22 day Grand Tour of South America

Day 1 - HOME/SANTIAGO

Planned flight: Melbourne: LA804 departing 12:00PM and arriving Santiago 11:00AM
Sydney: LA806 departing 11:30AM and arriving Santiago 10:10AM

This morning, we board our LATAM airways flight bound for Santiago (Chile). Upon arrival into Santiago, meet and greet with your local tour guide followed lunch. Before checking into our hotel, we will take a cable car up San Cristobel hill for a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Dinner at hotel.

Included Meals - As per flight / Lunch / Dinner

Overnight - Hotel Pullman Santiago El Bosque or similar

Day 2 - SANTIAGO FULL DAY

This morning, enjoy a city tour you will visit key locations where the rich history of this city played out. Santiago is the perfect blend between the old colonial style and modern architecture, characteristics that make the city one of the most interesting in South America. The tour starts with a visit to Forestal Park, which runs along Mapocho River and then it is into the heart of the city with Plaza de Armas, the spot from where the city has grown throughout. We will also visit the Cathedral, and the National Historical Museum. If time permits, enjoy a bit of free time before dinner.

Meals -Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Overnight - Hotel Pullman Santiago El Bosque or similar

Day 3 - SANTIAGO/LIMA

Planned flight: LA640 departing Santiago 12:50PM and arriving Lima 3:40PM

After a relaxing morning, we make our way to Santiago airport for our LATAM airways flight for Lima. Before arriving to our hotel, we visit Larco Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of Incan artifacts, providing an intriguing glimpse into the rich history of Peru. During our visit, we'll have the opportunity to explore various galleries, such as the Textiles Gallery, the Spaniards' Arrival Gallery, the Sacrifice Ceremony Gallery, and the Gold, Silver, and Jewels Galleries, where we'll discover fascinating in-sights into the ancient cultures of Peru. Dinner at hotel.

Included meals - Breakfast / Own arrangement Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Casa Andina Select Miraflores or similar

Day 4 - LIMA/CUZCO/SACRED VALLEY

Before flying to Cuzco, we will have photostops at Plaza de Armas, Government Palace, the House of El Oidor and the stunning City Hall buildings. We arrive into Cuzco airport late afternoon and upon arrival we make our journey to our hotel in the Sacred Valley (about 2 hour drive) which is closer to Macchu Picchu for next day. Check into hotel and then dinner.

Meals - Breakfast / Own arrangement Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel or similar

Day 5 - SACRED VALLEY/MACCHU PICCHU

One of the most important tourist landmarks in the world awaits us: Machu Picchu! Our adventure will begin aboard the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, a picturesque town at the foot of the emblematic Inca citadel. During the train ride we can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings, with impressive views of majestic mountains, the Vilcanota river and small towns of the Peruvian Andes; a visual feast that fills us with anticipation for the visit to the wonder that is Machu Picchu. After a short bus ride from Aguas Calientes we will find ourselves in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World – an unforgettable sight! From there, we will explore the ancient ruins, learning all about the history and mysteries that this mystical and impressive place holds. Surrounded by incomparable landscapes, there will be no shortage of spectacular photo opportunities! Once we have recharged ourselves with the magical energy of Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes where we will have free time to have lunch.

* Note on this day you will pack a small overnight bag for Macchu Picchu and your main luggage will be transported to our hotel in Cuzco upon returning back on day 6.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - El Mapi Hotel Machu Picchu by Inkaterra or similar

Day 6 - MACCHU PICCHU/CUZCO

Before we head back to Cuzco today, we will use this time to complete any other sightseeing spots around the area that we may have missed from the previous day. After lunch at a local restaurant, we take our train back to Cuzco station and will be greeted by the local representative who will take us back to our hotel in Cuzco for rest and dinner.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Novotel Cuzco or similar

