Travel Amazing South America Tour | SA49 - Patagonian Loop Tour Dosier

$100 discount on all listed prices!

Patagonian Loop
REF: SA49
VERSION: 9

Duration:	66 days - Lima to Rio de Janeiro
Countries Visited:	Peru - Bolivia - Chile - Argentina - Uruguay - Brazil
Age Guide:	18-55 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Local Bus, Plane, Minibus, On Foot, Taxi, Ferry, Boat, Train
Accommodation:	Hotel (45 Nights), Overnight Bus (8 Nights), Camping (3 Nights), Family Homestay (1 Night), Hostal or Cabanas (5 Nights)
What's Included:	Fully Escorted Tour, Tour Leader and/ or Local Guide - All Activities, Sightseeing and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - 1 Domestic Flight - Ballestas Islands Excursion - Chauchilla Cemetery - Colca Canyon Excursion - Cusco Tourist Ticket - Sacred Valley Tour - Inca Trail or Lares Trek to Machu Picchu & Guided Visit to Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca Family Homestay - Salt Flats excursion - Wineries Excursion Mendoza - All meals whist on Inca Trail or Lares Trek and Lake Titicaca homestay - Evening Excursion to Pucon Hot Springs - Osorno Volcano, Petrohue and Lake Todos los Santos Excursion - Lake Nahuel Huapi Cruise - Valdes Peninsula Wildlife Excursion - Buenos Aires City Tour (by Bike or On Foot) - Salto Thermal Springs - Jesuit Ruins - Iguazu Falls - Parati Schooner Boat Cruise - 39 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Peru - Ballestas Islands Marine Park - Huacachina Oasis - Nazca - Arequipa - Condors at Colca Canyon - Cusco - Sacred Valley - Inca Trail or Lares Trek - Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca and Family Homestay - Floating Reed Islands - Bolivia - La Paz - Salt Flats Excursion - Chile - Pucon and Pucon Hot Springs - Puerto Varas - Osorno Volcano, Petrohue and Lake Todos Santos - Argentina - Mendoza Wineries - Bariloche - Lake Nahuel Huapi - Valdes Peninsula - Buenos Aires - San Ignacio Jesuit Ruins - Iguazu Falls - Uruguay - Colonia - Salto Thermal Springs - Brazil - Iguazu Falls - Ihla do Mel (Honey Island) - Parati - Rio
Optional Highlights:	No optional highlights
Meeting Point:	Hotel Kamana Jr. Camana 547 Lima Downtown Peru Tel: ++51 - 1 - 426 - 7204
Day 1	Lima. Lima, the capital city of Peru, is a huge, sprawling and very busy city with a population of 8 million people - one third of the population of Peru. After the conquest of the Incas, the leader of the Spanish Conquerors, Francisco Pizarro looked to establish a capital for the new Spanish colonies in South America. The Inca capital of Cusco was not considered suitable as the Spanish were sea-faring people, and so Lima was founded in 1535. It was originally known as the City of Kings. Lima became the seat of the Spanish Viceroyalty of South America. Lima has some great colonial architecture and some of the best museums in Peru. The Plaza de Armas has the main Cathedral, which houses the remains of Francisco Pizarro as well as many beautiful monuments. Also on the Plaza is the Presidential Palace, where each morning the palace guards perform a changing of the guard ceremony. The fabulous Gold Museum houses a private collection of gold and weapons, and the Museo de la Nacion houses many exhibits and artefacts from the ancient cultures of Peru. Our hotel is in downtown Lima, a delightfully colonial area full of museums, churches and lovely architecture, while the coastal suburb of Miraflores is a striking contrast with outdoor bars, nightclubs and modern shops.
Days 2-4	Huacachina Oasis, Ballestas Islands and Nazca. We continue to the oasis village of Huacachina. For the active, there are optional dune buggy and sandboarding excursions. Or you can kick back and relax beside the pool in the sunshine! On day 3, we make a morning excursion to the Ballestas Islands, where we enjoy a boat trip out to the islands, known for their sea lions and spectacular array of sea birds. We pass the Candelabra, an ancient drawing etched into a hillside visible only from the sea. Ballestas means ‘arches’ in Spanish and the islands are named for their many caves and tunnels. On our return to the mainland we may see flocks of flamingos feeding in the shallow waters of the bay. We return to Huacachina oasis for a free afternoon and where we will spend the night. The following morning we travel to the town of Nazca, where there is an optional morning flight over the Nazca Lines, which reveals strange mystical shapes and figures etched into the desert floor by the ancient Nazca peoples over 2,000 years ago. From the air you will see (amongst other designs) a spaceman, spider, monkey and a condor. In the afternoon we visit the Cemetery of Chauchilla, dating from the Nazca period where human bones and sculls lay scattered on the desert floor. Much of the cemetery has been excavated to reveal mummies with their hair and clothes still intact. We return to Nazca to grab a quick shower before boarding the nightbus to Arequipa.
