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Itinerary for Best of South America - 04 March 2009 |
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Meals are included in the itinerary as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner |
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For Brazil, you will need to
have the Yellow Fever Vaccination's book in order to board your
aircraft.
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04.03.09
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Sydney - Santiago
Melbourne passengers depart Melbourne airport at 7.00am on Qantas Airways flight QF408, arriving in Sydney at 8.20am.
Brisbane passengers depart Brisbane airport at 6.30am on Qantas Airways flight QF507, arriving in Sydney at 9.00am.
All passengers then depart Sydney at 10.30am on Lan Chile Airlines
flight LA800, arriving in Santiago de Chile at 1.05pm the same day.
Chile's capital, Santiago, is located in the central valley,
approximately 1800 feet above sea level, framed by the majestic Andean
mountain range and only 120kms from the Pacific Ocean.
First settled in 1541 at the foot of the Santa Lucia hill, it is now
the fifth largest city in South America and is set in one of the most
beautiful locations. Although essentially a modern capital, it
still has some beautiful historic colonial buildings dating from the
16th century. You should ask the hotel for a map of the city and
visit the colonial sector or maybe visit the Pre Columbian Art Museum,
a museum that has a representative exhibition of objects from the
pre-Columbian cultures of Central America and the Andean region.
Upon arrival in Santiago de Chile, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Deigo de Velasquez or similar. |
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05.03.09
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Santiago de Chile (B)
Private half day
panoramic city tour of Santiago. This morning after breakfast you
have a half-day City tour, visiting the Civic Centre, La Moneda
Presidential Palace, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, main Post Office,
pedestrian streets of Huefanos and Ahumada, indisputable busiest
social, commercial and functional axis of Santiago. Then you will
continue towards the Bellavista district, Santiago's night and artistic
life centre lined up with galleries, open air cafes and restaurants,
then to San Cristobal hill, the tallest peaks rising 880m above sea
level. Before returning back to your hotel you will be taken to
the residential districts of Vitacura, Las Condes and Providencia.
Accommodation: Diego de Velasquez or similar. |
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| 06.03.09 |
Santiago de Chile - Rio de Janeiro (B)
Our guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to
Santiago airport.
Lan Chile Airlines LA756, departing Santiago de Chile
at 3.00pm, arriving in Rio de Janeiro at 9.20pm.
In the early 16th century, the Portuguese first arrived at the site
where Rio de Janeiro now stands. What they found was a
still-watered bay surrounded by a plentiful and lovely landscape.
It was love at first sight. The Portuguese promptly built a
fortress at the entrance of the bay to ward off those attracted to
their tropical paradise, which they called Sao Sebastiao do Rio de
Janeiro. By 1768 Rio had developed and grown to such an extent
that the government was transferred from the previous capital,
Salvador, Bahia. Rio was then, as now, a city of intensive
trading activities.
It's primary asset, Guanabara Bay was not just a beautiful landmark,
but also a natural port through which the gold and diamonds, mined in
the neighbouring Minas Gerais Mountains, flowed. The gems, used
to adorn the ladies of the Portuguese Court, and the as yet rare sugar
cane were important commodities in the European markets of this time.
When King Joao VI of Portugal landed in Rio in 1808 along with his
court and entire entourage, he fell in love with what he saw and
experienced, and subsequently helped Rio to become one of the most
important policital centres in Brazilian history.
Brazil achieved independence from Portugal in 1822 and become an
empire. Some years later in 1889, the city of Rio enthusiastically
witnessed the Proclamation of the Republic of Brazil. Rio de
Janeiro has evolved continuously since, remaining a centre for business
and the arts while becoming one of the world's most dynamic
cities.
Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Please note that there is a Government tax for accommodation in Brazil
that must be paid locally and varies between 1-3USD per room per night
according to the hotel.
Accommodation: Debret Hotel or similar. |
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| 07.03.09 |
Rio de Janeiro (B L)
Full day Corcovado & Sugarloaf Mountain Tour with lunch.
Today you'll start to experience the Rio of legend. You'll be
picked up and enjoy a panoramic tour of Rio's beaches, Copacaban,
Ipanema and Leblon.
The tour this morning includes the cable car up Urca hill
to Sugar Loaf Mountain, located at the entry of Guanabara Bay.
This location provides one of the best views of Rio's seashore
and mountains.
Enjoy a barbecue lunch before your drive along Rodrigo de Freitas
lagoon and arrive at the bottom of Corcovado Hill where you will travel
on a comfortable train along this beautiful mountain to the top.
