Viva Expeditions | Signature South America Tours

Signature SAomuethr ic a

REFINED, SIMPLIFIED, PERFECTED

Introduction From the vibrant colours of the Amazon to the rich cultural history of the Lost City of the Incas, there’s nowhere in the world like South America—and we can’t wait to take you there.

Contents INTRODUCTION How our Signature Tours Work..................................................................... 4 What is Included.............................................................................................. 5 When to Go ...................................................................................................... 6 Map of South America.................................................................................... 7 SIGNATURE TOURS Signature South America Circle ....................................................................8 Signature Peru ...............................................................................................12 Signature Buenos Aires to Rio.....................................................................15 Signature Patagonia .....................................................................................17 Signature Colombia .......................................................................................19 Signature Galapagos ....................................................................................20 Signature Salt Flats ...................................................................................... 22

Our experience has also shown that guests can feel overwhelmed when planning South American travel, due to its vast geographical size, lending to logistical issues, so we’ve simplified our trips to make planning an upmarket South American adventure easy. All itineraries are carefully crafted to showcase the best of each destination, with authentic and highly-rated hotels and exclusive Viva features to help guests discover the history, culture, and cuisine of the region. We’ve also gone against the grain when planning day tours, ensuring guests visit popular destinations at different times of day than other tour operators to reduce the impact of mass tourism and deliver a more authentic and meaningful experience. We’re so proud to share our Signature South America itineraries with you and you’ll find all the key details below. Planning a trip to South America is a big decision, so we’re here to help every step of the way. Rachel Wiiams Founder

EXTENSION PACKAGES Antarctica ........................................................................................................ 26 Patagonia ........................................................................................................ 26 Peru ...................................................................................................................27 Brazil ................................................................................................................ 27 Argentina ..........................................................................................................28 MORE INFORMATION Handpicked Hotels..........................................................................................25 Suggested Combinations............................................................................. 29

We’ve overhauled our South American offerings to create Signature South America, a new range of premium itineraries that highlight the best of each region. Simply select from one of Viva’s seven Signature South America itineraries:

> Salt Flats > Colombia > South American Circle

> Peru (Machu Picchu) > Galapagos > Patagonia > Buenos Aires to Rio

Then, you can tailor your itinerary with extensions before or after the tour to create a more in-depth experience. After almost fifteen years in the South American travel space, Viva has learnt a thing or two about what works best on the continent. Each of our Destination Specialists has an average of five years’ experience in designing South America travel itineraries, so their wealth of knowledge went into carefully designing our new itineraries.

ANTARCTICA CRUISE EXTENSION Best of Antarctica ...........................................................................................30

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How Our Signature Itineraries Work Viva’s new Signature range has been carefully designed to make planning an upmarket South American adventure easy. Simply select from one of Viva’s seven Signature South America itineraries (Peru, Galapagos, Patagonia, Buenos Aires to Rio, Salt Flats, Colombia or the full South American Circle) and tailor your itinerary with extensions before or after the tour to create a more in-depth experience. All itineraries are carefully crafted to showcase the best of the destination, with authentic and highly-rated hotels and exclusive Viva features to help guests discover the history, culture, and cuisine of the region.

1. CHOOSE A SIGNATURE TOUR

2. ADD EXTENSIONS TO MAKE IT YOURS

Add a pre-tour extension

What is included?

Signature Galapagos 11 DAYS -Quito - Quito

Signature Peru

and/or a post-tour extension

9 DAYS -Lima - Cusco

Puno & Lake Titicaca 3 DAYS -Cusco - Lake Titicaca

HANDPICKED HOTELS

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

SOME MEALS

3. CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

Our itineraries are designed to offer meaningful, authentic, and sustainable travel experiences. We want guests to see, hear, taste, and enjoy all the vibrant culture, history, music, and cuisine that South America has to offer, ensuring your trip takes you to places beyond the tourist guidebooks.

All our accommodation is carefully selected by our Destination Specialists and local offices. Our comfortable hotels are hand- picked to offer creature comforts, convenient locations, and impeccable service. Each hotel is to a high standard and adds to the authenticity of your trip.

You’ll notice that some meals are included in each itinerary. This is because we want to showcase some of South America’s delectable culinary options on our trips, but we also want you to have the freedom to sample street food, dine in local cafes, or discover new restaurants on your own.

Departure dates are chosen by guests, with departures guaranteed.

4. CHOOSE YOUR ACCOMMODATION STYLE

BEST VALUE!

STANDARD

SUPERIOR

DELUXE

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service *Stars do not represent star rating of hotel

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service. *Stars do not represent star rating of hotel

Tried & tested upmarket properties with above average facilities and service *Stars do not represent star rating of hotel

5. ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

Your South America Tour DEPARTURE DATE (YOUR CHOICE)

SUPERIOR STYLE

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

LOCAL SUPPORT OFFICES UPGRADE OPTIONS

11 DAYS Quito - Galapagos - Quito (pre tour extension) 9 DAYS Lima - Cusco (Signature tour) 3 DAYS Cusco - Lake Titicaca (post tour extension)

Want to upgrade to a deluxe hotel or extend your holiday with a trip extension? We have plenty of options for you to upgrade your experience or add on additional days to explore more of South America—our itineraries are flexible and can be catered to your interests, budget, and timeframe.