Days 5-8	Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa is set against a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Arequipa is a very attractive colonial city with beautiful plaza, cathedral and cobble stoned streets. We visit the once mysterious Monasterio de Santa Catalina, which was built in the 16th century and became a secret city within a city. Behind its walls up to 450 nuns and their servants lived lives that no one else knew about. It was opened to the public gaze in the 1970s, and you are now able to take a guided tour through its maze of alleyways and gardens. Another interesting is to visit Juanita (optional). Juanita is an Inca mummy, sacrificed to the Inca gods over 500 years ago, and then found by a team of archaeologists at the top of the Volcano near Ambato, over 5000 metres high, in 1995. Many of the textiles and gold which adorned her were very well preserved, and they continue to be well preserved, along with many other artifacts, at her home in the Universidad Catolica near the Santa Catalina monastery. From Arequipa, we take an overnight excursion to Colca Canyon on day 6. Chivay is our base to do our trip to see the Condors in Colca Canyon nearby and is a very traditional mountain town with many of the locals dressed in traditional costume. Another great attraction of Chivay is the nearby hot springs. You can enjoy a drink as you relax in the soothing waters of the baths. We head to Cruz del Condor, the edge of the mighty Colca Canyon. Not only does this spot provide some spectacular mountain views, but we are in a prime position at 1,200 metres above the canyon floor to get a memorable sight of the magnificent Condors, the heaviest flying bird in the world, and a wingspan of 3 metres, soaring majestically up the canyon on the thermals. Great photo opportunity! Our route from Colca Canyon takes us past amazing Inca farming terraces and away from the valley as we continue further down into the Peruvian Andes towards Arequipa. On the way we drive though spectacular mountain scenery, and over a pass at 4900 metres altitude. We also see many of the South American Camelids, the most well known being the Llama, along with its smaller relations the Alpaca and the Vicuña, which is said to have the finest wool in the world. We then return to Arequipa for a free day.
Days 9-16	Cuzco and the Inca Trail. On the morning of day 9 we wave goodbye to Arequipa and board a short flight to the city of Cusco, where we will spend the next two nights and you'll have free time to explore the city before heading off to the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail. Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire. The word Cuzco actually derives from the word Qosqo (from the Inca language of Quechua), which means Navel of the World, for this city was the hub of a network extending to each of the 4 regions which formed the 4 parts of the world according to the Incas world view. This is where the Inca Emperors held their throne during the period of the Inca Empire in the 15th and early 16th centuries. The city has abundant historical buildings, and still has original Inca-built walls, as well as many colonial churches and houses. Cuzco has some stunning attractions. Take a look at the magnificent Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral is on one side and the La Compania de Jesus on the other. And there are many ancient Inca sites to visit in and around Cuzco. Most notable are those of Koricancha and Sacsayhuaman. Koricancha, or place of gold, was the Incas principal religious building, dedicated to the worship of the sun. Sacsayhuaman is situated on the outskirts of Cuzco overlooking the city. This spectacular fortress guarded the Inca Capital. The ruins are renowned for their enormous carved stones joined together with incredible precision. Cuzco has some great markets for souvenir hunting – good buys are jewellery, ceramics, and woodcarving, which you can get from workshops that are open to the public. And while you’re here you can eat to your hearts content for the trek ahead. Cuzco has lots of great restaurants and bars. Peruvian food is good and hearty, featuring tamales filled with cheese or meat, soups and stews, kebabs and peppers - don't forget to try the guinea pig! Cuzco is also renowned as a party town - with some of the best nightlife in Peru. The trip now takes you to the Urumbamba Valley for a tour of what is know as the Sacred Valley. We visit the magnificent ruins of Pisac, set high in the walls of the valley, and then to the famous markets in the town of Pisac below the ruins. These markets offer a great selection of blankets, jumpers and other local handicrafts. From here we continue along the valley to Ollantaytambo, where we visit another Inca ruin before spending the night at Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From Ollantaytambo we begin our four-day and three-night hike to mythical Machu Picchu. The trek takes you in the footsteps of the ancient Incas along original pathways and past many ruins. Day one of the trek includes approximately 6 