Here the statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooks Rio and its
famous bay. The Corcovado peak stands at 2297 feet above sea
level. Also during the afternoon you'll become orientated with more of
Rio de Janeiro.
Accommodation: Debret Hotel. |
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| 08.03.09 |
Rio de Janerio (B D)
At leisure to enjoy! Remember, if you go to the beach; leave all
your valuables in the hotel safe. Take only a towel, just like
the locals!
SAMBA SHOW & BBQ DINNER: This is the evening, you will have a
taste of the Rio Carnival atmosphere. You'll enjoy dinner at a
popular "churrascaria" (Brazilian barbecue house) followed by two hour
extravaganza of Brazilian samba, folklore and Carnival costumes.
Accommodation: Debret Hotel. |
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| 09.03.09 |
Rio de Janeiro - Parati (B)
One way transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Parati.
About 300km from Rio on the BR-101 is the Costa Verde's main
attraction, the town of PARATI, where the mountains kiss the sea.
There are hundreds of islands, including Ilha Grande at the
Restinga de Marambaia, which soften the sea for easy swimming and
boating. The calm waters, coupled with the natural ports and
coves allowed safe passage for Portuguese ships that travelled to
Parati to transport sugar cane, and later on, gold to Europe. The
still waters also protected pirates, who found a safe have on Ilha
Grande.
Inhabited since 1650, Parati (or more correctly, Vila de Nossa Senhora
dos Remedios de Paraty) has remained fundamentally unaltered since its
heyday as a staging post for the eighteenth-century trade in Brazilian
gold, passing from Minas Gerais to Portugal. Before white
settlement, the land had been occupied by the Guaiana Indians, and the
gold routes followed the old Indian trails down to Parati and its
sheltered harbour. Inland raids and pirate attacks necessitated
the establishment of a new route linking Minas Gerais directly with Rio
de Janeiro, and as trade was diverted to Rio, Parati's fortunes
declined. Aprart from a short-lived coffee-shipping boom in the
nineteenth century, Parati remained hidden away off the beaten track,
quietly stagnating but remaining intact. Nowadays though, UNESCO
considers Parati to represent one of the world's most important
examples of Portuguese colonial architecture and the entire city has
been elevated to the status of a national monument.
Today, Parati is very much alive with a population of 15,000
mainly involved in fishing, farming and tourism. The town centre
was one of Brazil's first planned urban projects and its narrow cobbled
streets, out of bounds to motorized transport, are bordered by houses
built around courtyards, adorned with brightly coloured flowers and
alive with hummingbirds. The cobbles of the streets are arranged
in channels to drain off storm water and allow the sea to enter and
wash the streets at high tides and full moon. There's an air of
prosperity in Parati, as there is in Buzios, yet it has a much more
democratic feel to it, and by and large provides a more satisfying
experience than its chic counterpart on the Costa do Sol.
Parati is a perfect place simply to wander aimlessly as the turn
of each corner brings another picturesque view. The town is small
enough that there's no danger of getting lost and, no matter what time
of day or night, you can feel pretty confident that you won't be a
victim of an assault.
Boats leave from the docks around midday for cruises to see the beaches and island or small motorboats can also be hired.
Accommodation: Pousada da Marquesa or similar. |
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| 10.03.09 |
Parati (B)
Half day city tour of Paraty.
Different from other Brazilian colonial cities, the Paraty architecture
has character, originality and definition forming an harmonious
architectural set of the XVIII century.
Inhabited since 1650, Paraty has remained fundamentally unaltered since
its heyday as a staging post for the eighteenth-century trade in
Brazilian gold, passing from Minas Gerais to Portugal. Paraty
remained hidden away off the beaten track, quietly stagnating but
intact. Nowadays, though, UNESCO considers Paraty to represent
one of the world's most important examples of colonial architecture,
and the entire city has been elevated to the status of a national
monument. The town centre was one of Brazil's first planned urban
projects, and houses built around courtyards, adorned with brightly
colour flowers and alive with hummingbirds; border its narrow cobbled
streets, out of bounds to motorized transport. The cobblestones
of the streets are arranged in channels to drain off water and allow
the sea to enter and wash the streets at high tides. (Entrance tickets
paid locally)
Accommodation: Pousada da Marquesa or similar. |
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| 11.03.09 |
Parati - Rio de Janeiro (B)
Day at leisure to enjoy this beautiful town.
Afternoon transfer to Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Debret Hotel or similar. |
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| 12.3.09 |
Rio de Janeiro - Iguazu Falls (B)
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport.
