South American Sojourn

Unique Small Group Tour 27 days. Departs September 5th 2011

Cost from $11280 per person share twin, including flights from Auckland

This trip is carefully designed for two types of travellers: Those who may only visit South America once and would like to experience a variety of highlights; and those who are travelling there for the first time and would like to familiarize themselves with the area, before returning for a more in depth visit to their favourite region.

Escorted by a kiwi bilingual tour leader: Silvana Gottini has spent may years living and working in Latin America. Her local knowledge and passion for the continent will ensure you experience, see and taste the hidden gems of these regions.

Tour Highlights:

• Begin with a dazzling Samba show in Rio and Tango in Buenos Aires

• Explore the thundering Iguazu Falls and national park

• Visit the exciting local Matadero market in Buenos Aires

• Travel deep into the Amazon rainforest near Puerto Maldonado and spot exotic wildlife

• Experience the Uros floating reed islands and a home stay on Amantani Island Lake Titicaca

• Learn about the ancient Quechua (Inca) and Ayamara cultures

• Visit the lost City of the Inca’s - Machu Picchu

• Indulge in fine Latin American cuisine including Andean specialities

• Explore the city of Cusco and Sacred Valley of the Incas

• Walk the labyrinth of streets in the Witches market La Paz

South American Sojourn

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart Auckland on Lan Chile, flying to Santiago for a brief overnight stop before heading to Rio on an early morning flight.

Days 2-3
RIO DE JANEIRO - A early flight takes us to to Rio for our half Day Tour to Corcovado and Statue of Christ the Redeemer. Where we can enjoy one of the most wonderful views of Rio de Janeiro: the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon; the Lagoon and Sugar Loaf. The next afternoon enjoy a half day city and Sugar Loaf tour. Ride along the beaches on the way to downtown, visiting baroque churches, the modern Metropolitan Cathedral and the Sambódromo, the huge purpose-built Carnival Parade area. This evening feel the beat of Samba with a dinner and show (2B, 1D)

Day 4 & 5
IGUASSU FALLS - A morning flight to the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls in the world Iguassu Falls. There are 275 falls along 2.7 kilometers. This afternoon we enjoy a guided walking tour at the waterfalls in the Iguassu National Park. All along the way, we get a spectacular view of the falls. After the Brazilian Falls tour, we will continue to the Macuco Safari. Boarding open boats, cruise up the river through the Iguassu Canyon getting unforgettable views of the falling water. Leaving Brazil, we cross the border to the Argentine side of the falls with a tour of the spectacular “Devils Throat”. This takes you on a 1.5km boardwalk over the river, to look out onto the falls. Enjoy walking the many paths and spotting wildlife in the national park. Transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. We will be met and transferred to our hotel, in the leafy suburb of Recoleta(B)

Days 6 & 7
BUENOS AIRES - Buenos Aires. This exciting cosmopolitan City, often known as the “Paris of the Americas” is a mix of colonial architecture and European influences - and a shoppers paradise. This morning we will enjoy a city tour of Buenos Aires visiting the Plaza de Mayo, the colourful Bohemian district of La Boca with it’s many artists and street markets. Afternoon is free for shopping and sightseeing. This evening will feature an exciting ‘Dinner and Tango show”. (2B, 1D)

Days 8 & 9
LIMA - Leaving Buenos Aires we fly on to Lima, the “City of Kings”. Your tour leader will take you on an afternoon walk through the neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There is a coastal promenade which gives you great views and a chance to see the paragliders flying high above the cliffs. The evening meal will feature regional Peruvian specialties. The next day our fascinating city tour takes you to Lima’s famous Gold Museum, the central square Plaza Mayor and San Fransisco church with the erie catacombs. You’ll get to know the city and discover the contrasts of its huge urban area. (2B, 1D)

Days 10 to 12
AMAZON EXCURSION - After a short flight via Cuzco, we arrive in the steamy Amazon town of Puerto Maldonado, where we will be met and transferred to the office for jungle lodge. Then its onto the boats for a few hours ride to our lodge. The exact lodge used may vary and will be confirmed closer to the date of travel. All our Amazon lodges offer amazing wildlife viewing, night walks and canoe rides to spot nocturnal animals, guided forest walks and interpretive talks in the evenings. Here all your food is included from lunch on day 10 to breakfast on day 13. (3BLD)

Days 13 & 14
SACRED VALLEY - We retrace our foot, river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado and the airport. Depending on airline schedules, this may require dawn departures. A 45 minute flight takes us back to Cuzco. Continuing by road into the beautiful Urubamba Valley to historic and scenic Ollantaytambo where we’ll visit the township and ruins, spending the next two nights there. We visit the famous indigenous market at Pisac. You will find a mix of traditional farmers market and tourist souvenir market. Walk up the Pisac ruins for a fascinating insight to your first Inca site. In the afternoon we travel back to Ollantaytambo to visit both the Inca site and the village. Join your tour leader for a drop of Chicha - homemade corn beer in a local house. (2B)