hours walking, taking in some spectacular scenery and local life as we walk through a couple of villages. Day two is the tough one as we reach the highest point of the trail at Dead Women’s Pass with an altitude of just over 4200 metres above sea level. Day 3 requires a bit more uphill climbing before beginning the gradual descent down towards Machu Picchu. We rise very early on the morning of Day 4 so that you arrive at the Sun Gate for dawn on the final day. Providing the weather is clear, the view from the Sun Gate down to Machu Picchu is breathtaking and something you will never forget. Imagine what it was like for the explorer Hiram Bingham who discovered this long-lost city back in 1911 and gave the world one of its most breathtaking ancient sites. The city, with its temples stairways and gabled dwellings is probably one of the most astounding engineering feats of the whole of the Ancient American civilizations. What you see is never to be forgotten - but have your camera ready as well, just for the record. Upon reaching the ruins, our experienced local guides will give you a tour of the ruins for approximately two hours and then the rest of the day is yours to explore the ruins. If you’re still feeling energetic you can climb the nearby Huayna Picchu Mountain and get some more great views of the city and some great pictures as well! In the event that we are unable to obtain Inca Trail permits, we will include the Lares Trek or Classic Train to Machu Picchu That afternoon you can lie back and relax in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes (optional) before catching the train back to Cuzco where we arrive in the evening. The following day you have a free day to relax, participate in optional excursions, have a massage or to do some souvenir shopping!
Days 17-19	Puno, Lake Titicaca, Floating Islands. This morning we head to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3820m, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake has great spiritual significance for the local people, and particularly the Inca culture, as it was here that Inca legend says that the first Inca Emperor, Manco Capac rose from its waters to begin the Inca Empire. Titicaca means Rock of the Puma. After spending the night in Puno, the next morning we take a boat trip across the blue waters of the lake to the Floating Reed Islands of the Uros Indians. They make the islands from the tortoro reeds that grow on the lakeside. Our experienced local guide will give us information on the various customs of these people and you have the chance of buying some of their handicrafts and taking a short boat ride on one of their traditional fishing boats. From there we travel across the lake to Amantani Island where the Ayamara Indians live. Here we spend the night with a friendly local family, and get to know about how they live -a very different life from our own. In the early evening we climb to the top of the island for spectacular views of the sunset around Lake Titicaca. That night after dinner your family will dress you up in traditional costumes and take you dancing. Dance the night away to traditional music and learn some of the local dance moves. The next day we cross to the nearby island of Taquille. After a 45-minute hike to the top of the island you arrive at the small plaza, which has fantastic views of the lake. Taquille Island is famous for its superb handicrafts, which you can see in the cooperative market in the plaza. After a delicious fish lunch we return on the boat back to Puno for one more night before heading to our next destination, Bolivia’s capital city, La Paz.
Days 20-23	La Paz, Bolivia. La Paz is the highest capital city in the world, built 400 metres below the Altiplano at the bottom of a canyon to escape the cold. As the city grew, it expanded up the walls of the canyon and is now an amazing blend of winding, cobblestone streets filled with markets of all types, the most interesting being the witches market, where you can purchase many different potions and spells. Nearby are some interesting optional excursions to the highest ski resort in the world Mount Chacaltaya, and the "Valley of the Moon" with its strange rock formations. There is also the option of visiting the pre-Inca ruins of Tiahuanaco or the famous bike ride down the world’s most dangerous road! Descend from 4700m to 1100m on mountain bikes in 4-5 hours.
Days 24-25	Potosi. Heading south across the Altiplano, we arrive in the colonial city of Potosi. Potosi began its journey to fame almost 500 years ago when silver was discovered in Cerro Rico, a hill just outside the town. In the late 1700s, Potosi was the richest city in Latin America. The situation declined when the silver demand diminished but these days you can still choose to take a guided tour of Potosi’s silver mines (optional) as mining still continues today in primitive conditions, or wander around the colonial streets but whatever you choose to do, bring plenty of warm clothes. Potosi’s altitude of 4070m makes it not only the highest city in the world but also one of the coldest as well!
