South America Unveiled

Atacama, Uyuni Salt Flat, Lake Titcaca, Machu Picchu, Amazon, Iguassu

34 Days

Our South America Unveilled tour aims to show you off-the-beaten track locations in 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.  Competitively priced, this itinerary is designed to offer you real value for money. 
Guaranteed departures 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

Santiago

Santiago 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 2

Santiago

This morning you will be taken on a panoramic tour of Santiago. Rest of the day will be at leisure.

Day 3

Santiago/Atacama Desert

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Atacama. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 4 - 5

Atacama Desert

Lodge excursions.

Day 6

Desert Crossing: Atacama/Green and Red Lagoons

Depart from San Pedro de Atacama towards Hito Cajon (border between Chile and Bolivia). The trip continues towards the Green Lagoon, an impressive aquatic mirror that resembles a giant emerald with a particular brightness in the mornings and afternoons; its colour is due to the high magnesium content in the water. In the proximities of this lagoon is the Licancahur Volcano (5,868 m.). The next stop will be the Red Lagoon, which is very impressive because of its red colour, due to the fine sediment of the same colour on its surface, as well as the pigmentation of certain type of seaweed. It is populated by 3 species of flamingos (among them the famous James). Lunch box. We continue the journey crossing the Siloli desert. Accommodation in a local lodge. Dinner and overnight stay.
Estimated driving distances including visits:
San Pedro de Atacama - Hito Cajón - 46Km (approx. 1h)
Hito Cajón - Ojo de Perdiz - 280Km (approx. 7h)

Day 7

Uyuni Salt Flat/Colcachi

Breakfast. Depart towards Colchani located on the shores of the Salt Flat. Visit to the Uyuni Salt Flat and Incahuasi Island, this island is located in the heart of the salt flat and is the greatest of a group of islands that represents an isolated ecosystem. The island is populated with cacti species that measures up to 12 meters high, adding the background provided by salt flat the panorama becomes impressive. Lunch box. Transfer to the town of Colchani, on the way we visit the Coquesa village and its surroundings. Accommodation at the Salt Hotel and dinner.
Estimated driving distance including visit:
Ojo de Perdiz  - Colchani - 310Km  (approx. 8hrs)

Day 8

Colcachi/Potosi

Breakfast. Pick up from the Salt Hotel and departure towards Potosi, on the way we visit the Pulacayo mine. Lunch box. Arrival to Potosi and transfer to the hotel.
Estimated driving distance including visit:
Colchani – Potosí - 240Km (approx. 6hrs)

Day 9

Potosi/Sucre

Today we will be taken to Sucre (approx. 3hrs drive). On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
This afternoon you will visit the House of Freedom Historical Museum; the Convent of La Recoleta Museum and its viewpoint; the facades of the churches of San Lazaro and Santo Domingo; the main historical monuments and Bolivar Park.

Day 10

Sucre/La Paz

Transfer to the airport for your flight to La Paz. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 11

La Paz

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 and 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 12

La Paz/Lake Titicaca

Today you will be transferred to Huatajata a small port on the shores of Lake Titicaca, where you will experience the Andean Roots Eco Village: 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, the colonial time and Jacques Cousteau Expedition to Lake Titicaca.
Board the hydrofoil cruise, on the world’s highest navigable lake: Lake Titicaca, towards Moon Island and visit the Sun Virgins Temple Iñak Uyu, where the most beautiful maids of the Inca Empire looked after the Sacred Fire dedicated to their Gods.   Continue on the hydrofoil to Sun Island and visit "Pilcocaina" or Sun Temple, the best preserved Inca ruins on the Lake. After that, easy trek (approx. 30mins) to Posada Del Inca where you will spend the night. Lunch.
Afternoon is at leisure to explore the surroundings & enjoy a Cross Cultural Integration with the Native Community.

Day 13

Lake Ticaca/Puno

Today, visit the Inca Staircase and Sacred fountain, taste the sacred water believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Lunch will be at "Uma Kollu" archaeological restaurant.
After lunch board the hydrofoil cruise to Copacabana and visit the local Cathedral. Continue on an overland transfer to Puno, on the way, visit the church of Pomata. Drop off at your hotel in Puno.

Day 14

Puno

A 3h 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, eeking out a living by fishing and selling handicrafts.

Day 15

Puno/Cuzco

This morning, transfer to the station, to begin your fantastic journey across the Altiplano (high plateau) to Cuzco - a totally fascinating experience. En route, you may also view Alpacas, Llamas and perhaps Vicuña - native animals of the Altiplano.
Arriving into Cuzco early evening and transfer to your hotel.
NOTE: If you prefer, one can fly to Cuzco - instead of travelling overland. The airfare not included in the tour price.

Day 16

Cuzco/Sacred Valley/Cuzco

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 lunch, continue along the Urubamba Valley towards the town of Ollantaytambo, from where you will climb up to its imposing Inca fortress at the top of the mountain. Return to your hotel in Cuzco.

Day 17

Cuzco

Morning at leisure. Cuzco was the Inca capital and this afternoon you will visit the historic highlights of the city. The tour will show you the amazing colonial city built on the foundations of the Inca palaces.  You will visit the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral with its carved woodworks, altars and paintings. Then you will be driven to the Inca fortress of Sacsahuamán, to the underground cave and temple of Kenko, Puca Pucara and to Tambomachay, known as the Baths of the Inca.

Day 18

Cuzco/Machu Picchu

Today is set aside for an experience you will never forget as you 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 Spaniards, 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.
Overnight at the village of Aguas Calientes.

Day 19

Machu Picchu/Cuzco

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 and transfers not included). Perhaps climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu or up to the Sun Gate for panoramic views. This afternoon, you will board the train back to Cuzco, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 20

Cuzco/Amazon

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

Day 21 - 22

Amazon

Lodge activities.

Day 23

Amazon/Lima

This morning you will be transferred to the airport to catch your 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.
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 24

Lima

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 25

Lima/Buenos Aires

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

Day 26

Buenos Aires

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 neighborhood, 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 watch a Tango performance.

Day 27

Buenos Aires

Full day Gaucho experience at Estancia, typical Argentine ranch. Here you will experience first hand an Argentine Asado (barbecue) and witness the lifestyle of the Argentine Gauchos (cowboys).

Day 28

Buenos Aires/Iguazu Falls

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to IGUAZU FALLS.
Iguazu 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 transferred to your hotel in the Brazilian side of the Falls.
This afternoon you will join a tour to the Brazilian side of the falls.

Day 29

Iguazu Falls

Today join a tour of the Argentinean falls.

Day 30

Iguazu Falls/Rio de Janeiro

This morning you will be transferred to the Iguassu Falls airport in Brazil for your flight to RIO DE JANEIRO. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 31

Rio de Janeiro

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. Lunch today is at a local restaurant. 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 - 33

Rio de Janeiro

Days at leisure to relax at Copacabana or Ipanema Beach or, perhaps, join an optional tour.

Day 34

Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to the airport.
Note: The order of any sightseeing tour may change due to unforeseen circumstances and will be at the discretion of the tour operator.