 Internet Travel Club |
Ferry | Exotic | Holidays | Cruises | Hotels | Late Escape | Destinations |
Internet Travel Club |
Ferry | Exotic | Holidays | Cruises | Hotels | Late Escape | Destinations |
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Number of Nights: 20 Experience the spectacular scenery, history and treasures of some of the most exciting countries in South America – Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina. Departure Dates and Availability Price from £2986 |
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A great journey through this fascinating continent. The itinerary is strenuous and at times you will be more than two miles above sea level. You’ll experience a wide variety of food and climate, so an adaptable state of mind is recommended but the reward is an experience of a lifetime.
South American Panorama itinerary includes:
• The services of a professional experienced tour manager from London
throughout the tour, and back to London again. (Applies to Iberia flight only,
passengers on other airlines will meet the tour manager in Lima).
• All tips are included for drivers, guides and your tour manager.
• Porterage of 1 suitcase per person.
• Return flights by scheduled airline.
• Accommodation as described in itinerary.
If the Amazon is not booked, the time in Lima is spent independently as the
guide will escort those on the Amazon excursion.
Lima: 4 nights
Iquitos (optional): 1 night
Cuzco: 3 nights
Machu Picchu: 1 night
Puno: 2 nights
Huatajata: 1 night
La Paz: 1 night
Rio de Janeiro: 4 nights
Iguaçu: 2 nights
Buenos Aires: 2 nights
Depart Heathrow with Iberia via Madrid, arriving Lima later
the same day. Transfer to the Libertador hotel.
This morning take an optional tour of the Peruvian capital
which Conquistador Pizarro called the ‘City of Kings’. A stop is included at
the Cathedral where you can see what are supposedly his remains in a glass
coffin! Afternoon at leisure (B).
Two full days in Lima or a chance to take an optional two
day (one night) tour to the Amazon. Early morning departure for the short flight
to Iquitos, for a journey into the depths of the mysterious Amazon. For this
tour you only need an overnight bag. Fly to Iquitos and after a brief drive
through the town, you board a motorboat for the fascinating 25 mile trip down
the Amazon, arriving at Ceiba Tops Lodge for lunch. Rooms are pleasantly
furnished with airconditioning and ensuite bathrooms. After lunch you start your
jungle walk to experience at first hand the intriguing sights and sounds of the
Amazon jungle. After dinner there’s local entertainment (B in Lima; B,L,D on
the Amazon).
Morning boat ride spotting dolphins and a visit to a small
village of Yagua Indians who trade their local wares and demonstrate their
blowguns. After lunch take a boat upriver to Iquitos. Fly to Lima and transfer
back to your hotel (B,L).
A short flight to Cuzco, the magnificent city that was once
the capital of the Inca civilisation. This afternoon enjoy a city sightseeing
tour including a visit to the ruined Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman (B).
Felt by many to be the highlight of the tour, today’s
visit to Machu Picchu is truly an experience never to be forgotten. A
fascinating three hour journey by narrow gauge railway and finally bus will
bring you to the misty mountain top of this famous ‘Lost City of the Incas’
a city that was long sought by the Conquistadors but never found. Discovered
only last century, this last refuge of the Children of the Sun is wonderfully
preserved and, even today, the mountaintop houses, palaces and temples, often
shrouded in mist, remain a magnificent awe-inspiring spectacle – a unique
experience. Overnight near Machu Picchu (B,L,D). glorious beaches of Copacabana
and Ipanema; the glittering carnival shows; and the ever-present rhythm of the
samba and bossa nova (B).
Morning to explore the ruins alone. After lunch return to
Cuzco by train through spectacular scenery (B,L).
A full day at leisure to visit one of the many museums or to
barter with Peruvian Indians at one of the colourful markets. Or take a full day
optional excursion to Pisac and Urubamba (B).
Today you cross the Andes by rail, passing one of the
highest points of any railway system in the world. This exciting day, spent on
the Roof of South America, will be like no other train journey you have ever
taken – past majestic peaks and desolate plains, and isolated Indian villages.
Arrival in Juliaca from where the last leg of today’s journey is by coach to
Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca (B,D)
A day at leisure. Perhaps take an optional tour to Taquile
or Amantani Island or to Sillustani (B).
Today your travels take you by hydrofoil across the waters
of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. As you skim the
surface, consider that somewhere in the freezing depths below, according to
legend, lies the greatest treasure in the world – that of the Incas – hidden
to avoid its capture by the Conquistadors. During the lake crossing visit Sun,
Moon and the floating Uros Islands. Also enjoy a visit to the fascinating Andean
roots Eco village and experience a magical night with a visit to the mystic
world of the Kallawayas (natural medicine doctors). Overnight at a lakeside
hotel (B,L,D).