Day 7 - CUZCO CITY TOUR

This charming day of Cusco offers us history, living culture and art. We will be able to appreciate how the Andean and Spanish cultures, as well as the past and the present, coexist in harmony in the Imperial City. We will arrive at the center to walk the halls of the San Pedro market, the oldest in the city. We will also visit the Koricancha temple, which during the Inca empire was a center of worship of the Sun and on which the Santo Domingo convent was later built as part of the evangelization process. To appreciate the greatness of the Incas, we will ascend to the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which with its enormous carved stone walls constitutes one of the best examples of Inca military architecture. We will tour the archaeological center of Kenko, a ceremonial place where the sun, the moon and the stars were worshiped. We couldn|t take a tour of the city without visiting the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city. It was built by the Spanish on top of the palace of the Inca Huiracoha. Its interior houses a wonderful collection of colonial art composed of goldsmith pieces and representative canvases of the Cusco School of Art.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Novotel Cuzco or similar

Day 8 - CUZCO/RAINBOW MOUNTAIN/CUZCO

Vinicunca or the Rainbow Mountain is one of the most popular destinations in Cusco. We will leave the hotel early to head to Cusipata and from there we will travel to Phulawasipata, starting point of the uphill trail. The path will be the perfect excuse to enjoy the nature of the place: herds of llamas and alpacas, as well as the majestic Apu Ausangate, the highest snow-capped mountain in Cusco. We will also be able to talk with the community members of the area and see the potato fields that they work every day. After approximately an hour and a half of walking, we will arrive at Vinicunca, at 5,020 m above sea level. Arriving at the lookout, our reward is a stunning view of the colorful hillside. The minerals that make up the mountain soil give its slopes and summit curious shades of red, purple, green, yellow, and pink, among other colors. Make sure to have your camera ready! The hike continues into the Red Valley, which will offer us a beautiful mountainous landscape dyed red. Another setting for unique photographs! From there we will head back to Phulawasipata, where after traveling a total distance of 10 kilometers we will be ready to enjoy a refreshing snack.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Novotel Cuzco or similar

Day 9 - CUZCO/PUERTO MALDONADO

Planned flight: LA2323 departing Cuzco 11:25AM and arriving Lima 12:55PM then connecting with LA2264 departing Lima 3:00PM and arriving Puerto Maldonado at 4:40PM

Our adventure continues with our group taking a flight to Puerto Maldonado! 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, we head out for a late lunch and then we check into our lodge for the next few days.

** Please note order of activities for Days 9-12 may be subject to change

Meals - Breakfast / Boxed Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - EcoAmazonia Lodge hotel or similar (standard bungalow)

Day 10 - AMAZON JUNGLE

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. 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.

** Please note order of activities for Days 9-12 may be subject to change

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - EcoAmazonia Lodge hotel or similar (standard bungalow)

Day 11 - AMAZON JUNGLE

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. 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.

** Please note order of activities for Days 9-12 may be subject to change

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - EcoAmazonia Lodge hotel or similar (standard bungalow)

Day 12 - PUERTO MALDONADO/BUENOS AIRES

Planned flight: LA2259 departing Puerto Maldonado 8:45AM and arriving Lima 10:20AM and then connecting with LA2369 departing Lima 12:15PM and arriving Buenos Aires at 6:45PM.

Very early this morning we make way to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires (via Lima) which should arrive late in the evening. Upon arrival into Buenos Aires – meet and greet at airport followed by check in and dinner at hotel.

Meals - Boxed Breakfast / Dinner

Accommodation - Grand Brizzo hotel or similar

Day 13 - BUENOS AIRES

On an unforgettable route, we will live all the porteño magic. These few hours feature all the magic of Argentina's capital city. In this most complete overview of the Paris of South America we will visit the glamorous neighbourhoods of Recoleta and its most famous cemetery (entrances not included), Palermo, May Square and the Pink House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the newest & trendiest Puerto Madero Area and many other emblematic buildings and palaces of unique architectural, historical, and cultural value. The visit would not be complete without the sights of the first settlements of the city of Buenos Aires. The pintoresque neighborhood of San Telmo, residence to the porteño aristocracy until the end of the XIX century and where the renowned antiques market is held every Sunday; Caminito Street, in the colorful, Italian immigrants neighbourhood of La Boca.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Grand Brizzo hotel or similar