Throughout your trip, you’ll have access to English-speaking support and assistance from our local offices. If you have any questions or need to make changes to your itinerary, your friendly Viva representatives are always there to help.

Each of our Signature South America itineraries includes private airport transfers. You’ll be greeted at the airport by a local representative holding a sign with your name so that your journey from the airport to your hotel is as seamless as possible.

TOTAL PACKAGE - 23 days Quito - Lake Titicaca

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Signature Tours

Cartagena

Signature South America Circle Signature Buenos Aires to Rio

Medellin

When to Go? When is the best time to visit South America? On such a big continent, that’s a big question to answer! The truth is, any time of the year can be great, depending on your interests. Due to the continent’s vast geographical size, varying altitudes, and the presence of the equator running across South America, you’ll find many different temperatures and weather patterns which vary based on location. Unless you have six months spare, visiting the entirety of South America at once is an impossibility, due to the sheer size of the continent. So, choosing the best time to visit really depends on the countries you choose to visit, as it’s more convenient to localise your travels. It’s best to start by thinking about where in South America you’d like to visit, then investigate the yearly weather trends to decide when might be best for you. Our Destination Specialists are experts in South America and can always help answer any trip planning questions.

Bogota

Signature Galapagos Signature Patagonia Signature Peru Signature Salt Flats Signature Colombia

Quito

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Machu Picchu

Lima

Cusco

Puno

La Paz

Uyuni

Atacama

Rio De Janeiro

Iguazu Falls

PERU (MACHU PICCHU)

BRAZIL

CHILE (PATAGONIA)

Patagonia is best visited in the New Zealand summer, as the warm weather is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, and everything will be open. If you’re visiting in summer, you can also combine an Antarctic cruise with time in Patagonia.

Brazil really comes alive between November to March, but its mild climate means there’s never a bad time to visit. The hot, sunny days of summer are great for the beach, and you’ve got Carnivale in February. If you’re visiting the Amazon or the Pantanal, the dry season is June-September.

The history and beauty of Machu Picchu are ideal to explore from April to October, as this is the dry season, opening up sunny skies and clear views. July and August can be busy though, so going earlier in the year might bring a little rain, but it also brings fewer crowds.

Santiago

Buenos Aires

BOLIVIA

ARGENTINA

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

El Calafate

December through May is generally a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands, thanks to warm weather and calmer seas, which make for better cruising and snorkelling. You can enjoy the Galapagos and see wildlife year- round though.

Argentina offers warm weather in the New Zealand summer months, so January can be an ideal time to visit Patagonia for hiking. Buenos Aires is great during New Zealand spring or autumn, with mild temperatures, but know that New Zealand summer is the peak season throughout the country.

The famous Bolivian salt flats can be visited year-round. During the dry season of April- October, you’ll experience colder weather but can 4x4 across the entire area. In the summer months, during the wet season, you’ll observe the mirror effect of the salt flats.

Puerto Natales

Ushuaia (Antarctica cruise port)

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SouthCiArcmleerica Signature

Iguazu Falls

Casablanca Valley

La Caminito, Buenos Aires

MOST POPULAR

DAY 8 Puerto Iguazu, Argentina Get ready for a full day of exploring the Argentine side of the falls. We start early to beat the crowds and get the first train to the Devil’s Throat. Walk along the paths over the islands which take you to a balcony over the falls and the most spectacular view of the entire Devil’s Gorge. You will then have plenty of time to walk the paths on the upper circuit, providing you with a magnificent panoramic view, and the lower circuit which has great views from below and around the falls. On completion of the tour, you will be taken to your hotel. (B) DAY 9 Puerto Iguazu, Argentina to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Today you will cross into Brazil to enjoy a half day tour of the Brazilian side where you will experience great panoramic views of the Argentinian side of the falls. At the appropriate time, you will be collected from the Brazil National Park and transferred to the Foz do Iguacu airport for your onward flight to Rio De Janeiro. Rio never fails to amaze with its sandy beaches, carefree lifestyle, and unparalleled natural beauty. (B)

DAY 4 Santiago, Chile to Buenos Aires, Argentina You will be collected from your hotel and transferred by private transfer to Santiago airport to meet your flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in one of Buenos Aires elegant, historic, and picturesque neighbourhoods, Recoleta. (B) DAY 5 Buenos Aires, Argentina Spend the morning at leisure before you are collected from your hotel for a three hour afternoon city tour. We have designed this tour exclusively for our guests. You will visit the main square; Plaza De Mayo, home to the famous Casa Rosada and then continue on to the charming suburb of La Boca - the birthplace of Tango where you will have some time to wander the streets. Then head to Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most beautiful in the world. Entrance is included and your guide will point out the graves of famous Argentinians, such as Eva Peron (Evita). (B). DAY 6 Buenos Aires, Argentina You will be collected from your hotel in the afternoon for a unique half day walking tour with your own local guide. You will start by exploring the streets of the upscale and exclusive neighbourhood of Recoleta through a local’s eyes. Continue on through the beating heart of the city, Reteiro, home to many significant government buildings filled with fascinating history of Buenos Aires. Chat with your guide over a local Patagonian ice cream or a coffee, before heading over to the bohemian barrio of San Telmo to explore the local markets, tasting local specialties. You will also visit an old Conventillo and the quaint Plaza Dorrego. In the evening you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to an Asado restaurant, where you will enjoy a traditional Argentinian BBQ. A closed-door dining experience awaits you that explores new ways of serving Argentine Asado classics, along with a wine pairing menu that has also been designed to best enhance the flavours of the ingredients while presenting you with some of the best boutique wines A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Puerto Iguazu. The spectacular Iguazu Falls that straddle the Argentine-Brazil border, are made up of 275 individual waterfalls lining a 2.7km wide horseshoe- shaped gorge. You will have the chance to experience the Falls from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides, the Brazilian side offering a broader, panoramic view, with the Argentinian side offering a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls up close. (B) from Argentina. (B,D). DAY 7 Iguazu Falls

