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Tour Date: 23 Feb 2010 - 23 Mar 2010
Tour Cost ($AUD): $16,947.00
This tour is South America at its most adventurous. Starting with a superb cruise around the Galapagos Islands, the tour then heads up to the Andean city of Quito. During this acclimatisation section, we travel on the 'Chiva Express' through the Cotopaxi National Park and within 'touching distance' of the highest volcano in South America. From here we continue to La Paz, before crossing the greatest salt flats in the world, Salar de Uyuni. Moving into Chile, the tour cuts through the great Atacama, the driest desert in the world, before arriving at Chile's sophisticated capital, Santiago. From here we explore the lakes area as we enter Patagonia, and the staggering Perito Moreno Glacier at El Calafate in Argentina. Finally, we have three nights in Buenos Aires, the best shopping city in the world. This wonderful itinerary is designed for people who want to experience a true Andean adventure!
Pre-Departure Information
23/02/2010 Sydney - Santiago - Guayaquil (D)
Galapagos Islands
Fly from your preferred capital city to Sydney, connecting with our Lan flight to Santiago. Crossing the International Date Line, we arrive in Guayaquil on the same day.
Depart Sydney Lan LA 800, 09.55
Arrive Santiago 12.10
Depart Santiago LA 1446, 15.55
Arrive Guayaquil 19.10
On arrival in Guayaquil we transfer to our hotel.
Hotel Oro Verde
9 De Octubre Street
Guayaquil
Ecuador
Ph: 0011-593-4-2327999
Fx: -2329350
24/02/2010 Guayaquil (BLD)
The Flower Market, Guayaquil
Located on the west bank of the mighty Guayas River and the Pacific Ocean, lies the dynamic and captivating city of Guayaquil. Although not the political capital of the country, Guayaquil is nonetheless the largest metropolis in the country and one of the most important ports on the South American Pacific.
Today we explore the old district of 'Las Penas', where the old wooden houses of colonial Guayaquil still remain. From here we stroll along the beautiful riverside before visiting the superb botanical gardens. In the afternoon we visit the flower and seafood markets.
25/02/2010 Guayaquil - Galapagos (BLD)
MV Santa Cruz
Depart Guayaquil Aerogal 2K 32, 10.00
Arrive Baltra (Galapagos) 10.30
On arrival at Baltra Island we board our ship, the MV Galapagos Legend, for the voyage to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island and Dragon Hill. As we walk on the island we see various types of birds including stilts, pintail ducks and sandpipers. As we move further inland, we see a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. The area is a natural nesting site for land iguanas and the Charles Darwin Research Station constantly monitors the area.
26/02/2010 Bartolome Island, Galapagos (BLD)
Galapagos penquin
On arrival at Bartolome we climb to the highest point via a wooden staircase. Later in the morning there is the chance to snorkel with Galapagos penguins. In the afternoon we visit Santiago Island where we discover colonies of endemic Galapagos sea lions and, at low tide, see marine iguanas grazing upon emerald green algae beds.
27/02/2010 Rabida Island, Galapagos (BLD)
Sea lions
This morning we reach the red beach of Rabida. The island, which has large deposits of iron, is the home of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds and several species of Darwin's finches. At certain times, the spectacular Greater Flamingos migrate to a salt pond close to the beach. In the afternoon we head for Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, there is an intensive rearing and captivity programme for the giant tortoises. As we stroll down the main street of Puerto Ayoro, we can witness first-hand how the Galapaguenos live in this magical paradise.
28/02/2010 Santa Cruz, Galapagos (BLD)
After breakfast we head further inland to visit the island's most famous reptile, the Giant Tortoises. There are approximately 15,000 'Galapago' left. Today, despite the best efforts of conservationists, the tortoises are still under threat. Domestic plants and animals brought to the islands by settlers are thought to be the main reasons for concern. Poaching is also still a problem and it is estimated that since 1990, 120 tortoises have been killed. The great reptiles can weigh up to 250 kilos and live for more than 100 years.
01/03/2010 Galapagos - Quito (BLD)
Iguanas basking in the sun
This morning we arrive at San Cristobal Island and the lovely port of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands. This is the same island that Charles Darwin first visited in September 1835! We visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre, located in a natural setting. The centre allows visitors to obtain information that will help understand the natural history of the islands and conservation programmes.
After our visit we transfer to the airport for our flight to Quito.
Depart Galapagos Aerogal 2K 33, 13.00
Arrive Quito 16.15
Hotel Patio Andaluz
Gracia Moreno N652
Quito, Ecuador
Ph: 0011-593-2-2280830
02/03/2010 Quito (BLD)
Quito by night
The Andean capital of Ecuador (2,850m) has a setting that few other cities in the world can match. During the 13th century, Quito was the prosperous centre of the Kingdom of Quitus before it became the northern capital of the Inca Empire. In the 16th and 17th centuries the Spanish built formidable temples, monasteries and mansions, creating an urban jewel, which is now a designated World Heritage Site. Today, Quito brings the past to life in its museums, convents, stone-carved facades and golden alters of its many churches.