Days 26-27	Uyuni and the Salt Flats. Our journey continues southwest towards Uyuni, the jumping off point for our expedition out on to the great, blinding-white Salt Flats. This natural phenomenon is a massive, salt lake, which forms a strange lunar landscape that shimmers in the sunshine and stretches for hundreds of kilometres dotted with cacti and a few islands, which are home to strange colonies of rodents! Don’t forget your sunglasses!
Days 28-29	Uyuni to Tupiza. Our next stop is Tupiza. The drive here is stunning, taking us through canyons and mountains covered with cacti. This is the land that Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid once roamed. Once at Tupiza we have the chance to do one of the many optional activities here including horseback riding, hiking, or a jeep safari.
Days 30-32	Salta. After entering Argentina we descend from the Altiplano, and travel through the stunning Humahuaca Canyon with its many colourful rock formations, giant cacti passing the small colonial towns of Humahuaca, Tilcara and Purmamarca, the latter that is famous for its seven-coloured mountain. The land becomes more fertile as we journey towards the picturesque colonial city of Salta, a tourist and handicraft centre. There are many fine colonial buildings and a cathedral with the highest church tower in South America! Other attractions include a excellent shopping and ‘Empanadas’, small meat pasties for which Salta is famous. Optional activities abound, including canopy tours, horseriding and grade 3 rafting. Plus for those looking for a quieter way to spend a day, there is the possibility of a visit to a local estancia or ranch.
Days 33-34	Mendoza. Our next stop is Mendoza, quite possibly the prettiest big city in Argentina with its tree-lined streets and shady plazas with the backdrop of the snow capped Andes. Mendoza is situated on the 33rd parallel and wine lovers will tell you that the world’s finest wines come from the 33rd parallel. Vineyards and wineries surround the city, each offering wine tasting tours so you may want to go and decide for yourself. In addition to the wineries, you might also want to visit the “bodega” of Chandon and indulge in a little sparkling wine tasting as well. Mendoza also has many fine restaurants and cafes, and for those who are a little more inclined towards action and adventure there are optional opportunities for white water rafting, trekking and hiking and a whole host of other outdoor activities.
Day 35	Mendoza to Santiago. Today we say goodbye to Argentina and cross the great mountain range of the Andes to Chile. We climb to the Chilean frontier high in the Andes, along the way stopping in the shadow of Mount Aconagua, which at 6,959m above sea level is the highest mountain in the Americas. Further on, we stop en route at Puente del Inca, a striking, natural rock bridge which runs across Las Cuevas river. Here, mineral deposits have created multicoloured rocks, from rust red to golden ochre and burgundy – a fantastic photo opportunity – and after crossing into Chile we descend around 3000m to just above sea level. Our tour ends in Chile’s pleasant capital, Santiago, which still retains some of its old charm with a magnificent, tree-lined plaza, dominated by the main cathedral. You might want to catch the changing of the guard at Plaza Constitucion, or take an optional cable car ride up San Cristobal hill for magnificent views of the city and the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes in the distance, or do some shopping for souvenirs!
Days 36-38	Santiago. Our tour starts in Chile’s pleasant capital, Santiago, which still retains some of its old charm with a magnificent, tree-lined plaza, dominated by the main cathedral. You might want to catch the changing of the guard at Plaza Constitucion, visit the excellent pre-Columbian art museum, take a cable car ride up San Cristobal hill for magnificent views of the city and the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes in the distance or enjoy a winery tour (all optional). We catch a comfortable overnight bus to Pucon, in the beautiful Chilean Lake District, on the evening of Day 38.
Days 39-40	Pucon and Volcan Villarica. Arriving into Pucon early on Day 3 means that we can make an early start, exploring this stunning region. Pucon, a small resort on Lake Villarica, is nestled below the perfect cone-shaped Volcano Villarica. The area is surrounded by lakes, mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls and offers many exciting activities. A fabulous optional activity offered here is a trek to the top of the volcano. Although it is a tough climb, the views at the top are spectacular, and to be able to look into the crater of this active volcano as it roars softly and belches steam, is an amazing experience. Other activities available in Pucon are white water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking and water sports on the Lake
Days 41-42	Puerto Varas. Once home to German immigrants, whose influence can still be seen in the town's architecture, today the charming town of Puerto Varas is now the centre of the area's growing tourist industry. Whilst in Puerto Varas, we'll take an included excursion which reveals the highlights of the area: a visit to the Osaorno volcano, a 6km hike through the surrounding countryside, as well as visits to Petrohue and Lake Todos los Santos.
