|
Itinerary
for Galapagos Island, The Amazon & Easter Island
|
|
|
| Note: |
Meals are included in the itinerary as
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner |
|
|
28.05.10
|
Australia - Santiago - Quito
Connecting flights
from Melbourne & Brisbane are to be advised.
Depart Sydney
International Airport
on Lan Chile flight LA 800, departing at 10.55am and arriving in
Santiago de Chile at 1.05pm. Transfer to your next flight.
Lan Chile flight LA 1446, departing at 2.55pm and arriving in Quito at
8.50pm.
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and of Pichincha, the country's most
populous
Andean province, is situated 116 miles from the Pacific coast at an
altitude of 9,350 feet and just south of the equator. It has a pleasant
climate that can be described as 'permanent spring'. The city is one of
the oldest in South America and is built in a small basin on the lower
slopes of Cerro Pichincha, a volcano that last erupted in 1666.
Formerly the capital of the ancient kingdom of Quito and for several
decades, prior to its occupation by Spaniards in 1534, it was a second
(northern) capital of the Inca empire.
The city's official name as given by the Spaniards is Villa de San
Francisco de Quito, with a population of 1.3 million in 1989, is
Ecuador's second largest city. It is the political, administrative and
cultural capital but has lost its primary economic position to
Guayaquil
with which it has had a railway link since 1908.
Quito more than any other South American capital, has preserved its
colonial atmosphere with squares, fountains, public buildings and
houses built in the typical Spanish or Moorish style. Most attractive
is the main square Plaza Mayor with its seventeenth-century
cathedral,
government palaces, municipal hall and other buildings. Quito is well
known for its many small workshops producing native arts and for its
outdoor Indian markets.
On arrival you will be met be our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Alameda Hotel.
Note:
Beginning in the month of March 2006, the "reciprocity
visa fee" for Australian citizens has changed, and comes to US$61.
This amount must be paid at the International Airport in either
cash or credit card (traveler's cheques are not accepted).
|
|
|
29.05.10
(B/L) |
Quito
Otavalo Indigenous Market.
Today you will be visiting one of the most famous markets in South
America where ponchos, wood goods, jewelery and Indian handicrafts are
sold. This market is centered around 'Poncho Plaza'. All day long the
whir of cotton candy machines, Andean pipe music and Quichua, the
native tongue derived from the Incan tongue drift across the square. A
blinding maze of coloured textiles spills from the square out across
town encompassing the area between Quito and Calderon and Bolivar and
31 de Octubre. As you stroll the streets you'll find everything from
jumpers to armadillo shell guitars, wall hangings to ceramic fried
eggs.
Don't restrict yourself to Poncho Plaza, as you'll probably get better
bargains away from the main square (the more items you buy, the lower
the prices you can haggle), and the goods on display start to diversify
as the market weaves its way through the side streets.
On the stretch of Jaramillo between Quito and Quiroga, mothers and
infants share the street with geese, puppies, pigeons and cuyes (guinea
pig - a popular local food). Down on Quiroga between Jaramillo
and 31st de Octubre (in front of the Plaza de Toros), the ponchos and
baby wear are supplanted by potted plants, skinned calf heads and
bleating goat herds. The northern edge of the textile market is bounded
by Calderon, where salesmen extolling the joy of Tupperware stand
between stalls of snake skin, herbal remedies and bars of magical soap
used to ward off jealousy.
There may also be the option of visiting en-route the wood carving
centre of San Antonio de Ibarra. In the afternoon you will visit
Cotacachi city which is famous for leather goods and then return to
Quito.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Alameda Hotel. |
|
|
30.05.10
(B/D ) |
Quito
- Galapagos Islands
Your
guide will meet you at the hotel foyer and transfer you to the airport
in Quito. Air ticket from Quito to Baltra will be provided by the local
tour guide.
Note:
There is a restriction on your luggage to 20kg only.
A trip to Ecuador is not complete if a visit is not made to the
Galapagos Archipelago, located almost 1,000 kilometres from the
Ecuadorian continental coastline. It is made up of 13 large islands, 17
small ones and 47 rocky islets, which cover an area of 8,000 square
kilometres.
The islands were discovered in 1535, by Brother Tomas de Berlanga.
Declared a National Park in 1959, the Charles Darwin
Foundation was also organized this year to commemorate the islands'
link with the evolutionary scientist. The province of Galapagos was
legally created in 1973 and it was declared a "Natural Heritage
of Humanity" by UNESCO in 1979.
