South America Grand Tour

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Fly from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.
Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

The $100 entrance fee to the Galapagos Islands Park and the $10 Tourist card are included in your booking. Please note that the itinerary is a guide only -  the route and program vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and wildlife encounters.

A fuel surcharge is applicable to all vessels cruising in the Galapagos and all flights to/from Galapagos. These surcharges have been included in your trip price. 
Fuel Surcharge is subject to change without notice and additional fees may be applicable at time of travel.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. After this, a guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor and then on board your cruise ship.

Take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato. Here you’ll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises that give the islands their name. Visit Pit Craters created from the collapse of surface materials into chamber fissures underground.  After this visit, return to Puerto Ayora.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

After a wet landing, visit the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows, a good area for observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. You can see Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide, sharing space with Red Sally Light-Foot Crabs. There is a colony of Fur-Seal swimming in deep pools of cool water called “grottos”. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling in search of Octopus, Sea Horses, Starfish, and other sea life caught in the small tidal pools. From a safe distance you can observe Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo, Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles.

Near Puerto Egas on Santiago Island, salt mining operations were attempted. Great effort was put into extracting salt from the crater though little profit was made and the venture was abandoned. Equipment and building were left behind some still remaining on the island today.

Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one o the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos Penguin.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

After a dry landing, you will walk to a salty lagoon behind the beach. Here you may see pink flamingos. Continuing on the trail up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. You will also encounter a large colony of reintroduced land iguanas [hence the name, Dragon Hill] and a Scalesia tree forest. Returning to the shore, you will take a ride in a panga [Zodiac] boat to Venice Islet, to observe marine animals such as golden rays, sharks and sea turtles in the calm waters of the coves, as well as the land iguanas.

Visit to North Seymour Islands: After a dry landing, you will see swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions. This site is known as a major nesting colony for blue-footed boobies, and it has the largest colony of the magnificent frigate bird (a different species from the great frigate bird). Here you will also be able to see both endemic species of iguanas, the marine iguanas and the land iguanas.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Disembark at Bachas Beach (wet landing), on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Here you will encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea turtles. You will have the opportunity to swim at this white-sand beach.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. After this, a guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor and then on board your cruise ship.

Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Aerogal. The flight duration is approximately 4 hour.

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver.

Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Colonial and Modern Lima in the company of your private vehicle, driver and English speaking Guide, passing by outstanding monuments such as the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Cathedral (closed on Sundays) at the Plaza Mayor. Visit the 17th century San Francisco Convent. Take a short tour of the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores where you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean.

After lunch at "La Rosa Nautica" (included in tour) visit the Larco Herrera Museum. Since 1926 this museum holds the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art with a unique assortment of erotic pottery, genuine and rich jewels in gold, silver and semi-precious stones. With more than 45,000 pieces of ceramics plus genuine mummies and marvellous Paracas textiles, this is a great place to visit.

Return to your hotel at day's end.

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver.

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver.

Take the afternoon to rest at your hotel so as to allow your body to acclimatize. Try to minimize physical activity to avoid the effects of altitude sickness.

Our local representative will meet you with a private vehicle and professional driver for a train station transfer.

Once at the train station you will board the Vistadome train for a 6:05am* departure to the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu (train ride is 4 hrs). The journey begins with a series of switchbacks, known appropriately as the 'zigzag', up the hill out of Cusco, before a brief stop at the village of Poroy. The train then descends from the highest point of the journey into the Sacred Valley and the foothills of the Andes. Before reaching Machu Picchu, the train travels along the Urubamba River, with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyon.

Please note that your guide will travel with you onboard the train from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes. This guide will also provide the private tour of Machu Picchu. After the tour the guide will explain all the necessary information and provide you with any entrances or tickets required for the rest of your time at Machu Picchu (evening and following day).  The guide will return to Cuzco that evening.

Note: When staying overnight at Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes the following day will be at leisure, with no guide (unless otherwise specified). If you would like to have a guide please speak with your sales consultant about adding this service.

*Note: train times and schedules may vary based on availability.

Note about luggage: When you board the train to visit Machu Picchu with overnight, bring only a small bag with you. Due to limited storage space on the train, passengers are asked to bring only one small piece of luggage. The rest of your luggage will be stored safely at your hotel and returned to you either in Cuzco or The Sacred Valley. Hand luggage on the train is limited to 11 pounds or 5 kgs.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will board the bus (shared service) up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes 30 minutes and once you get there you will enjoy a private guided tour of Machu Picchu. The Inca Citadel lies between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu (“Young Peak” and “Old Peak”). The Inca Pachacutec built the Citadel using sharp stone blocks, fitted together perfectly. Houses, temples, a public square are all connected by narrow roads and steps cut into the mountainside. There are many theories as to the purpose of Machu Picchu; a temple to the sun? A fortress against jungle inhabitants? A sanctuary for the Incas? The mysterious lost city awaits you!