BRAZIL

21 Days Santiago to Santiago

The best of what South America has to offer has been handpicked ensuring you get the most out of the continent whilst travelling in comfort. Explore Santiago, then head to Buenos Aires, where you will have time to

Cusco

Lima

Rio de Janeiro

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Iguazu Falls

CHILE

experience the elegance of the city before being swept away to the mighty and spectacular Iguazu Falls. Then, moving on to Rio de Janeiro, you’ll explore the unparalleled natural beauty and the rich culture that Rio has to offer before flying to Peru. Start your Peru journey in Lima then head to Sacred Valley before arriving in the iconic Machu Picchu. Ending your journey in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco.

Buenos Aires

Machu Picchu

Santiago

Ollantaytambo

Sacred Valley

ARGENTINA

Moray

Cusco

DAY 1 Arrival in Santiago, Chile Arrival day in the Chilean capital of Santiago. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel by private car transfer. The rest of the day is yours to recover from your flight. DAY 2 Santiago, Chile Spend your morning getting to know Santiago on a half day city tour. You will visit the highlights this cosmopolitan city has to offer. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the local area where your hotel is located. Barrio Lastarria is an upmarket, vibrant, and safe neighbourhood, home to some of Santiago’s best cafes, bars, and restaurants with lots of boutique retail stores. (B) DAY 3 Santiago, Valparaiso and the Casablanca Valley, Chile This morning we will head west, the first stop will be in the Casablanca Valley, famous for its many wineries where we will stop in at a cellar door to enjoy a premium wine tasting. Then continuing onto Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is one of Chile’s largest coastal cities. Its charming and picturesque colourful houses hang from the hills that surround the city and create a natural amphitheatre where the historic port life blends with the cultural life on the hills. In the afternoon you will be dropped back to your hotel in Santiago. (B)

Why you will love this itinerary

In three weeks, you will experience some of South America’s best cities, covering Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru and visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Machu Picchu, Cusco and Iguazu Falls. You will experience the contrast between vibrant capital cities such as Buenos Aires and Rio and ancient cities such as Cusco and Machu Picchu. Gain an insight into the fascinating and colourful culture of Peru as you travel to the pre-Columbian capital of the Incas, Cusco, along with the beautiful Sacred Valley. Experience many amazing sights and cities at a pace where there is plenty of time to explore. Each night you will stay in superior accommodation ensuring your journey is comfortable.

Recoleta cemetery, Buenos Aires

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Iguazu Falls

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

Cusco

DAY 10 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil With an early start, today you will join a city tour taking in all the cities famous sights, including Corcovado to get up close to the Christ Redeemer statue. Next stop is Sugar Loaf Mountain, where you will board a cable car to the top of Urca Hill, with spectacular views of Rio’s famous beaches, bays, hills, and the city. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian BBQ for lunch and continue exploring more of the city including a visit to the Maracanã Stadium via the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, a stop at the Sambadrome, and the city’s historic downtown area and more. (B,L) DAY 11 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Spend a half day today on a great historical tour of Rio de Janeiro which will take you through the colonial avenues, squares, and back streets of the city. Your guide will explain the important historical, political, and social events that shaped Rio into South America’s most exciting city. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the beaches of Rio. (B)

DAY 12 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Lima, Peru You will be transferred to the hotel for your onward flight to Lima, the capital of Peru. Lima is a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. Home to a plethora of interesting museums and a foodie’s delight, being the “gastronomical capital of the Americas”. (B) DAY 13 Lima, Peru Embark on a walking food tour in Lima’s Historic Centre. During this food tour, you will have the chance to taste popular on-the-go delicacies that locals devour while learning more about Peru’s history and interesting facts around the local economy and daily life in Peru. (B,D) DAY 14 Sacred Valley, Peru You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Cusco, where you will descend into the Sacred Valley below Cusco. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region in Peru’s Andean highlands which, along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, formed the heart of the Inca Empire. (B)

Learn about this city from the Inca times to colonial rule to the present day, winding through narrow cobble-stoned streets and visit the market of Cusco. Visit the fascinating Koricancha Temple of the Sun, Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and Cathedral, built on the ruins of an Inca Palace and finish up at Sacsayhuaman, a former Inca fortress perched atop the hill above Cusco. (B) DAY 19 Cusco, Peru. Today is at leisure allowing you to spend time wandering the cobble- stoned streets of the ancient Inca capital. With treasures around every corner, Cusco is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Vibrant market and stores give the traveller a plethora of shopping opportunities set amongst fine Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Included is a BTG ticket which provides access to most of Cusco’s attractions and museums, so you choose where you wish to spend your day. (B) DAY 20 Cusco Peru to Santiago, Chile You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back to Santiago, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range. Enjoy your final evening in this cosmopolitan city. Alternatively, speak to our Destination Specialists about extending your time in Peru with a visit to the Amazon, Lake Titicaca or continue your South American adventure by travelling onwards to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, or south into Bolivia to see the impressive Salt Flats. (B) DAY 21 Santiago, Chile Bid farewell as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