Each year tourists flock to the islands attracted by the natural
surroundings, and the unique flora and fauna, often not found anywhere
else
in the entire world. The experience of cruising the islands depends on
the type of boat chosen; a small boat, a motored yacht or a large ship
with capacity for 90 passengers with cruises lasting from 3 to 14
nights. The environment is informal and itineraries are planned so that
two or more visits may be made daily to the islands.
Landings on the Galapagos are two types, "dry" where the small boats
transporting the tourists from the larger ships to the island anchor
along rustic docks and "wet" where the boats almost reach the shore
and tourists disembark while still on the water.
Note:
There is a National Park Entrance fee of $110 USD per person
payable in cash on arrival to the islands.
The Galapagos Islands is one of the most spectacular places to visit in
the sub-continent of South America. It is a rare experience, a brief
trip to a paradise that really exists. This Equadorean archipelago, its
name derived from the huge Galapagos tortoises inhabiting the islands,
was formed through volcanic activity and provided a unique setting for
the evolution of native plants and animals.
Isolated by 600 miles
from the nearest land mass, indigenous flora and fauna had the uncommon
opportunity to evolve without natural predators. Thus the response of
fear to intruders is virtually non-existent. One can wander along
island trails, often passing within inches of one particular species or
another and evoke only the slightest response - a squawk, a lethargic
move in the opposite direction, a baleful stare, or a sleepy head
barely raised to acknowledge your passing.
The islands (13
major islands, dozens of small lava islets,
and reefs dotting about some 3000 square miles of the Pacific) were
discovered in 1535 and during the next 300 years they were visited
periodically by Spanish mariners, British Buccaneers, renegades and
pirates in search of shelter. Today the human population of
approximately 12,000 is confined to four major
islands and engaged in farming, fishing, raising cattle, and tourism.
The Darwin Research Station, housed on the Santa Cruz Island, trains
naturalist guides from all over the world and is charged with the task
of advancing conservation on the islands.
The Galapagos was declared a National Park in 1959, but not until 1963
did the National Park Service actively begin operating within the
islands. It has since been declared a Biosphere Reserve. As popularity
increased the number of visitors permitted annually was restricted. Due
to pressure from various interest groups this number has been pushed
upwards, giving the idea that economic gain has precedence over
preservation and conservation. However rules for visitors do exist and
should be adhered to in order to preserve this remarkable piece of the
world for generations to come!
One of the latest additions to our Galapagos islands fleet is the
tourist superior class dive yacht Guantanamera, she is a dive boat
designed for the Galapagos Islands cruises for full diving programs as
well as occasional diving, she takes 16 guests in 8 double cabins
located as follows, 2 suites and 1 double in the main deck, 5 double
cabins in the upper deck, all cabins have private bathrooms and A/C,
ample social areas, dinning room and solarium as well as dive platform.
Note:
The airport departure tax from Galapagos of $25
USD per person is not included.
The
itinerary is only a guide and is subject to
change due to unforeseen weather conditions, permits etc.
|
|
|
31.05.10
(B/L/D) |
Galapagos
Islands
Plaza Island
The island south plaza was formed by lava up
streaming from the bottom of the ocean. Despite its small size it is
home to a large number of species and it is famous for its
extraordinary flora. That is why this island is very popular with
visitors. The most characteristic plant is the ground cover sesuvium.
During the rainy season its colour is a green to yellowish tone, in the
dry season (end of June until January) a bright red. Then it contrasts
very well with the yellow land iguana that lives there. Also typical
are the opuntia cactus forests that can be found on the whole island
and which are the main nourishment of the iguanas.
The circular trail
leads up to the 25 meter high cliff. There you have a great view over
the seabirds that are nesting there like pelicans, frigate birds,
red-billed tropic birds, Audubon's shear waters, masked boobies as well
as swallow-tailed gulls. Very popular is also the sea lion colony on
the coast. You can watch sea lions pups playing or the fighting of the
bulls. Swimming and snorkelling with them is possible too and out to
the sea you might encounter a manta ray.
Santa Fe Island
The landing site is a bay on the northeast coast which is home to sea
lions. Snorkelling is also possible and you might
encounter the
white-tipped reef shark and the spotted eagle ray. In the sandy cove
nearby living sand dollars can be observed. The island itself is quite
dry and on account of this dominated by tall Opuntia cacti, scalesia
and palo santo trees. The Galapagos snake, mockingbirds and the
Galapagos hawk occur here.
