Spirit of South America

Same as the Standard itinerary (excluding flights) plus the following:

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the highlights of the amazing Galapagos Islands
• Island hop through the breath-taking Galapagos Islands
• Search for Galapagos tortoises in the wild
• Enjoy a tour of Academy Bay in the Galapagos
• Snorkel amongst sea lions
• Spot sea iguanas on Playa de Los Perros, Santa Cruz
• Learn about endemic species at the Charles Darwin Research Station
• Enjoy a half day tour on Isla Lobos
• Witness the abundant sea and bird life of the Galapagos Islands
• Enjoy a day at leisure in Quito, the capital city in Ecuador

FLIGHTS

• Return International Flights from Australia (or New Zealand) to to Quito, Ecuador
• International flight from Quito Ecuador to Lima, Peru
• 2 x internal flights in Ecuador (economy class): Quito to Baltra, and San Cristobal to Quito

ACCOMMODATION

• 4 nights quality accommodation in Galapagos
• 3 nights 5- star hotel accommodation in Quito, Ecuador

DINING

• Enjoy 10 additional meals including daily breakfast

TOUR ESSENTIALS

• English-speaking tour leaders & guides
• Airlines taxes and surcharges

TRANSPORT

• Transportation by private A/C vehicles
• Shared boats in between the islands 

Today depart from Australia for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival in Lima be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.

Lima is a huge and fascinating city, a melting pot of all things Peruvian where world-famous restaurants sit alongside ancient archaeological sites. Known as The City of Kings, the Peruvian capital is packed with stunning colonial architecture, huge religious buildings, the seat of government, and other important structures.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel José Antonio Lima, Peru or similar

Meals included: None

Today embark on a city tour of Lima, where you will be guided to some of the most important locations in the city, including Huaca Pucllana, the Plaza de Armas, Lima Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Convent.
Huaca Pucllana is a huge archaeological site in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular districts. Huaca Pucllana was an important ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture, which developed along this part of the Peruvian coast between 200 AD and 700 AD.

After exploring Huaca Pucllana with your guide, travel to the historic centre of Lima, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Go to the beautiful Plaza de Armas (Lima’s main square) which is surrounded by impressive colonial and Republican-era buildings, many of which have ornate wooden balconies. Visit the Cathedral of Lima, which was completed in 1649. It’s a huge structure, with a large central nave and 14 side chapels. Inside, we’ll see the sculptures and paintings that decorate the interior.

Next, we’ll walk one block to the Convent of Santo Domingo. Founded in the 1530s and completed in 1766, it is one of the most important religious buildings in Peru, and its large bell tower is a landmark in the historic centre of Lima.

Afterwards, transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Cusco. Once arrived in Cusco, a tour representative will be waiting at the airport and transfer you to the hotel where you will stay for the next three nights.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Wake up in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, one of the most fascinating cities in South America. Just walking through the city centre you can see the incredible mix of Inca and colonial architecture, watch the merging of indigenous and Spanish influences, and feel the history that flows through every cobblestone street. Cusco is located in the Peruvian Andes at an altitude of 3,399 metres above sea level.

Today you will embark on a half-day tour, visiting Cusco Cathedral, the Koricancha (Qorikancha), Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay, giving you a deep insight into the city and its history. First go to the wonderful Koricancha, next to the Church of Santo Domingo. According to chroniclers writing during the period immediately after the Spanish conquest, the Koricancha was the most sacred and important temple of the Inca Empire. Its walls were covered in gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals, all made of pure gold and silver, decorated its rooms and corridors. Unfortunately, this wealth was stripped away by the Spanish conquistadors.

Afterwards, visit the Cathedral of Cusco, located in the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 on the foundations of an existing Inca temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art from the Cusco school of painters, and its high altar and pulpit are covered in gold and silver reliefs. The next stop is the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which stands on a hill above Cusco. Here you will see some of the best examples of Inca stonework and construction, including huge rocks that were carefully cut and fitted perfectly to form the walls. Then we visit the Qenqo Archaeological Complex, which is considered an Inca labyrinth where there is an altar with ritual motifs. Then we head to Tambomachay. The exact purpose of this site is unknown, but it may have functioned, at least in part, as an Inca spa.

After a morning of exploring, you’ll have the remainder of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful valley that is located north of Cusco. Also called the Urubamba Valley, it extends from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, its course irrigated by the Urubamba River. Civilizations have inhabited this valley since at least 800 BC, when the Chanapata civilization arrived here to make use of the rich soil. Today you will embark on a full-day tour to discover the fascinating archaeological sites of civilizations past.

Leaving Cusco, we pass through the Abra de Corao and head into the mountains before descending about 450 metres to the bottom of the valley. Here we will explore the colourful traditional markets in Pisac before heading to the archaeological site, where we will explore the extensive ruins and enjoy beautiful views of the valley. Afterwards, we stop in Urubamba for lunch (not included) before heading to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo which was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial centre. Visit the amazing Temple of the Sun, carved and polished by Inca master stonemasons. Walking towards the town square, we will have great views of the ruins above us, as well as the Inca granaries and warehouses built into the surrounding mountain slopes.

After Ollantaytambo, head to Chinchero, where we will visit the famous church and the huge Inca stone wall in the main square, which has ten trapezoidal niches. The people of Chinchero are very connected to the old traditions, and many still dress in colourful clothing that combines indigenous and Spanish influences. After a day of exploration, we return to Cusco for the evening.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will check out from your accommodation in Cusco and be transferred to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Take the train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), a colourful town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The two-hour train ride is a memorable experience in itself, as we pass through river canyons and rolling hills.

Aguas Calientes is the gateway to Machu Picchu, sitting in a deep gorge at the foot of the mountain on which Machu Picchu stands. It is a beautiful town that mixes traditional life with a huge tourist infrastructure, with a multitude of markets, souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants. It's also largely pedestrianized, making it a fun place to explore on foot. Aguas Calientes is surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and cliffs, and the Urubamba River flows right by the town. Aguas Calientes is also surrounded by hot springs, soyou will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a dip in one of the steaming natural springs. You will also have time to walk around the city and explore the colourful markets and the general bustle of this unique Peruvian settlement.

Overnight: Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu, Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is an early start, at approximately 05.40 you will be picked up and board the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. You will have time for breakfast before being picked up this morning.

Pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here you’ll be guided on a two-hour tour, to the most famous and most spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and other key locations. And as you walk around, you’ll have spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across to the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges.

Once you’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Poroy and Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, a tour representative will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own leisure. The capital city of the Inca Empire is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city.

Optional Activity: Folklore Show & Dinner - $50 per person
Head to the Tunupa restaurant, located just near the central Plaza de Armas of Cusco (a short walk from the hotel), and experience a fabulous buffet dinner. There is a large selection of typical Peruvian dishes featuring meat, fish and vegetables. The night becomes more enjoyable when the traditional dance show begins; get involved with folk, traditional and classical music, enjoying the sounds of Andean instruments. If you wish, you can also share the dance floor with the dancers and enjoy a great, memorable experience.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in Cusco in preparation for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Once arrived, you will be met by your tour leader and transferred to your accommodation for the next three nights.

Puerto Maldonado is Peru’s capital of biodiversity and gateway to the Amazon. You will be transported to Puerto Capitanía, the port where our riverboat will be waiting for us. We will sail across Rio Bajo Madre de Dios (Winding River) until arriving at our lodge, 30 km away from Puerto Maldonado City. On the way to the lodge, you can observe diverse animals such as the capybaras, caimans, water turtles, herons, cormorants, carrion birds and birds of prey.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with delicious Amazon tropical fruit nectars and a hearty lunch will be served in the rustically designed dining room.

