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Grand Tour of South America


Destination:  Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina & Brazil

Duration: 21 Days / 20 Nights


Detailed Itinerary:


Day 1
Arrival in Quito (-)


Upon arrival, our collaborators offer a welcoming reception and will transfer you to the hotel.

Overnight in Quito.


Day 2 - Tuesday
Quito Colonial & The Intiñan Museum (B)


In the morning a short trip to the north of the city of Quito will lead us to our planet's Latitude 0´0´0´´where the Intiñan museum known too as “The trek of Sun” will guide us through the wonderful world of the Andean Cosmo-vision, culture and traditions. After this visit, enjoy of a wonderful tour through the streets and main squares of Quito Historical Center. A visit to the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo is part of this spectacular visit.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 3
Andean Handicrafts and Markets (B/L)


Located at 2530 meter above sea level we find the everlasting fertile, Province of Imbabura, these magical lands surrounded by lakes are cradle of artists, histories and living pre-Inca cultures. We will visit Peguche, a picturesque and messy little town whose habitants are famous for their weaving abilities on hand made looms in vivid colors representing figures of the Andean Region. In the area, we also find the strong and artistic hands of the people of San Antonio. Art studios with wood, stone and ceramic sculptures that represents the Quito school of art that transmit us the spirit of the indigenous villages whom had kept this Spanish cultural manifestation within a lot of generations. All this artistic towns, commercialize their art in the Otavalo Market, beyond a shopping tour this tour teach us the work, traditions and customs of our indigenous communities.

Overnight in Quito

Day 4
Lima (B)

At schedule time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima. At arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Lima.

Day 5
City Tour: Colonial and Contemporary Lima (B)

In the morning, a trip to the essential Lima, “The City of Kings” including the most important architectural icons of the city, such as the Main Square, where you can find the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace. Then, we continue with a visit to the San Francisco Convent, an architectonic jewel dating back to the 16th century. On our way to the modern area of the city, we will cross the exclusive district of San Isidro, the new financial heart of the city, to take a look at pre-inca Huaca Huallamarca. Finally, we conclude our circuit in Miraflores, where we will visit the “Parque del Amor” (Love Park) an excellent spot to enjoy a great view of the Pacific Ocean. Overnight in Lima.

Day 6
Cusco: Half Day City Tour, Sacsayhuaman and Nearby Ruins (B)

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, reception by our representatives and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit the Imperial City, living example of the mixture of the Andean and Spanish cultures. We start our trip visiting the Santo Domingo Convent, built over the Koricancha, and ancient Inca palace and main worship center of the Sun God. Later, we will stop at the Main Square, where you can find the Cathedral and the beautiful Church of La Compañía. Going on with the tour, we will visit the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, imposing sample of military Inca architecture which domains the city. Finally, we will take a look at the archaeological sites of Qenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, located north east of the city.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 7
Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo (B/L)

We will drive towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. We will stop on the way to have a classic view of the Urubamba valley, with crops dressing the mountains like carpets. We will arrive to the colorful market of Pisac, where we will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen, or to purchase their hand-made souvenirs. We will continue to the town of Urubamba for a buffet lunch. Finally, we will visit Ollantaytambo, attractive town of Inca origin with remarkable channels and stone streets. In its high part one rises to an impressive ceremonial center of cult to the water and a fortress that guarded the access to the inferior part of the valley.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Day 8
Machu Picchu “The Lost City of the Incas” (B/L)


You will visit one of the most important energetic centers of the world: Machu Picchu. The excursion will be by train and during the trip we will have an amazing view of the landscapes of the Sacred Valley of Urubamba. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, our representatives will assist you to board the bus which will take you to the citadel. It will be an unforgettable experience, where a professional tour guide will transmit us the history around this mysterious and charming place. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the zone on your own, relax and meditate. Buffet lunch at local restaurant. At the fixed time, return by train, descent at the appropriate station and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 9
Lima – Santiago (B)


At schedule time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima. Connection with your flight to Santiago. At arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Santiago.

