Tour Details - SPIRIT OF SOUTH AMERICA WITH AMAZON PRE EXTENSION AND GALAPAGOS POST EXTENSION
SPIRIT OF SOUTH AMERICA WITH AMAZON PRE EXTENSION AND GALAPAGOS POST EXTENSION
DISCOUNTS ON EVERY TOUR, UP TO 23% !!!
Tour Duration: 25 days Tour Code: SAY2012 Tour Type: Panorama Prices From: A$9685 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
ARRIVE IN MANAUS, BRAZIL. After arriving at your hotel, meet up for guided city sightseeing of Manaus to view vestiges of its glory days during the rubber boom. Your first stop will be the famous OPERA HOUSE, built in 1896 with materials imported from Europe. Next, visit a bustling LOCAL MARKET, abundant with local foods and wares. (D)
2
MANAUS-AMAZON JUNGLE. Today your "Meeting of the Waters" tour passes by the impressive Britishbuilt Custom House and the floating port. CRUISE along the chocolatecolored Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-gray Rio Solimoes, where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles the differently colored bodies of water flow side by side and never mix! After lunch on the river, explore a JUNGLE ISLAND (if the water level is not too low) with fascinating native flora and fauna. Later this afternoon, arrive at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge situated on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazonian rainforest. (B,L,D)
3
AMAZON JUNGLE. Accompanied by a Naturalist, enjoy a guided JUNGLE WALK introducing you to the flora and fauna that thrives in the Amazon. After lunch, depart the lodge and sail up the river to visit a Caboclo's NATIVE AMAZON VILLAGE to learn about their traditions, costumes, and culture. Also try your hand at piranha fishing! Later, visit the MONKEY JUNGLE RESERVE , where researchers work to rehabilitate captive primates and reintroduce them to the jungle. Here, you have the opportunity to see a feeding of spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, woolly monkeys, and capuchin monkeys. This evening you may wish to venture back out on canoe with your Naturalist into the flooded forest to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night, with the possibility to spot small alligators (or other night creatures). (B,L,D)
4
AMAZON JUNGLE-RIO DE JANEIRO BRAZIL. This morning, depart the Ecopark for a flight to fabulous Rio for an overnight. (B)
5
RIO DE JANEIRO. Today is free in Rio to explore as you please. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for Day 1 of the Spirit of South America vacation. Drive along famous Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches. Here, you will enjoy a special COCKTAIL PARTY on the beach, toasting the start of a memorable vacation with caipirinhas, a favourite Brazilian cocktail. Next, make your way to the base of 1,300-foot-high SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN and ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can savour spectacular vistas of the city. Cap off the day with a welcome dinner this evening. (B,D)
6
RIO DE JANEIRO The city's landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns CORCOVADO MOUNTAIN, a rounded peak rising 701 metres (2,300 feet) from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From here, proceed to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambodromo and visit the CATHEDRAL. The afternoon is at leisure for you to experience this vibrant city on your own. Tonight, it's a fun outing to a CHURRASCARIA for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style, followed by a SAMBA SHOW, where the sheer vitality of this country explodes in a colourful extravaganza. (B,D)
7
RIO DE JANEIRO A full day at leisure to savour Rio. Relax on one of the world-famous beaches or take advantage of the world-class shopping or fine dining. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional Guanabara Bay cruise that delivers gorgeous views of Rio from the harbour. This afternoon, sightseers might elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II. (B)
8
RIO DE JANEIRO - BUENOS AIRES, Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. After arriving at your central hotel, an orientation walk acquaints you with the "Paris of South America" and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafes. Spend an evening at leisure. (B)
9
BUENOS AIRES Your included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a colourful district and site of the city's first port. Take a short walking TOUR of this unique neighbourhood at the mouth of the river and then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and as a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President's Pink House) and the METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, which houses San Martin's Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Colon Opera House before reaching THE CEMETERY OF THE RECOLETA, burial site of Eva Peron. After an afternoon at leisure, savour the atmosphere of this cosmopolitan capital at a dinner featuring Argentine steaks and other local specialties. Top off the evening at the famous ESQUINA CARLOS GARDEL to enjoy flawless performances of Latin America's most sensuous dance - the Tango! (B,D)
10
BUENOS AIRES Enjoy a full day at leisure, with an optional excursion to the Pampas. Experience the atmosphere of Argentine country life as you visit an estancia (ranch). Get acquainted with the lifestyle of the gauchos and enjoy a barbecue lunch and the warm hospitality of your hosts before returning to the city. (B)
11
BUENOS AIRES - IGUASSU FALLS This morning, fly to IGUASSU FALLS. The spectacle of this 3.2 kilometres (2 mile) wide torrential downpour - with some cataracts as high as 76.2 metres (250 feet) - is nothing short of hypnotic. The clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth make this an unforgettable natural wonder. Upon arrival, journey to the Argentinean side of the falls and take the ECOLOGICAL JUNGLE TRAIN for a bird's-eye view from the catwalks perched over part of the Devil's Throat, where 14 falls drop over 91.44 metres (300 feet) into the Devil's Gorge below. Continue to your hotel this evening for an included dinner. (B,D)
12
IGUASSU FALLS - LIMA, PERU Today is dedicated to exploring the Brazilian side of the FALLS from a completely different vantage point than in Argentina. A walk along the pathway at the base of the falls takes you into the Devil's Throat Canyon, with spectacular panoramic views of many of the 275 cataracts that make up Iguassu Falls. Later today, fly to Lima, Peru. (B)
13
LIMA Your city sightseeing TOUR focuses on Lima's rich colonial history as well as the modern city. See the 18th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its unique cloisters, Government Palace, and the cathedral situated around the vast Plaza de Armas. Then, take a short drive to the seaside suburb of Miraflores. (B)
14