After the tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Afterwards, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

Please note: For itineraries including an overnight stay at the Sanctuary Lodge (instead of Aguas Calientes) you will simply return to the lodge after your tour.

For your convenience the bus ticket between Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full.

The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is provided for your convenience.

For your convenience, the entrance fee for the hike to Wayna Picchu is included.We will confirm the 7:00am hike,there is the option of doing the later hike, so if you would like the later hike (10:00am) please let us know.

The eternal guardian of the Sanctuary, Wayna Picchu (meaning “Young Mountain’ in Quechua) towers over the Incan city, and an amazing view can be appreciated from the top. The route to the top of the mountain is treacherous, with very narrow pathways, and to conquer the summit is truly a rewarding experience! Along the route and at the top of the mountain are sacred structures and eye-catching terraces, built right against the slope’s edge. Depending on each person's hiking pace, this activity may take up to 3 hours. This activity is on your own; please speak to your sales agent about organizing a guide to accompany you.

For your convenience the bus ticket between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full.

Return to Cusco on the Vistadome train on your own (no guide). The train departs from Aguas Calientes at 3:25pm* and takes 4 hours to return to Cusco. Snacks are served on board. *Note train times and schedules may vary based on availability.

Our local representative will meet you with a private vehicle and professional driver for a train station transfer.

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver.

Private airport transfer in Santiago with a guide and driver.

Please note: Upon arrival by air, American and Canadian visitors to Chile are required to pay a reciprocity fee of US$131 for American and US$132 for Canadian. Other nationalities will vary. Upon payment, cash, credit card or travelers checks, a receipt will be stapled at the back of passport and is valid for the duration of the passport. Subject to change without notice. Please consult with the Chilean consulate for full details.

Today is a day when you will experience life as a true local, otherwise known as a “Santiaguino”. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and together you walk towards the nearest Metro station to board one of the most efficient and clean subways in the world, Santiago’s Metro (Metro ticket is included). In it, you will reach the classic and most important subway station in the city, Universidad de Chile where gigantic murals of local artists are displayed showing a piece of Chile’s rich urban culture. Upon exiting the station you will be in the middle of Santiago’s busy downtown. You will walk about the Stock Exchange and the classic streets, having a Santiago traditional coffee experience, in one of the many cafés called “Café con piernas” translated as coffee with legs…you will see firsthand where the name originates from.  After enjoying coffee (not included) we will walk through the Paseo Ahumada, viewing the different shops and shoe shine stands and all sorts of local characters. We will arrive to the main square or Plaza de Armas which is a meeting point for several immigrants from neighboring countries. We will visit the Cathedral. We will continue walking through Puente Street which is characterized by the large amount of shoe stores where locals shop. We will reach the Mercado Central (local fish Market) where we will see the different types of fish and shellfish that the Pacific Ocean has to offer. In this market we will have lunch at one of the many restaurants enjoyed by locals and generally unknown to tourists. Your guide will be with you at all times explaining local culture and helping you to translate and interact with shop vendors, waiters and anyone you want to meet.

After lunch at Restaurant El Galeon, walk across the Mapocho river to visit the Vega Central (local food market) here you will see the different fruits and vegetables that the fertile lands of Chile offer. After the visit walk through the Bellavista district, also known as the bohemian district where you will enter a local bar to try out a refreshing local drink called “The Terremoto” which translates to the Earthquake (drink is not included). After this stop we continue to San Cristobal Hill. On the way we try out some of Chile’s classic and refreshing snacks such as Mote de Huesillos or any snack that you feel like.

At San Cristobal Hill we will reach the top in the traditional funicular. From the top enjoy a panoramic view of Santiago from which, with your guide, you can track the places visited during the day. Here, your vehicle will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel after a day of exploring Santiago and being a true “Santiaguino”.

Private airport transfer in Santiago with a guide and driver.

Enjoy a private transfer with professional driver between Buenos Aires International and Domestic airports (or vice versa) with private driver and English speaking Guide.

Please Note: Effective 31OCT2012 for international flights arriving into Buenos Aires AEP, and effective 28DEC2012 for international flights arriving into Buenos Aires EZE, the process for paying the reciprocity fee must be done prior to arrival, online, at the following websites - www.migraciones.gov.ar or www.provinciapagos.com.ar

Subject to change without notice.

