South America Odyssey

Enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery, fascinating Indian cultures and specialized artisan villages as you travel across the northern Andean highlands to the famous market town of Otavalo. Allow yourself to browse, bargain, and enjoy the visual feast of an Indian market in Otavalo. Afternoon, return to Quito.

Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas; visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the morning at the "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city. At a distance of approximately 11miles (18 km) north of Quito is the "Middle of the World City" complex. Visit the monument of the equatorial line or parallel 0, latitude 0° 0’0”. Afterwards enjoy a delicious lunch (Included) in a typical restaurant where flavors from across the country can be savoured.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Located between the islands of North Seymour and Baltra, this reef of coral and rocks (the result of an uprising) is only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island is home to one of the largest populations of sea lions and is also home to many shorebirds. There have been occasional reports of Orcas feeding on sea lions at this site. This is also home to the lava gull, the rarest seagull in the World.

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

Dry landing on the northern part of the Islet. The walk begins with an impressive cactus forest surrounded by land and marine iguanas; as we reach its highest point, be on the lookout for tropicbirds and a bachelor sea lion colony. In South Plaza there is a large colony of the smaller sized land iguanas. The population is approximately 300 individuals. They feed on all kinds of vegetation, but during the dry season survive on the fruits and flowers of Opuntia cacti. Due to their proximity with marine iguanas, where we will encounter the one and only Galapagos hybrid iguana.

Wet landing. Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, Santa Fe island was formed from an uplift instead than a volcanic origin, this is why is mostly flat. There are some theories which assure this could be the oldest island in the Archipielago. Santa Fe is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of lands Iguanas of the islands. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail many salt bushes can be seen as well giant Pickly pear cactus, gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands. There are great possibilities of snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fish.

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

Wet landing on the eastern tip of the island. Pitt Point is an eroded tuff cone; the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim from the beach.

A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes guests to Cerro Brujo’s white coraline beach (wet landing). The beach is a large expanse, great for walking, with rewarding birdwatching with good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and more shore birds. Also, look out for Galápagos sea lions. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristóbal) mockingbird, Chatham lava lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in the Galápagos. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristóbal was the first island where he set foot in the Galápagos.

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

Visit Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Center, located at 40 minutes aprox by bus to the south east of the island. This center was built to improve the status of the population of the island tortoises. The center includes a large corral, a Visitors center, breeding center and an interpretative trail. Along this trail is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well birds as the San Cristobal Mockingbird, Yellow Warblers, and many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher, then we will continue to Puerto Chino beach and enjoy the view at El Mirador.

Fly from San Cristobal to Quito via Guayaquil on Aerogal Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.

A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.

Fly directly from Quito, Ecuador to Lima, Peru. Total flight time is approximately 2 hours 15 min. Fares are subject to change and availability isn't guaranteed until confirmed.

Please note: If you are connecting from Galapagos on this day you will be required to check-in to your LAN flight to Lima unassisted. If you would like assistance during this arrival and check-in please speak to your sales consultant who will add this service (subject to an additional cost).

Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport.

Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport.

Fly from Lima to Cusco. Flight duration is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Our local representative will meet you for a transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Transfer time is approximately 2 hours

Enjoy a full day excursion to the Pisac ruins located on the top of a hill overlooking the Vilcanota (Urubamba) river, a series of terraces, canals, houses, food storage and temples can be seen in very good shape. The most notable is the “Intihuatana” or solar calendar made out of a big piece of red stone. Continue to visit the Pisac Market where artisans from all over the area congregate to sell their crafts. Buffet lunch in a countryside restaurant and visit to Ollantaytambo, a fortress built during the Inca Empire, excellent sample of military architecture. 8 hours in duration

Includes tourist ticket and entrance fees.

Upon arrival at the train station, board the Vistadome train for a 2 hour journey to the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu. En route to 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 Ollantaytambo 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: 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 Sacred Valley. Hand luggage on the train is limited to 11 pounds or 5 kgs.

You will be met at the hotel lobby by our local representative, and transferred by private vehicle and professional driver from your hotel in the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo Train Station.

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.

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.

High in the Andes, 3000m above sea level, lies the historic city of Cusco, with its unique blend of Spanish and Inca cultures. Take a half day private tour of the city including the best of Cusco: the Koricancha Temple (Temple of the Sun) and the Cathedral with its magnificent chapels and baroque altars and paintings from the Cusquenian School. The tour also includes the surrounding ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca bath of Tambomachay, the labyrinth of Puca Pucara and the amphitheatre of Kenko.

