South American Odyssey
Tour 1010 -- 19 days & Tour 1015 -- 23 days with
Peru extension
Tour - 1010
Day 1, Sat. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO SOUTH
AMERICA.
Day 2, Sun. ARRIVAL IN MANAUS,
BRAZIL.
Welcome to South America's largest and most populous
country. Rooms are ready for early check-in upon
arrival. Meet your tour director this afternoon to
experience one of nature's unique anomalies – the
Meeting of the Waters. Cruise along the yellow-gray
Rio Solimoes to its confluence with the
chocolate-colored Rio Negro, where the two rivers form
the mighty Amazon. For four miles the differently
colored bodies of water flow side by side and never
mix! After lunch on the river, explore a JUNGLE ISLAND
(if the water level is not too low) with fascinating
native flora and fauna. Return to the hotel in the
late afternoon. Later attend a welcome reception
hosted by your tour director. (B,L)
Day 3, Mon. MANAUS.
While Manaus is located in the densest
part of the Amazon Jungle, it retains vestiges of its
glory days from the rubber boom. This is evident
during today's stop at the famous OPERA HOUSE, built
in 1896 with materials imported from Europe. You'll
also visit two museums documenting a way of life from
a bygone era to the present time: the MUSEUM OF
NATURAL SCIENCES and the INDIAN MUSEUM. (B)
Day 4, Tue.
MANAUS-RIO DE JANEIRO.
This morning time for independent exploration in
Manaus. This afternoon, your flight leaves for
fabulous Rio de Janeiro. (B)
Day 5, Wed.
RIO DE JANEIRO.
A
full day on your own to explore this cosmopolitan
city. Sunday is the day of Rio's famous Hippie Faire,
offering local goods such as leather, silver, and
lacework. You could take an optional trip to the town
of Petropolis, site of the former summer palace of
Emperor Dom Pedro II, or a jeep tour to the Botanical
Gardens and the bird sanctuary in Tijuca National
Park. Or maybe take a stroll in the sun along world
renowned Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. This evening
dinner is on your own. You might consider a
churrascaria – a Brazilian specialty restaurant
offering unlimited barbecued meats roasted over
charcoal, and a samba show, where the vitality of this
country comes to life. (B)
Day 6, Thu.
RIO DE JANEIRO.
This
morning's city tour features the STATUE OF CHRIST,
which crowns Corcovado, a rounded peak rising 2,300
feet above the bustling city. Ride to the top by cog
railway, and take in an unsurpassed 360-degree
panoramic view of the city and Guanabara Bay. Proceed
to downtown Rio to view the Sambodromo and visit the
CATHEDRAL. The evening is at leisure. Consider the
optional ascent via cable car to the top of Sugarloaf
Mountain. Your tour director has plenty of other
suggestions. (B)
Day 7, Fri.
RIO DE JANEIRO-IGUASSU FALLS.
A morning flight to
Iguassu Falls, one of the greatest
natural wonders of the world. This afternoon take a
walking tour of the Brazilian Falls, both higher and
wider than Niagara Falls. The sight and sound of 275
waterfalls cascading down a sheer precipice is
hypnotic. (B)
Day 8, Sat.
IGUASSU FALLS—BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA.
Walk along the Argentine side for an
even closer experience of the falls. Then on to Iguazu
International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.
An orientation drive en route to your central hotel
will familiarize you with the downtown, enabling you
to take part in one of los porteños’ (the
locals’) favorite activities: dining out. (B)
Day 9, Sun. BUENOS AIRES.
Your
included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a
colorful neighborhood and site of the city’s first
port. Then on to San Telmo – famous for its colonial
buildings and a popular spot for artists. At the Plaza
de Mayo see La Casa Rosada (the President's Pink
House) and the METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, housing San
Martin's Mausoleum. View the ornate Colon Opera House
before reaching THE CEMETERY OF THE RECOLETA, the
burial site of Eva Peron. The rest of the afternoon is
open for independent exploration. Tonight dinner is on
your own, and one option is Argentine steaks and
regional specialties followed by a nightclub revue
starring Latin America's sensuous tango dancers. (B)
Day 10, Mon. BUENOS AIRES.
The
day is yours for independent activities. For those who
wish to visit another South American country, we
recommend an optional day excursion to nearby Uruguay
to visit Colonia de Sacramento, founded by Portuguese
settlers in 1680. Throughout the 17th century, this
town held a strategic position as a smuggling outpost
for transporting British goods across the Rio de la
Plata into the Spanish colonies. Today its charm lies
in its narrow streets and colonial buildings. Your
evening is also at leisure. (B)
Day 11, Tue. BUENOS AIRES.
Another day to explore at your own pace. Your tour
manager has suggestions to help you experience this
vibrant capital city to the fullest. Or, perhaps
you’ll want to venture out of the city on an optional
excursion to the Argentine pampas and experience the
unique culture of the gauchos. (B)
Day 12, Wed.
BUENOS AIRES-BARILOCHE.
