South America in Depth

34 days - from $8195

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 your travel agent for flight details and costs.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Iguaçu Falls
• Bariloche's outdoor activities
• Recoleta Cemetery and Eva Peron’s tomb
• The 'Devil’s Throat' of Iguazu
• Argentina's capital Buenos Aires
• La Paz - the world's highest 'unofficial' capital city
• The potions of 'Witches’ Market'
• Christ the Redeemer
• Rio de Janeiro
• Tiahuanaco's 'Gateway of the Sun'
• Lakes Crossing from Chile to Argentina
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• Andean town of Banos
• The Amazon Basin
• The panorama from Basilica del Voto Naciona
• Tasting Chile's wine
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Colonial Quito
• Puno - a town four kilometres above sea-level
• The colourful market town of Pisac
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Inca capital of Cusco
• The 'Lost City of the Incas' - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu

Itinerary:

Day 1: Quito2: Quito3-4: Amazon Jungle5-6: Banos7-8: Cuenca9: Tumbes - Lima10-11: Lima12-13: Cusco - The Sacred Valley14-15: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco16: Cusco17: Puno18: Lake Titicaca - Sillustani - Puno19: Tiahuanaco - La Paz20: La Paz21-22: La Paz - Santiago23-24: Santiago - Lakes District25: Puerto Varas - Lakes Crossing - Bariloche26: Bariloche - Buenos Aires27-28: Buenos Aires29-30: Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls31-33: Puerto Iguazu - Rio de Janeiro34: Rio de Janeiro
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 Quito, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, La Paz and Santiago (including entrance fees where applicable).

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Equator line at Mitad del Mundo; UNESCO World Heritage listed Cuenca; Inca ruins of Incapirca; the ancient ceremonial ruins of Sacsayhuaman; the Sacred Valley (full day) including Qenko and the Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo; burial towers at Sillustani; and the 8th century AD ceremonial complex at Tiahuanaco.

• 2-day stay at Cotococha Lodge in the Amazon Jungle, with jungle activities and the services of a native guide.

• 2-day stay in the mountain village of Banos with free time for relaxation in the hot springs or for adventurous activities including mountain biking, horse-back riding or hiking.

• Thermal bath at Papllacta.

• Hike to one of Ecuador’s most beautiful waterfalls, El Pailon del Diablo.

• Cultural visits to the market town of Pisac and small town of Sicuani for lunch.

• 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.

• 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.

• Visit to both the Argentinean and Brazilian Iguazu Falls including a power boat ride to 'Devil's Throat'.

• Arrival transfer.

International flights, domestic 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:

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: 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.

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.