Tam Linhas Aereas JJ3153, departing Rio de Janeiro at 11.10am, arriving in Iguazu Falls at 1.15pm.
The Iguazu Falls. This is the region of great rivers, humid
tropics, red earth and magnificent jungle. Just 18kms from Puerto
Iguazu you enter the National Park of the same name where the famous
falls sit. The deep flowing waters of the river fall from heights
of 70 metres through 275 falls spread over 2.7kms. The frontier
with Brazil goes through the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) where
the falling water gives the illusion of magic rainbows. The
national park is full of exotic subtropical vegetation which surrounds
the falls and has 2000 plant species - gigantic trees, ferns, lianas,
orchids - 400 birds species - parrots, colibris, toucans - jaguars and
yacares (caimans). A visit to these falls is a truly
unforgettable experience.
Upon arrival at Foz de Iguassu airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to the Sheraton International Hotel.
Accommodation: Sheraton International Iguazu Resort or similar. |
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| 13.03.09 |
Iguazu Falls (B)
Private tour Brazilian side of the falls.
This morning you will have a private tour to the Brazilian side of the
falls (For the adventurous, you can take an optional trip on the Macuco
Safari boat, going upstream on the river, taking you extremely close to
the falls) Visiting the falls from the Brazilian side, will give
you a completely different perspective of the side of this amazing
falls, as you will have the panoramic view of the entire falls.
Also from the Brazilian side of the falls you will be able to
take an "optional" helicopter flight over the falls (approx. USD 60.00
per person). This flight takes around 7 minutes but it's worth
every cent you paid for. (National park entrance fees USD 6.00
included)
Accommodation: Sheraton International Iguazu Resort or similar. |
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| 14.03.09 |
Iguazu Falls - Buenos Aires (B)
Our guide will meet you at the hotel foyer and transfer you to the Iguazu airport on the Argentinean side.
Iguazu Falls with Devil's Throat - Full Day Tour (Argentine side)
Today you will embark on a half-day guided tour, walking along the many
tracks on this side of the river and observing the falls from platforms
that bring you extremely close to the water. 'Iguasu' in the Indian
Tupi Guarani language means large waters. Appropriately, the Iguasu
River flows east west for 808 miles and then drops suddenly and
violently into 262-foot abyss at the falls. Set amidst jungle, a
visit to these falls will be an unforgettable experience.
From your hotel you will be transferred to the visitor's centre inside
the Iguazu National Park. You will board a small train to travel
from the visitor's centre to the beginning of the upper path, lower
path and Devil's Throat. Upper walk: a walk of 500mts long,
lasting about 45 minutes, seeing the two sisters, bosseti, adam and
eve, bernabe mendez, mbigua and San Martin falls from the upper part.
Lower path: with a professional tourist guide you will walk
1.3kms of footpaths lasting 1.30 hours. It's a different view
from which you will see the falls from the middle and be warned that
you may get a little wet.
Devil's Throat: before walking these two paths, you'll board the little
train. After driving 4kms, you will reach Devil's Throat Station
that surrounds the upper part of the Iguazu River; from here you will
walk along a bridge (walkway) that leads to the balcony of Devil's
Throat for the most spectacular view.
Transfer to Iguaza Falls Airport,.
Aerolineas Argentinas AR2739, departing 5.00pm, arriving in Buenos Aires at 6.50pm.
Buenos Aires is the Argentine Republic's capital city. Located on
the southern bank of the River Plate, the population of greater Buenos
Aires is around 13 million people. Buenos Aires has been virtually
rebuilt since the beginning of this century and very few of the old
buildings remain. The centre of Buenos Aires has maintained the
original layout since foundation and the Plaza de Mayo is its heart.
Buenos Aires is a city where the traveller yields to the charm of
the tango, the atmosphere of its neighbourhoods and the activities of
its business centre. And just one hour from the city by bus is La
Pampa with its beautiful landscape, its gauchos and its comfortable
ranches.
On arrival at Aeroparque Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: De las Americas Hotel or similar. |
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| 15.03.09 |
Buenos Aires (BD)
Half day private city tour of Buenos Aires.
Departing from the Hotel to get to 9 de Julio Ave. the widest in the
world, past the famous Colon Opera house, the Obelisk commemorating the
first founding of the city in 1536 to get to Plaza de Mayo (May
Square), and the buildings surrounding it: Government House,
Metropolitan Cathedral with the Mausoleum of General San Martin,
Argentina's greatest national hero and the Cabildo, the colonial town
hall built in 1751. Then on to La Boca, typically Italian
district, where first Italian immigrants settled and 'Caminito' street.