The Sacred Valley’s elevation is 2,800 meters above sea level, so it is recommended to take it easy for the afternoon as your body

acclimatises to the altitude. (B) DAY 15 Sacred Valley, Peru

On today’s Sacred Valley of the Incas tour, you will be presented with plenty of photo opportunities of ancient Incan villages and ruins, whilst learning about the culture and beliefs of the Incan people. This tour is the perfect start to understand the unique way of life, farming techniques, archaeological design of the Inca’s. First stop is the village of Pisac. Wander the colourful market stalls before heading uphill to the famous Pisac ruins, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiracay ruins. Enjoy a fine buffet lunch in gardens overlooking the Valley before continuing along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo, which is dominated by a giant Inca fortress. (B,L) DAY 16 Machu Picchu, Peru Today will be one of your highlights in South America with a visit to Machu Picchu. A transfer will collect you and transfer you to Ollantaytambo train station and board a scenic train and arrive in one of the world’s most famous ruins, after the morning fog and crowds have cleared. A guide will meet you on arrival and take you directly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will spend the afternoon marvelling at the stunning display of ancient architecture and incredible surroundings. Located 2,430 metres above sea level, your guide will explain the 15th century Inca site before taking you to your hotel for the night in the local village of Aguas Calientes. (B) DAY 17 Machu Picchu to Cusco, Peru Start your journey back to Cusco by board a train back to Ollantaytambo. A transfer will be waiting as you arrive back to Ollantaytambo station to continue onwards to Cusco. Enroute, you will visit the Maras Salt ponds, believed to pre-date the Inca period, theses hallow pools were dug into the mountainside which are filled with salt water from an underground spring from an adjacent mountain. Continue to Moray, which boasts an impressive Inca ruin of giant circular terraces that are believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation. You will then be dropped to your hotel in Cusco, set at an altitude of 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes. (B) DAY 18 Cusco, Peru. Join our Viva exclusive day tour and explore the city’s fascinating history. This specially designed tour has been perfected to show you the best of this incredible city without the crowds and other tourists.

cbe with:

11 DAYS 11 DAYS 9 DAYS

Best of Antarctica Cruise See Page 30 Signature Galapagos See Page 20 Signature Patagonia See Page 17

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Peru Signature

Machu Picchu

Casa Andina, Cusco

Cusco

DAY 4 Sacred Valley, Peru On today’s Sacred Valley of the Incas tour, you will be presented with plenty of photo opportunities of ancient Incan villages and ruins, whilst learning about the culture and beliefs of the Incan people. This tour is the perfect start to understand the unique way of life, farming techniques, archaeological design of the Inca’s. First stop is the village of Pisac. Wander the colourful market stalls before heading uphill to the famous Pisac ruins, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiracay ruins. Enjoy a fine buffet lunch in gardens overlooking the Valley before continuing along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo, which is dominated by a giant Inca fortress. (B,L) DAY 5 Machu Picchu, Peru Today will be one of your highlights in South America with a visit to Machu Picchu. A transfer will collect you and transfer you to Ollantaytambo train station and board a scenic train and arrive in one of the world’s most famous ruins, after the morning fog and crowds have cleared. A guide will meet you on arrival and take you directly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will spend the afternoon marvelling at the stunning display of ancient architecture and incredible surroundings. located 2,430 metres above sea level, your guide will explain the 15th century Inca site before taking you to your hotel for the night in the local village of Aguas Calientes. (B) DAY 6 Machu Picchu to Cusco, Peru Start your journey back to Cusco by board a train back to Ollantaytambo. A transfer will be waiting as you arrive back to Ollantaytambo station to continue onwards to Cusco. Enroute, you will visit the Maras Salt ponds, believed to pre-date the Inca period, theses hallow pools were dug into the mountainside which are filled with salt water from an underground spring from an adjacent mountain. Continue to Moray, which boasts an impressive Inca ruin of giant circular terraces that are believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation. You will then be dropped to your hotel in Cusco, set at an altitude of 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes. (B) DAY 7 Cusco, Peru Join our Viva exclusive day tour and explore the city’s fascinating history. This specially designed tour has been perfected to show you the best of this incredible city without the crowds and other tourists. Learn about this city from the Inca times to colonial rule to the present day, winding through narrow cobble-stoned streets and visit the market of Cusco.

Lima to Cusco

9 Days

Flight from Lima

The best of what Peru has to offer has been handpicked and packaged into this perfect 9-day, superior styled itinerary, ensuring that you get the most out of your visit to this incredible country.

PERU

Machu Picchu

Ollantaytambo

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Sacred Valley

Why you will love this itinerary

Moray

In just nine days, you will see the best that Peru has to offer, starting in Lima and finishing in Cusco. This itinerary is packed with highlights but is paced so that there is plenty of time to explore. You will gain an insight into the fascinating and colourful culture of Peru as you travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, deep into the heart of the Incan empire. The itinerary introduces you to the history of the Incas as you explore Cusco, the beautiful Sacred Valley and the ruins of the Inca Empire at Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.