Day 10
Panoramic half day city tour (B)


Views of a moving city, from the history of the colonial neighborhoods to the modernity of the new financial center also known as “Sanhattan”, be part of this trip through the different sceneries that characterize this Southamerican Metropolis. We will begin by the city's old residential area, passing by beautiful residences that today are part of the Barrio Universitario (university area). Our trip continues to the historical and finantial City Center where the La Moneda government palace, the Main Square and its buildings are the main highlights. Then we will continue to the green Parque Forestal, where we can admire the stunning building that house the Fine Arts museum. We will end the tour visiting the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood. Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Santiago.

Day 11
Free Day (B)


Day at leisure for personal activities.

Overnight in Santiago.

Optional:  Full day excursion to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso

Departing in the early morning from Santiago, we pass through the beautiful Casablanca Valley to reach the magical port of Valparaíso dubbed a World Heritage site by UNESCO. We continue our tour to cerro Alegre. We then visit the Open Sky Museum with walls and stairways of murals painted by local artists. We continue our tour along the coast to Viña del Mar to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Day 12
Mendoza (B)


Full day in public bus from Santiago crossing the Andes to Mendoza in Argentina (without guide).

Overnight in Mendoza.

Day 13
City Tour in Mendoza (B)

Through the tour called City and Suburbs we get to know a modern city, with tree-lined streets and clean wide sidewalks. We also learn about its history and culture since its foundation four centuries ago. Sightseeing the area includes La Alameda (an area of restaurants and coffee shops along a poplar-lined avenue), History museum and Plaza Pedro del Castillo, Aquarium, downtown main avenues, Plaza Independencia, Government House, Court House and Emilio Civit Avenue which leads to the General San Martín Park. Already in the park, we will go around the grove and rose gardens, lake and sport clubs up to the Cerro de la Gloria to admire a magnificent monument dedicated to the ¨Ejército Libertador¨ (Independence War Army). Not far away from it is the Frank Romero Day Greek Theater. As a complementary option a short way away from the park, you can visit El Challao, a residential area with restaurants, camping-sites, and hotels, and where the Lourdes Virgen Church stands. Large Catholic crowds congregate at this temple.

Overnight in Mendoza.

Optional:  Wine Cellars (The wine route)

On this tour we will learn about how man has turned a desert into an oasis by means of canals and irrigation ditches. The original system was created by the Huarpes indigenous people, is now run by computerized drip irrigation and has made Argentina one the main wine producers in the world. We will visit two wineries where enologists will explain the wine-making process and we will participate in a wine tasting session. Some of the wineries involved in this tour are López, Zuccardi, Lagarde, Don Bosco, Flichman, Di tommaso, Wainert, Viñas del Cerno, Reiter.

Day 14
Buenos Aires (B)


At schedule time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Buenos Aires. At arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Optional:  Dinner & Tango Show

The various Tango Houses, offer the possibility of admiring all qualities of tango in its different expressions. First category of tango dancers and singers as well as a tango orchestras, will let you enjoy and feel this particular Buenos Aires music at its utmost while having a drink or a wonderful dinner.

Day 15
Half Day City Tour in Buenos Aires (B)


In the afternoon, get acquainted with Buenos Aires during this tour highlighting the city’s major neighborhoods and attractions. Among the points of interest you will see the Main Square Plaza de Mayo surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Presidential Headquarters Office), the Cabildo (Colonial Town Hall) and the Cathedral. You will also drive through the charming streets of San Telmo and down the colorful roads of La Boca, famous for its multicolor tin houses. Later, drive through elegant Barrio Norte on your way to the Recoleta Cemetery, an amazing aboveground cemetery lined with mausoleums and statues. Finally, visit Palermo and its magnificent mansions and parks.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 16
Free Day (B)


The day is at leisure for own activities.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Optional:  Full Day Gaucho Party at Santa Susana

This is a visit to a typical "estancia" of the Argentine wet pampas, one of the most fertile natural prairies of the world and famous for its meat and cereal production. The guest will be received with "empanadas", "asado", good Argentine wines, and will be able to enjoy folkloric songs, dances and show of Creole. Enjoy the flavour of our “pampas” at a touristy ranch located 110 km away from down-town Buenos Aires. You will be welcomed with meat pies (typical “empanadas”), a glass of wine or juices by the owners and served an argentine B.B.Q. After lunch, a folkloric Gaucho’s Show will be performed and you will have the possibility of appreciating the typical “Ring Race” (Carrera de Sortijas) or ride on horseback.