There is a choice of two trails: A short
loop leads you to a forest of opuntia cactus which is the home to the
Santa Fe land iguana (exists nowhere else on the islands).
It
varies
from its fellows on the other islands by being bigger and having larger
spines. The opuntias grow especially tall when the vegetation is
dense. Moreover the succulent pads serve as nourishment for the land
iguana. So by growing tall the cactus kills two birds with one stone;
it protects itself and receives full sunlight. That is why some
opuntias on Sante Fe are over 10m high. The other trail (1.3km)
takes you through sea lion colonies up to a cliff from where you can
observe various seabirds and Galapagos doves.
|
|
|
01.06.10
(B/L/D) |
Galapagos Islands
Espanola Island
Espanola is the oldest
island of the archipelago and the furthest to the south. Because of its
great variety of sea birds it is very popular with birdwatchers. You
can encounter masked and blue-footed boobies, Galapagos doves,
red-billed tropic bird, mocking birds, swallowed-tailed gulls and most
importantly, the waved albatross. There are two visitor sites; Gardner
Bay and Punta Suarez.
Gardiner Bay is about a 1
km long beach that is among the most magnificent in all Galapagos. It
is home to many sea lion colonies and the turquoise coloured water
makes a beautiful contrast to the white sand that consists of shell
dust. On the rocks mingle big marine iguanas and sally light foot crab.
Mocking birds fight for their territory and inspect the backpacks of
the tourists. About 50m of the coast there is a rock where you can
encounter tropic fish and rays while snorkelling. But more spectacular
is the Gardner Rock that can be reached with a panga. It is home to
white-tipped reef shark, cactus finch and other colourful sea dwellers
and very popular among snorkelers.
Punta Suarez lies at the west end of the island. The
tourist
trail is about 2km long and leads from one end of the island to the
other while revealing the spectacular bird life. There are so many
blue-footed boobies nesting that have to take care not to step on one
of their nests. You can observe red marine iguanas that are lying in
the sun or the buzzards in the top of the trees and they hunt for young
blue-footed boobies. Following the path you encounter masked boobies
that are nesting almost the whole year on the cliffs.
The
highlight of this tour is certainly the colony of the Galapagos
albatross, which is endemic on this island (exist nowhere else on the
islands or in the world). Between the middle of March and the end of
December there are up to 12,000 of these fascinating birds with a
wingspan of about 2.40m. On the cliffs they seem to be really awkward
but when they get up in the air they are kings of the sky.
Only a short
distance from the albatross colony there is the Hueco Soplador. This is
about 20m high water fountain that is created by the waves. Their whole
energy is pressed through a little hole between the cliffs. The
phenomenon resembles a geyser.
|
|
|
02.06.10
(B/L/D) |
Galapagos
Islands
Floreana Island
Was
the first inhabited island and has an exciting human history. It
includes the mysterious deaths of several inhabitants that have not
been solved until today. If you are interested in the whole story, then
read Margaret Wittmer's book "Floreana". Margaret Wittmer lived
for over 60 years on
Floreana and died at age 95 only in 2000. Her descendants still run a
hotel on the island.
Floreana offers three visitor sites and one extraordinary water site:
Asilo de la Paz (450m
mountain) is a visitor site that is situated a few kilometres inland
from
Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Because there are fresh water wells, this area
was used by the early settlers who found refuge in the caves nearby.
Look out for the endemic medium tree finch that only exists on this
island.
On the north coast Post
Office Bay is situated. In the early 1800's whalers started to
leave their mail in a barrel there and took the letters from other
sailors with them that were addressed to their destination. This
tradition is still practiced by tourists (of course the barrel is not
the original one anymore). Close by is a lava cave that you can climb
into by using a short piece of rope and a nice swimming beach.
Punta Cormorant is a light green
beach (because of olivine crystals) with a sea lion colony. The trails
100m long path ascends to a lagoon that is popular with flamingo.
Usually you can observe several dozens flamingos there as well as
oyster catchers, willets, whimbrels, black necked stilt and
white-checked pintail ducks. And a look up to the sky is also
recommended because often Galapagos hawks hover over the lagoon. The
path crosses the isthmus and leads to a beautiful beach with incredible
white sand where you can go swimming. White-tipped reef shark and
stingrays are common here so shuffle your feet when you walk into the
water. From December to March pacific green sea turtles use this site
to burrow their eggs.
|
|
|
03.06.10
(B) |
Galapagos
Islands - Quito
Return to Santa
Cruz and if time permits (before your flight out), visit to Charles
Darwin Station.