After lunch we drive 25 km north to the Equatorial Monument, which marks the middle of the world.
03/03/2010 Quito (BLD)
 Sunset on Cotopaxi Volcano
Today we head out to the magnificent ecological sanctuary of Cotopaxi National Park. Here we can see herds of llama, Andean gulls and the amazing wingspan of the condor. We reach the old station of Quito, and continue our journey south The beauty of the Andes unfolds as we pass the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi (5,900m). We descend through a rich agricultural valley dotted with beautiful haciendas.
04/03/2010 Quito - La Paz (BD)
La Paz basin by night
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to La Paz via Lima.
Depart Quito Taca TA 042, 07.20
Arrive Lima 09.35
Depart Lima Lan LA2567, 12.00
Arrive La Paz 17.15
On arrival in La Paz we transfer to our hotel.
Hotel Europa
Calle Tiahuanacu 64
La Paz
Ph: 0011-591-2-3155656
Fx: 2213930
05/03/2010 La Paz (BLD)
La Paz markets
The amazing city of La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia and, as such, qualifies as the world's highest capital. Enjoying an incredible location it well deserves its nickname, 'the city that touches the sky'. Our tour begins in Government Square, from where we visit the Presidential Palace and the Indian handicraft market. We then drive out of the city to the extraordinary Moon Valley. Formed millions of years ago when the area was under water, it is a labyrinth of bizarrely shaped sandstone formations, which give the appearance of a lunar landscape.
06/03/2010 La Paz (BLD)
Site of Tiahuanaco
After breakfast we head to the legendary pre-Inca site of Tiahuanaco. It is thought to have been an important ceremonial centre and to have once bordered Titicaca. The influence of this civilisation was far-reaching, extending even to the coast of Peru where Tiahuanaco artifacts are common. These ancient people are believed to have been even more advanced than the Incas in art, pottery, astronomy and mathematics. The site at Tiahuanaco is still under exploration and many of the monoliths have been moved to the Museo Nacional de Arqueología in La Paz for preservation and easier viewing. Still on site are the Gate of the Sun, the Acapana Pyramid and the Kalasaya compound.
07/03/2010 La Paz - Oruro - Uyuni (BLD)
The Altiplano
After breakfast we leave the La Paz basin for our 3-hour journey to Oruro. On arrival we visit the Lighthouse of Conchupata, which is one of Oruro's historical specimens and from the top we have a wonderful view of the whole city. After lunch we continue our journey passing through the amazing landscapes of the Altiplano and onto the edge of the salt lake before transferring to our hotel, which is made entirely of salt.
Luna Salada Hotel
Salar de Uyuni
Potosi, Bolivia
Ph: 0011-591-72429716
08/03/2010 Uyuni (BLD)
Salar de Uyuni,
the largest salt flats on earth
Located close to the border with Chile, the Salar de Uyuni is the largest and highest salt lake in the world. The contrasting colours of the blue sky and the dazzling white salt surface make for an amazing spectacle.
Today we visit the village of Colchani on the shores of the Uyuni salt flats, where locals pack the salt after adding iodine. The sunset across the salt flats is truly astonishing.
09/03/2010 Uyuni - Ojo de Perdiz (BLD)
Uyuni Salt Lake
Today we travel across the salt flats and explore the area. We visit the isolated Isla Pescado, a cactus-strewn island that lies in a sea of salt, some 60 km from the nearest land. After lunch we head to Galaxy Cave, to learn about ancestral burials and see petrified cactus. We then continue to the town of San Pedro de Quemez before descending into valley of Ojo de Perdiz .
Tayka Ojo de Perdiz
Ojo de Perdiz
10/03/2010 Ojo de Perdiz - San Pedro deAtacama (BLD)
Moonlight on the Atacama
After an early breakfast we drive to an altitude of almost 5,000m as we travel to the Bolvian/Chilean border and onto San Pedro de Atacama. Although it is a long day, the scenery is a visual feast: multi-coloured mountains, cone-shaped volcanoes, bizarre wind-sculpted stone formations, the bubbling fumaroles at Sol de Manana and the colourful Laguna Colorado with its many flamingos. After crossing the border we quickly descend 2,000m to San Pedro.
Tierra Atacama Hotel
Calle Sequitor, Ayllu de Yaye
San Pedro de Atacama
Chile
Ph: 0011-56-55-555977
11/03/2010 San Pedro de Atacama (BLD)
San Pedro de Atacama
At an altitude of 2,400m, San Pedro de Atacama is an oasis village fed by two rivers and we spend today exploring this delightful place. It is surrounded by the Andes, volcanoes, salt flats, high plateaux, grassy river beds and salt-encrusted caves. Its history stretches back more than 10,000 years and the cultures of the Incas, Aymaras and Atacamenans converge here. Today we explorethe town before visitng the extraordinary Valle de la Luna.
12/03/2010 San Pedro - Santiago (BLD)
Santiago, in the shadow of the Andes
After breakfast we transfer to the nearby airport of Calama for our flight to Santiago.