In the afternoon, the specialised guide will take you through an interpretive trail, conveniently signposted, to Caiman Cocha, a little lagoon where you will have the chance to observe the black caiman and the common caiman, as well as efficient predators located at the top of the food chain. They feed on a rich water fauna—mainly represented by fish— that inhabits the pond. In the evening you can enjoy a delicious dinner and time to share unforgettable moments at the bar, equipped with an excellent game room.

Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, embark on a hike deep into the forest on well-looked-after trails. On the way, cross the riverside to reach high-elevation forests, and then you will descend to floodable forests. During the journey, you will see the widest range of flora and fauna in the wild. Arrive at the majestic Lake Apu Victor, surrounded by immense swamps and gigantic trees. Then, you'll go up to an Amazonian observation deck, from which you’ll get to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake, and observe parrots, macaws, toucans, horned screamers, hoatzins, herons and other animals like caimans, turtles, etc. A wide variety of fish enter Lake Apu Victor with flooding in the rainy season. In addition, there are other species of fauna associated with the lake, like the yellow-footed tortoise, the mata mata, the twist-necked turtle, the freshwater blenny, the kinkajou, the white-tailed deer, the Central American agoutis and the giant otter of the Amazon rainforest.

Return to the lodge for a refreshing lunch before heading on a guided tour in the afternoon to Monkey Island. This island shows an enormous variety of exuberant flora and hosts numerous primate specimens like the black spider monkey, the black-cap capuchin monkey, the squirrel monkey and the lion monkey. Also other species of little mammals like the ring-tailed coati (nasua nasua), the squirrel and an enormous variety of coloured birds.

Finally, we will complete our visit to the island, enjoying a sunset with the most impressive dusk in the jungle. Back in the lodge, you will taste an exquisite dinner.

Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Magic begins with birds singing from the Amazon paradise, waking up to the howler monkey calls. A hearty breakfast will provide you with the necessary energy for a morning full of new experiences.

After breakfast, start an adventure in the virgin forest. Accompanied by a local guide, go on a hike in the deep forest: you will cover very well preserved prepared trails. You will cross temporary water courses, called tributaries, through very well-kept bridges, and you’ll witness the widest range of flora and fauna in the wild. You’ll identify a great variety of ornamental plants with unparalleled beauty. With luck, you’ll get to see bigger mammals, like the jaguar or Peruvian jaguar, the Brazilian tapir and the white-lipped peccary; rodents like the giant otter, the capybara, the spotted paca and the armadillo; primates like the coto or howler monkey and the squirrel monkey; reptiles like the iguana; amphibians like the toad, and birds like the guan, the partridge, the golden parakeet or the scarlet macaw.

After a morning of exploring, you will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have time at leisure to explore the lodge, visit the botanical garden or observe the medicinal plants and fruit trees. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner.

Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning wake to the sounds of the amazon, enjoy breakfast before departing the lodge and transferring to Puerto Maldonado Airport in preparation for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Once arrived in Buenos Aires, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel for the next 3 nights. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure in the city fondly known as the ‘Paris of South America’.

Overnight: Principado Hotel, Buenos Aires or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, after breakfast, you will embark on a city tour of Buenos Aires. Discover the beauty and magic of Buenos Aires as you visit the most important highlights of the spectacular city. Let yourself be seduced by its busy and beautiful streets full of tango sounds and soccer passion, a unique mixture which turns your stay into an exceptional urban adventure. You’ll first stop at Plaza de Mayo, an important foundational site for the countries’ political past, surrounded by emblematic buildings. Here you will learn the history of the area before visiting one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods, San Telmo, with its cobblestoned streets, antique shops and picturesque buildings. Experience the history of tango in the neighbourhood of La Boca, one of the city’s most authentic and charming neighbourhoods, as you walk along Caminito Street. Visit the Pink House (the Presidential Palace), the Cabildo (the original town hall), and the Neoclassical-style Metropolitan Cathedral, the final home of Argentina’s founding father, José de San Martín. After the city tour be returned to your hotel where you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

In the evening, at approximately 6.30pm, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Aljibe Tango for a 3-course dinner and tango show. Aljibe Tango Show is located in the heart of the San Telmo neighbourhood, in a historic fully restored barn. This tango venue is a classic site in the route through Buenos Aires’ culture and customs. The interiors, which preserve the purest of the building, are the ideal setting for a unique proposal with artists on stage: two Tango orchestras, a set of folk music, dancers and singers. After the show, you will be returned to the hotel.

Overnight: Principado Hotel, Buenos Aires or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Buenos Aires at your own leisure. The name, Buenos Aires, literally means "good airs" in Spanish. It is one of the largest cities in Latin America, with a wide range of cultural offers and stunning sights. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in one of the following optional activities:

Optional Activity: Gaucho Ranch Experience - $350 per person
Full-day tour (approximately 9 hours)
Immerse in the cultural legacy of 'gauchos' (drovers), Argentine traditions, local craftsmen and fine arts. Once at the estancia (around one hour and a half away from the city), you can enjoy horseback riding or go for a ride in a sulky or carriage, whilst enjoying some 'empanadas' (traditional pasties) and beverages. At lunchtime, you will enjoy a typical country-style barbeque prepared using only the finest quality meats. Dessert is accompanied by a folk music performance, which is followed by a demonstration of gaucho skills (horse whispering or 'tropillas').

Optional Activity: Tigre & Delta Tour with Boat Ride - $190 per person
Full-day tour (approx. 6 hours)
Head to the city’s port to board a first-class motorboat which will take you to the Tigre Delta. During the one-and-a-half-hour trip, you can admire Buenos Aires from The River Plate, its northern areas, and the Delta rivers, whilst enjoying refreshments on board. After the motorboat trip, a minibus will take you to visit Paseo Victorica, the most important neighbourhood in Tigre, and Puerto de Frutos, a typical market. You will soon find yourself in San Isidro, where you'll visit the town’s historical centre and the cathedral on foot while having a snack, and then finally you will see the city’s northern areas and the Presidential Residence in Olivos, before being returning to the hotel.

Overnight: Principado Hotel, Buenos Aires or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to the town of Puerto Iguazu, on the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Puerto Iguazu is the gateway to the Iguazu Waterfalls, which are located near the triple border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. They are 275 cascades fed by the Iguazu River flow. One of the most important attractions is "Garganta del Diablo" or “The Devil's Throat” which is the biggest fall of the complex (80m high). No matter if you decide to explore the waterfalls on the Argentinean side or if you want to contemplate them from Brazil, you may rest assured that the experience is a mesmerizing show.

Overnight: El Pueblito Theme Hotel, Iguazu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, be met by the local guide for an excursion into the Argentinian side of Iguazu National Park, to spend the day exploring the falls and the surrounding rivers and jungle. The park consists of various trails that take you through the jungle on walkways built a few metres above the jungle floor and waterways. These raised platforms protect the natural habitat of the jungle wildlife and will give you some spectacular views.
Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in the park (not included) or bring a packed lunch with you from Puerto Iguazu to enjoy in the great outdoors. Return to Puerto Iguazu in the afternoon.