Days 43-46	Bariloche and the Argentine Lake District. Crossing the border into Argentina, we discover the town of Bariloche, which has a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. This Swiss-like resort town is famous for its chocolate, fondue and winter skiing, but also home to many other outdoor activities in the surrounding area particularly in summer. There are many hiking and mountain biking options around, and some great horse-riding adventures. Whilst in Bariloche, we take an included lake cruise, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the region's magnificent scenery: ancient forests, gleaming lakes and snowcapped mountain ranges. We catch an overnight bus to Puerto Madryn on the evening of Day 10.
Days 47-49	Valdes Peninsula and Puerto Madryn. Gateway to the Patagonia region Puerto Madryn sits in the windswept Atlantic coastline, home of the nearby Valdes Peninsula. We'll enjoy a full day included excursion to the Valdes Peninsula, where we'll visit various sites renowned for sea lions, sea elephants and a variety of bird life. At certain times of the year (July to December) it is also possible to see Southern Wright Whales, which gather in great numbers for the breeding season in the waters around the peninsula. We'll catch a comfortable overnight bus across the rolling pampas grasslands to the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires.
Days 50-52	Buenos Aires. Our tour across Chile and Argentina ends in the "Paris of South America". A lively city with many attractions, it offers fantastic restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Our hotel is centrally located and close to a lot of the major attractions, as well as the main shopping streets of Florida and Santa Fe. At Plaza De Mayo you may see the Mothers of the Disappeared and nearby you can find the obelisk and bustling Recoleta. We include a city tour by bike, which reveals the many faces of Buenos Aires' centrally located barrios or neighbourhoods, as well as many of the city's major sights. Another must in Buenos Aires is a tango show, Buenos Aires being the home of tango and seeing one of these fantastic shows is an opportunity not to be missed. An alternative city tour by bus can be arranged if you do not wish to participate in a bike tour.
Days 53-54	Buenos Aires - Colonia - Montevideo. We board a catamaran and head across the Rio de la Plata towards Uruguay, arriving at the small town of Colonia – now a World Heritage Site. Stroll the colonial streets, maybe snack on a Uruguayan chivito (a typical local sandwich with beef and many other toppings!). After a short visit, we board our bus to Uruguay's nearby capital, Montevideo. Perhaps take a stroll around Montevideo's Old City, famous for its bars, restaurants and pubs. Or visit the Mercado del Puerto, an old fisherman's market transformed into an informal restaurant and enjoy being serenaded by musicians playing typical local music.
Days 54-55	Montevideo to Salto. We travel through the rolling hills and citrus groves of western Uruguay to Salto where we can enjoy some time at the thermal springs and spas which the area is famous. Chill out and enjoy a well-deserved break with views of the verdant green landscape dotted with orange trees and backed by the River Uruguay. We catch an overnight bus to San Ignacio on the evening of Day 4.
Days 56	San Ignacio and the Jesuit Ruins. Crossing the border back into Argentina, we head to the Jesuit Ruins of northern Argentina. Once settlements of the Guarani Indians, we take a trip to one of the best-preserved ruins. The Jesuits established many communities in Paraguay and also Northern Argentina, with great success in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, it was their success which brought about their downfall, as jealous landowners nearby could not compete with their production methods, forcing the Spanish government to expel them in 1767. However, many ruins of these communities remain, and San Ignacio is one which has been very well preserved.
Days 57-59	Iguazu Falls. The town of Foz do Iguazu is our base for exploring the spectacular Iguazu Falls and we will enjoy fantastic views from both the Brazilian and Argentinean side of the falls. These are some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, with 275 separate falls over a frontage of 2.7 kilometres. Our day trip to the Brazilian side of the Falls will begin with an optional trip to a bird park which houses a fantastic array of not just native birds like Toucans and Macaws, but also other birds from around the world. From here we continue on for our initial breathtaking views of the falls. There are many trails and walkways to explore, revealing more great views. Helicopter rides over the falls are possible in order to shoot the most spectacular photos of all. It may also be possible to make an optional excursion to Itaipu dam. For our day on the Argentinean side, we are treated to more fantastic views. One of which is the breathtaking Garganta del Diablo, or Devils Throat, where much of the river converges into one section to create an amazing sight. A walkway takes you right out to the edge of this area and you will hear the thundering noise and feel the spray well before you reach the edge. There are many other walkways to explore on the Argentinean side as well, where you can easily occupy your day. Another option on the Argentinean side is to take a boat trip right up close to some of the falls where you can really get an idea of the power and volume of the water. We catch a night bus to Curitiba on the evening of Day 8
Days 60	Curitiba. With over one and a half million inhabitants, many of whom are of German, Italian and Polish descent, Curitiba is the largest city in southern Brazil. Stringent urban planning, parks and cycle routes coupled with environmental concern means that residents enjoy some of the highest standards of living in Brazil. The city is also home to several universities and although this is Brazil, temperatures can fall to zero degrees in winter (June thru to August) when cold fronts push up from the south. Take a stroll around Curitiba's parks, botanical gardens and museums or perhaps a visit to the famous street which never sleeps: 24 Hours Street! You might also choose to make an optional excursion to the nearby Vila Velha national park.
