South America Explorer

Galapagos, Machu Picchu, Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Iguassu, Rio

35 Days

Our South America Explorer tour aims to show you the most important sites of the South American continent and take you close up to the most dramatic landscapes. You will enjoy an exciting tour, while our local English speaking guides inform and enrich your experience. Travel in comfort, visiting both the highlights and hidden treasures of the continent, staying in good standard and well-located accommodation. Competitively priced, this itinerary is designed to offer you real value for money.
Guaranteed departures on Tuesdays with Local English-speaking guides.
Hotels quoted are tourist, superior and first class categories (similar to 3*, 4* and 5* categories).  The hotels we use are clean, safe, with private facilities and are centrally located.

 

Day 1

Quito - Tuesday

Ecuador is the country for which the adage "small is beautiful' was coined. The size of Great Britain, Ecuador is nonetheless one of the most diverse countries in the world. Due to its position on the Equator, not only can you experience all four seasons in a day, but also four distinct geographical zones.
Upon arrival in Quito you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2

Quito - Wednesday

This morning join a half day tour of Quito. A visit to downtown Quito to relish in this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture.  Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America,  is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   The stroll starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the temple of La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior.   Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar.
Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) North of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere.  Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador.  Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs.  You will get a certificate for having crossed the Equator.

Day 3

Quito - Thursday

Today you will join a tour to Otavalo Market, South America’s most famous Indian fair.  Early departure from Quito through dramatic mountain scenery.  You will have ample time to visit the famous market and stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets with many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more.  Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns/haciendas.

Day 4

Quito / Patate - Friday

The artisans tradition of Quito is present in the visit to the Yanapi Hat Shop, where guests can observe the process of making hats by hand, of wool felt and fur felt; these high-quality hats are exported to European, Australian and American markets.  Along valleys and mountains, arrive to Cotopaxi National Park, which surrounds the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, for an up-close view of the Andean paramo habitat and its unique flora and fauna; a number of high-altitude birds can be observed around Limpiopungo Lagoon, and occasionally, wild horses.  On clear days, the perfect snow-capped cone of the Cotopaxi Volcano is quite a sight!  At the foot of the volcano is a charming hacienda, where lunch is served in a room with Inca walls, perfectly preserved through the centuries –a truly archaeological jewel.  After lunch, mingle with the llamas of the hacienda and stroll along a rose plantation, many varieties, many colours, ready for exportation.  From here, descend towards the town of Patate, to spend the night at a 300-year old hacienda, hidden among the mountains, a magical ambience, where, as the afternoon mist descends, stories are told about those who left in search of the treasure of the Incas in the nearby Llanganatis – and never returned…

Day 5

Patate / Riobamba - Saturday

After breakfast, take a spectacular route along the gorge of the Pastaza River to the town of Baños (Baths), right at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, from where the thermal waters that gave it its name emerge.  Drive along the Route of the Cascades to El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) –the most adventurous will descend (medium difficulty) to observe the impressive cascade up close, surrounded by subtropical vegetation and orchids.  The force and sound of the waters can also be appreciated from a lookout point without descending.  Lunch is served at a hacienda / hostel in the surroundings, and in the afternoon a short stroll along Baños –a town with an international pulse, full of people from all over the world as well as many locals who pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water.  From here, the route to Riobamba is up the mountain, to where the clouds can be touched, alongside the massive Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, on the high paramo where vicuñas graze and scamper – this is a protected Faunistic Preserve.  On the hillsides, where the land is worked beneath the plow, one might think the farmer’s true objective was to paint the hills in fascinating patterns, not just to till the dark, fertile soil. Great photo ops on this route!  Arrive to Riobamba for dinner and lodging.

Day 6

Riobamba / Guayaquil - Sunday

After breakfast, visit the Museum of the Conceptas, housing one of the most important collections of religious art in Latin America, exhibited in several rooms that were originally the cloisters or cells where the nuns lived – a few nuns still live here in seclusion.  The treasures of art, culture, traditions and religiousness of Riobamba are kept here thanks to the contribution of the visitors.  Close to Riobamba is the Indian Community of Palacio Real, where an interesting visit to the Museum of the Llama is offered, an interactive community project to show the important role of the llama in the pre-Columbian ancestral cultures –both in the spiritual part as well as daily life; a short stroll in the community is possible.  Next stop is at Guamote, an Indian town, for a short visit to Inti Sisa, an Educational Centre for the Development and Sustainability of Adults and Children.  These visits are an important support to the efforts of improvement of the communities, and tourism is one of the main means to do so, while at the same time, guests can have a direct contact with the local people.  Then, towards Alausí, where brunch is served to regain strength and continue exploring the Andean world to the south, visiting the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca en-route.  Arrival to the airport of Cuenca at dusk to take the flight to Guayaquil.

Day 7

Guayaquil/Galapagos - Monday

Morning transfer to the airport where you will catch your flight and start your Galapagos Cruise.  Arrival and transfer to the dock to board your Galapagos Cruise.
North Seymour - Dry landing. Guests wil encounter swallow tailed gulls and sea lions.  This site is a major nesting colony of blue footed boobies, and has the largest colony of the magnificent frigate bird. Travelers will also spot both the marine iguanas and land iguanas.