Optional Tour: The Great Adventure Tour - $180 per person
The Great Adventure is a unique tour that combines the whole essence of the Iguazu National Park in one ride: the jungle and the waterfalls. It starts by entering the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” trail with special transportation that allows a panoramic view of the environment along with experienced guides that give a lot of explanations as well as the legend of this spectacular place. After an 8km truck ride, arrive at the Puerto Macuco Base, which is 100m away from the Infirmary and Service Station, and 100m of stairs ahead is the floating platform where the second part of this ride begins. With motorboats, visitors travel 6km through the Canyon of the Iguazu River, until the falls, from here there are 2km of river rapids. After enjoying the view from the calm side of San Martin Island, you will sail to the “Tres Mosqueteros” waterfall, at that point, the Brazilian and Argentinian sides and the Devil’s Throat can be clearly appreciated. After that, sail along the shore of the island until you reach the most exciting part where you will face the San Martin waterfall, a wonderful and unforgettable experience, for it’s the largest waterfall any motor-boat can approach safely.

Please note: The Great Adventure Tour will take place during the scheduled tour of the Argentinian side of the falls mentioned in the itinerary above. Customers who purchase the Great Adventure Tour will split from the main group partway through the scheduled tour to take part in this optional tour.

This tour is not suitable for the following people:
• Children under 12 years old
• Pregnant women
• People with osteoporosis, neck, back conditions or surgery
• People with heart conditions or surgery
• People with COPD or neurological condition or surgery
• People with any physical, cognitive or/and sensorial disability unable to react in a nautical emergency

Overnight: El Pueblito Theme Hotel, Iguazu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will be met at the hotel and transferred across the border to the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park. Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the Iguazu River Canyon, the Salto Rivadavia, Three Musketeers and the Devil's Throat, among other iconic landmarks on this side of the park. This wonderful setting is enhanced by the almost permanent rainbows that are created by the spray from the waterfalls. Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants (not included) and then transfer onwards to the airport in Foz de Iguazu (Brazil) for your connecting flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart from the hotel to visit the iconic Christ Statue, recently elected as one of the seven modern wonders of the world. The statue sits 701m above the city of Rio. The statue has fascinated experts and historians for nearly a hundred years. It’s the fourth largest statue of Jesus Christ in the world, the largest Art Deco-style sculpture on the planet, and to top it all off, in 2007 the statue was deemed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Perched on the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio, the statue stands at a whopping 30 metres tall (making it two-thirds the height of New York’s Statue of Liberty), and its outstretched arms reach 28m horizontally. Not only is the statue the most recognizable landmark of Rio, it’s become a cultural icon of Brazil as well.

Continue to visit the impressive Selarón Stairs: Jorge Selarón’s unique and vivid mosaic steps sit in tribute to his adopted city, Rio de Janeiro. The Escadaria Selarón, 125m of steps covered in bright tile, is a product of sheer determination by Selarón and they act are a source of inspiration for the neighbourhood.

After the tour, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Rio de Janeiro at your own leisure. Rio is well known as a vibrant city with stunning natural landscapes, including its beaches, mountains and tropical rainforests. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in the following optional activities:

Optional Activity: City Tour & Sugar Loaf Mountain - $160 per person
Half-day tour (approximately 4 hours).
Enjoy a city tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro and visit the Sambadrome, Praca XV, Cinelandia, Maracana Stadium and the Metropolitan Cathedral (entrances not included). Continue to Sugarloaf Mountain, ascending by cable car to a vantage where you can enjoy amazing views including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance.

Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Santiago de Chile. Once arrived in Santiago you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.

Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile. The city combines colonial and European architecture with a distinctive style that invites thousands of visitors to explore its street full of museums, stores, and world-class restaurants. Santiago is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Latin America.

Overnight: Torremayor Providencia Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, after breakfast, embark on a city sightseeing tour where you will first head to Plaza de Armas (translates to ‘square of weapons’) which in colonial times a gallows was the square's grisly centrepiece, today it's a fountain celebrating libertador (liberator) Bernardo O'Higgins, shaded by more than a hundred Chilean palm trees. Tour through the civic district, with the ministerial building surrounding the government’s house, the Palacio de la Moneda, a silent witness of the most relevant event in our republican history. To conclude the historical area, a tour of the old and stately neighbourhoods of the old “high society”, a place full of an exquisite architectonic variety brought by immigrants, mainly European, in a time of great mining exploitation and high-born families. Then observe magnificent panoramic views of the city and mountains before heading to the western area to see the great architectonic contrast. A thriving and contemporary city with impressive buildings of daring styles that represent a seal of modernity to this big city.

Afterwards, be returned to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Torremayor Providencia Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Santiago at your own leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in the following optional activities:

Optional Activity: Valparaíso & Viña del Mar Tour $340 per person
Full-day tour (approximately 9 hours)
Valparaíso, the main port in Chile, is considered a World Heritage Site by its rare architecture and narrow-street display, passages, and stairs that go up to the top of the hills. Viña del Mar, the most visited tourist seaside resort in the country, is also known as the Ciudad Jardín (Garden City) because of all the green areas that surround it, wide sidewalks, beautiful plazas, and bloomed gardens. Both cities are gates to the Pacific Ocean. Discover the contrast of both cities next to the sea, located only 120 km from Santiago.

Overnight: Torremayor Providencia Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time be transferred to the airport in preparation of your return flight to Australia.

Meals included: Breakfast

Sit back, relax and reminisce on the memories created over the past weeks on your trip through South America.

Once arrived in Australia, make your own onward travel arrangements.

Today depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Quito, Ecuador. Once arrived you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.

Quito is the largest, best-preserved colonial city of America and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the cultural capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.

Sheraton Quito Ecudaor, Quito or similar

Meals included: None

Today you’ll have the day at leisure to relax or alternatively, you can choose to partake in an optional tour.

Optional Tour: Full-Day Quito City Tour - $75 per person

Enjoy a truly unique experience in the heart of Quito city and discover its history from a local eye. Walk around its narrow streets, visiting the most iconic buildings such as; the Golden Church, San Francisco Square, and the Main Square. Visit Luis' local workshop, “Cruz Verde”, a well-known artisan whose family has prepared the local candy “Colaciones” for the last 100 years keeping alive Quito ́s tradition. For lunch, you will have the opportunity to sit with locals and enjoy a tasty meal freshly prepared using local products and flavours. In the afternoon, you will go for a walk on the colourful Ronda Street, you can enjoy a giant empanada and to finish the day, go to Panecillo Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of Quito.

Overnight: Sheraton Quito Ecudaor, Quito or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Island of Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be picked up and transferred to Santa Cruz, a nearby island, crossing the narrow Itabaca channel by ferry and then continuing by car. Your first stop will be at the highlands of Santa Cruz. The “Parte Alta” as the highlands are called in Spanish are very lush and green and home to the iconic giant Galapagos tortoises. Here you will visit a private ranch where you will enjoy lunch before heading out on a walk in search of the giant tortoises.

During this visit you will also visit some lava tubes, which are formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies, but the inside remains a liquid and flows out like a river. After this tour, you will continue by private transport to the hotel. Here you will have a meet and greet with a local guide who will explain the following days itinerary to you. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to explore this beautiful Island.

Overnight: Hotel Fiesta or similar, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today, after breakfast, you will enjoy a half-day tour of Academy Bay. Be sure to pack sun protection, a bathing suit, a towel, a camera and comfortable walking shoes. Optional snorkel equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it. During the tour, you will take a boat to Academy Bay where you can swim and snorkel with sea lions and all kinds of colourful fish. Here you can see the blue-footed boobies who are resting at the edge of the cliffs.

Afterwards, climb to a nearby viewpoint and if you are lucky, you can see white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below. Afterwards, take a walk to ‘Playa de los Perros’ where many sea iguanas are found resting in the sun. The enormous cacti, the red colour of the rocks and the turquoise colour of the ocean make for great photo opportunities.