Days 61-62	Curitiba to Ihla do Mel. Ihla do Mel (or Honey Island) is set a few kilometres offshore in the Paranagua Bay. With its crystal waters and white sand beaches, great for both swimming or surfing, the island was declared a protected area in 1992. It is an ideal retreat to enjoy raw, natural beauty: there are no roads on the island, only a network of sandy trails with local pousadas or guesthouses dotted between the trees. So relax on the beach and enjoy the sea breezes or for the more active travellers, enjoy walks along the many hiking trails on the island that time has forgotten.
Days 63	Ihla do Mel to Sao Paolo. Travelling by bus and boat, we are jolted back into 21st Century life again as we arrive into the sprawling metropolis of Sao Paolo. With over 40 million inhabitants, this makes Sao Paolo the largest city in the southern hemisphere. Sao Paolo is a shoppers paradise and Brazilians come to here to take advantage of the cheap shopping prices. Sao Paolo is also home to a great variety of interesting museums (closed Mondays).
Days 64-66	Parati- Rio. Arriving at the coast we discover the lovely town of Parati. Parati is an old port town with cobblestone streets and quaint little shops. Here we can treat you to a fantastic day out on an old schooner sailing around the nearby islands. Spend the day relaxing on board or swimming in the warm waters and soaking up some sunshine.We then head north to Rio. Please note that we catch a morning bus from Parati to Rio on Day 15 and your tour will finish late morning/ early afternoon on Day 15. You are strongly advised to consider booking post tour accommodation to take advantage of all that Rio has to offer. No visit to Rio is complete without a trip to the world famous statue of Jesus Christ on the Corcovado mountain, which can be viewed from almost anywhere in the city. Standing 100 feet high on the mountain, the statue commands the best view in town. We advise getting there early in order to beat not only the crowds but also the haze, which covers the city about mid-morning. Keep an afternoon free to spend at the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, sunbathing and watching the locals in their element. Visit the many market stalls along the waterfront areas at both beaches. From the beach, head up to Sugarloaf mountain to enjoy a fantastic sunset and a few drinks. Another recommendation is to take a Favela Tour to some of the poorer districts of Rio. It is a very unique and interesting insight into how the local people live.With so much to do and see in Rio, we recommend you stay a couple of extra days to take as much in as you can. There can’t be many more beautiful and exciting cities in the world to conclude your tour.
Finishing Hotel:	Florida Hotel Rua Ferreira Viana 81 Flamengo Rio de Janeiro Tel: ++55-21-2555-6000
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in South America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. We make a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, visas, pre and post tour accommodation.
Pre-Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY BEFORE the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers. In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise TRAVEL AMAZING SOUTH AMERICA if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Vaccination Certificate. 3. Travel Voucher. 4. Travel Insurance Policy.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then please visit our Travel Insurance page for more information. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. It must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. PLEASE NOTE IF YOUR TOUR INCLUDES THE INCA TRAIL, WE MUST HAVE YOUR FULL NAME, PASSPORT DETAILS AND DATE OF BIRTH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR TREKKING PERMIT. ALL PERMITS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your South America trip. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Please note that clients travelling on SA6 Buenos Aires to Rio tours should be aware that Brazilian visas (if required) can take up to 3-4 working days to issue. We strongly advise that you arrive into Buenos Aires at least 4 working days before your trip starts in order to ensure that you have sufficient time to obtain your Brazilian visa. We for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Information & Vaccinations:	Compulsory Inoculations: Yellow Fever for Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but ONLY if arriving from an infected area. Recommended Inoculations: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio. We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling and that you know your blood group in case of emergency. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Altitude Sickness:	If you are beginning your trip in one of the Andean countries (Peru, Ecuador or Bolivia) please be aware that you may be susceptible to some form of altitude sickness. If you are starting your trip in La Paz, allow 2 days to adapt to these conditions. You may feel nauseous, overwhelmingly tired, short of breath or experience headaches. There are methods though of minimising the levels of altitude sickness that each person experiences. Taking the following steps will greatly help in minimising the level of altitude sickness, but please be aware that every individual reacts differently to it. Drink plenty of bottled water. At high altitude your breathing is rapid and shallow, causing you to dehydrate. 2 litres of water per day is the recommended amount. Avoid alcohol. Avoid smoking. If you are a heavy smoker they should either cut down or stop completely for their time in the altitude (although some smokers say they have an easier time because they are used to having less oxygen). Taking the above measures will in most cases mean that within 2 days your body should adjust to taking less oxygen but each individual will be affected differently.