This island has the largest population in all Galapagos.
The better part of the ships start cruising from the natural port
basin Academy Bay. The bay is encircled by the dozy and tended
town Puerto Ayora. With its 150,000 inhabitants it is the largest
human settlement on the islands and offers some touristic facilities.
One of the first visitor sites is the Charles Darwin Research Centre.
It is visited by most cruise ships and should not be missing on any
trip to the archipelago. While walking through splendid mangroves
(consisting of red and black ones) you encounter huge iguanas.
Following the path that was outlaid with splinters of lava, you reach a
forest full of typical and endemic trees and cacti. It is a colourful
mix of lava cacti, tree opuntias, muyuyo trees that are covered with
lots of tiny hair, poisonous manzanillo trees and acacias. Bird
watchers
get the view of mockingbirds, Darwin finches and many others
The visitor centre deals with research and the conservation of this
unique island world. With exhibitions it informs the interested
traveller about climate and geography and provides an insight into the
evolution of flora and fauna. From there you come to the Tortoise
Conservation Building where the tiny turtle babies are affectionately
being cared for. As soon as they are strong enough they are prepared
for their repatriation. From the hatchlings and juniors you proceed to
the robust seniors. Joining them in their natural enclosure is possible
and there you can get a close up view of those fascinating
heavyweights. The most famous of them is 'lonesome George" whose
fellows from Isla Punta are all extinct (there is a total of 11
subspecies on the islands). Numerous attempts of mating him with an
allied female turtle have failed so far because George is not
interested.
A great problem for the turtle population and several other
species are the animals that were introduced by the human settlers
like goats, pigs, cats and rats. They endanger the existence of the
endemic species so much that the national park staff tries everything
to get rid of them. Next to the visitor centre you can explore the arid
vegetation of Galapagos, consisting of cacti, mangroves and spiny
bushes where many land birds have their home.
You will be taken to the airport for your flight back to Quito.
Your
guide will meet you at the hotel foyer and transfer you to the airport
in Quito. Air ticket from Quito to Baltra will be provided by the local
tour guide.
Note:
There is a restriction on your luggage to 20kg only.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Alameda Hotel.
|
|
|
04.06.10
(B/D)
|
Quito - Sacha Lodge
Your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer
you to the airport.
Note:
There is a restriction on your luggage to 12kg only. You can leave your
main
luggage at the hotel.
Sacha only handles about 20 guests who arrive twice
weekly. The lodge overlooks Pilchicocha Lake, which was hidden for
millions of years and where there is abundant flora and fauna. The
lodge has double/single rooms with private bathroom, hot water
showers, excellent meals and more importantly a 14 metre observation
tower. You can choose from activities such as swimming, fishing,
canoeing and hikes on jungle trails to primary forest and lakes.
Jungle tours are escorted by guides with no more than 6 persons in a
group in order to properly enjoy the rain forest. Expect to see trees
that bleed, medicinal plants, flowers of all kinds, electric blue
butterflies, 500 plus species of birds (a bird list is available),
piranha fish, caiman and, perhaps, monkeys, tapir, jaguar and deer.
Activities are spread out over a wide area and allow visitors to
explore several distinct but equally fascinating habitats. Several
trails lead through pristine terra firma forest, where 150 ft kapok
trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to give trees support.
Others follow strategically raised board walks and other favourite
activity of guests is to paddle dugout canoes along tannin-rich black
water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, bromeliads and palm
trees thrive!
Wildlife: Anyone who
has
ever planned to visit the rainforest has at least once asked. "What
animals will I see there?" There is an incredibly high diversity of
species found around Sacha Lodge and we are sure that you will have
the opportunity to see many fascinating creatures here. However, the
wild is unpredictable and no two visits are ever the same! Monkeys are
seen quite frequently range in size from the tiny pygmy marmoset to the
noisy red howler monkey, and night monkeys can be found in groups as
small as 2 while squirrel monkeys can travel in groups of more than
150. Besides monkeys, there may be as many as 60 other species of
mammals within our reserve (not including up to 50 species of bats)! So
keep your eyes open, and maybe you'll spot an anteater, a 3-toed sloth,
or even an ocelot as you explore their natural habitat.