Overnight: Hotel Fiesta or similar, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

This morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon you will be met and transferred from the hotel to the dock of Santa Cruz from where you will take a boat (approx. 2 hours) to the island of San Cristobal. Upon arrival at the dock in San Cristobal, you will be transferred to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here you will have a meet and greet with another local guide who will explain the rest of your itinerary to you. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure on this stunning island.

Overnight: Hotel Arena Blanca or similar, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, you will be met and transferred to a dock where you will take a quick boat ride to the nearby Isla Lobos. During this boat trip, you will observe a lot of sea life before even setting foot on the island. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour where you will have the chance to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions that all inhabit the island. Afterwards, you will have time for a swim or snorkel in the beautiful waters.

Continue onwards to a nearby beach on San Cristobal where you may enjoy an included packed lunch and some time at leisure. The white coral beaches of San Cristobal are great to walk around, relax and swim in the shallow waters before returning to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Overnight: Hotel Arena Blanca or similar, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Enjoy some free time this morning before transferring to the airport in San Cristobal. From here, you will take a quick flight back to Ecuador's mainland. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight: Sheraton or similar, Quito, Ecuador

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival in Lima, be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.

Lima is a huge and fascinating city, a melting pot of all things Peruvian, where world-famous restaurants sit alongside ancient archaeological sites. Known as The City of Kings, the Peruvian capital is packed with stunning colonial architecture, huge religious buildings, the seat of government, and other important structures.

Overnight: Hotel José Antonio Lima, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today embark on a city tour of Lima, where you will be guided to some of the most important locations in the city, including Huaca Pucllana, the Plaza de Armas, Lima Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Convent.
Huaca Pucllana is a huge archaeological site in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular districts. Huaca Pucllana was an important ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture, which developed along this part of the Peruvian coast between 200 AD and 700 AD.

After exploring Huaca Pucllana with your guide, travel to the historic centre of Lima, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Go to the beautiful Plaza de Armas (Lima’s main square) which is surrounded by impressive colonial and Republican-era buildings, many of which have ornate wooden balconies. Visit the Cathedral of Lima, which was completed in 1649. It’s a huge structure, with a large central nave and 14 side chapels. Inside, we’ll see the sculptures and paintings that decorate the interior.

Next, we’ll walk one block to the Convent of Santo Domingo. Founded in the 1530s and completed in 1766, it is one of the most important religious buildings in Peru, and its large bell tower is a landmark in the historic centre of Lima.

Afterwards, transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Cusco. Once arrived in Cusco, a tour representative will be waiting at the airport and transfer you to the hotel where you will stay for the next three nights.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Wake up in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, one of the most fascinating cities in South America. Just walking through the city centre you can see the incredible mix of Inca and colonial architecture, watch the merging of indigenous and Spanish influences, and feel the history that flows through every cobblestone street. Cusco is located in the Peruvian Andes at an altitude of 3,399 metres above sea level.

Today you will embark on a half-day tour, visiting Cusco Cathedral, the Koricancha (Qorikancha), Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay, giving you a deep insight into the city and its history. First go to the wonderful Koricancha, next to the Church of Santo Domingo. According to chroniclers writing during the period immediately after the Spanish conquest, the Koricancha was the most sacred and important temple of the Inca Empire. Its walls were covered in gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals, all made of pure gold and silver, decorated its rooms and corridors. Unfortunately, this wealth was stripped away by the Spanish conquistadors.

Afterwards, visit the Cathedral of Cusco, located in the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 on the foundations of an existing Inca temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art from the Cusco school of painters, and its high altar and pulpit are covered in gold and silver reliefs. The next stop is the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which stands on a hill above Cusco. Here you will see some of the best examples of Inca stonework and construction, including huge rocks that were carefully cut and fitted perfectly to form the walls. Then we visit the Qenqo Archaeological Complex, which is considered an Inca labyrinth where there is an altar with ritual motifs. Then we head to Tambomachay. The exact purpose of this site is unknown, but it may have functioned, at least in part, as an Inca spa.

After a morning of exploring, you’ll have the remainder of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful valley that is located north of Cusco. Also called the Urubamba Valley, it extends from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, its course irrigated by the Urubamba River. Civilizations have inhabited this valley since at least 800 BC, when the Chanapata civilization arrived here to make use of the rich soil. Today you will embark on a full-day tour to discover the fascinating archaeological sites of civilizations past.

Leaving Cusco, we pass through the Abra de Corao and head into the mountains before descending about 450 metres to the bottom of the valley. Here we will explore the colourful traditional markets in Pisac before heading to the archaeological site, where we will explore the extensive ruins and enjoy beautiful views of the valley. Afterwards, we stop in Urubamba for lunch (not included) before heading to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo which was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial centre. Visit the amazing Temple of the Sun, carved and polished by Inca master stonemasons. Walking towards the town square, we will have great views of the ruins above us, as well as the Inca granaries and warehouses built into the surrounding mountain slopes.

After Ollantaytambo, head to Chinchero, where we will visit the famous church and the huge Inca stone wall in the main square, which has ten trapezoidal niches. The people of Chinchero are very connected to the old traditions, and many still dress in colourful clothing that combines indigenous and Spanish influences. After a day of exploration, we return to Cusco for the evening.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will check out from your accommodation in Cusco and be transferred to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Take the train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), a colourful town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The two-hour train ride is a memorable experience in itself, as we pass through river canyons and rolling hills.

Aguas Calientes is the gateway to Machu Picchu, sitting in a deep gorge at the foot of the mountain on which Machu Picchu stands. It is a beautiful town that mixes traditional life with a huge tourist infrastructure, with a multitude of markets, souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants. It's also largely pedestrianized, making it a fun place to explore on foot. Aguas Calientes is surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and cliffs, and the Urubamba River flows right by the town. Aguas Calientes is also surrounded by hot springs, soyou will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a dip in one of the steaming natural springs. You will also have time to walk around the city and explore the colourful markets and the general bustle of this unique Peruvian settlement.

Overnight: Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu, Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is an early start, at approximately 05.40 you will be picked up and board the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. You will have time for breakfast before being picked up this morning.

Pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here you’ll be guided on a two-hour tour, to the most famous and most spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and other key locations. And as you walk around, you’ll have spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across to the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges.

Once you’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Poroy and Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, a tour representative will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own leisure. The capital city of the Inca Empire is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city.

Optional Activity: Folklore Show & Dinner - $50 per person
Head to the Tunupa restaurant, located just near the central Plaza de Armas of Cusco (a short walk from the hotel), and experience a fabulous buffet dinner. There is a large selection of typical Peruvian dishes featuring meat, fish and vegetables. The night becomes more enjoyable when the traditional dance show begins; get involved with folk, traditional and classical music, enjoying the sounds of Andean instruments. If you wish, you can also share the dance floor with the dancers and enjoy a great, memorable experience.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, Peru or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in Cusco in preparation for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Once arrived, you will be met by your tour leader and transferred to your accommodation for the next three nights.

Puerto Maldonado is Peru’s capital of biodiversity and gateway to the Amazon. You will be transported to Puerto Capitanía, the port where our riverboat will be waiting for us. We will sail across Rio Bajo Madre de Dios (Winding River) until arriving at our lodge, 30 km away from Puerto Maldonado City. On the way to the lodge, you can observe diverse animals such as the capybaras, caimans, water turtles, herons, cormorants, carrion birds and birds of prey.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with delicious Amazon tropical fruit nectars and a hearty lunch will be served in the rustically designed dining room.