Cusco

DAY 1 Lima, Peru Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru. Lima is a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. Home to a plethora of interesting museums and a foodie’s delight, being the “gastronomical capital of the Americas”. DAY 2 Lima, Peru Embark on a walking food tour in Lima’s Historic Centre. During this food tour, you will have the chance to taste popular on-the-go delicacies that locals devour while learning more about Peru’s history and interesting facts around the local economy and daily life in Peru. (B,D) DAY 3 Sacred Valley, Peru You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Cusco, where you will descend into the Sacred Valley below Cusco. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region in Peru’s Andean highlands which, along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, formed the heart of the Inca Empire. The Sacred Valley’s elevation is 2,800 meters above sea level, so it is recommended to take it easy for the afternoon as your body acclimatises to the altitude. (B)

Sacred Valley

Cusco

Lima Markets

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BuetnooRs iAoires Signature

Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro

Sacsayhuaman

DAY 9 Cusco Peru After three days soaking up one of South America’s best cities, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. If you would like to see more of Peru, we have several extension packages available such as a visit to the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or a flight over the Nazca Lines to show you more of this fantastic country. (B) cbe with: Signature Galapagos Islands Express See Page 28 Amazon Lodge Extension See Page 28 Puno and Lake Titicaca Extension See Page 27 8 DAYS 4 DAYS 3 DAYS

DAY 1 Buenos Aires, Argentina Welcome to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. On arrival at Ezeiza International Airport, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in one of Buenos Aires elegant, historic, and picturesque neighbourhoods, Recoleta where you will be free to relax for the rest of the day. DAY 2 Buenos Aires, Argentina Spend the morning at leisure before you are collected from your hotel for a three hour afternoon city tour. We have designed this tour exclusively for our guests. You will visit the main square; Plaza De Mayo, home to the famous Casa Rosada and then continue on to the charming suburb of La Boca - the birthplace of Tango, where you will have some time to wander the streets. Then head to Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most beautiful in the world. Entrance is included and your guide will point out the graves of famous Argentinians, such as Eva Peron (Evita). (B). DAY 3 Buenos Aires, Argentina You will be collected from your hotel in the afternoon for a unique half day walking tour with your own local guide. You will start by exploring the streets of the upscale and exclusive neighbourhood of Recoleta through a local’s eyes. Continue on through the beating heart of the city, Reteiro, home to many significant government buildings filled with fascinating history of Buenos Aires. Chat with your guide over a local Patagonian ice cream or a coffee, before heading over to the bohemian barrio of San Telmo to explore the local markets and taste local specialties. You will also visit an old Conventillo and the quaint Plaza Dorrego. In the evening you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to an Asado restaurant where you will enjoy a traditional Argentinian BBQ. A closed-door dining experience awaits you that explores new ways of serving Argentine Asado classics, along with a wine pairing menu that has also been designed to best enhance the flavours of the ingredients while presenting you with some of the best boutique wines from Argentina. (B,D). DAY 4 Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu, Argentina A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Puerto Iguazu. The spectacular Iguazu Falls that straddle the Argentine-Brazil border, are made up of 275 individual waterfalls lining a 2.7km wide horseshoe-shaped gorge.

9 Days Buenos Aires - Rio

Visit the fascinating Koricancha Temple of the Sun, Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and Cathedral, built on the ruins of an Inca Palace and finish up at Sacsayhuaman, a former Inca fortress perched atop the hill above Cusco. (B) DAY 8 Cusco, Peru Today is at leisure allowing you to spend time wandering the cobble- stoned streets of the ancient Inca capital. With treasures around every corner, Cusco is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Vibrant market and stores give the traveller a plethora of shopping opportunities set amongst fine Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Included is a BTG ticket which provides access to most of Cusco’s attractions and museums, so you choose where you wish to spend your day. (B)

This nine-day superior styled itinerary gives you the best of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, two of South America’s most vibrant cities.

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BRAZIL

Rio De Janeiro

Iguazu Falls

ARGENTINA

This itinerary can also be booked in reverse

Cusco

Buenos Aires

Why you will love this itinerary

In just nine days you will see the best of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, two of South America’s most vibrant cities. Visit one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World; Iguazu Falls. See one of the world’s largest waterfalls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Visit two of Rio’s landmark sites; Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain and immerse yourself in the culture and history of Rio De Janeiro in the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa on a Rio City Tour. In Buenos Aires you will discover the highlights of the city, on a walking tour with a local Each night you will stay in superior accommodation ensuring your journey is comfortable.