As for reptiles, be sure take advantage of our night activities to look
for one of Pilchicocha's resident spectacled caimans. Members of the
alligator family, caimans are often seen from canoes out on the lake,
and sometimes the babies even come to hide under our dining room! A
variety of lizards and snakes can also be found along our trails, if
you move quietly and keep your eyes peeled. Several different boas,
vine snakes and even the giant anaconda have been seen during many of
our excursions. There are a few poisonous snakes as well, but not to
worry they try to stay out of peoples' way and no one has ever been
bitten here.
Day 1
Depart Quito's airport at 10.20am for a 30 minute flight over the Andes
Mountains to a bustling oil town called Coca located in the Amazon
Basin. After a quick lunch in Sacha's private house, you will head to
the town docks where you will board Sacha's private canoes for the 2
hour journey down river to the site of Sacha's Lodge. A 30 minute hike
through the rainforest will lead you to lake Pilchicocha. Here you will
be met by native workers who will paddle you across the lake to your
final destination. You will arrive at Sacha Lodge around 2.30pm or
3.00pm.
Suggestions for your first afternoon:
- Swim in Lake Pilchicocha, which is a black water lake home to many
species of fish and animals. A refreshing swim after arriving may be
just what you need after being in the equatorial heat all day.
- Observe some birds from a top the mini tower where you may see
several species of birds common around the lodge. This is also a great
place to watch the sunset.
- Visit the butterfly house with your naturalist guide to see the
beautiful colours of many different species of butterflies.
After dinner accompany your naturalist guide on a night walk through
the rainforest to view the hundreds of different species of animals
that can only be found at night.
Or maybe take a canoe ride on the lake
to view the spectacled and black caimans with their glowing orange eyes
as you silently paddle across the lake.
|
|
|
05.06.10
(B/L/D)
|
Sacha
Lodge
Sacha Lodge is located in the heart of the Amazon Basin.
Surrounded by ancient black water lagoons, winding creeks and towering
trees, Sacha would seem the least likely place to find any sign of
human beings, yet visitors here may search for monkeys and tropical
birds where very few have stepped before. A haven for nature lovers,
birdwatchers, scientists and adventure seekers.
The guests are divided into small groups, each of which will be led by
a native guide with expert knowledge of the rainforest's medicinal and
other useful plants and a bilingual naturalist guide educated in the
biology and ecology of the area.
A typical day at Sacha begins at
sunrise or earlier, in order to take advantage of the cool morning
hours when the rainforest's animals are most active.
Possible Day 2
Begin your morning activity between 6.00am and 7.00am and you will be
given a full day/box lunch for your journey. Begin walking on trail
Liana Chica and arrive at the canopy walk for spectacular views of the
rainforest canopy and the many different species of vibrantly coloured
birds. This is designed to be a self-standing rigid suspension canopy
walk, one of only a few in the world. Located within Sacha's private
reserve, 2 miles from the shores of the Rio Napo and 1 mile from the
lodge, the bird walk gives guests the opportunity to get an up close
and
personal view of the rainforest canopy. Two of the three towers have
observation decks every 12 meters making them accessible for everyone.
The canopy walkway is 36 metres high and 275 meters long, giving guests
a 'birds eye view' of all the wonders and beauty the tropical
rainforest
has to offer.
After the canopy walk, travel through Liana Grande through terra firma
and igapo forest habitats where native guides will explain many
different species of medicinal plants that have been used in their
culture for hundreds of years. Liana Grande then turns into the trail
Higueron, which will take you through pristine primary forest with huge
Kapok and Fig trees towering hundreds of feet above your head.
Higueron then leads to the Finca where an excellent lunch will be
waiting for you, and you can listen to the soundtrack of the
surrounding species of birds that live around here.
From the Finca, you may choose to take a leisurely hike along the Rio
Nap, or choose a more challenging hike on the trail Leoncillo to try
and spot the elusive dusky titi monkey. Either way the trails will lead
you back to the main board walk for your final hike and canoe ride back
to the lodge.
|
|
|
06.06.10
(B/L/D)
|
Sacha Lodge
Day 3
Leaving the lodge
after breakfast you begin your hike on trail Lagartococha. This trail
offers you the chance to learn more about the native people and their
relationship with the forest. Learn about the trees where native people
believe the spirits of their ancestors live and the mysterious "dwende"
or devil-man of the forest. After arriving at lake Lagartocoha, take a
tranquil canoe ride through a natural swamp, which is the home of
anacondas, caimans and capybaras.