Malaria:	Prophylactic tablets are essential in some areas of South America. They are prescribed by your vaccinating doctor and should be taken as directed.
Security:	We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Books & Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Footprint Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. Take your money is US dollars only. This the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America Traveller’s cheques should be AMERICAN EXPRESS. American Express is the most widely accepted. Cash is far easier to exchange than Travellers Cheques, but also more risky as once lost, is irreplaceable. However, we do recommend that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20). In many countries, you may exchange US Dollars traveller’s cheques for US cash, or retrieve US dollars cash from ATMs (with a credit card), usually for a small commission but please do not rely solely on this option. Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. Please note that we do not recommend that passengers bring suitcases. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. This can also be used for carrying 2 days of clothing so it is not always necessary to unload the large backpacks every night. You will be in hotels and hostels for the majority of the tour but you may wish to bring the following for the Inca trail, although these can be hired in Cuzco for a small cost of approximately US$8 per day. Sleeping Bag - a good quality sleeping bag, rated for sub-zero conditions is the best for tours, which travel through the Andes and Patagonia. You can purchase extra blankets in South America cheaply. We recommend a Four Seasons sleeping bag. Inner Sheet - for your sleeping bag. Can also be used as a sleeping bag when it's hot. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Language:	Spanish is the language most widely spoken in the countries we visit in Latin America but English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Photography:	Most passengers will travel with digital cameras. Should you run out of memory you can download your photos onto CD at the local internet cafes or camera shops on your tour. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase extra memory cards. With regards to film, all types of camera film are readily available in South America. However, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. Most Latin American countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your camera confiscated. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.
Food:	Local Restaurants - Latin American food is delicious, nutritious and varied and local restaurants provide an important insight into local ways of life. There is always an excellent range of restaurants to choose from. An evening meal can range from US$5 up to US$20. Most travellers spend an average of US$5 to US$15 plus drinks. Local alcoholic drinks are generally inexpensive even in restaurants and bars. Vegetarians are easily catered for.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. We choose our hotels, guesthouses and hostels for their location, comfort, security and hygiene standards. All are located near the city centre usually within easy walking distance of services and facilities. Most rooms are on a twin, double or triple share basis with private bathrooms. Accommodation is not included in the city of departure or arrival (unless within the specified tour dates). Passengers doing a combination tour will have accommodation included when passing through a joining city (maximum 2 nights) providing they have booked on the combination tour code. You should allow US$25 to US$40 per day to cover food and accommodation during this time.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:	All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader, driver and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Participation:	The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from your trip. It is all about participation and mucking in with your fellow passengers! Please note: The longer tours are combinations of shorter tours. Lima and La Paz are also pickup and drop off points for passengers so new faces and personalities will join the tours.