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Patagonia Signature

La Caminito, Buenos Aires

Iguazu Falls

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

9 Days Santiago - El Calafate

DAY 1 Santiago, Chile Arrival day in the Chilean capital of Santiago. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel by private car transfer. The rest of the day is yours to recover from your flight. DAY 2 Santiago, Chile Spend your morning getting to know Santiago on a half day city tour. You will visit the highlights this cosmopolitan city has to offer. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the local area where your hotel is located. Barrio Lastarria is an upmarket, vibrant, and safe neighbourhood, home to some of Santiago’s best cafes, bars and restaurants with lots of boutique retail stores. (B) DAY 3 Torres del Paine, Chile You will be collected from your hotel and transferred by private transfer to Santiago airport to meet your flight to Patagonia. On arrival, you will be collected to begin your journey into one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine national parks, Torres del Paine, where you will spend the next four nights in an all-inclusive lodge of your choice. The transfer time will take approximately 5 hours and you will be offered incredible views of the Patagonian landscape as you watch estancias, lakes and snow-capped mountains pass you by. On arrival at your lodge, check in and the late afternoon and evening is free for you to organise the following day’s excursions. (B,D) DAY 4 Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile Choose from one of the many activities included in your lodge stay. Activities on offer include hiking one of the many world class trails or to Las Torres base viewpoint, horseback riding, taking a cruise on a lake to view the Grey glacier, or a cultural visit to an estancia and learn about the gaucho culture that is unique to Patagonia. (B,L,D) DAY 5 & 6 Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile With one of the many activities included in your lodge stay, there are plenty of excursions available to suit your tastes to help make your last day in Torres del Paine a memorable one. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Torres del Paine to El Calafate. Argentina Today you say bid farewell to the Chilean Patagonia and say hello to the Argentinian Patagonia. A shared transfer van will help with immigration formalities when crossing from Chile and into Argentina and deliver you safely to El Calafate, Argentina. Transfer time is approx. 6 hours. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the tourist shops, restaurants, and cafes of El Calafate, one of Argentina’s premier tourist destinations. (B,L)

You will have the chance to experience the Falls from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides, the Brazilian side offering a broader, panoramic view, with the Argentinian side offering a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls from close range. (B) DAY 5 Puerto Iguazu, Argentina Get ready for a full day of exploring the Argentine side of the falls. We start early to beat the crowds and get the first train to the Devil’s Throat. Walk along the paths over the islands which take you to a balcony over the falls and the most spectacular view of the entire Devil’s Gorge. You will then have plenty of time to walk the paths on the upper circuit, providing you with a magnificent panoramic view, and the lower circuit which has great views from below and around the falls. On completion of the tour, you will be taken to your hotel. (B) DAY 6 Puerto Iguazu, Argentina to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Today you will cross into Brazil to enjoy a half day tour of the Brazilian side where you will experience great panoramic views of the Argentinian side of the falls. At the appropriate time, you will be collected from the Brazil National Park and transferred to the Foz do Iguacu airport for your onward flight to Rio De Janeiro. Rio never fails to amaze with its sandy beaches, carefree lifestyle, and unparalleled natural beauty. (B) DAY 7 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil With an early start, today you will join a city tour taking in all the cities famous sights, including Corcovado to get up close to the Christ Redeemer statue. Next stop is Sugar Loaf Mountain, where you will board a cable car to the top of Urca Hill, with spectacular views of Rio’s famous beaches, bays, hills, and the city. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian

BBQ for lunch and continue exploring more of the city including a visit to the Maracanã Stadium via the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, a stop at the Sambadrome, and the city’s historic downtown area and more. (B,L). DAY 8 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Spend a half day today on a great historical tour of Rio de Janeiro which will take you through the colonial avenues, squares, and back streets of the city. Your guide will explain the important historical, political, and social events that shaped Rio into South America’s most exciting city. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the beaches of Rio. (B) DAY 9 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Your time in of our South America’s bustling city comes to an end and you will be transferred from your hotel to your onward flight. If you wish to extend your time in Brazil, check out our Brazilian Beaches or Pantanal extension packages. To experience a completely different side of Brazil, check out our Northern Brazil extension package. (B)

Starting in Santiago and staying in handpicked hotels, this superior styled itinerary will show the natural beauty of Southern Patagonia and finish in El Calafate, where you can fly directly to Ushuaia to connect with your Antarctic adventure.

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From Santiago

CHILE

ARGENTINA

cbe with:

Perito Moreno Glacier

5 DAYS 6 DAYS 9 DAYS

El Calafate

Brazilian Beaches Extension See Page 27 Pantanal and Bonito Extension See Page 27 Signature Patagonia See Page 17

Torres Del Paine

Puerto Natales

Why you will love this itinerary

This itinerary is an ideal extension to lead into your Antarctic voyage, with the possibility to fly from El Calafate to Ushuaia for embarkation. This itinerary showcases the highlights of Patagonia, one of the world’s most show-stopping regions! You will experience the breathtaking beauty of Torres del Paine National Park, with a range of daily options that allow you an in-depth exploration of the mountains, glaciers and pampas by horseback, motorboat, on foot or by vehicle. You will discover the fascinating town of El Calafate, situated on the shores of Lago Argentino and on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

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Colombia Signature

Hotel Las Torres, Torres Del Paine National Park

Perito Moreno Glacier

Guatape, Antioquia

11 DAYS 4 DAYS 9 DAYS cbe with:

9 Days Bogota to Cartagena

DAY 8 El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred via the beautiful Patagonian and into Los Glaciers National Park, home to the world famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Join a boat cruise on the lake where you will get up close to Mayo, Negro and Perito Moreno Glaciers where and bear witness to the 74-meter-high glacier calving right in front of your eyes. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the only glaciers left in the world that continues to advance forward. On return to El Calafate, enjoy the rest of the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere in this beautiful village. (B) DAY 9 Depart El Calafate, Argentina There are no activities planned for today and a private airport transfer will collect you from your hotel and deliver you to El Calafate airport. Continue north to Buenos Aires or southwards to Ushuaia, the world’s most southern city. Ushuaia is also famous as the gateway for tourists travelling to Antarctica. Speak to our reservations staff about linking this itinerary to one of our 26 small ship expeditions to Antarctica from Ushuaia. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your Patagonian stay with a visit to El Chalten. (B)

DAY 1 Bogota Enjoy time at leisure after settling in to your hotel. DAY 2 Bogota

From historic Bogota to colourful and colonial Cartagena, step through time on this handcrafted 9-day journey through tropical Colombia.