After the canoe ride, a walk on
the other side of Lagatococha may give you the opportunity to spot
capuchin or squirrel monkeys playfully jumping through the trees.
On
your return from the walk or canoe ride, head back to the lodge for a
refreshing dip in the lake, or a nice relaxing nap in your personal
hammock on your private balcony.
After lunch your native guide
will teach you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed piranha.
Keep in mind that piranhas will never attack a person and
swimming at
the same time is perfectly safe and fun!
In the afternoon, you will
begin what many think is the best trail at Sacha, a silent canoe ride
through the flooded Amazonian forest. Along here you have a good chance
of being surrounded by troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler
monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled for the shy and elusive river otter as
well as the incredibly well camouflaged three-toed sloth!
After
your eye-popping ride through the flooded forest, you will arrive at
Sacha's
135 ft wooden tower built around at ancient Kapok tree. Get
close up views of vibrantly coloured birds through Sacha's powerful
scopes, and watch the sunset with an amazing view of Mount Sumaco, a
volcano and possibly a view of the snow-covered caps of the Andes!
Leaving
the tower just before or after sunset will give you an experience not
soon forgotten. A canoe ride back through the flooded forest at night
will be an awe-inspiring experience. Listen to the symphony of frogs
and insects as you navigate through the narrow flooded forest trail,
keeping your eyes open for caimans. Watch the several species of bats
flying over your heads and listen to the many species of nocturnal
birds making their eerie night-time calls. Finally, after your
mesmerizing canoe trip through the Amazon, you will arrive back at Lake
Pilchicocha and the welcoming lights of Sacha lodge. |
|
|
07.06.10
(B) |
Sasha
Lodge - Quito
Breakfast is at 7.00am and will be
served and you are scheduled to leave the lodge
at around 7.30am. After a one last walk on the boardwalk to the river,
you board the canoe for a 2 hour ride back to Coca for your 35 minute
flight back to Quito.
You will arrive Quito at approx 11.50am.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Alameda Hotel.
|
|
|
08.06.10
(B/L) |
Quito - Santiago de Chile
Half day city tour of Quito and Middle of the World Monument
Today you will have a guided sightseeing of the Old city. Starting with
Guapulo, La Compania churches and San Francisco Monastery, then
continue to the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, then to El
Panecillo Hill with the statue of the Virgin Mary where you can
appreciate the view of the entire city. You will then be visiting the
visiting the Equatorial Monument for a visit to the Ehtnographic Museum
and a chance to stand in the two hemispheres at once, before returning
back to your hotel.
You will be met and transferred to the airport in Quito.
Lan
Chile Flight LA 1447, departing at 9.40pm. Arriving in Santiago De
Chile
at 5.10am the next day.
|
|
|
09.06.10
|
Santiago de Chile
On arrival in Santiago de Chile, you will be met and
transferred to your hotel.
Half day panoramic city tour of Santiago
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for a half day
sightseeing tour of the city of Santiago and see the Civic
Centre, La Moneda
Presidential Palace, the house of government that was originally built
to coin money. In 1846 and until 1958, President Manuel Bulnes had La
Moneda fitted out as the private residence of Chile's presidents. Now
the building has been renovated as government palace, seat of the
Presidency of the Republic. The Plaza de Armas
originally and following Spanish customs is an open space where open
air markets could be held and it wasn't until 1860 that the first
flower gardens were planted together with trees that are still there to
this day. The Cathedral has three previous versions erected on the same
site, that have all fallen prey to fires or earthquakes. The fourth and
present building was completed in 1775. You will pass the
main Post Office, erected in 1882 using some of the walls from the
former Governor's Palace in colonial times, the pedestrian streets of
Huerfanos and Ahumada, indisputably the social, commercial and
functional axis of Santiago, the prestigious social Union Club, the
National Library, Santa Lucia Hill, the site of the foundation of
Santiago on February 12, 1541 before heading towards the Bellavista
district. This area is the home of much of Santiago's artisans, and is
lined with galleries, as well open-air cafes and restaurants, and
night-life. You will go to a lookout on San Cristobal Hill, its tallest
peaks rising 880m above sea level for a panoramic view of the city.
Continue towards the residential districts of Vitacura, La Condes and
Providencia, boasting modern high rise building and exclusive shopping
malls.
