| country: | Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2009: 6 Dec 2010: 3 Jan, 24 Jan, 14 Feb, 7 Mar, 28 Mar, 18 Apr, 9 May, 30 May, 27 Jun, 18 Jul, 8 Aug, 29 Aug, 12 Sep, 26 Sep, 10 Oct, 24 Oct, 14 Nov, 5 Dec 2011: 2 Jan, 23 Jan, 13 Feb, 6 Mar, 27 Mar, 17 Apr, 8 May, 29 May, 26 Jun |
| price: | From £3495 (28 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This trip showcases the most important highlights of the southern part of the South American continent. Starting in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires we head to the stunning Iguazu Falls before arriving in colourful Rio de Janeiro where we have time to enjoy such well-known sights as Corcovado, the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Flying across the continent our next stop is the Peruvian capital of Lima where you will discover great Spanish colonial architecture and the rich museums of Inca and pre-Inca treasures. Iquitos on the mighty Amazon River is our starting point for our stay in Amazon rainforest, whilst high up in the Andes is Cusco, the former stronghold of the Incas and gateway to the Sacred Valley and magnificent Machu Picchu. A day's drive brings us to beautiful Lake Titicaca and the Uros floating islands before continuing on to the lofty heights of La Paz, capital of Bolivia. Flying south we find ourselves in Santiago, nestled at the base of the Andes and home to some of Chile's most famous wineries. Entering the 'Lakes District' we enjoy stunning mountains, picturesque lakes and towering volcanoes before taking the 'Lakes Crossing' from Puerto Varas to Bariloche in Argentina. Our trip comes to an end as, having come full circle, we arrive back in 'Tango Town' - lively, vibrant Buenos Aires.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1-2: | (Sun) Arrive in Buenos Aires. City tour. |
| Day 3-4: | Morning flight to Puerto Iguazu. Explore Argentinean and Brazilian side of the falls. |
| Day 5-7: | Fly to Rio de Janeiro. City tour including Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. |
| Day 8: | Fly to Peruvian capital, Lima. |
| Day 9: | City tour of Lima's Colonial Centre. |
| Day 10-11: | Fly to Iquitos. Boat to Jungle Lodge. Jungle and river excursions. |
| Day 12: | Return to Iquitos. Afternoon flight to Lima. |
| Day 13-14: | Fly to Cusco. City tour and excursion to Sacsayhuaman and the Sacred Valley including Ollantaytambo and Pisac. |
| Day 15-16: | Train to Aguas Calientes. Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco. |
| Day 17-18: | Visit Pumamarca ruins and Peru's Challenge Community Project. Free day to relax. |
| Day 19: | Drive to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. |
| Day 20: | Visit Lake Titicaca, the Uros Indians and the ancient burial chambers at Sillustani. |
| Day 21: | Enter Bolivia and head to La Paz via the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco. |
| Day 22: | La Paz city tour. |
| Day 23-24: | Fly to Santiago and explore the colonial centre and enjoy a winery tour. |
| Day 25-26: | South to Puerto Varas, in the heart of the Lakes District, to discover stunning mountain scenery. |
| Day 27: | The 'Lakes Crossing' by boat and bus to Bariloche in Argentina. |
| Day 28: | Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires where trip ends on arrival (Sat). |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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See South America through the eyes of locals, as your Argentine, Chilean, Peruvian, Bolivian and Brazilian tour leaders give you a first-hand insight into the exotic and colourful tapestry that makes up their homeland. Wandering around historic colonial towns and cities, discovering magnificent archaeological sites, exploring picturesque lakes and mountains and uncovering secluded villages impart to travellers an awareness of these valuable natural and historical gems and the importance of them being preserved and protected, so that they can be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The people living in the various regions also have rich and enduring cultures, which are unveiled on this trip. Equally important, your local tour leaders help us to understand the traditions of these proud people, ensuring you don’t commit any cultural ‘faux pas’.
This trip also visits Peru’s Challenge, a non-government charity that works to improve the lives of some of the poorest children living on the outskirts of Cusco by providing health services, education and fresh water. To support tour programs in this part of the world this operator is training their tour leaders on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides leaders with important life skills. By only employing tour leaders born and bred in the regions they visit, they are supporting local economies. This operator prefers to give their patronage to small owner-managed hotels rather than those from international chains, as they feel these places offer quality and character and also directly benefit local people. Through offering employment and steady revenue, tourism can ultimately make a real positive difference to local communities. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |









