South America Discovery (30 days / 29 nts)

Day 1:  Rio de Janeiro (Half day Sugar Loaf tour)
Arrive Rio de Janeiro - transfer to hotel Rio de Janeiro - Capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro, and also Brazil`s capital from 1763 to 1961, is nestled between the mountains and the sea. Its magnificent shoreline includes charming bays and beautiful beaches, dotted with islands up and down the coast. Flying into Rio is a beautiful sight, whether it be at night or during the day, the visitor quickly finds out why Rio is known as the Wonderful City. It is also an important center for art and fashion.

In the afternoon, half day tour Sugar Loaf. Visit the world famous Sugar Loaf Mountain in the middle of the Guanabara Bay, from where one of the most breathtaking views of the city of Rio can be seen. The tour also offers a panoramic tour to downtown Rio. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2:  Rio de Janeiro (Corcovado tour & Dinner show at Plataforma)
Morning tour to Corcovado. After a beautiful scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, passengers arrive at the bottom of the Corcovado hill where they will embark on a comfortable train which will climb the beautiful mountain, where the statue of Christ, the Redeemer is located. From the top, discover why Rio is known as the Marvelous city! Return to Hotel early afternoon.

Evening - Rio by night with dinner and show. Enjoy a nice dinner in one of Rio famous barbecue restaurants. After dinner, show at Plataforma, a samba house, where guests will enjoy a show with elaborately costumed mulatas, singers and dancers, presenting Brazilian folklore. Overnight at selected hotel. B, D

Day 3:  Rio de Janeiro (Tijuca forest tour)
Morning tour of Tijuca Forest by Jeep - Tijuca Forest, known as the world largest urban forest. With its paths, waterfalls and greenery, Tijuca forest is a mix of history and nature. Afternoon free. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 4:  Rio de Janeiro - Manaus (City tour Manaus)
Transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport for flight to Manaus. Manaus, Capital of Amazonas, the largest state in Brazil, is a modern city. It is also the ideal point of departure for visiting the rest of the Amazon region.

Arrive in Manaus, transfer to the Hotel. In the afternoon, City tour of Manaus. Visit to some typical neighborhoods in Manaus and the Indian Museum, where we can see some of the tradition, objects and costumes used by this people. After that, visit the Teatro Amazonas (Opera House), the mainly tourist spot in the city. Overnight in Manaus.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 5:  Manaus - Amazon Ecopark
Transfer to Amazon Eco Park Jungle Lodge for a 2 nights program. Depart Manaus pier for a meeting of the waters tour before arriving at the lodge. Overnight in Amazon.

(Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 6:  Amazon Ecopark
Morning nature hike at nearby forest. Afternoon visit to home of local amazonian residents (cablocos).  Alligator Spotting tour at night. Overnight in Amazon.

(Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 7:  Amazon Ecopark - Manaus - Salvador
Morning visit to monkey Jungle. Transfer to Manaus airport for flight to Salvador. Arrive in Salvador, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Salvador.

Salvador - Capital of the State of Bahia, and was also Brazilian capital until 1763, is divided in two parts. The "Lower City" is at sea level and contains the old port and the commercial area where visitors will find a complete and varied assortment of Brazilian arts and crafts at the Modelo Market. It is also the best place to witness a demonstration of "capoeira", a martial art developed by African slaves in Brazil, originally as a form of combat and later as a type of dance and folklore tradition. The "Upper City" can be reached by stone steps, alleyways or the famous Lacerda Elevator. This part of the city contains the old government buildings, the residential districts, museums, churches and much of the newer architecture.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 8:  Salvador (city tour, Bahia by night)
Morning half day historical city tour. We start in the modern suburb of Barra and make our way slowly by to the old historical section of town, the Pelourinho area with the largest and the best preserved complex colonial architecture in the Americas. We visit the church of S. Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and the Pelourinho Square, the heart of the old town. This tour shows two distinct aspects of Salvador, the new and the old, concentrating on the early expansion of the city.