LIMA - CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to the semi-circular KENKO Amphitheatre with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages. Stop at the ancient site of PUCA PUCARA before reaching the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUA MAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones - with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons - was built. Continue to PISAC, an old mountain village where you will have free time to shop for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewellery, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
15
SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of OLLANTAY TAMBO followed by the opportunity to visit a home, meet some of the locals, and experience their way of life. Then, board a TRAIN for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary MACHU PICCHU, the "Lost City of the Incas". Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. (B,L,D)
16
MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over MACHU PICCHU with your 2nd included entrance to the ruins. Return to Cusco and learn more about the Incas on your guided tour, with visits to the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY. (B)
17
CUSCO - LIMA A short morning flight returns you to Lima, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of this exciting Latin American vacation. (B,D)
18
LIMA-GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR. Fly to Guayaquil on the coast of Ecuador. (B)
19
GUAYA QUIL-SAN CRISTOBAL (EMBARKATION)-GALAPAGOS Take a morning flight to San Cristobal, one of the remote Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, board the Galapagos Explorer II and enjoy five days of CRUISING among various Galapagos Islands. On SAN CRISTOBAL,visit Cerro Brujo, a sandy beach that is home to Sally Lightfoot crabs,blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas. This is an ideal spot for snorkeling as well as observing sea and shorebirds. (B,L,D)
20
CRUISING: ESPA NOLA ISLAND. Today, join your Naturalist for excursions to Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez on ESPA NOLA ISLAND, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Here you will see the famous blowhole, as well as unique seabird colonies including the waved albatrosses (Apr.-Dec.), Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and Darwin's finches. Also look for red, green, and black marine iguanas and a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. (B,L,D)
21
CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ & RABIDA ISLANDS. On SANTA CRUZ, visit Whale Bay, one of the oldest whaling camps in the archipelago. Later, disembark at RABIDA ISLAND on a red-colored beach, formed from the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Here, your Naturalist points out large colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin's finches. This is a wonderful place to snorkel from the beach, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. (B,L,D)
22
CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ & SOUTH PLAZA ISLANDS. This morning, visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, home to famous "Lonesome George," established to help conserve the Galapagos' natural habitats and protect the area's famous giant tortoises. Spend some time in the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. At SOUTH PLAZA, wildlife includes sea lions, land iguanas, and hybrid iguanas, which are the result of a cross between male marine iguanas and female land iguanas. This is also a bird-watcher's paradise, where you will see nesting swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, and Audubon's Shearwaters. (B,L,D)
23
CRUISING: BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)-QUITO. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Baltra for your flight to Quito. (B)
24
QUITO. On an included city tour, see INDEPENDENCE SQUARE with its CATHEDRAL and SAN FRANCISCO PLAZA CHURCH, and the BASILICA. (B)
25
QUITO. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
RIO DE JANEIRO: Cocktail party on the beach; cable car to Sugar Loaf; sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Corcovado Mountain and the cathedral; enjoy a Samba show and a churrascaria dinner
BUENOS AIRES: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and Cemetery of the Recoleta; enjoy a Tango show
IGUASSU FALLS: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit both sides of the falls; Ecological Jungle Train
LIMA: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit San Francisco Monastery; farewell dinner
SACRED VALLEY: Visit the Kenko Amphitheatre, Puca Pucara, the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac
MACHU PICCHU: Take a train through the Urubamba Valley; sightseeing with Local Guide and a second entrance to the ruins on your second day in Machu Picchu
CUSCO: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the cathedral and the Santo Domingo Monastery
GALAPAGOS EXTENSION: Sightseeing in Quito; 4-night Galapagos Islands cruise
American breakfast daily (B), 1 lunch (L), and 7 three-course dinners (D) including a welcome dinner in Rio, a steak dinner with Tango show in Buenos Aires, and a farewell dinner in Lima.Amazon
Extension: 9 additional meals as per itinerary; Galapagos Extension: 15 additional meals as per itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description,including admission charges where applicable.
All Intra-Tour Flights
Meals Breakfast - 24 Lunch - 7 Dinner - 14
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
74
USD
Name:PETROPOLIS Location:RIO DE JANEIRO Details:A drive through the outskirts of Rio, up the Serra dos Orgaos on a winding, scenic road through the Atlantic Rain Forest will take you to the 'Imperial City of Petropolis', 810 metres (2,660 feet) above sea level. We will visit the museum at the summer palace of former Emperor Pedro II of Brazil and the Cathedral with the tomb of the Emperor and his wife. You will see the highlights of this charming city, such as the 'Crystal Palace', mansions and buildings from imperial and modern times.
78
USD
Name:GUANABARA BAY CRUISE Location:RIO DE JANEIRO Details:Guanabara Bay is the largest bay in the world based on volume of water, and has several islands such as the Governor's Island, Fundao and Snakes Island. While on this cruise, enjoy views of the beaches of Rio, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Fort of Santa Cruz. Light snacks included.
115
USD
Name:FIESTA GAUCHA Location:BUENOS AIRES Details:In Argentina ranches dedicated to cattle breeding and to growing grains are called Estancias. Today, enjoy a complete day at and estancia in the pampas, where Buenos Aires ends and home to the gauchos! This full-day excursion is an ideal opportunity to absorb the atmosphere of rural life and a colourful feast in the heart of the pampas. Lunch includes world-renowned Argentine beef and live entertainment by gauchos in their native costumes. After lunch, the folklore show will began with its music and dances. The day will end with demonstration of typical activities at an estancia: regional games on horseback such as the "carrera de sortijas", where two teams gallop at full tilt under a wooden arch and try to pass a pin through a small ring hanging from the arch.
Optional Excursions