The tour continues to Buenos Aires port area, past San Martin
Square towards Palermo Chico residential district and Palermo Park with
its jacaranda and palo borracho trees, which flower in the spring and
late summer. The ride continues to Recoleta elegant district to
visit Recoleta Cemetery where the famous are laid to rest (including
Eva Peron). Return to the hotel along the stylish Alvear Ave.
DINNER & TANGO SHOW "La Ventana" with transfers.
Dine & wine at a unique venue complex offering a floor show
sketching the history of popular Argentina music. Enjoy a musical
show where the main protagonist is the Tango, where the roots of our
culture are strengthened, enhanced by the decoration and special
ambience. All this help the visitor to experience the exciting
flavor of this sensuous dance. Dinner & Show duration: 3
hours.
Accommodation: De las Americas Hotel or Similar. |
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| 16.03.09 |
Buenos Aires (B L)
Today's excursion will visit one of the Gaucho Farms (Argentine
cowboys) at Santa Susana Ranch. This full day tour will take you
out of the city of Buenos Aires and into the Pampas (countryside) to
spend a day on a Gaucho farm.
This lovely full day excursion is a unique opportunity for some close
contact with Argentine Gauchos, their traditional music and dances, and
take part in a real gaucho festival. The party is held at a
beautiful country residence, on an old ranch, for a day filled with
hay rides, horseback riding and a typical "asado criollo" (barbecue)
with wine followed by a folklore show featuring traditional music and
dances and a gaucho skills demonstration.
Accommodation: De la Americas Hotel or similar. |
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| 17.03.09 |
Bueonos Aires - Bariloche (B)
You will be met at the hotel foyer and transferred to Aeroparque
domestic airport. Lan Chile LA43476, departing Buenos Aires at 1050am,
arriving in San Carlos de Bariloche at 1.13pm.
Approaching from the north, you can appreciate the mountain backdrop of
the holiday capital of Argentinian Patagonia, BARILOCHE, or San Carlos
de Bariloche, to give it its full title, spread along the dry south
eastern shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. It banks up against the slopes of
Cerro Otto, behind which rear the spiky crests of the Cerro Catedral
massif, but this view is obscured the closer you get to town.
Everything in town faces the lake, Northern Patagonia's
heavyweight; an impressive expanse of water that can seem like a
benign Mediterranean one moment and a froth of seething white caps the
next, lashed by the icy winds that sometimes whip off it into town.
Before the incursions of either Mapuche or white settlers, the Nahuel
Huapi area was the domain of the Poyas, the Vuriloches, the Pehuelches,
and the Puelches, who navigated on the lake. These groups used
the region's mountain passes to conduct trade with their western,
Mapuche counterparts. The discovery of these routes became an
obsession of early Spanish explorers in Chile, many of whom were
desperate to hunt down the fabulous wealth of the City of the Caesars
that was rumoured to exist in these parts. Early expeditions were
frustrated and knowledge of the passes' whereabouts reverted to being a
closely guarded indigenous secret until the late seventeenth century.
On arrival at San Carlos de Bariloche airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel in down town.
Accommodation: Nevada Hotel. : |
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| 18.03.09 |
San Carlos de Bariloche (B)
Full day tour Great Circuit of Bariloche
Full day regular tour where the magic of the rock formation adds to the
beauty of the lakes and forest. Leaving Bariloche along national
route 237 you follow the Limay River valley. Having travelled
35km, you will arrive at the Amphitheatre, a place where you can
observe the work of the river on the landscape. Further on your
travel through Valle Encantado to view all the magical rock formations.
Before crossing the bridge at Confluencia (where the rivers
Traful and Limay meet) you turn left. After crossing the Minero
River the road boarders lake Traful at the Traful lookout, an
impressive 70 metres high cliff overlooking the lake. A little
further on you arrive at the small village of "Villa Traful",
where you can have lunch, tea or try the home-made chocolates and pastry
(food not included). We continue bordering the lake to its end
going through the Valdivian forest. Then over the Portezuelo pass
to meet the Seven Lakes route bordering Lake Correntoso, to carry
on to Villa La Angostura. Once there we can visit Cerro Bayo ski
area and the Rio Bonito waterfall. The road goes through
spectacular scenery all along the northern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi
to the cross road with national route 237 to return to Bariloche.