Best of Antarctica See Page 30 El Chalten Extension See Page 26 Signature Peru See Page 12

Take a day tour of Bogota exploring the city’s old town, Museo del Oro and the Botero Museum. Ride the funicular up Monserrat Hill for a panoramic view over Colombia’s cosmopolitan capital city. DAY 3 Bogota to Medellin Known as the ‘city of eternal spring’ thanks to its excellent weather, Medellin was once a city with a notorious history, but is now a safe and attractive place and home to coffee plantations, flower farms and Enjoy a half-day tour of Medellin, admiring architecture, sculpture, and street art depicting the evolution of the city’s neighbourhoods. (B,L) DAY 5: Guatape On a full-day tour of Guatape, an Andean resort town to the east of Medellin, you’ll take on the 740 steps to the top of the giant granite rock monolith known as Pedra del Penol. If the steps don’t take your breath away, the spectacular views at the top surely will! DAY 6: Medellin to Cartagena Fly from Medellin to Cartagena, situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coastline. Famous for its walled old town and fortress, you’ll enjoy time at your leisure to explore the cobbled streets. (B) DAY 7: Cartagena Enjoy a tour of Cartagena, starting with a visit to the Convent of Santa Cruz de La Popa, originally founded in 1607. Explore the nearby San Felipe castle-fortress to learn about its construction and how it defended the city from pirate attacks. Now an artisan centre, it’s a cloud forests. (B) DAY 4 Medellin Cruise over to the Rosario Islands, a tropical paradise. Enjoy lunch prepared with local produce, and free time for snorkelling and relaxation. DAY 9: Cartagena On your final day in Cartagena you might choose to wander the historical districts of El Centro and San Diego to take one more look at the colonial architecture in the city’s old town before you are collected from your hotel and taken to the airport for your onward flight. (B) great place to find souvenirs. DAY 8: Rosario Islands

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Cartagena

VENEZUELA

Medellin

Bogota

COLOMBIA

Why you will love this itinerary

Tour the cities of Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena with local guides and explore charming museums that give a fascinating insight into the local history and culture. Climb the giant rock monolith of Piedra del Penol in Guatape and soak up the spectacular views across the region. Enjoy a leisurely day trip to the tropical Rosario Islands, thick with rainforests and surrounded by coastal lagoons and coral reefs. Savour delicious local produce, go snorkelling in crystal clear waters, or simply relax in this stunning paradise.

11 DAYS 9 DAYS cbe with:

Signature Galapagos Islands See Page 20 Signature Peru See Page 12

Torres Del Paine National Park

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Galapagos Signature

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Seaman Journey

Sea Lions, Fernandina Island

11 Days Quito to Quito

DAY 4 Fly to Galapagos Islands TTake a morning flight to the Galapagos from Quito Airport. On arrival at Baltra Airport you will be met by your naturalist guides who will collect your luggage and transport you to Ranch Mazanillo. Here you will be able to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Enjoy a picnic lunch and short walk before you board the Seaman Journey to begin your cruise. (B,L,D) DAY 5-10 Galapagos Islands Cruise the islands of Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, Rabida and Bartolome. With a maximum occupancy of 16 passengers, this is an intimate and personalised travel experience. You’ll discover a vast array of marine and land wildlife, including sealions, pelicans, rays, marine iguanas, and unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin and blue-footed boobies. Snorkel at Punta Vicente Roca (known for its spectacular marine life) and explore the lava flows and sink holes of Santiago Island. Marvel at the red sands and pink flamingo colony at Rabida Island, and discover the fascinating pirate hideaway of Tagus Cove. Take dinghy rides, go swimming and kayaking and relax on stunning beaches and onboard the ship. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 Santa Cruz Island Enjoy a morning excursion to Bachas Beach, a sandy white-coral beach that is a popular nesting site for sea turtles and a great place to observe flamingos and other birds. You will then bid farewell to the Seaman Journey and returned to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland. (B)

This 11-day in-depth adventure will see you exploring the western archipelago of the Galapagos Islands and experiencing the highlights of Quito and surrounds in style.