In the afternoon, the specialised guide will take you through an interpretive trail, conveniently signposted, to Caiman Cocha, a little lagoon where you will have the chance to observe the black caiman and the common caiman, as well as efficient predators located at the top of the food chain. They feed on a rich water fauna—mainly represented by fish— that inhabits the pond. In the evening you can enjoy a delicious dinner and time to share unforgettable moments at the bar, equipped with an excellent game room.

Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, embark on a hike deep into the forest on well-looked-after trails. On the way, cross the riverside to reach high-elevation forests, and then you will descend to floodable forests. During the journey, you will see the widest range of flora and fauna in the wild. Arrive at the majestic Lake Apu Victor, surrounded by immense swamps and gigantic trees. Then, you'll go up to an Amazonian observation deck, from which you’ll get to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake, and observe parrots, macaws, toucans, horned screamers, hoatzins, herons and other animals like caimans, turtles, etc. A wide variety of fish enter Lake Apu Victor with flooding in the rainy season. In addition, there are other species of fauna associated with the lake, like the yellow-footed tortoise, the mata mata, the twist-necked turtle, the freshwater blenny, the kinkajou, the white-tailed deer, the Central American agoutis and the giant otter of the Amazon rainforest.

Return to the lodge for a refreshing lunch before heading on a guided tour in the afternoon to Monkey Island. This island shows an enormous variety of exuberant flora and hosts numerous primate specimens like the black spider monkey, the black-cap capuchin monkey, the squirrel monkey and the lion monkey. Also other species of little mammals like the ring-tailed coati (nasua nasua), the squirrel and an enormous variety of coloured birds.

Finally, we will complete our visit to the island, enjoying a sunset with the most impressive dusk in the jungle. Back in the lodge, you will taste an exquisite dinner.

Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Magic begins with birds singing from the Amazon paradise, waking up to the howler monkey calls. A hearty breakfast will provide you with the necessary energy for a morning full of new experiences.

After breakfast, start an adventure in the virgin forest. Accompanied by a local guide, go on a hike in the deep forest: you will cover very well preserved prepared trails. You will cross temporary water courses, called tributaries, through very well-kept bridges, and you’ll witness the widest range of flora and fauna in the wild. You’ll identify a great variety of ornamental plants with unparalleled beauty. With luck, you’ll get to see bigger mammals, like the jaguar or Peruvian jaguar, the Brazilian tapir and the white-lipped peccary; rodents like the giant otter, the capybara, the spotted paca and the armadillo; primates like the coto or howler monkey and the squirrel monkey; reptiles like the iguana; amphibians like the toad, and birds like the guan, the partridge, the golden parakeet or the scarlet macaw.

After a morning of exploring, you will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have time at leisure to explore the lodge, visit the botanical garden or observe the medicinal plants and fruit trees. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner.

Overnight: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning wake to the sounds of the amazon, enjoy breakfast before departing the lodge and transferring to Puerto Maldonado Airport in preparation for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Once arrived in Buenos Aires, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel for the next 3 nights. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure in the city fondly known as the ‘Paris of South America’.

Overnight: Principado Hotel, Buenos Aires or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, after breakfast, you will embark on a city tour of Buenos Aires. Discover the beauty and magic of Buenos Aires as you visit the most important highlights of the spectacular city. Let yourself be seduced by its busy and beautiful streets full of tango sounds and soccer passion, a unique mixture which turns your stay into an exceptional urban adventure. You’ll first stop at Plaza de Mayo, an important foundational site for the countries’ political past, surrounded by emblematic buildings. Here you will learn the history of the area before visiting one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods, San Telmo, with its cobblestoned streets, antique shops and picturesque buildings. Experience the history of tango in the neighbourhood of La Boca, one of the city’s most authentic and charming neighbourhoods, as you walk along Caminito Street. Visit the Pink House (the Presidential Palace), the Cabildo (the original town hall), and the Neoclassical-style Metropolitan Cathedral, the final home of Argentina’s founding father, José de San Martín. After the city tour be returned to your hotel where you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

In the evening, at approximately 6.30pm, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Aljibe Tango for a 3-course dinner and tango show. Aljibe Tango Show is located in the heart of the San Telmo neighbourhood, in a historic fully restored barn. This tango venue is a classic site in the route through Buenos Aires’ culture and customs. The interiors, which preserve the purest of the building, are the ideal setting for a unique proposal with artists on stage: two Tango orchestras, a set of folk music, dancers and singers. After the show, you will be returned to the hotel.

Overnight: Principado Hotel, Buenos Aires or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Buenos Aires at your own leisure. The name, Buenos Aires, literally means "good airs" in Spanish. It is one of the largest cities in Latin America, with a wide range of cultural offers and stunning sights. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in one of the following optional activities:

Optional Activity: Gaucho Ranch Experience - $330 per person
Full-day tour (approximately 9 hours)
Immerse in the cultural legacy of 'gauchos' (drovers), Argentine traditions, local craftsmen and fine arts. Once at the estancia (around one hour and a half away from the city), you can enjoy horseback riding or go for a ride in a sulky or carriage, whilst enjoying some 'empanadas' (traditional pasties) and beverages. At lunchtime, you will enjoy a typical country-style barbeque prepared using only the finest quality meats. Dessert is accompanied by a folk music performance, which is followed by a demonstration of gaucho skills (horse whispering or 'tropillas').

Optional Activity: Tigre & Delta Tour with Boat Ride - $180 per person
Full-day tour (approx. 6 hours)
Head to the city’s port to board a first-class motorboat which will take you to the Tigre Delta. During the one-and-a-half-hour trip, you can admire Buenos Aires from The River Plate, its northern areas, and the Delta rivers, whilst enjoying refreshments on board. After the motorboat trip, a minibus will take you to visit Paseo Victorica, the most important neighbourhood in Tigre, and Puerto de Frutos, a typical market. You will soon find yourself in San Isidro, where you'll visit the town’s historical centre and the cathedral on foot while having a snack, and then finally you will see the city’s northern areas and the Presidential Residence in Olivos, before being returning to the hotel.

Overnight: Principado Hotel, Buenos Aires or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to the town of Puerto Iguazu, on the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Puerto Iguazu is the gateway to the Iguazu Waterfalls, which are located near the triple border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. They are 275 cascades fed by the Iguazu River flow. One of the most important attractions is "Garganta del Diablo" or “The Devil's Throat” which is the biggest fall of the complex (80m high). No matter if you decide to explore the waterfalls on the Argentinean side or if you want to contemplate them from Brazil, you may rest assured that the experience is a mesmerizing show.

Overnight: El Pueblito Theme Hotel, Iguazu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, be met by the local guide for an excursion into the Argentinian side of Iguazu National Park, to spend the day exploring the falls and the surrounding rivers and jungle. The park consists of various trails that take you through the jungle on walkways built a few metres above the jungle floor and waterways. These raised platforms protect the natural habitat of the jungle wildlife and will give you some spectacular views.
Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in the park (not included) or bring a packed lunch with you from Puerto Iguazu to enjoy in the great outdoors. Return to Puerto Iguazu in the afternoon.