Accommodation: Nevada Hotel or similar. |
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| 19.03.09 |
San Carlos de Bariloche - Buenos Aires - Lima (B)
Half day circuito chico private tour "Circuito Chico", a scenic 50km
drive skirting Lake Nahuel Huapi, offering vistas of the Andean peaks,
including Tronador (Thundered) the highest (3554m). The road
winds along Lake Moreno to a panoramic point, which offers a
breathtaking view of Lakes Moreno and Nahuel Huapi, Victoria Island and
the Andes in all their splendour. You'll have an opportunity for
an optional stop at Cerro Companario to take the chair lift to the
summit for a spectacular panorama of the area.
You will be met by your guide at the hotel foyer and transferred to San
Carlos de Bariloche airport to continue to your next destination.
Lan Chile LA4347, departing San Carlos de Bariloche at 3.05pm, arriving in Buenos Aires at 5.08pm.
Transfer to the international airport for your flight to Lima - Lan
Peru LP428, departing at 8.10pm, arriving in Lima at 10.55pm.
Lima is situated in the coastal desert district between the Pacific
Ocean and the western hills of the Andes mountains. Lima seems to
scare off some tourists because of its status as one of the biggest
cities in the Americas. Lima runs at a slower pace however than
many South American metropolises; its rhythm is more traditional and
its people reflect a steadier, calmer constitution. Lima's
unusually amenable inhabitants give the metropolis the feeling, at
times of a cluster of smaller towns.
Lima's physical atmosphere is slightly dreamlike, mostly because of the
garua, a mist that settles over the city, between May and October.
Under its blanket, Lima's inhabitants meet at the perias (bars
offering folk and Creole music), shop at the open marketplaces, and
dine at Lima's celebrated restaurants. Several museums display
and preserve Peru's golden past. including most notably the
internationally famed Museo Nacional de Antropologica y
Arqueologica and the Museo de Oro, the stunning museum of Gold.
Every part of Lima has its own unique atmosphere. Down town Lima
is crowded and busy, both modern and colonial at the same time.
The Plaza Mayor is considered one of the most beautiful plazas in
Latin America. Most neighbourhoods around the centre are friendly
and green, with many small parks and an unmistakable colonial touch,
especially Jesus Maria and Magdalena del Mar.
The other heart of Lima is the uptown shopping business area,
Miraflores. Here you can find stylish avenues and fancy beaches.
Close to Miraflores is the romantic, village-like district of
Barranco, overlooking the Pacific.
On Arrival at Lima airport, you will be met by the guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Jose Antonio Executive or similar. |
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| 20.03.09 |
Lima (B D)
PM - Half Day City Tour & Gold Museum
This half day sightseeing tour offers the best of colonial and modern
Lima and Gold museum. Included are Lima's most imposing colonial
churches and mansions such as the Government Palace, the Plaza Mayor,
the City Hall and the Cathedral, including 17th century San Francisco
Monastery. The tour ends with a visit to the modern suburbs of
San Isidro, where a visit to the pre-Inca pyramid of Huaca Huallamarca an on-site museum is included before continuing to
Miraflores, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Also you will
visit one of the world's largest private collections, Lima's Gold
Museum displays a dazzling array of pre-Columbian gold, silver and
copper works of art. Created by Peru's innovative metal-smiths,
they range from civilizations of Paracas, Chavin, Nazca, Moche, Wari,
Lambayeque and Chimu to Inca. The museum also houses a collection
of antique fire arms from around the world.
Dinner and typical Peruvian show at Los Delfines Restaurants or similar
Accommodation: Jose Antonio Executive or similar.
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| 21.03.09 |
Lima - Cuzco (B)
Transfer to the Lima airport for your flight to Cuzco
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Lan Peru LP071, departing Lima at 9.45am, arriving in Cuzco at 11.10am.
Cusco or Qosqo, was the capital of the Inca empire - one of the
greatest planned societies the world has every known - from the 11th to
the early 16th century. Standing at 3310 metres above sea level,
Cuzco has around 280,000 inhabitants, mostly descendants of the Quechua
tribes. The city is remarkable for its many colonial churches,
monasteries, convents and for its extensive Inca ruins. The heavy
Incan influence can be seen on almost every street the city centre
with many remains of Inca walls, arches and doorways.
The heart of the city is the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by colonial
arcades and four churches. The Cathedral from the early 17th
century was built on the site of the Palace of the Viracocha. The
cathedral is a fine example of colonial baroque art. Another church,
the La Compania de Jesus was built on the site of the Palace of the
Serpents (Amaru-cancha) and the interior is rich in murals, paintings
and carved altars.