Tipping	Tipping porters and trekking crew is a tradition on the Inca Trail and Lares treks. However, tipping is at your discretion: please do not feel obliged to do so.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. You can opt to use an International SIM Card. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Blog – You can keep your friends and family updated by blogging about your adventures. You can create your free blog by registering on our forums. Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. Seven days after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still write a review on the tour page you've done on our site. Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email at tours [at] travel-amazing-southamerica.com
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Inca Trail:	Introduction This is a moderate to strenuous hiking trek to the Lost City of Machu Picchu. The gateway for this trek is Cuzco, where passengers leave their luggage at the hotel and only need to take their mats, sleeping bags and personal items necessary for the duration of the excursion (4 days). Porters Porters are included. General porters carry tents, food, cooking equipment. We also include personal porters for approx 6kgs per person. They carry sleeping bags, clothes etc. You need to carry a day pack with water bottle, jacket, camera etc. As porters are split between group members, 6kgs is a rough guide as to the weight that a personal porter will carry. Additionally, it may sometimes be possible to hire extra porters on Day 2 (the most difficult day of the trek) if you require, to carry day packs etc to second campsite. Approx cost is USD25 - this is not organised through us or our ground handler. Foam sleeping mats are provided by the ground handler, weighing 800g and counted as part of the 6kgs carried by personal porters. Tipping Tipping is entirely at your discretion although it is commonplace for trekkers to tip their guides and porters on the during the Inca Trail and Lares treks. We recommend you carry approximately USD35-40 to cover the tipping tradition. Itinerary and Distances This is a guideline to the average distances and altitudes during the Inca Trail (please note all the information is a guideline only and every person must judge their own physical condition personally). Should you believe you are not fit enough for this hike, you can go to Machu Picchu by train, please advise your tour leader. Day 1 - trailhead to first camp Huayllabamaba (2700 m), distance 13 km, an average hiking time 7 hours with stops. Day 2 - hardest day, ascending to 4200m, distance 15KM, average hiking time 8 hours with breaks. Day 3 - very scenic day with many Ruins en route, distance 14 KM, camp at Winaywayna 2700m. 7-8 hours hiking. Day 4 - start in the dark to get to Machu Picchu at sunrise, 3 hours hike and free morning to explore Machu Picchu. If you wish to climb Wayna Picchu, please co-ordinate this with your guide as the park has restricted climbing times and numbers. Return to Aguas Calientes (bus down from Machu Picchu payable locally). For those who have hired personal porters, blue sacks will be given out a lunchtime for you to transport your belongings back to Cusco. Train back to Ollantaytambo. Permit Availability Availability of Inca Trail permits is limited, particularly during high season when the number of tourists wishing to walk the Inca Trail is greater than the number of permits available. Whilst we will endeavour to organise an Inca Trail permit for you, these are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. In the event that permits for the Inca Trail are unavailable, we will advise you as soon as possible about the two possible alternatives for reaching Machu Picchu 1- The 4 day Lares trek and 2- The 2 day Classic Train trip. Our website tour departure dates are updated frequently to indicate availability or non-availability of Inca Trail permits, however, permit availability can change with little warning: whilst we endeavour to keep this information as current as possible, we cannot guarantee permit availability. Passport Details Please ensure that you provide Travel Amazing South America with your passport details at the time of booking. Failure to do so may mean that you miss out on an Inca Trail permit as these can sell out very quickly. We will apply for your Inca Trail permit with the passport details which you provide us at the time of booking. If you hold more than one passport you must advise us which passport details we should use in order to apply for the Inca Trail permit. Pre-payment of Inca Trail deposit The cost of the Inca Trail deposit must be paid in full at the time of booking. This is in addition to the tour deposit and is non refundable. Inca Trail permits will be applied for ONLY once full payment of deposit, and written confirmation of your full name, passport number and date of birth have been received. These deposits are included in the total tour price, and this amount will be deducted from the tour balance once paid. Late Permit Applications Late Inca Trail permit applications may occasionally incur an extra charge as we may need to organise an additional guide and pay for their trekking permit in order to secure your permit. We will advise you at the time of booking. Changes and Amendments Note that fees apply if you need to make changes and/ or amendments to your Inca Trail permit due to factors such as passport loss or renewal, illness, failure to provide us with correct details, date changes and tour transfers. No Permit Availability We can normally arrange the alternative 4 day Lares trek. Lares departures generally coincide with high season. Due to lesser demand and inclement weather, departures on the Lares Trail are limited during the low season. If there is no availability for either the Inca Trail or the Lares trek, we can normally arrange for you to spend 2 extra days in Cusco and then take the 2 day Classic Train trip to Machu Picchu, where you will meet with your original group for the guided visit to Machu Picchu. Please note that if we are unable to secure you an Inca Trail permit and you do not wish to hike the alternative Lares trek or take the Classic Train trip, your deposit will be returned to you. High Season/ Low Season Information November to March is considered low season. We can often obtain permits at short notice during this time. April to October is considered high season. We require your passport details as far in advance as possible during this time. The trail is closed during the month of February for maintenance. If your tour coincides with the Inca Trail closure, we can normally offer Lares or the Classic Train.
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