Sensational South America

Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu & Iguazu Falls, plus Easter Island and Buenos Aires optional extensions

Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, airline taxes and fees, hotels, transfers, many meals, touring & more. *

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance Sensational South America
Day	Destination
1	Depart USA/Arrive Lima
2	Lima
3	Cuzco & Sacred Valley
4	Machu Picchu
5	Cuzco
6	Cuzco/Iguazu Falls
7	Iguazu Falls
8	Iguazu Falls/Depart Lima
9	Arrive USA
Easter Island Pre Tour Extension
1	Depart USA
2	Arrive Easter Island
3	Easter Island
4	Easter Island
5	Easter Island
6	Easter Island/Arrive Lima
Buenos Aires Post Tour Extension
8	Iguazu Falls/Buenos Aires
9	Buenos Aires
10	Buenos Aires
11	Depart Buenos Aires
12	Arrive USA

Highlights	Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu & Iguazu Falls plus Easter Island and Buenos Aires optional extensions
Included Features	Round trip airfare from Miami via LAN Airlines, including fuel surcharges, taxes and fees All intra-South America flights All land transportation & transfers Vistadome train to Machu Picchu Accommodations at deluxe first class hotels Breakfast daily, plus 1 lunch and 2 dinners Comprehensive touring program, including entrance fees Professional, English-speaking tour guides
Travel Style	This moderately-paced, partially escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking, and reaches high altitutes requiring that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops.

Indisputably, Machu Picchu in Peru and Iguazu Falls straddling Argentina and Brazil, are two iconic South America destinations. They're tough to combine in one, affordable tour because for starters, they're on opposite sides of the continent. But that's no problem for Friendly Planet travelers with a week's worth of vacation and a desire to experience the best of South America for a price that literally screams "amazing deal!"

You'll visit Machu Picchu, Lima, Cuzco, and Iguazu Falls, on both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides. All flights, hotels, transfers and plenty of touring are included on this South American Tour. And if you can stand just a tad more excitement, why not take advantage of your already-included airfare and enjoy 4-nights on mystical Easter Island or 3-nights in fabulous Buenos Aires. Friendly Planet makes travel in South America easy and affordable. But hurry space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Other packages you might like:

• Amazing Peru Jul-Dec 2012: 10 days from $2499*
• Best of South America: 11 days from $2999*
• Marvelous Rio de Janeiro: 7 days from $1899*
• Patagonian Explorer by Sea: 12 days from $4599*
• Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands: 17 days from $4899*
• Spectacular Rio & Iguazu Falls: 9 days from $2599*

Dates, Prices & Options

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS/PRECAUTIONS: The high altitude reached on this trip (Cuzco is at 11,000 feet above sea level) as well as the considerable amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, requires that you be in good physical condition to enjoy this trip. We strongly suggest that you consult with your physician regarding any concerns as well as possible medications to ease the effects of the high altitude.

You will be arriving to Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side) from Peru, which is one of the Yellow Fever Countries. Therefore, you must be vaccinated against Yellow Fever at least 10 days prior to your departure from the United States. When you arrive to Brazil, you will be asked to present a certificate of vaccination, and if you do not have one, you could be denied entry to the country. An exemption is granted under certain medical circumstances, so be sure to discuss this issue with your physician, or click here to find a local vaccination center.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA/Arrive Lima. Your exciting journey to South America begins this evening as you depart on your flight bound for Lima, Peru's diverse capital city. Upon arrival, after customs formalities, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Sol de Oro or similar

Day 2: Lima. Enjoy the morning at leisure. (Passengers from New York and Los Angeles will arrive early this morning.) In the afternoon, embark on a city tour of both modern and colonial Lima. See the Monastery of San Francisco, famous for its library and catacombs, and the historical city center, based around the beautiful and sprawling Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas).

 

The Grand Cathedral of Lima, the ornate Archbishop's Palace, and the Government Palace, or Casa de Pizarro, line the plaza. Both the Government Palace and the cathedral were first built by Francisco Pizarro when he founded the city in 1535 to govern the conquered Incan empire (though both have been rebuilt since). Visit the fashionable districts of San Isidro and Miraflores with their beautiful parks and elegant residences facing the ocean. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

 

Day 3: Cuzco & Sacred Valley. After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a short morning flight to Cuzco, capital of the Inca Empire and located 11,000 feet above sea level. Upon arrival, travel to nearby Pisac, a picturesque Andean village with a wonderful market. Here you'll have a chance to buy locally made ponchos, sweaters and other handcrafted clothing, ceramics and hand-painted beads. Enjoy browsing the "locals" section of the market, where villagers come from miles around, dressed in their traditional clothing, to barter and sell their produce.

Continue to Ollantaytambo, located at the foot of spectacular Inca ruins which protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley. The temple area is at the top of a series of steep terraces which helped provide excellent defenses. Stone used for these buildings was brought from a quarry high up on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, an incredible feat involving the efforts of thousands of workers. The complex, still under construction at the time of the conquest by Spain, was never completed. Aranwa Sacred Valley or similar (B)

Day 4: Machu Picchu. It's a short drive from your hotel to the Ollanta railroad station where you'll board the train that will take you through the lush Urubamba Valley, passing through stunning scenery en route to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular and enigmatic archeological sites in the world.

Unknown to the outside world until archeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911; Machu Picchu is now the most recognizable symbol of the Incan Empire. Believed to have served as a country retreat town for Inca nobility, the complex consists of giant walls, terraces, and ramps constructed from precisely cut rock formations. This impressive architectural feat, in combination with its breathtaking natural setting amidst mist-covered green mountains above the rushing Urubamba River, makes for a visually stunning, and even mystical, experience. By train, return to Ollanta station then drive to Cuzco for dinner and overnight. Aranwa Cuzco or similar (B,D)

 

Day 5: Cuzco. This afternoon, a panoramic tour takes you to the main sites of this impressive city. You'll see the Plaza de Armas, center of the Inca Empire, where Francisco Pizarro proclaimed the conquest of Cuzco. Here, you'll visit Cuzco's beautiful 16th century cathedral, built on the ruins of the Koricancha, an important Inca temple to the Sun God. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors, this incredible wealth had all been taken as treasure for Spain. (B)

 

Day 6: Cuzco/Iguazu Falls. Very early this morning, your journey continues as you board your flight from Cuzco to Lima connecting to Foz do Iguassu, Brazil. Upon arrival, and after customs formalities, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Bourbon Iguassu Resort or similar (B)

Day 7: Iguazu Falls. Upon seeing Iguazu, Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed "Poor Niagara!" You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world! Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, the Falls consist of 275 inlets and cataracts cascading down 250 feet, framed by multiple rainbows and mist that rises up to 500 feet in the air. Iguazu boasts the greatest average annual flow of any waterfall in the world.

This morning, you'll get a fantastic close-up view of the falls and their dazzling and awesome display of power. Cross over into Argentina and travel through the rainforest to the most spectacular sight at Iguazu: Devil's Throat, a massive U-shaped cataract that measures 270' high, 490' wide and 2300' long. (B,L)

Day 8: Iguazu Falls. This morning, visit the Brazilian side of the falls. Walk along the pathways through the sub-tropical rainforest into the canyon on the falls for an incredible up-close view. Later this evening, bid farewell to sensational South America as you transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight back to Miami via Lima. Or, extend your stay and visit the “Paris of the South”, Buenos Aires, on a 3 night post tour extension. (B)

Day 9: Arrive USA. Your unforgettable South American adventure comes to an end as you touch down in Miami this morning.

 

 

 

Easter Island Pre-Tour Extension

Take advantage of the direct flight from Lima, Peru to Easter Island, Chile and visit exotic Easter Island, which is one of the most isolated islands in the world. The people, known as Rapa Nui, came to the island approximately 1200 years ago, with their King Hotu Matua, and built the incredible moai out of the volcanic rock. Passengers taking the pre-tour extension will depart the U.S. 5 days before the departure dates shown.

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting journey to South America begins this evening as you depart on your flight bound for Easter Island via Lima, Peru.