Buenos Aires is where it all happens, and we want you to immerse yourself in its beauty, history, and sheer radiance. Enjoy a private guided, half-day panoramic tour, discovering the rich parks and open spaces of the Northern Neighborhood and the eye-catching buildings and grounds of Palermo and Recoleta, in the comfort of a private vehicle. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll be driven to the Obelisk; a distinct symbol of the city. After that, you will visit different squares such as Plaza de Mayo, Plaza San Martín, Plaza del Congreso and some of the main avenues such as Corrientes, de Mayo, and 9 de Julio. Enjoy views in the historical neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, Montserrat and the elegant neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta, and the modern Puerto Madero. Breathe in the fresh air as you pass through parks such as Lezama, Tres de Febrero and the Ecological Reserve. En route you will also get to visit financial and commercial areas and Soccer Stadiums. At the end of your tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

"Rojo Tango” is an invitation to live and feel the tango intensely. It is an embracing and sophisticated show to experience the pleasure of the tango up to its most minimum details, its harmonic melodies, its rhythm and the feelings and colors coming to live in the dance. Witness a professional performance, offered to a reduced audience. Rojo Tango show takes care of every little detail so that you can experience the essence of Tango. Dancers wear unique costumes, a result of thorough research and an updated innovation in fabrics, embroideries and colors. The hairdos are visually important and match every detail of the costumes and dance. The special lighting enhances the dance's different nuances. Enjoy a fantastic dinner as you see the show.
Return to your hotel afterwards.

There are so many things to see and do in the city of Buenos Aires that you will be spoiled for choice!

Consider taking a riverboat to Tigre which llies on the Paraná Delta, English-style rowing clubs, countless marinas, humble dwellings and elegant mansions from the “Belle Époque”, such as the Tigre Club,are to be seen, as well as small pensions and upscale lodges, restaurants, teahouses and simple picnic sites.

If the outdoors are your passion, head out to a nearby "Estancia" where you can  enjoy a BBQ lunch or perhaps a traditional folklore show. Or spend the day in Uruguay visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Colonia del Sacramento.

If you are interested in art, tango, cooking or exploring the cafe culture of Buenos Aires, consider a themed private tour. Just ask your Sales Consultant for more details in figuring out the most suitable options for you.

Enjoy a private transfer with professional driver between Buenos Aires International and Domestic airports (or vice versa) with private driver and English speaking Guide.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Iguazu in the company of an English speaking Guide, and a private vehicle with a professional driver.

A valid passport is required for all American or Canadian citizens, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Americans & Canadians are required to have a valid Brazilian Visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country.

Experience the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls from Misiones, the area which borders Brazil. After being picked up by your private vehicle, professional driver and English speaking Guide, you will be transferred to Iguassu Park to take a train to the walkways. Marvel at the Iguassu Falls as you make your way along the walkway system. Stop by "Devil's Throat" and get up close to the Falls. On the way home, you may like to visit the Argentine shopping district and the 3-borders point where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet before you are dropped back at your hotel.

Enjoy a half day private guided tour to explore the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls. After being picked up at your hotel, you will pass over the border and into the Brazilian National Park side of the falls. You will get the chance to see some handmade products from Brazil before a short drive through a subtropical jungle, with fantastic palm trees and lianas. When you arrive at the beginning of the path, the enormous Iguazú Falls emerge in front of you, with a unique panoramic view that conveys their spectacular magnificence. Walk along the 1,200 meters of the footbridge to a different side of the fallsm, which is an even more incredible view than the first. You will discover that these new falls, although they belong to Argentina, can only be seen from the Brazilian side. Take a panoramic elevator to get a more impressive sight of the Iguazú Falls. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel. NOTE: A Brazilian Visa is required for all travelers wishing to enjoy the Brazilian side of the falls tour - this visa is the traveler's responsibility.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Iguazu in the company of an English speaking Guide, and a private vehicle with a professional driver.

A valid passport is required for all American or Canadian citizens, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Americans & Canadians are required to have a valid Brazilian Visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country.

Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro.

Enjoy a full day private excursion with your own vehicle, professional driver and English speaking guide visiting Corcovado and Sugarloaf. After being picked up from your hotel, you can enjoy a Panoramic city tour by car, passing by the main monuments such as Sambódromo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Cinelandia Square with its Municipal Theatre, National Library and the Fine Art Museum, to name but a few. Arriving at the Sugar Loaf, you can take a cable car to get to the summit where you will have one of the most fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. From here, the stop on the tour is Cosme Velho district, a traditional neighborhood in the Southern part of Rio de Janeiro which houses the picturesque Largo do Boticário - a small square enclosed by several neo-colonial style houses, built in the 1920s. (The houses were constructed using materials from much older buildings in the city's Centro district which had been demolished). Here, you can take a train up to the Corcovado Mountain, through the Atlantic rainforests of Tijuca to see the famous Christ The Redeemer statue and admire the fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro below. Before returning to the hotel, you will be taken for a visit to São Conrado beach to observe the famous hang gliders flying over the beach. You will no doubt enjoy the hosted lunch during the day and at day's end, having seen all of the sights; you will be brought back to your hotel.

Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro.