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Tour Date: 21 Feb 2012 - 20 Mar 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $17,947.00
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!
21/02/2012 Australia - Santiago
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 Santiago on the same day.
Depart Sydney Lan LA 800, 09.25
Arrive Santiago 11.40
22/02/2012 Santiago - Guayaquil (LD)
Local at the markets, Guayaquil
Depart Santiago LA 1446, 07.00
Arrive Guayaquil 10.15
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
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.
23/02/2012 Guayaquil - Galapagos (BLD)
Depart Guayaquil Aerogal 2K 32, 10.00
Arrive San Cristobel (Galapagos) 10.30
On arrival at San Cristobel Isalnd where we board our ship the MV Galapagos Legend. On this island is 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.
24/02/2012 Gardner Bay, Galapagos (BLD)
Galapagos penquin
Today we visit Gardner Bay (Espanola) where you have the opportunity to spot Galapagos hawks, American Oyster catchers, Galapagos doves, and Hood mockingbirds. At Suarez Point you will learn more about the lava terrain and hike across the inactive lava fields. Besdies the sea lion colonies, this is a very important site for bird watching. You may also see a large colony of marine iguanas, lava lizards and rally light foot crabs.
25/02/2012 Floreana, Galapagos (BLD)
Sea lions
At Post Office Bay, since the 18th century whalers kept a wooden barrel that served as post office so that mail could be picked up and delivered to their destination, mainly Europe and the United States by ships on their way home. Cards and letters are still placed in the barrel without any postage. Visitors sift through the letters and cards in order to deliver them by hand. On arrival at Floreana (Cormorant), walk the well-marked trail beginning in the Black Mangrove beds heading towards the back of the lagoon which holds the biggest populations of flamingos in the Galapagos.
26/02/2012 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. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre, which is staffed with international scientists conduction biological research and conservation projects.
27/02/2012 Galapagos (Daphne Island) - Quito (BLD)
Iguanas basking in the sun
Daphne is a rather large tuft cone somewhat eroded by the action of the sea. Within its two craters nest thousands of blue-footed boobies when there is season and tropic birds soar overhead, making it a very attractive spot for taking photos. You also see masked boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, brown noddies and swallow-tailed gulls.
After our visit we transfer to the airport for our flight to Quito.
Depart Galapagos Baltra 2K 33, 13.00
Arrive Quito 16.15
Hotel Patio Andaluz
Gracia Moreno N652
Quito, Ecuador
Ph: 0011-593-2-2280830
28/02/2012 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.
29/02/2012 Quito - La Paz (BL)
 Sunset on Antisana Volcano
Today we head out to the magnificent ecological sanctuary of Antisarna. The Antisana volcano is the fourth highest mountain in the Ecuadorian Andes. Massive glaciers feed water to lakes and rivers of the reserve, which sustain the abundant wildlife of the region. Fifty percent of the Andean Condors that live in Ecuador have chosen Antisana as their home, as well as many other species of highland birds.
This evening we transfer to the airport for our flight to La Paz via Lima.
Depart Quito Taca TA 135, 18.35
Arrive Lima 20.55
Depart Lima Lan TA 35, 21.47
Arrive La Paz 00.35
On arrival in La Paz we transfer to our hotel.
Hotel Europa
Calle Tiahuanacu 64
La Paz
Ph: 0011-591-2-3155656
Fx: 2213930
01/03/2012 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.
02/03/2012 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.
03/03/2012 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
04/03/2012 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 flat 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.
05/03/2012 Uyuni - Ojo de Perdiz (BLD)
Isla Pescado
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
06/03/2012 Ojo de Perdiz - San Pedro de Atacama (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
07/03/2012 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.
08/03/2012 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 151, 10.45
Arrive Santiago 12.50
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
Avenida Vitacura 2885
Santiago
Ph: 0011-56-2-394200
Fx: 3942077
09/03/2012 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.
10/03/2012 Santiago - Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas (BLD)
Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Puerto Montt.
Depart Santiago Lan LA 257, 07.20
Arrive Puerto Montt 09.05
Cumbres Patagonias
Imperial 0561
Puerto Varas
Ph: 0011-56-65-1494000
Fx: 494124
Today we transfer to nearby Puerto Varas. This afternoon we commence a walking tour of this attractive German town.
11/03/2012 Puerto Varas - Bariloche (BLD)
Lago los Santos
Today we start our lakes crossing. 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.
Edelweiss Hotel
San Martin 202 Lobby Bariloche Ph: 0011-54-2944-445500 Fx:
12/03/2012 Bariloche (BLD)
Bariloche
After breakfast we explore the magnificent forests which surround our hotel and in the afternoon visit beautiful Victoria Island in Nahuel Huapi.
13/03/2012 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.
14/03/2012 Bariloche - El Calafate (BLD)
Sunset at El Calafate
We transfer to the airport for our flight to El Calafate.
Depart Bariloche Aerolinea Argentinas AR 2692, 09.55
Arrive El Calafate 11.40
On arrival at El Calafate we transfer to our hotel.
Kosten Aike
Goberbador Moyano
El Calafate
Ph: 0011-54-2902-492424
Fx: 491538
15/03/2012 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.
16/03/2012 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 2872, 19.00
Arrive Buenos Aires 00.15
La Fayette Hotel
Reconquista 546
Buenos Aires
Ph: 0011-54-11-4393 9081
Fx: 4393 2728
17/03/2012 Buenos Aires (BLD)
Delta
Today we explore the area around Buenos Aires, travelling through glorious countryside to the River Plate delta. In the evening we experience an exciting tango show.
18/03/2012 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, and the famous Italian La Boca district. In the evening we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
19/03/2012 Buenos Aires - Sydney (B)
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Sydney.
Depart Buenos Aires LAN LA 4518, 13.05
20/03/2012 Arrive Sydney
Arrive Sydney 17.45
On arrival in Sydney we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian airport.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
FEBRUARY 2012 DEPARTURE
TOUR COST: $17,947
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and South America (inc domestic from your preferred Capital city)
* 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 * Chile visa can not be pre-paid, so must be paid on arrival
* 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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