Day 8

Galapagos Cruise - Tuesday

Santa Cruz (Dragon Hill): Dry landing. Passengers walk to a saltwater lagoon behind the beach, where on occasion many pink flamingos can be observed. This trail leads up to Dragon Hill, which offers a lovely view of the bay.  This is a nesting site for reintroduced land iguanas, and there is also a Holy Stick Forest.
Floreana (Cormorant Point): Wet landing on a greenish colored sand beach. Visitors will hike from the black mangrove beds to a large, brackish lagoon, which holds one of the biggest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, Galapagos daisies, white and black mangrove, and holy stick.

Day 9

Galapagos Cruise - Wednesday

Española (Suárez Point): Dry landing. Visitors will learn more about the lava terrain and cross the inactive lava fields.
Besides the sea lion colonies, this is a very important site for bird watching. Various bird species such as the mockingbird of Española, Nazca booby and tropic bird can be spotted and observed from very close.
You will also see a large colony of marine iguanas, lava lizards, and rally light foot crabs.
After a short trek visitors encounter colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies.  The nesting grounds sometimes overlap the trail. Visitors will also find Galapagos doves, hawks and swallow-tailed gulls and then reach the world’s largest colony of waved albatross.  A major highlight is their mating season, from May through December.
You’ll visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots into the air about 23 mts.
San Cristóbal (Interpretation Center or La Galapaguera): Dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Passengers will visit San Cristóbal  breeding center and learn about the National Park’s breeding program with the giant tortoises. You will also have the opportunity to the visit the town and go shopping for souvenirs and arts and crafts.

Day 10

Galapagos/Guayaquil/Lima - Thursday

Santa Cruz (Carrión Point).  Today, passengers go snorkelling to see a variety of tropical fish, manta rays or even harmless white-tipped reef sharks. Return to the Galapagos Legend, check-out and transfer to the airport, where you will catch your flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil you will catch the flight to Lima.

LIMA, capital of Peru, was founded by the great conquistador, Francisco Pizarro in 1535, and soon became the capital of the extensive and tremendously wealthy, Peruvian Vice Regency of Spain. By the end of the 16th Century it had grown into a city of fine palaces and churches and the cultural centre of the southern hemisphere.
Today, Lima still retains the essence of Spanish colonialism. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 11

Lima - Friday

Today you will be taken on a half day tour of Lima’s principal attractions, including the Government Palace in the colonial setting of the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the modern residential suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro with their lovely homes and gardens.

Day 12

Lima/Amazon - Saturday

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Amazon. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your Amazon Lodge.

Day 13

Amazon Lodge - Sunday

Amazon Lodge activities.

Day 14

Amazon Lodge - Monday

Amazon Lodge activities.

Day 15

Amazon Lodge/Cuzco - Tuesday

This morning you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Cuzco, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and adjusting to the altitude.

Day 16

Cuzco - Wednesday

Morning at leisure. Cuzco was the Inca capital and this afternoon you will visit the historic highlights of the city. Later, travel a short distance to the surrounding Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Tambo Machay, Puku Pukara and Kenko; each different in construction and purpose.

Day 17

Sacred Valley - Thursday

A full day tour into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including a visit to Pisac and its colourful Indian market – a not to be missed opportunity to purchase Peruvian weavings and pottery. After a sumptuous lunch, continue along the Urubamba Valley to the ruins of Ollantaitambo, an impressive Inca fortress.

Day 18

Cuzco/Machu Picchu - Friday

Today is set aside for an experience you will never forget, as you transfer to the station and travel by train (Vistadome) through lush valleys and terraced hillsides, following the course of the tumbling Urubamba River to the hidden “Lost City of the Incas” – spectacular MACHU PICCHU. Reputed to be the Incas’ last refuge from the Spanish, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered until 1911. Your guide will explain the intricate layout of the city, as you marvel at the remains of the watchtower, magnificent palaces, temples, tombs, and rock-hewn steps. This afternoon is yours to explore the ruins at your own pace, and perhaps walk up to the Sun Gate (Intipunko) for a panoramic view of this mysterious lost city.

Day 19

Machu Picchu/Cuzco - Saturday

It is said that Machu Picchu is a place of great spirituality, and the ultimate spiritual moment of the day happens at sunrise. This morning therefore there is an option to rise early and view the world’s most spectacularly situated ruins at sunrise (entrance & transfers not included). Perhaps climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu or up to the Sun Gate for panoramic views. This afternoon, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Cuzco, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 20

Cuzco/Puno - Sunday

This morning, transfer to the bus station, to begin your bus journey across the Altiplano (high plateau) to PUNO. En route, you may view Alpacas, Llamas and perhaps Vicuña - native animals of the Altiplano. Arriving into PUNO early evening and transfer to your hotel.

Day 21

Puno - Monday

A 3hr boat trip on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, will take you to the Island of Taquile. To reach the hub of the island you must make a strenuous climb of 600 stone steps but the effort is well rewarded by the views of the Lake and its surrounding mountains.  The people of Taquile are famous for their colourful, fine weavings and their hospitality.   On the return trip to Puno you will stop at Uros Island, built on layers of the totora reeds, hence the name "floating island". The Uros Indians still live as they have been living for generations, making a living from fishing and selling handicrafts.