Optional Tour: The Great Adventure Tour - $170 per person
The Great Adventure is a unique tour that combines the whole essence of the Iguazu National Park in one ride: the jungle and the waterfalls. It starts by entering the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” trail with special transportation that allows a panoramic view of the environment along with experienced guides that give a lot of explanations as well as the legend of this spectacular place. After an 8km truck ride, arrive at the Puerto Macuco Base, which is 100m away from the Infirmary and Service Station, and 100m of stairs ahead is the floating platform where the second part of this ride begins. With motorboats, visitors travel 6km through the Canyon of the Iguazu River, until the falls, from here there are 2km of river rapids. After enjoying the view from the calm side of San Martin Island, you will sail to the “Tres Mosqueteros” waterfall, at that point, the Brazilian and Argentinian sides and the Devil’s Throat can be clearly appreciated. After that, sail along the shore of the island until you reach the most exciting part where you will face the San Martin waterfall, a wonderful and unforgettable experience, for it’s the largest waterfall any motor-boat can approach safely.

Please note: The Great Adventure Tour will take place during the scheduled tour of the Argentinian side of the falls mentioned in the itinerary above. Customers who purchase the Great Adventure Tour will split from the main group partway through the scheduled tour to take part in this optional tour.

This tour is not suitable for the following people:
• Children under 12 years old
• Pregnant women
• People with osteoporosis, neck, back conditions or surgery
• People with heart conditions or surgery
• People with COPD or neurological condition or surgery
• People with any physical, cognitive or/and sensorial disability unable to react in a nautical emergency

Overnight: El Pueblito Theme Hotel, Iguazu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will be met at the hotel and transferred across the border to the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park. Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the Iguazu River Canyon, the Salto Rivadavia, Three Musketeers and the Devil's Throat, among other iconic landmarks on this side of the park. This wonderful setting is enhanced by the almost permanent rainbows that are created by the spray from the waterfalls. Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants (not included) and then transfer onwards to the airport in Foz de Iguazu (Brazil) for your connecting flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart from the hotel to visit the iconic Christ Statue, recently elected as one of the seven modern wonders of the world. The statue sits 701m above the city of Rio. The statue has fascinated experts and historians for nearly a hundred years. It’s the fourth largest statue of Jesus Christ in the world, the largest Art Deco-style sculpture on the planet, and to top it all off, in 2007 the statue was deemed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Perched on the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio, the statue stands at a whopping 30 metres tall (making it two-thirds the height of New York’s Statue of Liberty), and its outstretched arms reach 28m horizontally. Not only is the statue the most recognizable landmark of Rio, it’s become a cultural icon of Brazil as well.

Continue to visit the impressive Selarón Stairs: Jorge Selarón’s unique and vivid mosaic steps sit in tribute to his adopted city, Rio de Janeiro. The Escadaria Selarón, 125m of steps covered in bright tile, is a product of sheer determination by Selarón and they act are a source of inspiration for the neighbourhood.

After the tour, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Rio de Janeiro at your own leisure. Rio is well known as a vibrant city with stunning natural landscapes, including its beaches, mountains and tropical rainforests. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in the following optional activities:

Optional Activity: City Tour & Sugar Loaf Mountain - $160 per person
Half-day tour (approximately 4 hours).
Enjoy a city tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro and visit the Sambadrome, Praca XV, Cinelandia, Maracana Stadium and the Metropolitan Cathedral (entrances not included). Continue to Sugarloaf Mountain, ascending by cable car to a vantage where you can enjoy amazing views including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance.

Overnight: Windsor Plaza Hotel, Rio de Janeiro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Santiago de Chile. Once arrived in Santiago you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.

Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile. The city combines colonial and European architecture with a distinctive style that invites thousands of visitors to explore its street full of museums, stores, and world-class restaurants. Santiago is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Latin America.

Overnight: Torremayor Providencia Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, after breakfast, embark on a city sightseeing tour where you will first head to Plaza de Armas (translates to ‘square of weapons’) which in colonial times a gallows was the square's grisly centrepiece, today it's a fountain celebrating libertador (liberator) Bernardo O'Higgins, shaded by more than a hundred Chilean palm trees. Tour through the civic district, with the ministerial building surrounding the government’s house, the Palacio de la Moneda, a silent witness of the most relevant event in our republican history. To conclude the historical area, a tour of the old and stately neighbourhoods of the old “high society”, a place full of an exquisite architectonic variety brought by immigrants, mainly European, in a time of great mining exploitation and high-born families. Then observe magnificent panoramic views of the city and mountains before heading to the western area to see the great architectonic contrast. A thriving and contemporary city with impressive buildings of daring styles that represent a seal of modernity to this big city.

Afterwards, be returned to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Torremayor Providencia Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Santiago at your own leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in the following optional activities:

Optional Activity: Valparaíso & Viña del Mar Tour $320 per person
Full-day tour (approximately 9 hours)
Valparaíso, the main port in Chile, is considered a World Heritage Site by its rare architecture and narrow-street display, passages, and stairs that go up to the top of the hills. Viña del Mar, the most visited tourist seaside resort in the country, is also known as the Ciudad Jardín (Garden City) because of all the green areas that surround it, wide sidewalks, beautiful plazas, and bloomed gardens. Both cities are gates to the Pacific Ocean. Discover the contrast of both cities next to the sea, located only 120 km from Santiago.

Overnight: Torremayor Providencia Hotel, Santiago de Chile or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time be transferred to the airport in preparation of your return flight to Australia.

Meals included: Breakfast

Sit back, relax and reminisce on the memories created over the past weeks on your trip through South America.

Once arrived in Australia, make your own onward travel arrangements.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

 

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

 

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 

 

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return. 

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

Covid-19 Booking Policy

• TripADeal Tour packages are non-refundable. If your Tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other package available via the TripADeal website. 

 

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

 

The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

 

Please note: All additional charges are payable direct to your Travel Consultant in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until 11 August 2024.

 

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

 

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies: 

 

Itinerary 1: $2,579 

Itinerary 2: $3450 

 

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

 

Departure Dates   

Itinerary 1: 

March: 11*

April: 2

May: *5, 19

June: 9*

July: *7

August: 11 

September: 1

 

Itinerary 2:

March: 4*, 26 

April: 28* 

May: 12 

June: 2*, 30* 

August: 4, 25 

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

 

Surcharges

Please note: 

• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $650 per person.

Departure Cities    

Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth and *Auckland (New Zealand)

  

Departure City Surcharges

Auckland: $300 per person

Brisbane & Adelaide: $400 per person  

Perth: $600 per person

 

International Full-Service Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Airlines: LATAM Airlines, Qantas Airways, Aerolineas Argentinas and partner airlines (subject to availability).

 

Please note: Some flights may transit through the USA. If your flight transits through the United States, please view the Visa' section for further information

 

International & Domestic Airline(s) Used (Internal South America)

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Route:

-International: Puerto Maldonado, Peru to Buenos Aires, Argentina 

-International: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Santiago, Chile

-Domestic: Lima, Peru to Cusco, Peru

-Domestic: Cusco, Peru to Puerto Maldonado, Peru

-Domestic: Buenos Aires, Argentina to Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)

-Domestic: Iguazu Falls (Brazillian side) to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

• Airlines: LATAM Airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas (subject to availability).

• Please be advised that your internal flight/s with Aerolineas will have a checked luggage limit of 15kg per person. Unfortunately, TripADeal is unable to increase this amount during the booking process, so we recommend all travellers keep this in mind when packing for your holiday, regardless of the limits allowed on your long-haul international sectors. Any excess baggage fees you may incur at the airport will be the responsibility of the traveller at the time of check-in and paid directly to the airline.

 

Please note: TripADeal cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

 

Arrive early in Lima, Peru (Itinerary 1 only) 

$300 per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• Arrivals before your selected departure date can only be booked up to one month before check-in. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact TripADeal to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

- 1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024

- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

- 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

Arrive early Quito, Ecuador (Itinerary 2 only) 

$300 per person, subject to availability 

Please note: 

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers. 