Evening - Bahia by Night with dinner and show Miguel de Santana Theatre. The Bahia Folklore Company (Balé Folclórico da Bahia) is one of the most respected folklore dance troupes in the world. The company performs in the intimate Miguel Santana Theatre in the Pelourinho in a seamless presentation of the multiple African traditions that underpin Bahian culture. We will see the sacred dances of the Candomblé; puxada de rede, a song by fishermen in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea; maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance with its origins in the cane fields; capoeira, a martial art/dance of Angolan origin and the samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance. After the show diner will be served in one of the many traditional restaurants in the area. Overnight in Salvador.

(Included meals: breakfast, dinner)

Day 9:  Salvador (Shooner cruise)
Full day Schooner Cruise with lunch. Transfer to the pier and board a schooner to cruise to some of the 36 islands in the bay. Stop with time to relax in the sun or swim in the warm waters. Re-board for the short crossing to the larger Itaparica Island for lunch. More Relaxing time on the beach or an optional visit to the colonial town of Itaparica before returning to Salvador. Overnight in Salvador.

(Included meals: breakfast, lunch)

Day 10:  Salvador - Ouro Preto
Morning transfer out to Salvador airport, for flight to Belo Horizonte. Arrive Belo Horizonte - pick up at airport and immediate transfer to the city of Ouro Preto. Overnight in Ouro Preto.

Ouro Preto was founded in the early 18th century. It was built on rocky ground and declared a national monument in 1933. It is the masterpiece of colonial architecture in Brazil with fountains, churches, ruins and towers shining with colored tiles. Due to its distance from the coast, it is the only town in Brazil to remain as an outstanding artistic and architectural example of that era. Ouro Preto baroque architecture can be viewed upon as typically Brazilian.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 11:  Ouro Preto (walking tour)
Morning walking tour of Ouro Preto with lunch. Ouro Preto was founded in the early 18th century. It was built on rocky ground and declared a national monument in 1933. It is the masterpiece of colonial architecture in Brazil. A visit to Ouro Preto is a step back into history. Overnight in Ouro Preto.

(Included meals: breakfast, lunch)

Day 12:  Ouro Preto - Iguazu Falls
Morning transfer back to Belo Horizonte Airport for flight to Iguazu Falls. Arrive in Iguazu, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Iguazu.

Iguazu falls are one of the planet natural wonders. Thousands of Brazilian and foreign tourists visit one of the main tourist attractions on the country. Foz do Iguazu is the municipality where the main tourist attractions go hand-in-hand with the most exuberant scenery provided by nature and mankind in the “Land of the Falls” it is possible to take in the splendor of the Native and man-made forests, rivers and lakes, and still in this ecological paradise, have the opportunity to shop for the most varied products, not only in Foz do Iguazu but in Ciudad del Leste (Paraguay) and Puerto Iguazu (Argentina). Formed on Iguazu river, the falls go down an average height of 60 meters by an extension of 2700 meters. The number of falls varies from 275 to 150, depending on the river`s outflow. The major part of the falls is located in Argentina, but all its beauty can be admired on Brazilian side. Surrounded trails by ostentatious subtropical forest of Parque Nacional do Iguazu (Iguazu National Park) takes the visitor to runways and lookouts to observe the falls.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 13:  Iguazu Falls (Brazil falls)
Morning tour of the Brazilian side of the Falls - Tour stars walking from the Hotel. Located Inside the Brazilian side of National Iguazu Park, a walk is undertaken inside the sub-tropical forest during 45 minutes. In the afternoon, Macuco Safari boat tour - Towed by jeep, visitors are driven through the forest watching birds wild animals and exotic vegetation. At the end of 2 miles ride, a boat takes visitors upstream the nearest possible under the thundering water wall. Overnight in Iguazu.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 14:  Iguazu (Argentina falls) - Buenos Aires
Morning tour of the Argentina side of the falls. Located inside Argentinean side of National Park. Visitors cross the Argentinean border and end up into the Parque National del Iguazu, 40 km away from the Brazilian border. A walking tour on the falls. Afternoon transfer to the Iguazu airport. Arrival in Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 15:  Buenos Aires (city tour)
Depart on a guided tour to the most important places in the Capital Federal. The tour includes the National Congress, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Government House and the area of Plaza de Mayo. You will be at the heart of the Tango activity where these sensuous dance is performed in the street for passers by to enjoy in the traditional neighborhood of San Telmo, where this typical dance dwells. Then you will visit La Boca and stop at this colorful suburb of the city adopted years ago as his home by the first Italian immigrants. Today is home for important artists. Then, a visit to Palermo is scheduled, a residential neighborhood with parks and elegant buildings. Finally, you will visit the sophisticated Recoleta, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in which among other attractions, you can take a look at the famous cemetery alongside fine restaurants and cafes.  Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 16:  Buenos Aires (day at leisure)
Day at leisure for optional tours: we recommend the Fiesta Gaucha (Tue-Sun): full day excursion dedicated to the visit of an estancia, a typical Argentine ranch, ideal place to appreciate the Argentine gaucho skills in cattle breeding and horseback riding. We will also enjoy the typical Argentine barbecue, the asado: beef ribs placed on an iron grid and grilled on wood embers. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 17:  Buenos Aires - El Calafate
Transfer to the national airport for your flight to El Calafate. Meeting at Calafate airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Calafate.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 18:  El Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier)
Today, you will leave in the morning to visit the renowned Perito Moreno glacier, unique on the planet in its constant forward movement. Along the road you will discover many Andean pre-cordillera sites that are worth sight seen or recording on camera and by the Argentino Lake you will access the National Park “Los Glaciares”. Along Brazo Rico River you will start to spot the floating icebergs until you finally be able to grasp in all its awe this natural wonder considered World Heritage by the United Nations. You will take the paths and enjoy some time to observe and to have lunch (not included). Then, in the afternoon you will go back to the hotel. Overnight in Calafate.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 19:  El Calafate (day at leisure)
Day at leisure for optional activities. Overnight in Calafate.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 20:  El Calafate - Buenos Aires - Santiago
Transfer to the Calafate airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival in Buenos Aires and transfer from the domestic to the Ezeiza International airport.  Arrival in Santiago airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Santiago.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 21:  Santiago (city tour)
Half day City tour, pick up from your hotel to explore the historic and modern sights of Santiago de Chile. We will start our trip at the Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago’s main avenue, visiting La Moneda, the Government Palace, where your guide will explain to you the historical and actual meaning of this place. Following this we will enjoy a walk through the pedestrian streets of Huérfanos and Ahumada, where the main commercial activity of the city is concentrated. Afterwards we will visit the famous Plaza de Armas, the main square of the city, which is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and other historical buildings such as the City Hall and the Post Office, both dating from colonial times. We will continue by visiting the Santa Lucia hill, the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. It is a lone steep rock, with many plants and an antique building rising steeply from the city below. From here you can see the Parque Forestal (park) on one side and the Mapocho River on the other. We will cross the river to visit Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighborhood of Santiago. This tour is offered on a daily basis with hotel pick ups starting at 15:00PM. Overnight in Santiago.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 22:  Santiago (Viña del Mar, Valparaiso)
Full day excursion to Valparaíso, the oldest and most important port of Chile and to Viña del Mar, the famous beach resort. Pick up at your hotel to drive towards the Pacific Ocean, passing the agricultural valleys of Curacavo and Casablanca finally reaching Valparaíso. Valparaíso’s picturesque layout, enhanced by the surrounding hills that seem to dive into the ocean, remind us that this was once the most important maritime destination of the Pacific coast before the Strait of Panama was opened to navigation in 1914. We will visit the downtown area with its new government house, the Plaza Sotomayor, the Plaza Victoria, the cathedral and the harbor area. Afterwards we will discover the colorful hill neighbourhoods. Here, high above the city, there is a fantastic agglomeration of brightly painted houses and a fantastic view over the city. The upper and lower parts of the city are connected with 16 funicular railways constructed around the turn of the century when the city experienced tremendous growth. Traveling north along the coastline of the bay we will reach the city of Viña del Mar, the most famous and visited seaside city of the area, with its many parks of huge trees and palms that gave Viña del Mar the well deserved name of ‘Garden City’. We will visit the beautiful park Quinta Vergara with its amphitheatre, the museum of fine arts as well as the beaches and the Casino, which was built in 1932. In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Santiago. This tour is offered on a daily basis and hotel pick ups start at 9:00 am. Overnight in Santiago.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 23:  Santiago - Lima
Transfer to Santiago airport. Upon your arrival in Lima, we will provide assistance at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight in Lima.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 24:  Lima (city tour)
Tour of the City of the Kings. Panoramic visit to the Huaca Pucllana, archaeological center that was active between the 5th and 8th centuries A.D. Proceed to San Isidro and enjoy a panoramic view of the Olivar of San Isidro, that stands out among the parks of the hemisphere and symbolizes the virreynal and republican tradition of this district, highlighted by its magnificent olives dating from virreynal times. Continue to the Historical Centre of Lima and see the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishops Palace. Then on to the San Francisco Monastery, a master-piece of colonial architecture housing important colonial paintings. At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Lima.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 25:  Lima - Cusco
Transfer to the airport for departure flight to Cusco. We will transfer you from the hotel to Lima international airport for your departure flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel. rest of day at leisure to acclimatize. Overnight in Cusco.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 26:  Cuzco (city tour)
Morning at leisure, then in the afternoon enjoy a City tour of Cusco, including the Santo Domingo convent monastery. This former Colonial monastery was previously the Korikancha temple, one of the most important temples devoted to the worship of the sun. According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold Leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Visit also the Cathedral, the most important temple of the city which houses the headquarters of the Diocese. After touring the most interesting sites of the city, you will be driven to the countryside outside Cusco to visit some of the remarkable Inca ruins in the area. Included are the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphi- theatre of Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara. At the end of the tour, transfer to your. Overnight in Cusco.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 27: Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Take a trip to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will begin your tour visiting Awanakancha, where SouthAmerican camelidae are bred. Learn about the llamas, alpacas; and vicuna superb fibres, as well as the ancient weaving techniques which are still in use. Proceed to Pisac where you will have the opportunity to bargain with vendors at its local handicrafts market. Enjoy lunch at a pleasant hostelry in the countryside and continue to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. The site was built just as the Spaniards arrived and evidence of how it was is still visible. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

