South America in Depth

34 days - from $7195

Peregrine’s most comprehensive journey in South America Packed full of highlights, this journey showcases the diversity of wonders across the Andes and Amazon. At Cusco, in the Peruvian Andes, be immersed in the ancient culture of the Incas, visit the Sacred Valley and revel in the magnificent citadel ruins of Machu Picchu. At Lake Titicaca, we visit the floating Uros Islands before continuing to the lofty heights of La Paz. The Chilean capital of Santiago is home to some of Chile's most famous wineries and, further south, the beautiful 'Lakes District', with some of the most stunning mountain scenery in South America. Over the 'Lakes Crossing', lies the stunning alpine surrounds of Bariloche and, later, the lively neighbourhoods and late nights of Buenos Aires. At the border with Brazil, we experience the magnificent might of Iguazu Falls, before finally arriving in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro. Please note regional flights are not included in the tour price: Please contact us or you travel agent for flight details and costs.

Highlights

• Bariloche
• Buenos Aires
• Eyeball the Devil at Iguazu
• Recoleta Cemetery
• Steak and chimmichurri in Buenos Aires
• Try out tango in Buenos Aires
• Check out La Paz (slowly)
• Chewing coca, Bolivia
• Tiahuanaco, Bolivia’s iconic ruins
• Witches’ Market, La Paz
• Christ on Corcovado, Rio
• Iguacu Falls
• Learn Samba in Rio
• Sip on cachaça cocktails in Rio
• Take in sunset atop Sugar Loaf Mountain
• Try out capoeira
• Ride Valparaiso’s ascensores
• Sample Santiago’s wines
• The lakes crossing - by water into Argentina
• Climb the Basilica, Quito
• Colonial Quito
• Ecuador’s Amazon
• Take the waters in Banos
• Cusco Fiestas
• Pisac Market
• Puno
• Sample ceviche in Lima
• Take in Machu Picchu
• The perfect pisco sour?

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: (Tue) Arrive in Quito. City tour.3-4: Descend to our Amazon Jungle lodge. Jungle excursions and activities.5-6: Drive to the mountain village of Banos. Free day to enjoy some great optional outdoor activities.7-8: Continue through the mountains to Cuenca and visit the Inca ruins of Incapirca.9: Cross the Peruvian border to Tumbes and early evening flight to Lima.10-11: Explore the colonial centre of the city and visit some of the great museums.12-13: Fly to Cusco. City tour and excursion to Sacsayhuaman and the Sacred Valley including Ollantaytambo and Pisac.14-15: Train to Aguas Calientes. Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.16: Free day in Cusco.17: Drive to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.18: Visit Lake Titicaca, the Uros Indians and the ancient burial chambers at Sillustani.19: Enter Bolivia and head to La Paz via the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco.20: La Paz city tour.21-22: Fly to Santiago, explore the colonial centre and enjoy a winery tour.23-24: South to Puerto Varas, in the heart of the Lakes District, to discover stunning mountain scenery.25: The 'Lakes Crossing' by boat and bus to Bariloche in Argentina.26-28: Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. City sightseeing tour and free time.29-30: Fly to Iguazu Falls and visit both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides.31-33: Fly to Rio de Janeiro. City tour including Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.34: Our adventure ends after breakfast today (Sun).
Included: Local tour leader in each country visited, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing.
Not Included: Airport departure taxes, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

Please note the following regional flights are not included in the price:
Tumbes - Lima
Lima - Cusco
La Paz - Santiago
Santiago - Puerto Montt
Bariloche - Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires - Iguazu Argentina
Iguazu Brazil - Rio de Janeiro

These flights are best booked in conjunction with you International Air Ticket. This is the most economical way to purchase these flights. LAN Chile offer an Airpass which provides discounted fares within South America and can be booked when your international flights into South America are with the following One World airlines Airlines: Lan Chile, Qantas, British Airways, American Airlines, Iberian airlines or any airline who is a member of the One World Alliance. The majority of these flights can be purchased on this airpass.

Please contact us or you travel agent for flight details and costs.
Meals: 33 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Valid From: 01 Jan 09
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Notes: During winter the Lakes Crossing takes 2 days, reducing the stay in Puerto Varas by 1 night. For regional flight details contact us or your travel agent.
Starts/Ends: Quito to Rio de Janeiro
Trip Reference: PSSI