Fly southwest into the heart of the Andean Mountains
to the Tyrolean village of Bariloche. Nestled on the
shores of fjord-like Lake Nahuel Huapi, this beautiful
resort draws visitors year-round. Early this evening
acquaint yourself with the downtown area and its
picturesque town square – perhaps visit a chocolate
supermarket! Tonight dine at one of the many fine
Swiss, German, or Austrian restaurants. (B)
Day 13, Thu. BARILOCHE.
This
alpine resort boasts some of the most remarkable
scenery in Argentina. View stunning vistas of lakes
and mountain peaks on the Llao Llao Peninsula, Lago
Moreno, and Lopez Bay. The rest of the day and evening
are at your leisure. (B)
Day 14, Fri.
BARILOCHE-PEULLA, CHILE.
Travel through rugged wilderness via boat and
motorcoach. Pristine lakes, towering forests, and
snow-capped peaks make this an unforgettable day.
Cross into Chile and spend the night in the quaint
village of Peulla. (B,D)
Day 15, Sat.
PEULLA-PUERTO VARAS.
Continue through the Andean Mountains and board a
launch for breathtaking scenery in Chile’s Lake
District. Reboard the coach and stop at
PETROHUE FALLS
where green water gushes through a series of twisted
chutes of black volcanic rock. Next, panoramic views
of 8,900-foot Osorno Volcano, a perfectly shaped cone
that dominates the countryside. (B)
Day 16, Sun. PUERTO VARAS-PUERTO MONTT-SANTIAGO.
Your morning orientation tour takes you
to the nearby fishing port of Puerto Montt – a
charming town with a bustling waterfront. Then
transfer to the airport for the short flight to
Santiago. Located between the Pacific and the Andes,
Chile's capital has a surprisingly European flavor.
During your city tour, view La Moneda, the official
government palace, and San Cristobal Hill with its
landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. At the
ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, study the vast collection of
pre-Columbian art. Stop at the city's main square,
Plaza de Armas, to visit the relic-filled CATHEDRAL.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at
leisure. (B)
Day 17, Mon. SANTIAGO.
A
full day on your own. Your tour director will have
suggestions to help you make the most of your visit to
this capital city: sightseeing, visiting the coastal
cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, and more.
Tonight your tour director hosts a farewell dinner to
celebrate the success of your Latin American vacation.
(B,D)
Day 18, Tue. SANTIAGO-HOMEBOUND FLIGHT.
Day at leisure. Tonight your homebound flight departs.
(B)
Day 19, Wed. ARRIVE HOME.
An
early morning arrival is ideal for making homebound
connections.
Tour - 1015
ADD
PERU
TO YOUR TOUR
Tour 1015 – 23 days
Days 1 to 17, Sat. to Mon.
Like
tour 1010.
Day 18, Tue. SANTIAGO-LIMA, PERU.
This
afternoon, fly to Lima, Peru for an overnight in
preparation for your discovery of the Sacred Valley.
(B)
Day 19, Wed.
LIMA-CUZCO-YUCAY.
A morning flight to Cuzco, the
grandiose Andean city that was once the capital of the
Inca Empire. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the
Incas. First visit the fortress village of
OLLANTAYTAMBO. After lunch, drive to Pisac, an old
mountain village whose buildings reflect the brilliant
precision of Inca stonemasonry. Independent time to
explore the town center and browse the many colorful
stalls where vendors sell their myriad handicrafts. (B,L)
Day 20, Thu. YUCAY-MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO.
This morning board your train for a short journey
through the lush Urubamba Valley. Then transfer to a
motorcoach for the ascent to legendary MACHU PICCHU,
"The Lost City of the Incas," high above the steep
valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle. Your local
guide shares in-depth knowledge of the pre-Columbian
masters who abandoned these mysterious ruins. Time for
independent exploration of the ruins before returning
to Cuzco in the late afternoon. (B,L)
Day 21, Fri. CUZCO.
This
morning learn more about the Incas and their futile
struggle with the invading Spaniards. Visit the
imposing CATHEDRAL, the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY, the
nearby Inca baths of TAMBOMACHAY, and the
semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater. See the ancient site
of Puca Pucara before reaching the FORTRESS OF
SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cuzco.
It still remains unfathomable how and when this
fortress of gigantic stones – with some blocks
weighing more than 350 tons – was built. The balance
of the day is free for you to explore on your own. (B)
Day 22, Sat. CUZCO-LIMA.
A
short morning flight returns you to Lima. Today's
sightseeing focuses on Lima's colonial heritage.
Founded in 1535, the "City of Kings" was once the
capital of Spain's South American Empire. See the
18th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its unique
cloisters, the elegant CASA ALIAGA mansion, and the
Government Palace and CATHEDRAL situated around the
vast Plaza de Armas. Later tour the GOLD MUSEUM, with
its dazzling collection of pre-Columbian gold jewelry
and fascinating artifacts. Evening at leisure. (B)
Day 23, Sun. LIMA-HOMEBOUND FLIGHT.
Your
homebound flight arrives the same day.
*
Tourist entrance fee to Chile of US$61 for US citizens
is additional and payable to the immigration official.
Price may differ for citizens of other nations.
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