Day 2: Easter Island. This morning, arrive at Mataveri International Airport on Easter Island. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for breakfast. Take some time to relax before the included afternoon tour of Easter Island’s only major town, Hanga Roa. Hotel Taha Tai or similar (B)

Day 3: Easter Island. After breakfast, travel south from Hanga Roa to visit the Rano Kao Volcano. Drive up to the summit for a wonderful view of its colorful crater lake. Alongside the crater are the remains of the stone village of Orongo, which was once a ceremonial center of the island’s birdman cult. The village was abandoned in the mid-19th century, but was nicely restored in the 1980s. After exploration of this fascinating site and taking plenty of photos, return to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Easter Island. Today explore some of the most mysterious places on Easter Island. Travelling along the island’s south coast towards the Rano Raraku Volcano, visit Hanga Tee bay with its group of 8 moai rescued from the ocean in 1986. Continue to Ahu Akahanga, the necropolis of King Hotu Matua, surrounded by 13 majestic moai decorated with red stones and hieroglyphs. Next, visit Ahu Tongariki where its 15 moai were almost totally destroyed in the island’s tribal civil wars and a subsequent tsunami. Taking the route towards the north, discover Ahu Te Pito Kura, "the navel of the world”, the site of the largest moais on the island standing 35 feet tall and weighing almost 100 tons. (B,L)

Day 5: Easter Island. Continue your exploration of Easter Island’s mystical moais with a visit to Ahu Akivi, a site consisting of seven moais recovered in 1960 by American archaeologist William Mulloy. These seven moais were built facing the sea and represent the first travelers sent by King Hotu Matua. Proceed to Ahu Tahai, thought to be one of the oldest structures on the island dating back to 700 AD. Return to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 6: Easter Island/Lima. This morning, set off on a half day trek to Terevaka, Easter Island’s tallest volcano and a great place to get your last photos of this mysterious island. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, Peru. There, you will meet up with the rest of your tour group and transfer to your hotel. (Please see Day 1 of the main tour itinerary above.) (B)

Buenos Aires Optional Post-Tour Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Buenos Aires, the chic jewel of Argentina. Passengers taking the post-tour extension will arrive in the U.S. 3 days after the scheduled return date.

Day 8: Buenos Aires. Transfer from the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls across the border to the airport on the Argentinean side for your flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive in Buenos Aires, so often referred to as "the Paris of the South." Upon arrival you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel. Sheraton Liberator Hotel (B)

Day 9: Buenos Aires. After breakfast this morning, set out on a tour of the city. Begin at the Plaza del Mayo, the historic and political center of the city. You'll see the Casa Rosada, the Presidential Palace from which Juan and Eva Peron spoke to throngs of adoring Argentineans.

Continue to the Obelisk landmark on the Avenue 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world, then to the crowded Florida Street, a true shopper's paradise. Pass through the colorful neighborhood of La Boca and the charming San Telmo area. Buenos Aires is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own flavor, but everywhere the people are warm and welcoming.

Admire the French architecture in the exquisite Recoleta neighborhood, including the beautiful Cemetery of La Recoleta, where Evita Peron is buried. It is one of many ironies of this complex city that Evita, heroine of the poor, is buried in the city's most elegant (and expensive) section.

Optional Excursion: Tonight, take advantage of an optional dinner, complete with an exciting performance of the tango, Argentina's passionate national dance, which originated in Buenos Aires from Spanish and African influences. ($115 per person) (B)

Day 10: Buenos Aires plus optional Tigre excursion. Today is yours at leisure to explore on your own or enjoy an optional tour of nearby Tigre.

Optional Excursion: The beautiful town of Tigre, situated an island in the Paraná Delta, was first settled by Europeans and has become a fashionable weekend spot, with its grand architecture, antiques shops, riverside restaurants and pubs, a casino and a small amusement park. Enjoy a catamaran ride through the labyrinth of islands and islets along the delta, which is lined with countless marinas and English-style rowing clubs, humble dwellings and elegant mansions from the "Belle Époque", small hotels and upscale lodges, teahouses and picnic sites. ($65 per person) (B)

Day 11: Buenos Aires. Enjoy your final day in Argentina at leisure for last-minute shopping or relaxation. We recommend a stroll through the colorful streets and shops around your hotel to scout the amazing bargains that will make shopping for souvenirs (and that gorgeous leather bag) a pleasure. Later this evening, bid farewell to South America and transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight back to Miami. (B)

Day 12: Arrive USA. Your unforgettable South American adventure comes to an end as you touch down in Miami this morning.

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