The Inca area overlooking Cusco, called Sacsayhuaman, is awesome.
This is one of the outer lying ruins that you will visit. It
was a ceremonial centre and stands on a hill in the northern outskirts
of Cusco. There are rocks weighing up to 130 tons and they are
fitted together with absolute perfection; three walls run parallel for
over 360 metres! Sacsayhuaman was thought for centuries to be a
fortress, but the layout and the architecture suggest a great sanctuary
and temple to the sun, which rises exactly opposite the place
previously believed to be the Inca's throne - which was probably an
altar, carved out of solid rock.
Cusco is at 3310m and is at high altitude causing breathing to be a
problem. To combat the effect of the altitude it is advised to
drink plenty of liquids on your first couple of days, coca tea is a
wonder. Most people are fine, some experience headaches, vomiting, and
dizziness.
Upon arrival to Cuzco city, you will be collected from the airport by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Ruinas Hotel or similar.
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| 22.03.09 |
Cuzco - Sacred Valley (B L)
Full day tour Sacred Valley - Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo including lunch.
The area of the valley between Pisac and Ollantaytambo is known as the
Sacred Valley of the Incas, a long narrow valley which, in the southern
region goes back up to Urcos and towards the north, crossing
Ollantaytambo before it finally reaches the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Over the years, the power of the Incas become more and more
firmly implanted. The terraces are a testimony of the vast
production of food, and the Ollantaytambo ruins reflect the ambitious
plans of the leaders of Cusco.
During this tour you will have the chance to visit ruins such as Pisac
and Ollantaytambo, along with a visit to the colourful Andean
market of Pisac, a chance to do some souvenir shopping! During the tour
you will have lunch at a restaurant in the Sacred Valley.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Accommodation: La Casona de Yucay or similar. |
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| 23.03.09 |
Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu (B L)
An early morning transfer to Ollantaytambo railway station where you
will board the train to the Aguas Calientes station and then a bus to
Machu Picchu, the fabled city of the Incas. The joy of visiting
Machu Picchu is not limited to the ruins themselves. After leaving
Ollantaytambo, the railway enters the beginnings of a gorge, which
grows narrower and deeper. The vegetation grows more prolific.
You are entering the "eyebrow of the jungle"!
And finally Aguas Calientes station, 1-1/2 kilometres below Machu Picchu.
When Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, he mistakenly
thought he had found the location of Vilcabamba, the lost city of the
Incas. The true site of Vilcabamba was actually discovered by
Gene Savoy in 1964.
So, what was Machu Picchu? Many people say that it was some secret
refuge. The Incas actually had no written language but they did
have oral history recorders, however, the existence of Machu Picchu and
the region seems to be entirely erased from official memory.
Royal residence? A site of spiritual and ceremonial significance?
Was it used for strategic reasons for defence from the fierce jungle
tribes?
And Garcia de Loyola mentioned an Inca fortress that was 'on a high
eminence surrounded by rugged crags and jungles, very dangerous to
ascend and almost impregnable'. Most visitors to Peru see Machu
Picchu, which is perched on a narrow saddle of rock high above a
hairpin curve of the Urubamba. The granite sugar loaf of Huayna
Picchu towers above the ruin, and shrouds of low clammy cloud often
grip the surrounding forested hillsides. Such scenery makes
Machu Picchu one of the world's most eerily beautiful ruins.
The valleys below the spurs occupied by the fortresses of Vilcabamba
were tightly wooded, not with the tall trees of the Amazonian
rainforests, but with smaller, gnarled trees and dense vegetation
clinging to the steep slopes. Many of the branches are loaded
with gloomy, dripping moss, and the woods are dark and sombre.
Close to the rivers are thickets of Nicotiana tormentosa, the tree
tobacco of the Andes, and Machu Picchu boasts a giant slipper wort with
great flat leaves and a brilliant yellow flower.
Your local guide will guide you through the ruins and then you are free to wander.
Overnight at Hatuchay Towers Hotel or similar. |
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| 24.3.09 |
Machu Picchu - Cuzco (B)
In the morning you can visit Machu Picchu once again, enjoying another
aspect of Machu Picchu in the early morning tranquillity. In the
afternoon take the tourist train back to Poroy or Cuzco Station, Cuzco.
(Please note that the entrance fee to the park is not included for this
second day.)
Upon arrival to the city of Cuzco, our guide will meet you at the train station and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation; Ruinas Hotel or similar. |
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| 25.03.09 |
Cuzco (B D)
Half day private guided city tour of Cuzco.
