South America Circle

29 days - from $6995

The captivating power of Iguazu Falls is a fine introduction to South America, as is stunning Rio de Janeiro, where we have time to enjoy such well known sights as Corcovado, the Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana. A flight across the breadth of the Amazon and the Andes brings us to the Peruvian capital of Lima. Explore the city and the vast Peruvian tracts of Amazon Jungle. High up in the Andes is Cusco, the former stronghold of the Incas and gateway to the Sacred Valley and magnificent Machu Picchu. On one of the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, we visit a Uros Indian community, before continuing on to the lofty Bolivian heights of La Paz. Stylish Santiago is home to some of Chile's most famous wineries and a short distance to the breathtaking mountains, picturesque lakes and towering volcanoes of the 'Lakes District'. Across the border in Argentina, high alpine adventure and scenery await in Bariloche, before arriving back in the lively tango town of Buenos Aires.

Please note regional flights are not included in the tour price: Please contact us or your travel agent for flight details and costs.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Inca capital of Cusco
• Puno - a town four kilometres above sea-level
• Tasting Chile's wine
• Santiago from San Cristobal Hill
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• Yagua native community in the Peruvian Amazon
• The rubber-boom colonial history of Iquitos
• The Amazon Basin by boat
• The 'Lost City of the Incas' - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu
• Lakes Crossing from Chile to Argentina
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Iguaçu Falls
• The 'Devil’s Throat' of Iguazu
• Recoleta Cemetery and Eva Peron’s tomb
• Bariloche's outdoor activities
• Christ the Redeemer
• Tiahuanaco's 'Gateway of the Sun'
• Argentina's capital Buenos Aires
• La Paz - the world's highest 'unofficial' capital city
• The potions of 'Witches’ Market'
• Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary:

Day 1: Buenos Aires2: Buenos Aires3-4: Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls5-7: Foz do Iguacu - Rio de Janeiro8: Rio de Janeiro - Lima9: Lima10-11: Iquitos - Amazon River12: Iquitos - Lima13-14: Cusco - The Sacred Valley15-16: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco17-18: Peru's Challenge Community Project - Cusco19: Puno20: Lake Titicaca - Sillustani - Puno21: Tiahuanaco - La Paz22: La Paz23-24: La Paz - Santiago25-26: Santiago - Lakes District27: Puerto Varas - Lakes Crossing - Bariloche28: Bariloche - Buenos Aires29: Buenos Aires
Included:

• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leader in each country, and professional local guides at some sites.

• City tours of Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, La Paz and Santiago (including entrance fees where applicable).

• Visit to Iguazu Falls including a power boat ride to their base.

• Motorised boat ride to a Jungle Lodge in the Amazon for a two day stay, including jungle excursions with a local guide.

• Cultural visits to Belén floating village, Yagua native community, market town of Pisac and small town of Sicuani for lunch.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): the ancient ceremonial ruins of Sacsayhuaman; the Sacred Valley (full day) including Qenko and Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo; rarely-visited Pumamarca ruins; burial towers at Sillustani; and the 8th Century AD ceremonial complex at Tiahuanaco.

• Visit to Awana Kancha tourist centre to encounter llama, alpaca, vicuna and guanaco.

• Train and bus to Machu Picchu (non-trekking trip), with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

• Visit to Peru's Challenge Community Project to spend time with local children.

• Boat cruise on the highest navigable lake in the world - Lake Titicaca, including the floating reed islands of the Uros people.

• Concha y Toro wine tasting tour in Maipo Canyon.

• ‘Lakes Crossing’ from Chile to Argentina by boat.

• Arrival transfer.

International flights, 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:

Buenos Aires - Iguazu Argentina
Iguazu Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro - Santiago - Lima
Lima - Iquitos - Lima
Lima - Cusco
La Paz - Santiago
Santiago - Puerto Montt
Bariloche - Buenos Aires

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: 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.