Drive on to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. Perched at
12,400 feet, amidst the snow-covered peaks and plateaux of The Andes, it is the
highest capital in the world and if your pulse is racing, it will be as much
with the thinness of the air as the excitement of the place. Visit the
magnificent Spanish style cathedral and market of La Paz where the Altiplano
Indians come to trade and barter, garbed in colourful ponchos and, of all
things, bowler hats! (B).
Fly from La Paz to Rio de Janeiro, via Santa Cruz in Bolivia
and Sao Paulo, Brazil. On arrival transfer to Le Meridien Copacabana (B).
Three days to explore this magnificent city. On any of the
optional excursions you’ll see Rio’s most famous sights – Sugar Loaf
Mountain, Corcovado, the gigantic statue of Christ; the glorious beaches of
Copacabana and Ipanema; the glittering carnival shows; and the ever-present
rhythm of the samba and bossa nova (B).
Fly from Rio to Iguaçu for a two night stay. Yet another
highlight of the tour, Iguaçu Falls, a sight to make you wonder at the power of
nature that can create and control some 275 separate falls, each helping to pour
up to a million gallons of water a second into the swirling river below, Set on
the boundaries of three nations (Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina) it is one of
the world’s most fabulous natural wonders (B).
Time to enjoy the scenery at the Falls that stretch for over
21/2 miles. Experience Iguaçu’s majesty and splendour as you walk along the
miles of pathways and bridges built around the edge of the Falls, watching the
beautiful rainbows created by the spray (B).
Fly to Buenos Aires, dubbed the ‘Paris of South
America’, the elegant capital city of Argentina, for a two night stay at the
Emperador Hotel (B).
A half day city tour has been arranged to show you the
beautiful gardens of Palermo Park, the old quarter of the artistic district of
San Telmo and the Recoleta Cemetery, resting place of the famous Eva (Evita)
Peron. Afternoon at leisure to explore further on your own. Perhaps you wish to
prebook a Tango show with dinner (B).
Iberia flight to Heathrow via Madrid arriving Tuesday. Or
spend a few nights unwinding at the charming and welcoming El Ombu ranch in the
Pampa.
South American Panorama: 20 nights
Estancia: 5 nights
Day at leisure in Buenos Aires. Overnight Emperador hotel
(B).
After breakfast drive to Areco. El Ombu de Areco ranch is
approx. 11/2 hours from Buenos Aires and 15 miles from the picturesque town of
San Antonio de Areco, birthplace of the Gaucho tradition (B,L,D).
Relax at one of Argentina’s delightful private ranches,
for a three nights (or more) extension. Set in beautiful countryside its nine
rooms are furnished in typical Pampa style with ensuite bathrooms and extensive
views. All meals are included as are transfers from Buenos Aires. You may
observe the ranch's many activities or take a horse and guide to discover the
ranch at your own pace. In summer months you may prefer to linger by the pool
and after dinner play a game of billiards or chess.
An early departure from El Ombu to Buenos Aires for last
minute shopping and sightseeing (B).
Fly Iberia to Heathrow via Madrid arriving Sunday.
Departure Details
| Tour Description | Meals | Nights | Book |
| South American Panorama | MMP | 20 | |
| South American Panorama + ESTANCIA EXTENSION | MMP | 25 |
Departures & Important Notes:
Flights:
Flights are also available on KLM and Aerolineas Argentinas at a supplement –
details on request.
Upgrades:
Iberia Business Class to Lima available at a supplement
on request.
Departures:
South American Panorama: Jan 04; Feb 15; Mar 15; Apr 12; May 10; Jul 05; Aug 09,
30; Sep 27; Oct 18; Nov 15; Dec 20.
Meal Plans: South American Panorama tour: B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner.
Important Note: Tours are subject to minimum numbers. Children under 11 are not
accepted on the South American Panorama.
Excursions:
Kuoni passengers may pre-purchase the following:
Buenos Aires excursion package for £37 per person -
(Excursion times to be advised locally.)
Tango Dinner Show Evening excursion including dinner to enjoy the marvellous
spectacle and haunting strains of the tango.
Important Note:
This is without doubt, one of the most exciting journeys in the world, but the
itinerary is strenuous and at times you will be more than 2 miles above sea
level. It is not a gentle, restful holiday and you will experience sudden
changes in food and climate so a healthy constitution and an adaptable state of
mind are recommended! Considerable travel is involved and security throughout
South American countries is of particular importance. Leave any valuable
jewellery at home. Please note on such an extensive tour the itinerary may, on
occasion, be subject to amendment. Hotels on this tour range in standard from
the simplicity of Huatajata to the first class hotels in Rio and Buenos Aires.