• Arrivals before your selected departure date can only be booked up to one month before check-in. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact TripADeal to request availability. *Additional costs may apply. 

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued. 

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking. 

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges: 

• 1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024 

• 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024 

• 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024 

• 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024 

• 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025 

 

Stay behind in Santiago, Chile

$300 per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact TripADeal to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

- 1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024

- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

- 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

 

Stopover Packages

Not available.

 

Flight Class Upgrades

Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.

Please note:

• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

 

Domestic Flight Information

• Please be advised that your internal flight/s with Aerolineas will have a checked luggage limit of 15kg per person. Unfortunately, TripADeal is unable to increase this amount during the booking process, so we recommend all travellers keep this in mind when packing for your holiday, regardless of the limits allowed on your long-haul international sectors. Any excess baggage fees you may incur at the airport will be the responsibility of the traveller at the time of check-in and paid directly to the airline.

 

Accommodation Used:

3-4 Properties (Self-Rated)

Lima, Peru: Hotel José Antonio or similar

Cusco, Peru: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru: Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu or similar

Puerto Maldonado, Peru: EcoAmazonia Lodge or similar

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Principado Hotel or similar

Puerto Iguazu, Argentina: El Pueblito Theme Hotel or similar

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Windsor Plaza Hotel or similar

Santiago, Chile: Torremayor Providencia Hotel or similar 

 

Itinerary 2 Only: 31 Day Galapagos Extension 

3 Star (self-rated) 

Santa Cruz, Galapagos: Hotel Fiesta, Galapagos or similar 

San Cristobal, Galapagos: Hotel Arena Blanca or similar 

 

5 star (self-rated) 

Quito, Ecuador: Sheraton Quito or similar 

 

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

 

Extra Nights

Not available

 

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people

 

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for children 12 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

 

Triple Share

Not available

 

Bedding Configuration

Double or twin bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 16, maximum group size 24 per vehicle.

 

Optional Tours/Activities

Day 7 Optional Activity: Folklore Show and Dinner - $50 per person

Head to the Tunupa restaurant, located just near the central Plaza de Armas of Cusco (a short walk from the hotel), and experience a fabulous buffet dinner. There is a large selection of typical Peruvian dishes featuring meat, fish and vegetables. The night becomes more enjoyable when the traditional dance show begins; get involved with folk, traditional and classical music, enjoying the sounds of Andean instruments. If you wish, you can also share the dance floor with the dancers and enjoy a great, memorable experience.

 

Day 13 Optional Activity 1: Gaucho Ranch Experience $330 per person

Full-day tour (approximately 9 hours).

Immerse in the cultural legacy of gauchos, Argentine traditions, local craftsmen and fine arts. Once at the estancia (around one hour and a half away from the city), you can enjoy horseback riding or go for a ride in a sulky or carriage, whilst enjoying some "empanadas" (traditional pasties) and beverages. At lunchtime, you will enjoy a typical country-style barbeque prepared using only the finest quality meats. Dessert is accompanied by a folk music performance, which is followed by a demonstration of gaucho skills (horse whispering or tropillas).

 

Day 13 Option 2: Tigre & Delta Tour with Boat Ride $180 per person

Full-day tour (approximately 6 hours).

Head to the city’s port to board a first-class motorboat which will take you to the Tigre Delta. During the one-and-a-half-hour trip you can admire Buenos Aires from the River Plate, its northern areas, and the delta rivers, whilst enjoying refreshments on board. After the motorboat trip, a minibus will take you to visit Paseo Victorica, the most important neighbourhood in Tigre, and Puerto de Frutos, a typical market. You will soon find yourself in San Isidro, where you visit the town’s historical centre and the cathedral on foot, while having a snack, and then finally you will see the city’s northern areas and the Presidential Residence in Olivos, before being returning to the hotel.

 

Day 15: Optional Tour Supplement - The Great Adventure Tour - $170 per person

The Great Adventure is a unique tour that combines the whole essence of the Iguazu National Park in one ride: the jungle and the waterfalls. It starts by entering the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” trail with special transportation that allows a panoramic view of the environment along with experienced guides that give a lot of explanations as well as the legend of this spectacular place. After an 8km truck ride, arrive at the Puerto Macuco Base, which is 100m away from the Infirmary and Service Station, and 100m of stairs ahead is the floating platform where the second part of this ride begins. With motorboats, visitors travel 6km through the Canyon of the Iguazu River, until the falls, from here there are 2km of river rapids. After enjoying the view from the calm side of San Martin Island you will sail to the Tres Mosqueteros waterfall, at that point, the Brazilian and Argentinean sides and the Devil’s Throat can be clearly appreciated. After that, sail along the shore of the island until you reach the most exciting part where you will face the San Martin waterfall, a wonderful and unforgettable experience, for it’s the largest waterfall any motor-boat can approach safely.

Please note: The Great Adventure Tour will take place during the scheduled tour of the Argentinian side of the falls mentioned in the itinerary above. Customers who purchase the Great Adventure Tour will split from the main group partway through the scheduled tour to take part in this optional tour.

This tour is not suitable for the following people:

- Children under 12 years old

- Pregnant women

- People with osteoporosis, neck, back conditions or surgery

- People with heart conditions or surgery

- People with COPD or neurological condition or surgery

- People with any physical, cognitive or/and sensorial disability unable to react in a nautical emergency

 

Day 18: Optional Activity: Rio City Tour and Sugar Loaf Mountain - $160 per person

Half-day tour (approximately 4 hours)

Enjoy a city trout of downtown Rio de Janeiro, visit the Sambadrome, Praca XV, Cinelandia, Maracana Stadium and the Metropolitan Cathedral (entrances not included). Continue to Sugarloaf Mountain, ascending by cable car to a vantage where you can enjoy amazing views including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance.

 

Day 21: Optional Activity: Valparaiso & Vina del Mar Tour $320 per person

Full-day tour (approximately 9 hours).

Valparaíso, the main port in Chile, is considered a world-heritage site by its rare architecture and narrow-street display, passages, and stairs that go up to the top of the hills. And Viña del Mar, the most visited tourist seaside resort in our country, also known as the Ciudad Jardín (Garden City), because of all the green areas that surround it, wide sidewalks, beautiful plazas, and bloomed gardens. They are the gates to the Pacific Ocean. Discover the contrast of both cities next to the sea, located only 120 km from Santiago. 

 

Optional Tour: Full Day Quito City Tour - $40 per person (Itinerary 2 only) 

Enjoy a truly unique experience in the heart of Quito city and discover its history from a local eye. Walk around its narrow streets visiting the most iconic buildings such as; the Golden Church, San Francisco Square, the Main Square. Visit Luis ́ local workshop “Cruz Verde”, a well know artisan whose family has prepared the local candy “Colaciones” for the last 100 years keeping alive Quito ́s tradition. For lunch you will have the opportunity to sit with locals and enjoy a tasty meal freshly prepared using local products and flavours. In the afternoon, you will go for a walk on the colourful Ronda Street, you can enjoy a giant empanada and to finish the day, go to Panecillo Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of Quito. 

 

Optional Activity - Quito Viewpoints Tour - $70 per person (Itinerary 2 only)

Marvel at the beautiful city of Quito from different viewpoints throughout the city. A World Heritage Listed country, Quito, is one of the most extensive and best-preserved historic centres of Spanish America.