Day 17
Iguazu: Visit the Argentinean Side of the falls (B)

At Schedule time, transfer to the airport to take your fight to Iguazu. In the Northeast of Argentina a dense forest, inhabited by over 400 different varieties of birds, marks one of the most beautiful landscapes of the world, Iguazu Falls. It is here that Iguazu River hurls itself down to a rocketed in 257 falls over 70 meters high. Crashing at the bottom the water shatters to a fine spray which, rising up forms a multitude of rainbows. Visit one of the wonders of the world. Catwalks and observatories will let us enjoy the magnificent falls, one of the wonders of the world, which culminates in the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), where the Iguazu River crashes down almost 80 meters offering a breathtaking experience. Overnight in Iguazu.

Day 18
Visit the Brazilian Side of the falls / Rio de Janeiro (B)


Departure in vehicle heading to the National Park of the Brazilian Falls. The tour starts with a visit to the Main Center of the park, where the participants will have the opportunity to get some hints about the local ecosystem. From there the tour follows with a walking time through the most important track of the park where the participants could enjoy an astonishing view of the waterfalls. From the local belvedere the participants will have a privileged sight of the both parks of the waterfalls, Return to the main point via the panoramic elevator. At schedule time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Rio de Janeiro. At arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 19
Half Day Corcovado – Half Day Sugar Loaf (B)

The tour starts in the morning, with the participants pick up by bus at the hotel. After this, the bus will take the participants through some of the finests touristic spots heading to the Cosme Velho´s district, where the railroad station to the cable car that lift up to the Corcovado is located.  At the top of the Corcovado´s mountain, at a 710 metres height is placed one of the most famous postcards of Rio de Janeiro, the fourty meters height statue of the Christ Reedemer. This impressive statue with 1100 t. with its magnificent belvedere, spreads the amazing sights of the city of Rio de Janeiro, mainly some of the most typical districts of the town and as well the famous beaches. In the afternoon, the tour continues, followed to the Urca´s district and specifically to the Praia Vermelha, where is located the Sugar Loaf´s cable ferry station, the initial spot to ascend to it. The cable car rolls over strong iron cables, tracked by a cog-wheel system, and has a 70 paxs capacity. There are two stages, the first from Praia Vermelha to the Urca´s Station, and the second from Urca to the Sugar Loaf´s top (at 396 meters). At the top, the view of the center downtown, beaches and the meeting of Guanabara´s bay and the ocean waters are simply superb. At the end, return by bus to the hotel.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 20
Free Day (B)

Day at leisure.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 21
International Departure (B)


At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your international departure flight.
 

 

End of Our Services

 

 

Selected Hotels
Quito Quito Hotel www.hotelquito.com
Lima Casa Andina Classic www.casa-andina.com.br
Cusco San Agustin Internacional www.hotelessanagustin.com.pe
Sacred Valley La Casona de Yucay www.hotelcasonayucay.com
Santiago Galerias www.hotelgalerias.cl
Mendoza Huentala Hotel www.huentala.com
Buenos Aires Dazzler San Telmo www.dazzlertowersantelmo.com
Iguazu Recanto www.recantoparkhotel.com
Rio Golden Tulip Regente www.goldentulipregente.com

 

 

Fixed Departures Dates
G1-GTSA Monday, January 3, 2011
G2-GTSA Monday, February 21, 2011
G3-GTSA Monday, April, 4, 2011
G4-GTSA Monday, May 16, 2011
G5-GTSA Monday, June 27, 2011
G6-GTSA Monday, August 15, 2011
G7-GTSA Saturday, September 26, 2011


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