Day 14 - BUENOS AIRES RANCH DAY AND TANGO SHOW

Today, we tour one of the famous Gauchos Ranch enjoy their native dance shows. We also get the unique opportunity to experience horseback and carriage rides. For lunch, we try the famous Argentine wine together with their famous barbecued meats – their beef is one of the best in the world! In the evening, enjoy a famous Tango Show and dinner at a typical Argentina restaurant.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Grand Brizzo hotel or similar

Day 15 - BUENOS AIRES/IGUAZU FALLS

Planned flight: AR1780 departing Buenos Aires 11:50AM and arriving Iguazu at 1:45PM

After breakfast this morning, our group will drive to the airport for our flight to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, meet and greet and then check into our hotel for a few hours rest but also to explore the resort. At night we enjoy dinner together.

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Accommodation - Panoramic Hotel or similar

Day 16 - IGUAZU FALLS (ARGENTINA SIDE)

After breakfast, enjoy a tour to the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls; where you’ll be able to witness the jungle’s beauty and have close views of this unforgettable section of the Iguazu River. At the park, an ecological train ride will take you to the impressive Devil’s Throat, the most important of all 275 waterfalls that comprise the Iguazu falls system. Back to the hotel in the afternoon.

**Please bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, insect repellent, sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses, small towel, pilot or raincoat and a light backpack for tours.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Panoramic Hotel or similar

Day 17 - IGUAZU / IGUASSU (BRAZIL SIDE)

This morning, we depart and make our way to the Brazilian side of the falls. Enjoy a day with an escorted walking tour to the Brazilian side of the falls through path footbridges and belvederes. 275 cascades from a mile and a half long crescent where torrents of water plunge down to the basin 230 feet high all strategically placed to give the tourist the best view allowing you to see each and every fall. After a bit of rest in the afternoon, we regroup in the evening in which you will be amazed by the colour and rhythm of Brazil at a lively Samba show (Rafain Traditional Brazillian dinner and show).
Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Foz Do Iguassu Hotel or similar

Day 18 - IGUASSU / RIO DE JANIERO

Planned flight: LA3685 departing Iguassu at 2:15PM and arriving Rio De Janeiro at 4:10PM

A relaxing morning before we head off to the airport for our flight to Brazil! Upon arrival we will have a meet and greet with our local guide who will assist us with check in and then dinner at the hotel.

Meals - Boxed Breakfast / Dinner

Accommodation - Arena Leme Hotel or similar

Day 19 - RIO DE JANIERO

Today’s highlight is a visit to see Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain! The statue sits 700-metres above the city of Rio and has fascinated visitors and historians for nearly a hundred years. After lunch we will have a chance to pass by Rio's world famous beaches. Late afternoon, 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.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Arena Leme Hotel or similar

Day 20 - RIO DE JANEIRO/SANTIAGO

Planned flight: LA771 departing Rio de Janeiro 6:05PM and arriving Santiago 9:58PM

This morning after breakfast, our group will visit Tijuca Forest and Botanical Garden - one of the largest urban rainforests in the world, set on mountain slopes just west of Rio de Janeiro. With this tour, discover two of the city’s nature sites, starting with a guided walk through the Rio Botanical Gardens, including the Turtle Lake and Sensory Garden. Then, hike through Tijuca, learn more about the native plants and wildlife, and admire Taunay Waterfall. After lunch we head over to the airport for our flight to Santiago.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Own arrangement Dinner

Accommodation - N/A

Day 21 - SANTIAGO/MELBOURNE

Planned flight: LA805 departing Santiago 12:45AM and arriving Melbourne next day 5:40AM

A few hours transit in Santiago and then we board our connecting midnight flight with LATAM bound for Melbourne.

Meals - As per flight

Day 22- ARRIVE MELBOURNE

Your overnight flight arrives back into Melbourne early this morning and from all of us at Friendly Travel, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed your time in South America!

Meals - As per flight