Start off your journey overlooking the city from the Guapulo neighbourhood, offering amazing views of the ornately-colonial church and the valley beyond. On clear days you can see the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano over the horizon. This spot is renowned as the place where Spanish conquistador, Francisco de Orellana, set out on his impromptu journey which led him to become the first person to navigate the whole length of the Amazon River. The views don't stop here. You'll then proceed to El Panecillo for further breathtaking views of the city horizon. You'll also have the opportunity to see the Virgin of Legarda monument.

The final stop on your tour ends in the traditional neighbourhood of San Juan, one of the emblematic viewpoints of the city. After the tour, you'll have the opportunity to try some traditional and delicious quesadillas.

Please note:

• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions.

• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 

• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate. 

• Visa fees and requirements (A visa is not required if travelling to Brazil, Argentina and Peru if travelling on an Australian passport but a visa is required for Chile)

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Optional gratuities/tipping 

• Optional activities/tours 

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance 

• Galapagos National Park fee $100USD per person (itinerary 2 only)  

• Ingala TCT card $20 USD per person (itinerary 2 only) 

 

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide: 

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 

 

Tour Leader: 

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Lima:

Lima is usually described as mild and warm throughout the year without noteworthy rain making Lima one of the driest capitals in the world. The average temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C.

 

Cusco:

Cusco has a subtropical highland climate due to its elevation (3500m above sea level). It is generally dry and temperate, with two defined seasons. The dry season lasts from May to August, with abundant sunshine and occasional night time freezes; July is the coldest month with an average of 9.7°C. The wet season lasts from December to March, with night frost less common; November averages 13.3°C. Although frost and hail are common, the only snowfall ever recorded was in June 1911. Temperatures usually range from 0.2°C to 20.9°C.

 

Peruvian Amazon:

The climate is tropical with a rainy period from October to April and a relatively dry period from June to August. The coolest month is July with an average minimum of 20 degrees and average maximum of 29 degrees. 

 

Buenos Aires:

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, has a temperate climate, which is classified as a humid subtropical climate under the Köppen climate classification with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms while winters are cool and drier with frosts that occurs on average twice per year. Spring and fall are transition seasons characterised by changeable weather.

 

Puerto Iguazú:

Puerto Iguazú has a humid subtropical climate. Temperatures are warm in winter and hot in summer. There is no dry season and rainfall is abundant with every month receiving over 100mm of rain.

 

Rio de Janeiro:

Rio has a tropical savanna climate that closely borders a tropical monsoon climate according to the Köppen climate classification, and is often characterised by long periods of heavy rain between December and March. In inland areas of the city, temperatures above 40°C are common during the summer, though rarely for long periods, while maximum temperatures above 27°C can occur on a monthly basis.

 

Santiago de Chile: 

Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate, with Mediterranean patterns: warm dry summers (November to March) with temperatures reaching up to 35°C on the hottest days; winters (June to August) are cool and humid, with cool to cold mornings; typical daily maximum temperatures of 14°C, and low temperatures near 0°C. The precipitation average is 312 mm. 

 

Quito (Itinerary 2 only) 

In Quito, the climate is warm and temperate. There is a great deal of rainfall in Quito, even in the driest month. The average annual temperature is 13.9 °C With an average of 14.1 °C May is the warmest month. The lowest average temperature in the year occurs in June, when it is around 13.6 °C. 

 

Santa Cruz (Galapagos) (Itinerary 2 only)

No time of year is too hot or too cold to enjoy the Galapagos, but the climate is not exactly the same throughout. June through December are considered the cooler months in terms of both the air and water. This is also the time of the dry season, where the highlands of the major islands are kept lush but the beaches and flatlands receive very little rain. Blue skies interrupted by sparse and sporadic afternoon showers are the norm.

 

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:

At TripADeal, we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

 

Passport Validity:

Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.  

 

COACH TOUR

Meals:

28 meals in total are included in the package (an additional 10 meals are included on the Galapagos extension package). For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify TripADeal of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

 

Luggage:

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

 

OTHER

Mobility:

If you would love to travel with TripADeal and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

 

Fitness Level Required:

A leisurely level of fitness will be required. 

Leisurely is described as light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility. 

Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

 

High Altitude Illness:

Altitude illness occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the air at high altitudes. Altitude illness will affect some travellers, with no apparent regard to age, gender or physical condition. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel. 

Please note: Inoculations may be required to enter the country visited, along with re entry into Australia after your visit. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

 

Yellow Fever:

A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate upon arrival.

You must check with your doctor well before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.

 

Gratuities / Tipping:

Land

Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is $8-$10USD per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. There are two tour operators in this package, and the tour representative will collect the tip amount at the start of the tour, ie. Day 1 to Day 11 tip amount $80-$100USD per person collected on Day 2 of the itinerary and Day 11 to Day 22 tip amount $88-$110USD per person collected on Day 12 of the itinerary. These amounts will be distributed to the operators used in this package. Total amount to budget for tipping: $168-$210USD per person. 

 

The recommended tips for the Galapagos extension package is $10-$15 USD per day for guides, transportation and restaurants. 

 

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

 

Sightseeing:

Please note: If entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

 

Shopping: 

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 

Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

Peru

Tourists don't need a visa. You can get a permit to stay for up to 3 months when you arrive.

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Peru. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

If you've visited Peru in the previous 6 days, you'll need a valid certificate to enter Australia.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

 

Argentina

As a tourist, you can stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but you'll need:

-a return or onward ticket

-a valid passport

-travel/medical insurance

You don't need to undertake a COVID-19 test before travelling.

You will need to have travel or medical insurance coverage for your time in Argentina, which covers you in case of hospital admission for COVID-19.

Visit Argentina's National Directorate for Migration's website for up-to-date information on entry requirements (website in Spanish).

 

Brazil

From 10 January 2024 a visa is required for Australian passport holders entering Brazil. Persons travelling after this date to Brazil will require a Visit Visa to enter the country. Information regarding the visa process can be found by following this link: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/embaixada-camberra/English/consular-section/visas/visit-visa

Entry and exit conditions may change without warning. Follow the advice of border and health authorities and comply with local regulations. Contact your airline or the nearest embassy or consulate of Brazil for more information. 

 

United States (transiting)

If travelling on an Australian passport, an ESTA (visa waiver) for the USA is a strict requirement when travelling to or flying through the USA. Once a USA ESTA visa waiver is issued it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner) and will allow multiple entries into the USA. For information on ESTA eligibility or to apply, please visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ 

 

Please note: Due to recent changes to USA immigration policies, TripADeal recommends all travellers visit US Customs & Border Protection.

 

Chile

To enter Chile, Australian citizens must obtain a valid visa before arrival. With this visa, you can enter Chile for up to 90 days for recreational, sports, health, study, business, family or other similar purposes. If you are transiting via Chile, you will still need to apply for a visa if the transit time is over 8 hours and you need to pass the immigration point. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Chile for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

See E-visa para Australia (in Spanish) for visa requirements and the link to the application form. Visa applications can be lodged online directly on the Online website (Spanish). You can choose between English and Spanish. Once you've submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the Chilean Consulate you selected in the application. The validity period of your tourist visa is likely to be based on the travel dates you defined in your application form. Make sure you consider this when selecting from the visa options. Visas must be lodged through the SAC CIUDADANOS portal only https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/. 

 

Ecuador (Itinerary 2 only) 

Tourist visas for Peru and Ecuador are not required if travelling on an Australian Passport. 

 

Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note, some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

Important: 

• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

 

Please note: 

• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes

Includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

 • Changes - $100.00 per booking + additional charges from the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

 

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

 

Supplier Fees

In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. TripADeal has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are unavailable from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. If TripADeal cannot obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.