Day 22

Puno/Lake Titicaca - Tuesday

In the morning overland transfer to Copacabana. You will visit the churches of Pomata & Juli and the local market. You will travel on a hydrofoil cruise on the world’s highest navigable lake: Lake Titicaca. We will stop at Moon Island and visit the Sun Virgins Temple Iñak Uyu. We will then, continue to Sun Island & visit the "Pilcocaina" Sun Temple. Lunch included. Afternoon will be at leisure to explore the surroundings & enjoy a Cross Cultural Integration with the Native Community. Overnight at Sun Island.

Day 23

Lake Titicaca/La Paz - Wednesday

Today we will visit the Inca Staircase & Sacred fountain, taste the sacred water believed to give eternal youth & happiness. Lunch will be at "Uma Kollu" an archaeological restaurant and it’s also possible to visit a picturesque handicraft market.
Continue to Huatajata, a small port on the shores of Lake Titicaca, where you will vist the Altiplano Museum, where a state of the art audio system will explain in your own language the cultural heritage of the Aymaras and the Incas, their traditions and wisdom, the colonial time and even the Jacques Cousteau Expedition to the Lake. Watch the handicrafts and fisherman villages, the Mud Igloos and Floating Island of the Urus Chipayas culture, which was born on the southern part of the Bolivian High Plateau, meet the Limachi family of the RA II and Tigris for Thor Heyerdhal epic expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean and visit to the local market. Drop off will be at your hotel in La Paz.

Day 24

La Paz - Thursday

Today you will join a half day city tour of La Paz and the Moon Valley.  The City of La Paz and its surroundings can transport you to a mysterious past where any corner, any street, is a hidden treasure where adventure begins a living history which treasures the pre Hispanic times with all their traditions and magic on its streets. The Native, colonial and modern areas, Indian Market, Witch Doctor's Market & breathtaking panoramas are all framed by the majestic "Illimani" mountain. You will also visit the Moon Valley, a clay formation resembling the face of the Moon.

Day 25

La Paz/Buenos Aires - Friday

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to BUENOS AIRES, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 26

Buenos Aires - Saturday

A morning tour of Buenos Aires, during which you will see the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), the City Hall, the monumental Congress Building set in its impressive Square. Other highlights are the 9 de Julio Ave, the widest in the world; the Colón Theatre, Argentina’s famous Opera House, which stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit the picturesque La Boca district, which resembles a typical Italian neighbourhood, Palermo Park and the historical Recoleta Cemetery, with its ornate memorials. Afternoon at leisure for you to explore this cosmopolitan city.
In the evening you will enjoy a nice dinner and a traditional Tango performance.

Day 27

Buenos Aires - Sunday

Day at leisure.

Day 28

Buenos Aires/Iguassu Falls - Monday

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to IGUASSU FALLS in Brazil.
Iguassu Falls surpass in grandeur both Niagara and Victoria Falls and form the frontier between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Ranking among Latin America’s true nature treasures, Iguazu Falls offer a spectacular highlight to any visit to Brazil or Argentina. The word Iguassu in the local Indian language means “big water”, and with a length of over 3.5Km and a height of 78 meters, the falls certainly live up to their name!
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you will join a tour to the Brazilian side of the falls.

Day 29

Iguassu Falls - Tuesday

Today join a tour of the Argentinean falls.

Day 30

Iguassu Falls/Rio de Janeiro - Wednesday

Morning transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 31

Rio de Janeiro - Thursday

There is no city like Rio - beautiful beaches, beautiful people, Carnival and nightlife. Sightseeing today includes the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, and a journey to the summit of Corcovado Mountain to see the 36 metre high statue of Christ the Redeemer, whose outstretched arms embrace stunning views of Rio’s mountains, harbour and beaches. After lunch, continue your sightseeing with an ascent of Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car for superb views of one of the world’s most beautiful harbours.

Day 32

Rio de Janeiro - Friday

Day at leisure.  In the evening you will join a Lapa by night tour.
Lapa, an old and charming area of Rio de Janeiro, features some fabulous mansions which have been restored into works of art during a recent cultural renaissance.  Lapa is now one of Rio's most popular night spots, with many people enjoying the street parties, samba clubs and other bars. The best concerts, delicious food and beautiful people, make this place different from the rest! The informal atmosphere is one of the main characteristic of Lapa's neighbourhood. Many famous Brazilians pop singers perform here.

Day 33

Rio de Janeiro/Santiago - Saturday

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago.
Santiago is Chile’s elegant capital beautifully situated at the foot of the majestic Andes Mountains Range. The majestic Andean Mountain Range can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Santiago is one of the few capital cities in the world which has easy access both to ski slopes and beaches. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 34

Santiago - Sunday

Today, join a half day tour of charming Santiago.

Day 35

Santiago - Monday

Transfer to the airport. 
BFirst Travel can offer extension tours to Patagonia, Atacama, Easter Island and many more destinations.