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

Direct flight from Cusco to Lima. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Please note: Flights' rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

Take a flight from Lima to Santiago, Chile today. The flight time is approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes.

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.

Private airport transfer in Santiago with a guide and driver.

Private airport transfer in Santiago with a guide and driver.

Fly directly from Santiago to Easter Island. Flights are subject to availability, ticket rates are subject to change. The flight duration is approximately 5.25 hours.

Entrance Fee to Easter Island is to be paid locally, upon arrival. The cost is of US$63.00 per person. Subject to change.

A local representative will meet you at the airport for a shared transfer to your hotel in Easter Island.

Drive up the extinct volcano Rano Kau, appreciating on the way a view of the whole island and the village of Hanga Roa, with its distinct geological features. Then proceed to an outlook with a breathtaking view of the crater lake.

Afterwards drive to the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the birdman competition took place and you can see the spectacular petroglyphs related to this culture, see the 3 islets Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao opposite the coast.

Drive down again to Ahu Vinapu (not restored) and for some still proof of the influence of pre-inca arquitects in Easter Island culture. Last stop is Ana Kai Tangata cave with wall paintings.  Back to hotel.

Drive to restored Ahu Akivi with 7 Moais, built in the middle of the island. The legend tells us that these statues are representing the 7 explorers who were sent to Rapa Nui by the king Hotu Matua. Proceed to the unrestored Ahu Hanga Poukura. Then visit the topknot-quarry Puna Pau with its red scoria stone, where all the Pukaos were made. We will also visit the ceremonial site of Tahai with 3 Ahus and restored statues, remains of boathouses, a boatramp and other features. Here we see the only statue with eyes. Back to hotel.

Drive to the southcoast and visit representative examples of not restored platforms, Ahus Vaihu in the bay of Hanga Te’e, and Akahanga, where supposedly the famous king Hotu Matua is buried.

Proceed to Rano Raraku, one of the most important sites visited. This is the quarry of almost 900 stone statues, 397 of them still lying or standing at the slopes of the extinct volcano with crater lake.

Then visit Ahu Tongariki most recent and biggest restauration on the island, with 15 re-erected statues standing on an almost 200 m long platform. 

Drive to the eastcoast and visit not restored Ahu Te Pito Kura and the “Navel of the World”.

Last but not least visit the beautiful beach of Anakena with its restored Ahus Nau Nau and Ature Huke. There you will have the opportunity to enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean. An interesting day is coming to an end and we bring you back to your hotel.

Picnic lunch included and entrance included.

A local representative will meet you at hotel lobby in time to provide a shared transfer to the airport.

Fly direct from Easter Island to Santiago. Flights are subject to change based on availability, ticket rates are subject to change The flight duration is approximately 5 hours.  

Private airport transfer in Santiago with a guide and driver.

Depart from Santiago towards Pirque, about a 50 minute ride from Santiago, where Concha y Toro, the largest vineyard in the country, is located.

Walk through the gardens in the park and see the estate house from the outside, the summer residence of the Concha y Toro family towards the end of the 19th Century. Learn about where Concha y Toro wines come from in our Grape Variety Garden, a place with 26 varieties of wine grapes.  Visit the Old Pirque vineyard with panoramic views of the Maipo valley from the vineyard’s terraces.

A wine tasting is part of your visit to the cellars, including the centenarian Casillero del Diablo, the wine legend.

Return to your hotel in Santiago at the end of this excursion.

Enjoy time at your leisure to try some of the many optional activities available to you including half day tours such as a guided tour of the city focusing on the city's culture, architecture or a panoramic tour, a visit to a local winery, or a cooking class with a local chef in his own home. If you are feeling more active, there are horseback riding and hiking tours available. For full day tour options, consider a visit to the coastal towns of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, a day at an authentic ranch (hacienda), or a day trip to the Andes to enjoy some skiing. If you would like to do something in the evening time, consider a folk dinner in Santiago where you can learn about the local cultures traditions in dance and song. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these activities are of interest.

Enjoy a private full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaiso and the pretty coastal town of Vina del Mar. Take in the great coastal views as you head along the Pacific coast and soak in the panoramic view of the port, before visiting the home of Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda, whose house is a true hideaway located on the upper part of town overlooking the port. The house is modeled on shipbuilding (Neruda's love for all things maritime is famous) and the gardens have many exotic plants, which make for a restful spot. Continue to the Prat Wharf before going to Vina del Mar where you can enjoy lunch facing the sea (lunch is on your own, not included). At day's end you will be brought back to your hotel in Santiago.