(Included meals: breakfast, lunch)

Day 28:  Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Transfer to Ollanta station to board the train to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will take a 25-minute motorcoach ride to "The Lost City of the Incas", which was discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Located on the left bank of the Vilcanota river lies the wonderful old city of Machu Picchu, which in quechua means "Old Mountain". According to research, Machu Picchu would have been one of the vacation residences of Pachacutec, the first Inca emperor between 1438 and 1470.

However, some of its finest buildings and the evident ceremonial purpose of the main access road to the village, prove that it was used as a religious shrine. Machu Picchu is considered both a masterpiece of architecture and engineering because of its unique architectural and landscaping features. Prominent constructions among its buildings are the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial and the Burial Grounds, among others of singular architecture and importance.Your guide will narrate and explain all about this splendid citadel, which is a truly amazing experience. After the guided tour you will have free time to stroll around the archaeological site.

To further enhance your travel experience we suggest you visit the private art gallery: "Machu Pictures - Inspiring Views of the Sanctuary", located within Cafe Inkaterra in Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, nearby the rail station. A privileged access created for you. Lunch at café Inkaterra. Overnight in Aguas Calientes
    
(Included meals : Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 29:  Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We strongly recommend that you wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. This is a once-in-a-lifetime sight. (Optional): For hiking enthusiasts, we suggest a walk up to the peak of Huayna Picchu.In the afternoon return by train and then transfer to the Hotel in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.

(Included meals : Breakfast)

Day 30:  Cusco - Lima
Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Assistance on departure flight. Upon arrival in Lima, assistance to connecting internacional flight.

(Included meals : Breakfast)