Day 15
MACHU PICCHU - This morning we take a scenic train ride through spectacular mountain vistas to Aguas Calientes, nestled in a steep valley at the foot of Machu Picchu. We travel up to the ruins by coach, for a guided tour of – the “Lost City of the Incas”. Machu Picchu, rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911, is one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. (B)

Days 16 to 18
CUSCO - We travel to Cusco in the morning. The oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. An exquisite mix of Incan and Spanish colonial influences. Rich in history and surrounded by ancient Inca sites, churches and museums and markets, there is plenty for all to do and see. We will have time to soak up Cuzco’s special atmosphere. Our tour reveals to us the ancient city that was known by the Incas as the “Navel of the World”. We also visit the surrounding Inca site of Sacsayhuaman. Then enjoy a free day to relax and explore further. (3B, 1D)

Days 19 to 21
PUNO & LAKE TITICACA - Departing Cusco we enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on this full day of travel through the high Altiplano region, which brings us to the shores of the magnificent "Lake Titicaca", the world's highest navigable lake, at 3,860 m (12,421 ft) above sea level. On day 20 we board our boat to explore the lake visiting the fascinating floating reed islands of the Uros. Continuing on to Amantani Island to experience being home hosted and entertained by the local Quechua inhabitants. This is a highlight of the trip & a chance for you to interact with the locals, learning about their way of life on the islands. Make sure you take with you some small change as there are craft co-operatives on Taquile Island which sell fine hand knitted bags, hats and garments. All purchases help the entire community, not just one family. The next morning say good bye to your homestay family, as we head off to visit Taquile Island. Here is your chance to purchase some intricate knitted and woven goods. Returning by boat to Puno in the afternoon to relax and explore this mostly Ayamara town. (3B,1L,1D)

Days 22 to 23
LA PAZ - From Puno we travel by coach along the Andes and cross the border in Bolivia. After exploring the beautiful township of Copacabana we continue by road to La Paz – Capital City of Bolivia (at 4km above sea level it is the highest capital city in the world). On day 23 our city tour includes the historic San Francisco Church, colourful local markets and the unusual Witch Doctor’s market. Later we visit the mysterious ‘Valley of the Moon’ with its strange eroded shapes and craters.On our last night we go to a typical folklore show.(2B,1D)

Day 24
LIMA - Due to an airline schedule change, we have a free morning in La Paz, then fly back to Lima for one last night before our journey home. (B)

Days 25 to 27
THE JOURNEY HOME - Transfer to the airport after breakfast, for our flight back to Auckland via Santiago. Day 26 is spent in flight and we arrive back in Auckland on the morning of day 27. (B & inflight meals))

Is this tour for you?

Fully escorted by a kiwi bilingual tour leader, plus some expert local guides. This tour will give you a taste of the diverse cultures and geography that is South America and will whet your appetite to explore further. You will experience a variety of climatic zones from the steamy Amazon Basin and tropical heat of Rio, to the cool heights of the Andean Altiplano.

Our trips are designed for anyone who enjoys being active. You’ll be doing and seeing a lot on this holiday and will also be responsible for moving your own luggage from your hotel to taxis and transport. There is moderate walking involved on most days and all of the Inca sites have lots of steps. This can be a bit tougher with the altitude in areas like Cuzco, Puno and La Paz but we take it easy and give you time to acclimatize. There may be a 3km walk through the rainforest to get to the Amazon Lodge, (depending on the lodge used) gumboots are
provided and your bags will be carried by porters. You only carry a daypack.

Be prepared to travel a on a variety of transport from planes to motorized canoes, but mostly private vans and buses. Accommodation is simple but comfortable with en-suite rooms and hot water. Hotels are chosen for their safety, location, ambience and friendly staff. There may be one multi-share night (triple or quad) at the home stay on Lake Titicaca, the rest of the trip is twin share basis.

If you enjoy unique journeys and look forward to special experiences, this will be the trip of a lifetime.

What’s Included in the tour price:

• Spectacular Samba show & dinner, Corcovado and Sugar Loaf tours in Rio de Janeiro

• Brazilian Falls tour and Macuco Safari

• Buenos Aires city tour and Tango show

• Half day Lima city tour

• Guided tour of the Uros Islands, Amantani and Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca (overnight)

• Guided tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu

• Eco Lodge Amazon Excursion (3 nights)

• La Paz city tour and Valley of the Moon tour

• Bilingual tour leader throughout and local guides for excursions

• All airline flights ex Auckland New Zealand, transfers, transport & accommodation

• The cost of entry fees for all scheduled excursions.

• All breakfasts, 9 dinners and 4 lunches

What is not included:

All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, souvenirs etc. Some international and internal flight departure
taxes. Tips for local guides, a suggested tip pool will be advised. Travel insurance

Contact Jenny Nilsson House of Travel on 06 878 8858 or email jennyn@hot.co.nz

Published 28th Feb 2011

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