Private airport transfer in Santiago with a guide and driver.

Take a flight from Santiago de Chile to Buenos Aires in Argentina today. The flight time is approximately 2 hours.

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.

Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer in Buenos Aires with professional driver and English speaking Guide. Bottle of water included

The recently discovered ancient tunnels of Buenos Aires are one of the city’s best kept secrets. Enjoy a private half day city tour including a visit of these ancient passages and get to know Buenos Aires from the ground up! After being met at your hotel by your private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide, you’ll be brought to Plaza de Mayo, the city’s founding site and genuine starting point of Buenos Aires’ urban development. Next is San Telmo, a former enclave for local aristocracy. This charming colonial district, with its cobbled streets, has many artists' studios and is one of the trendiest neighborhoods of the city. Also in San Telmo lies a recently unearthed treasure: the ancient subterranean tunnels. The construction of tunnels started in the colonial era, and continued well into the 19th century. From ancient times, many myths have been created around the tunnels: people said they witnessed secret encounters, disappearances, murders or even political conspiracies.

Enjoy visiting one of these tunnels, a part of a 3,000 square meter labyrinth below the streets of San Telmo, made up of a long corridor with a vaulted ceiling and display cabinets exhibiting many items and utensils recovered during the excavation. Other areas that are included in your tour include La Boca, (which was strongly shaped by the working class Italian immigrants, with its make shift houses made from scrap materials found in local shipyards), Puerto Madero - Buenos Aires’ latest and most sophisticated neighborhood, and La Recoleta, where a short stop is made at the gorgeous Plaza San Martín, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, (the city’s second oldest church), and the celebrated Recoleta Cemetery, an imposing labyrinth of ornate graves and mausoleums where some of the most important characters of Argentina’s political and cultural life (including Eva Peron) are buried. The last stop on the tour is at the area known as Palermo Woods. Next to the woods lie the splendid palaces built by the wealthy classes in the early 20th century to rival with Paris. Having gained an insightful experience of the city, you will be brought back to your hotel.

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.

A visit to Buenos Aires would be incomplete without a tango show. Tonight, you will enjoy a Tango Show and dinner at La Esquina de Carlos Gardel! You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Tango Show, on a private vehicle with driver.

Watch as professional Tango dancers take the room by storm, whipping feet, hair, dresses and heels along the floor and enchanting the audience with the romance and heat of this dance. The Argentine Tango has drawn its influences from all regions and settings, and is famous for its intermingling of styles and fusions of world dance techniques. Embrace this authentic dance in the place where it originated, as you enjoy dinner and drinks. Enjoy the unique sexual magnetism of the Tango performed by some of the best Tango dancers and singers. Its origins are traced back to the 1880’s, and its birthplace are the suburbs: which accounts for its deep malevolent, sexual, violent and troublemaker contents. Tango is – since its origins – a vital expression mixed up with the particular form of breathing, dressing, talking, and loving of the “porteños” that creates a new style: The Tango Style. Taste the most delightful typical Argentine and international dishes, the specialty is prime beef, with the best local wines in a charming atmosphere with excellent service. A superb orchestra will make you discover the secret of the music of Buenos Aires. At the end of the evening, you will be returned to your hotel with a private vehicle and driver.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Buenos Aires with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls. The direct flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

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

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.

This tour offers an exciting adventure within Iguazú National Park and in Lower Iguazú River. It is divided into 2 parts: firstly, the sailing on the semi-rigid boats to reach the bottom of San Martin, Bosetty, Tres Mosqueteros and Cañon de Garganta del Diablo falls and down the river rapids up to Puerto Macuco (3 kms from the Waterfalls); secondly, an 8 km ride in a special truck along the rainforest, observing the local flora and fauna with the aid of specialized guides. Feel and experience the Waterfalls in this tour! You can start this tour by boat and then walk, or the other way around.

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.

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.

Fly from Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires domestic airport. Note flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 2 hour.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Buenos Aires with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

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.

Please note that if you have a departure flight out of Buenos Aires in the afternoon or evening you will be required to check out of your room by noon.  A late check-out may be requested but is not guaranteed. The hotel will store your luggage for you until your departure transfer to the airport.

Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer in Buenos Aires with professional driver and English speaking Guide. Bottle of water included