Cuzco is one of the most famous cities in South America, as it is the
oldest continuously inhabited metropolis on this continent. The
city itself was probably founded in 1000BC, but in 1534 the Spanish
Conquerors re-founded it according to the European way. Wherever
you stop in Cuzco you will find remains of ancient civilizations as
this was the capital of the Incas, and the place where most of their
superb works were done. This city is considered as the archaeological
capital of South America and was declared by UNESCO as a Cultural
Heritage of Mankind site.
This tour includes the Qoricancha (temple of the sun) and the
Cathedral. The tour drives along the Circunvalacion Road up to the
famous fortress of Sacsahuaman, then to Qenqo, Puca Pucara and
Tambomachay, including English speaking guide. This also includes
the Tourist ticket valid for the entrance to many museums and ruins.
Accommodation: Ruinas Hotel or similar
This evening you will be able to
sample some of the local dishes as well as enjoying the Andean music
and folkloric show. |
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| 26.03.09 |
Cuzco - Puno (B L)
Breakfast - early morning you will be picked up from your hotel and
transferred to the bus station for the journey to Puno by bus.
Departure by bus from Cuzco to Puno (7-8 hours), visiting en route the
Church of Andahuaylillas, also called the "Sixtine Chapel of America",
the Pikillacta ruins and of the temple of Raqchi. The remains of
the central high wall of the Viracocha Temple, probably the largest of
Raqchi. The remains of the central high wall of the Viracocha
Temple, probably the largest roofed building built by the Incas, are
impressive. On either side of the high wall, great sloping roofs
were supported by rows of unusual round pillars, also of masonry topped
by adobe. Nearby are the remains of large living quarters and
many round store-houses. The whole complex is surrounded by a
large stone wall several miles long. A stop is made at La Raya
Pass, at 4.321 meters/14,260 ft to visit the steaming pools of hot
water nearby. The trip continues toward Puno with a stop at the
Inca ruins of Pucara. Arrival in Puno in the early afternoon.
Buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Sicuani.
Puno was the territory of the Tiahuanacos (800 A.D. - 1200 A.D.) who
were the highest cultural expression of the Aymara people that
established themselves in what is today Peru and Bolivia.
The Incas took over these lands in the fifteenth century, and the
Spanish, attracted by the mining industry developed there, left an
important Colonial legacy throughout the entire area.
Today, the city of Puno (3,287 masl), which lies on the shores of Lake
Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is the folklore
capital of Peru and the site of the Feast of the Virgen de la
Candelaria. In the outskirts, you can visit the spectacular
Chullpas de Sillustani, a complex of impressive burial towers built by
the Kollas, Juli, famous for its beautiful Colonial churches, Lampa
with its vice royal church built between 1675 and 1685, Llachon, a
community that still maintains its centuries old customs and cultural
expressions, and Pucara, known for its pre-Inca pottery and for the
"toritos de Pucara" that the artisans of today create from clay.
The lake contains numerous islands whose inhabitants continue to live
as their ancestors have in custom and tradition. The Uros and
example of this; this people group lives on "floating islands" that
they have artificially made entirely of totora reeds, and they navigate
in their traditional boats also made out of totora reeds.
Taquile, Suasi, and Amantani are knows for their kindness of
their residents, their ancestral skill weaving, their pre-Columbian
constructions, and lovely countryside. The Titicaca National
Reserve (36,180 hectares) protects extensive stretches of totora reeds
and various species of plants and animals.
Upon arrival at Puno bus station you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Eco Inn Puno or similar. |
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| 27.03.09 |
Puno (B L D)
Half day tour to Uros Islands, boxed lunch included.
Half day tour to Uros Islands to experience the Andean culture.
The lives of the Uros Indians are dependent upon the tortora
needs. You will note that their boats, their houses and their
islands are even made from these reeds. The Uros on the islands
have intermarried with the Aymara and no pure Uros exist. The
present Puno Bay people still practise some Uros traditions, but Aymara
influence predominates. The people are friendly, but very poor,
and consequently there are constant requests for money. Rather than
giving the children money or sweets, we suggest that you buy their
little reed boats or drawings from the children.
Accommodation: Eco Inn Puno.
Dinner at Hotel. |
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| 28.03.09 |
Puno - Lake Titicaca - La Paz (B)
Today you cross from Peru into Bolivia, via the lovely lakeside village
of Copacabana with its remarkable church and views of Lake Titicaca.
