DAY |
DESCRIPTION |
Day 1 |
Lima
On arrival transfer to your hotel.
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Day 2 |
Lima (B)
A relaxing day free to explore Lima or just relax and get ready for the Andes.
Lima was the principal city of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in early 19th century. It never rains in Lima and only for 2 months of the year are the skies blue – January and February. You have the whole day to explore Lima with a visit to the world famous Gold Museum where you can browse through the unique ceramics gold and weavings. There is also one of the world’s largest collections of armoury and a very extensive display of Pre-Columbian textiles. A city tour of the Greater Colonial Lima allows you to appreciate the wonderful colonial buildings in downtown Lima such as the Santo Domingo Convent and the Casa Aliaga, one of South America’s oldest Spanish homes.
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Day 3 |
Fly to Tambopata Ecological Reserve (B)
Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Puerto Maldonado where you will transfer to your motorised dugout canoe for the 4 hour river trip to your Ecological Lodge in Tambopata Reserve
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Day 4 |
Tambopata Ecological Lodge (B,L,D)
Experience life in the jungle for the night, listen to the jungle aria of howler monkeys and exotic birds. Witness turtles, caiman, alligators, macaws, many rare birds and 'just the feel' of being in the Amazon Jungle!
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Day 5 |
Tambopata Eco Lodge (B,L,D)
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Day 6 |
Tambopata Eco Lodge (B,L,D)
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Day 7 |
Puerto Maldonado to Cusco (B)
An early morning start to being the boat trip to Puerto Maldonado to catch the flight back to Cusco.
Cusco – Walking Tour
This afternoon take a slow walking tour of this lovely city with a local guide and acclimatise to the altitude. Cusco is a true experience.
Lying in an exceptionally beautiful countryside 3300 metres above sea level, here you will encounter a fine blend of Spanish and Inca cultures, colourful Quechua Indian markets, Inca temples and massive stone walls which form the foundations of the city but were originally from Sacsayhuaman. Explore the Koricancha – Inca Temple – along with some of the streets, which are lined with intricate stonework, which is sure to impress you.
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Day 8 |
Pisaq ruins & village (B)
Explore these wonderful ruins situated high in the Andes on top of the mountain. Walk back down to the village below through superb Inca terracing. Time to browse through the colourful market before returning to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
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Day 9 |
Chinchero Market (B,L)
Travel out into the stunning countryside to the market at Chinchero. This is the most colourful and authentic market in Peru.
After lunch visit the impressive inca site of Ollantaytambo with it’s ancient village lying below – just as it was back in Inca times.
Stay overnight in this beautiful valley.
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Day 10 |
INCA TRAIL (B)
Alternative Programme/ Maras Salt Pans
Another fabulous walk today. Discover these amazing salt pans still mined as they were hundreds of years ago – a beautiful walk back down to the Sacred valley for lunch.
This afternoon relax and enjoy the countryside and visit the Semanario Pottery – it’s hard to resist.
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Day 11 |
INCA TRAIL (B,L,D)
Alternative Program – Train to Aguas Calientes (B,L)
It’s up early for one of the world’s great train journeys from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. Passing through fabulous scenery we travel towards the jungle. Arrive at Aguas Calientes for lunch and free afternoon to explore the markets and/or soak in the hot mineral pools.
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Day 12 |
INCA TRAIL (B,L,D)
Alternative program – Machu Picchu (B)
Another early morning start by bus up the Hiram Bingham zig zag road to Machu Picchu - SUDDENLY IT IS SPREAD OUT BEFORE YOU – LIKE A GIANT POSTCARDS - the Lost city of the Incas – meet up with the trekkers in the group for a guided tour of these mystical ruins. Return to Cusco for the night.
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Day 13 |
INCA TRAIL (B,L,D)
Trekkers arrive to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of the citadel before returning to Cusco on the afternoon train.
Alternative Program – Sacsayhuaman & Cusco (B)
Morning tour to the outlying sites of Sacsayhuaman and Tambo Machay with afternoon free to explore on your own.
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Day 14 |
Cusco (B)
Day of leisure, to either relax or explore Cusco.