On completion of the tour, you will have the choice of staying
at exclusive Parque Arauco shopping centre.
Accommodation: Eurotel El Bosque Hotel. |
|
|
10.06.10
(B) |
Santiago
de Chile
Half day Concha y Toro Winery Tour
Today you will visit one of the most well known vineyards
in Chile. Concha y Toro, located in the Maipo River Canyon, is planted
with grapevines of the noblest French grapes such as Cabernet
Sauvignon,
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and others. This
vineyard was founded in 1833 but today uses the most modern
technology
in cooling equipment, stainless steel tanks, filters and oak casks
which has helped it produce exceptional wines such as the Don Melchor
Cavernet Sauvignon and Casillero del Diablo.
Accommodation:
Eurotel el Bosque Hotel. |
|
|
11.06.10
(B) |
Santiago
de Chile - Easter Island
You will be met
and transferred to Santiago airport.
Depart
Santiago at 8.10am on Lan Chile Flight LA 841, arriving in Easter
Island at 11.50am.
Easter Island is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 3760
kilometres from the West Coast of Mainland Chile. Its area is about 189
square kms, being about 24kms along by 12kms wide. The islanders are of
Polynesian descent and are renowned for their charming, friendly
disposition. With a history of unusual interest embellished by many
legends, with its astounding giant stone statues known as Moai, its
petroglyphs of birdmen, and monuments dotted all over its surface, this
exciting and mysterious island is the last remaining vestige of a
unique, sensitive, highly developed civilisation.
Accommodation: Manutara Hotel. |
|
|
12.06.10
(B) |
Easter
Island
Full day Anakena
This morning you will be met at your hotel for a full day
excursion
visiting the archaeological centre of Akahanga, Rano Raraku quarry
where all the existing moais were sculpted, over 300 moais in different
stages of their completion, Ahu Tongariki, with its archaeological
ruins of once the largest platform until washed away by a tidal wave in
1969, Te Pito Kura, Ahu Ngau Ngau, including picnic luncheon on Anakena
Beach with its crystalline emerald green waters. Return to your hotel.
Accommodation: Manutara Hotel. |
13.06.10
(B)
|
Easter
Island - Papeete
You will be met at the hotel and transferred to Mataveri
airport for your flight.
Depart Easter Island at 9.00pm on Lan Chile Flight LA 833,
arriving in Papeete at 11.20pm.
Tahiti often called The Island of Love, is the largest of the 115
islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. The 1,042 sq km.
(402 sq miles) of Tahiti's surface area consist of mountain peaks
reaching over dense rainforests of soft ferns, waterfalls cascade into
cool rivers and streams as well as flat coastal areas containing fields
of taro and tropical flowers. The beaches on the island of Tahiti vary,
you will find black sand beaches on the north east coast and white sand
beaches on the south west side of the island. Most of the hotel resorts
can be found on the west coast side of the island of Tahiti.
Papeete, the bustling capital of Tahiti and her islands, contains the
government offices, police headquarters, hospital clinics, banks,
airline and travel agencies, boutiques and black pearl shops. Papeete
is a modern city that hums with happy voices as the daily drama unfolds.
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Note:
A local tax of XPF150 per night, per passenger is to be
paid directly to the hotel.
Accommodation:
Hotel Le Mandarin. |
|
|
14.06.10
(B) |
Papeete
Tahiti Tropical Treasures (Afternoon Circle Tour)
Discover the tropical ambiance of Tahiti on a complete
tour around the island with stops at all points of interest, scenic and
historic. Includes visits to One Tree Hill, Arahoho Blow Hole, Gauguin
Museum, Vaipahi Gardens and Maraa Fern Grottoes.
Accommodation:
Hotel Le Mandarin. |
|
|
15.06.10
(B) |
Papeete
Today is a day at leisure.
Accommodation:
Hotel Le Mandarin. |
|
|
16.06.10
(B)
|
Papeete
- Auckland
You will be met and transferred to the airport for your
flight to Auckland.
Depart Papeete at 10.25am on Air Tahiti Nui Flight TN 181, arriving in
Auckland at 2.20pm (17.06.10). You cross the
international
date line. |
| 17.06.10 |
Auckland
- Australia
Transfer to your next flight, departing Auckland at 3.55pm, arriving in
Sydney at 5.25pm.
Connecting flights
to Melbourne & Brisbane are to be advised. |