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3 DAYS 9 DAYS 4 DAYS cbe with:

Mashpi Lodge See Page 28 Signature Peru See Page 12 Delfin III Amazon Cruise See Page 27

Santiago Island

Fernandina Island

Cotopaxi National Park

Santa Cruz Island

Isabela Island

DAY 1 Quito Sitting at 2,850 metres above sea level and a short distance from the Equator lies Quito, the capital of Ecuador. With an amazing backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Quito is known for its stunning colonial architecture and art-work and has one of the largest and best- preserved historic centres in the Americas. DAY 2 Quito This morning you will be collected from your hotel for a colonial city tour of Quito exploring the bustling streets and squares of the historic old town. We then travel by road to the Equatorial Monument, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Choose to either visit the Ethnographic Museum or the Inti Ñan Museum, both located nearby. (B) DAY 3 Cotopaxi National Park Excursion Depart south from Quito to visit Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi (5,943m) is the highest active volcano in the world. Despite the altitude, the Park is home to numerous birds and varied plant life. The surrounding scenery also includes volcanoes like Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Sincholagua. The tour also includes lunch at a restaurant at the base of the mountain and a visit to an indigenous market nearby. You will be returned to your hotel in Quito at the end of the tour. (B,L)

7 night cruise

Blue Footed Boobies, Galapagos Islands

Why you will love this itinerary

Your home in the Galapagos will be onboard the Seaman Journey, a first-class catamaran with a maximum occupancy of 16 passengers. This small and luxurious catamaran will give you access to remote and hard to access areas where lizards swim, birds walk, and humans don’t take centre stage. Discover sea lions, rays, large marine iguanas and unique species like the flightless cormorant and Galapagos penguin at one of the most impressive areas of the Galapagos, with its high cliffs, ash and lava formations. Visit a favourite nesting site for sea turtles, where you can also spot abandoned barges from the Second World War.

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Salt Flats and Highlights of the Andes Signature

Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

San Pedro Atacama, Chile

11 Days Lima to Cusco

DAY 1 San Pedro de Atacama On arrival at Calama Airport, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall to transfer you to the small oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, the gateway tourist centre for the Atacama Desert. Overlooking the Licancabur Volcano, its dramatic surrounding landscape ranges from desert, salt flats, steaming geysers and hot springs to fascinating rock formations. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. This evening you will be collected from your hotel for Astronomy in the Desert, one of the best places in the world to observe stars, planets, and constellations. DAY 2 San Pedro de Atacama Start your day with a tour of San Pedro de Atacama, the archaeological capital of Chile. Located near the mouth of the main river that feeds the salt flat, this tour will orientate you and give you an understanding of the history, the town, and the surrounding areas. In the afternoon, travel across the Salt Mountain Range to reach the Valley of the Moon in time for sunset when the sun brings out the best of the valley’s incredible colours. (B)

DAY 3 San Pedro de Atacama There are no activities planned for the morning, allowing time to wander the streets of San Pedro de Atacama and browse the local stores at your leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Salar de Atacama, one of the world’s largest salt lakes, home to a variety of bird species, including the three types of flamingos, and one of the most important lithium reserves in the world. En route you will stop at the picturesque village of Toconao, built from white volcanic stone and then on to Chaxa Lagoon, we will be able and another dramatic sunset. (B) DAY 4 San Pedro de Atacama to the Bolivian Altiplano This morning you will be transferred from San Pedro de Atacama to Hito Cajon, the mountain pass on the border between Chile and Bolivia. After clearing Bolivian immigration, make your way to the village of Villamar. Along the way you will be rewarded with some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the world, stopping off for plenty of photo opportunities. This high-altitude desert environment is home to dozens of colourful lagoons, snow-capped mountains, llamas, flamingos, hot springs, and geysers. Tonight, your accommodation is unique as it has been built into a rock and offers a warm, cosy and Today is packed with jaw-dropping scenery. Pass through the Valley of Rocks, stopping off to view famous rock formations caused by wind erosion. Villages like Culpina, where the houses have been built from natural materials and San Cristobal, which was relocated from its original location because of the zinc and silver deposits in the vicinity. Continue to the famous train cemetery with dozens of abandoned and rusting trains imported from Britain over 100 years ago and then finally arrive at your accommodation – the luxurious Palacio de Sal Hotel. Made from salt bricks and located on the shores of Salar de Uyuni, this hotel is the perfect base to set off to explore the Uyuni Salt Flats the next morning. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Uyuni Salt Flat This morning we set off across the Great Salt Flats to Colchani village, where we observe the methods of salt extraction and salt processing. We continue to Incahuasi Island, an oasis covered with giant cacti up to 10 metres high. Continuing north to visit the pre-Colombian ruins of Pucarade de Ayque fort on the foothills of Thunupa volcano, we’ll then return to Palacio del Sal Hotel for your last evening in the world’s largest salt desert. Enjoy a dip in the swimming pool, soak in the jacuzzi or grab a drink from the hotel’s bar. (B,L,D) comfortable refuge from the desert night. (B, L) DAY 5 Bolivian Altiplano to Uyuni Salt Flat

Enjoy the unparalleled scenery of Chile, Bolivia and Peru on this 10 day itinerary. Start your journey in the Atacama Desert, before crossing to Bolivia passing volcanoes and colourful lagoons until you reach the world’s largest salt lake, the Salar de Uyuni.

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PERU

Puno

La Paz

BOLIVIA

Uyuni

CHILE

Villamar Mallcu

Calama

San Pedro de Atacama

ARGENTINA

Please note: Itinerary may differ dependent on departure date

Why you will love this itinerary

Experience some of the most spectacular scenery of Chile, Bolivia and Peru on this 11-day itinerary. You will travel through unparalleled scenery as you explore the Atacama Desert - the driest desert in the world and the Salar de Uyuni - the world’s largest salt lake. See colourful lagoons, volcanoes, geysers and hot springs.

Astronomy in the desert

Flamingo, Bolivia

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