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Day 15 |
Train Cusco – Puno (B,L)
On the rails – this is one of the worlds great train journeys with spectacular views all the way.
Changing scenery moving away from the lush green of the Cusco valley to the dramatic and stark landscape of the Altiplano with snowcapped mountains on your left. Arrive early evening to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, highest navigable lake in the world at 4000 metres above sea level.
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Day 16 |
Lake Titicaca – Uros Indians ( B,L)
What an experience!
By boat visit the curious floating reed islands and the Uros Indians who live here. Everything is made of these reeds, houses, schools, boats, churches etc. Glide across tranquil Lake Titicaca on an authentic reed boat – you can’t beat it! The islands themselves are constructed from many layers of reeds, which rot away from the bottom and are replaced regularly at the top.
After lunch say adios to Peru and continue through magnificent scenery to Bolivia - the sleepy lakeside town of Copacabana and a rather plush hotel.
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Day 17 |
Island of the Sun – La Paz (B)
An early morning start as you travel by boat out to this historic island, believed to be where the sun rose out of the lake – a bit of a climb but the views are worth it. Return to Copacabana in time to catch the bus through stunning scenery to colourful La Paz.
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Day 18 |
La Paz (B)
Discover this unique city – take a morning city tour to get your bearings including a trip out to the weird lunar landscapes of Valley de Luna and the world’s highest golf course! This afternoon you are free to browse through the wonderful colourful and inexpensive markets.
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Day 19 |
La Paz – Tiwanaku (optional) (B)
Optional – full day to the Pre-Colombian Tiwanaku ruins outside the city. This finishes the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle of the Andean people.
Or enjoy the many colourful markets. Such a great city for shopping and people watching.
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Day 20 |
La Paz – Asuncion (B)
An early start as we say ‘adios’ to the Andes and fly via Santa Cruz to Asuncion in the heart of South America.
Transfer to your hotel.
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Day 21 |
Asuncion – Iguassu Falls (B)
Situated on the Paraguay river, with a mix of colonial and modern architecture, we have a tour of the city en route to the airport for your flight to Iguassu. First transfer to the Argentine side of the Falls .
These falls defy description! Gasp at the majesty of the world's most spectacular waterfalls. Set in pristine rainforest with countless birds and butterflies, Situated on the borders of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil they plunge in a series of gigantic waterfalls over 3kms long and more than 80 meters high.
The thunderous roar of crashing water and the multicoloured mist is natural beauty at its best. It is undoubtedly one of the world's most impressive sights – see the mighty Devils Throat . Transfer across to the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguassu where you stay overnight.
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Day 22 |
Iguacu Falls – Rio de Janeiro (B)
This morning visit the Brazil side for an amazing and very photogenic panoramic view of these magical falls. Connect to the airport for your flight to Rio.
Transfer to your hotel in Copacabana
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Day 23 |
Rio de Janeiro (B)
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro – river of January – is a beautiful city full of vibrant people. Brazilians say “ God made the world in 6 days – the 7th day he devoted to Rio”. Stunning views from famous Sugar Loaf Mountain as begin our sightseeing by local bus and gondola.
This afternoon enjoy the cogwheel train straight up the mountainside to the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado) and even more stunning views.
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Day 24 |
Rio de Janeiro (B)
Today enjoy the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana and a ride on the local bus is not to be missed. Enjoy the scenery - and I mean the people - and the atmosphere. Browse through the famous Ipanema Hippie Fair and admire the Brazilian arts and crafts – maybe buy a bargain or two.
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Day 25 |
Rio de Janeiro – Buenos Aires (B)
Morning flight to the “Paris of the Americas “ - Buenos Aires where you will have time for a walking tour of the city.
Optional visit to the San Telmo Antique Market, held every Sunday.
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Day 26 |
Buenos Aires (B)
Enjoy a fully guided city tour to get your bearings. Tonight get into the Argentine mood with a juicy steak and Tango show.
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Day 27 |
Buenos Aires (B)
Morning free to explore more of this stylish city – known as ‘Paris of the South’.
This evening transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
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AMAZON TO ANDES
ABOUT THE PACKAGE
26 Nights / 27 Days
Prices are per person, per package, in US Dollars. 