During the journey it may be possible to view the snow-capped mountains
of the Cordillera Real.
Your guide is also a naturalist who has a keen interest in "life"
(flora and fauna) on the lake and he will be happy to share his
knowledge and answer your questions.
Early transfer to Copacabana Sanctuary, where you will board the Catamaran Cruise
Ship, lunch while sailing to Sun Island, the legendary birth place of
the Inca Empire. Visit the Inca Garden, steps and fountain then
the Inti Wata Cultural Complex including the Ekako Underground Museum,
the traditional medicine and the Tikaka Reed Shipbuilders display
centres, the Pachamama agricultural Inca terraces, a handicraft centre,
the Intica lounge and at the Manco Kapac look out, the largest variety
of Andean cameloids. Also, the Inti Wata Complex at Sun Island
includes a unique sailing experience aboard a huge Tikaka Traditional
vessel to enjoy a panoramic visit of the Pikakaina Inca Palace.
La Paz must qualify as one of the world's most dramatically located
cities. It lies sheltered from cold winds within a steep canyon just
below the rim of the altiplano. The city's skyline is dominated
with huge office blocks and the snow-covered peaks of Mount Illamani
(6439m).
La Paz was founded by the Spanish on 20 October 1548 under the name of
La Ciudad de Nuestra Senora de La Paz (The City of Our Lady of Peace).
With a population of nearly 1.3 million inhabitants, La Paz is
now a modern city with few colonial buildings left except around Plaza
Murillo, which at 3636m above sea level, marks the very heart of the
city where the government buildings and the cathedral can be found.
The sprawling town of El Alto (4082m) is the city's poor relation
and sits on the rim of the aliplano exposed to the icy winds.
This rapidly expanding district comprises almost entirely of
immigrants from the countryside.
In 1549, Juan Gutierrez Paniagua was commanded to design and urban plan
that will designate sites for public areas, plazas, official buildings.
La Plaza de los Espanoles, what today constitutes the Plaza
Murillo, was chosen as the location for government buildings as well as
the cathedral.
Spain controlled La Paz with a firm grip and the Spanish king had the
last word in all matters political. In 1781, for a total of six
months, a group of Aymara people laid siege to the no longer peaceful
city of La Paz. Under the leadership of Tupac Katari, they
destroyed churches and government property. Thirty years later
Indians laid a two-month siege on La Paz. In 1809 the struggle
for independence from the Spanish rule brought uprisings against the
royalist forces.
Today La Paz is a vibrant city, growing and expanding in all
directions. "Pacenos" as the locals are called, are quite
traditional, maintaining strong ties with their indigenous ancestry.
Interesting attractions include typical Indian markets (there is
even a Witch Doctor's market for those game enough to visit) and
cathedrals and historical monuments.
Upon arrival disembark and you will be transferred to your hotel
Accommodation: Hotel Rosario or similar. |
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| 29.03.09 |
La Paz (B D)
The"City of Contrast", La Paz is a blend of many civilisations.
Today you'll visit a typical Indian market, the famous Witch
Doctor's Market and the San Francisco Colonial Church. The tour
continues to the Plaza Murillo where the Cathedral, the Government
Palace and the National Congress buildings are located. Then,
visit the famous colonial street Calle Jaen, where interesting museums
are clustered together, followed by a visit to the replica of the
semi-subterranean temple of the Tiwanaku Culture. To change the
scenery, the tour continues to residential areas of Obrajes, Calacoto
and La Florida. The tour ends with a visit to the unique Moon
Valley where rose coloured volcanic rock formations are to be seen.
Dinner & Folkloric Show at typical local restaurant (Includes return transfers)
This evening you will have your last chance to enjoy some local dishes
as well as a great Folkloric Show to farewell the Andean region.
(Return transfers included)
Accommodation: Hotel Rosario or similar. |
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| 30.03.09 |
La Paz - Santiago - Sydney (B)
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your next flight.
Lan Chile LA965, departing La Paz at 11.15am, arriving in Santiago de Chile at 3.40pm.
Lan Chile LA801, departing Santiago de Chile at 10.55pm, arriving in Sydney at 7.55am on 2nd April. |
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| 01.04.09 |
In flight - crossing International Date Line |
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| 02.04.09 |
Sydney - next destination
Flights to Melbourne, Qantas QF421, departing Sydney at 9.30am, arriving in Melbourne at 11.00am.
Flights to Brisbane, Qantas QF516, departing Sydney at 10.05am, arriving in Brisbane at 11.30am. |
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