Depart Calama Lan LA 341, 08.45
Arrive Santiago 10.45
On arrival in Chile's capital we visit the historical centre of Santiago. We visit the historical 'La Moneda', the Presidential Palace and the main square. In the evening we have dinner in the nearby market place.
Intercontinental Hotel
Avenida Vitacura
Santiago
Ph: 0011-56-2-3942000
Fx: 3942075
13/03/2010 Santiago - Valparaiso - Santiago (BLD)
Valparaiso on the Pacific
This morning we leave Santiago to explore the coastal towns of central Chile, travelling through the wine producing valleys of Curacavi and Casablanca. Of course, we stop to sample before continuing to Vina del Mar, which is known as the Garden City for its pretty parks and flower-lined streets.
After lunch we continue to the picturesque port of Valparaiso. It was built in the 16th-century on a total of 43 hills, which are reached by narrow windy streets, staircases and a series of funiculars. Known for its eclectic architecture, the town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
14/03/2010 Santiago - Puerto Montt - Bariloche (BLD)
Lago los Santos
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Puerto Montt and the start of the 'lakes crossing'.
Depart Santiago Lan LA 281, 06.00
Arrive Puerto Montt 07.40
On arrival at Puerto Montt we transfer to nearby Puerto Varas. We drive through attractive Alpine villages, which have been heavily influenced by the German settlement that began in 1852. Skirting Lake Llanquihue, we pass the base of Osorno Volcano before boarding a boat to cross Los Santos Lake to Peulla. After lunch we reach the Chilean/Argentinian border and continue through dense forest to Puerto Frias, before crossing the lake. From here we travel to Puerto Blast and board another boat to cross stunning Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Llao Llao Hotel
Avenida Ezequiel Bustillo
Bariloche
Ph: 0011-54-2944-448530
Fx: -445781
15/03/2010 Bariloche (BLD)
Bariloche
After breakfast we the magnificent forests which surround our hotel and in the afternoon visit beautiful Victoria Island in Nahuel Huapi.
16/03/2010 Bariloche (BLD)
Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi
Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapí is one of the jewels of Argentina. This is a spectacular area of lakes and rivers carved from ancient glaciers, majestic mountains, beautiful valleys and meadows covered with wildflowers.
During our sighteeing today we visit Lago Mascardi and Cascada de Los Alerces on the way to the spectacular glaciers of Mt Tronador.
17/03/2010 Bariloche - El Calafate (BLD)
Sunset at El Calafate
We transfer to the airport for our flight to El Calafate.
Depart Bariloche Aerolinea Argentinas AR 1692, 15.05
Arrive El Calafate 16.50
On arrival at El Calafate we transfer to our hotel.
Kosten Aike
Goberbador Moyano
El Calafate
Ph: 0011-54-2902-492424
Fx: 491538
18/03/2010 El Calafate (BLD)
Perito Moreno Glacier
Today is a wonderful day as we visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. One of the largest active continental glaciers in the world, UNESCO has declared it a 'Universal Patrimony of Humanity'. It flows into the south arm of Argentine Lake, breaking into glistening icebergs with a deafening roar.
19/03/2010 El Calafate - Buenos Aires (BLD)
Tango!
This morning we board a catamaran on Argentine Lake. The vessel gets close to the Spegazzini arm of the lake and enters a channel leading to Estancia Cristina. At this point we are surrounded by towering ice-capped mountains and glowing ice-blue bergs floating in the lake. We then transfer to a 4WD vehicle to drive to the longest glacier in South America, Mirador del Glaciar Upsala. Late afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires.
Depart El Calafate Aerolineas AR 2899, 19.28
Arrive Buenos Aires 23.24
La Fayette Hotel
Reconquista 546
Buenos Aires
Ph: 0011-54-11-4393 9081
Fx: 4393 2728
20/03/2010 Buenos Aires (BLD)
La Boca
Buenos Aires, the fabulous capital of Argentina, is the most European city in South America with many beautiful parks and plazas. 'Portenos', as the locals call themselves, are fun-loving people who enjoy their city and music. On our city tour we see Government House (Casa Rosada, or Pink House), the House of Congress, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Eva Peron's tomb in the Recoleta Cemetery and the famous Italian La Boca district. In the evening we experience an exciting tango show.
21/03/2010 Buenos Aires (BLD)
Horse ranch
A fun-filled relaxing day today as we head out of the city on a 'Fiesta Gaucho' tour. We drive into the fertile grasslands (pampas) that surround Buenos Aires, to an estancia (horse ranch). After cocktails and empanadas (pastry turnovers) our hosts will provide an assado (Argentinian BBQ) and a vibrant gaucho folk show.
22/03/2010 Buenos Aires - Sydney (B)
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Sydney.
Depart Buenos Aires LAN LA 4518, 14.05
23/03/2010 Arrive Sydney
Arrive Sydney 17.05
On arrival in Sydney we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian airport.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
FEBRUARY 2010 DEPARTURE
TOUR COST: $16,947
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and South America
* All flights, transportation and transfers within South America
* All ticketable taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin-share)
* All meals as specified
* All local guides
* Tour escort
* All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
* All local sightseeing as per itinerary
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final tour costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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