of Ecuador’s largest city, visiting the Simon Bolivar Park with iguanas roaming freely, the busy waterfront and docks, La Rotonda with its statues of Bolivar and San Martin clasping hands as they did in 1822, marking the only meeting of these two leaders of the South American Independence movement. The afternoon is at leisure Friday 28 June Guayaquil – Santiago (B, D) Today transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago where you overnight. Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant. Saturday 29 June Santiago -Home (B L,) Our last day in South America is spent exploring the coastal towns of Central Chile on a leisurely day trip from Santiago. Travel through the famous wine country; arrive in the “Garden City” of Vina Del Mar. Continue on to the bohemian coastal town of Valparaiso where you will enjoy lunch and some time at leisure. Return to Santiago airport to join the late evening flight home. Monday 01 July Home The tour concludes with an early morning arrival.
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