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South American Discovery Itinerary

Day 1 Australia to Quito
Hola, welcome to South America! On our arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel where we can relax with a welcome drink.

Day 2 Quito
Today we experience colonial Quito, visiting Independence Square, the San Francisco Monastery, El Panecillo and Mitad del Mundo – the Middle of the World - where we visit the interesting museum Inti Ñan. [B]

Day 3 Quito
Enjoy a wonderful day at leisure to further explore the city. Discover the historical centre "El Centro Historico" - a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Centre with its grid of plazas and cobbled alleys featuring distinctive whitewashed houses.

Day 4 Quito – Otavalo
This morning we travel up into the Andes Mountains, passing many rural villages and if we’re lucky views of different volcanoes. On our way we visit the pre-Inca ruins of Cochasqui. We stop at Cuayambe to visit the biscochos factory, where we have the opportunity to try this salty snack. [B]

Day 5 Otavalo
A fun morning as we experience the local animal market where indigenous people trade with animals instead of money! We continue on to visit the Indian market of Otavalo, considered to be one of the biggest and most colourful markets in South America. This afternoon we visit the beautiful Cuicocha Lake, located inside the crater of the Cuicocha Volcano, before stopping at the town of Cotacachi, famous for its high-quality leather goods. [B]

Day 6 Otavalo – Papallacta
We travel south through the sweeping highlands of northern Ecuador and stop in the little town of El Quinche. Its beautiful church is famous for the statue of the Virgin of El Quinche and its paintings. We then make our way to the village of Papallacta via the 4,000m-high Papallacta Pass, home to the Andean condor! We stay overnight in Papallacta, which is also located high on the upper basin of the Amazon and home to hot springs, spectacular mountain scenery and abundant wildlife. Here we have the opportunity to experience the hot springs first-hand! [B,L]

Day 7 Papallacta – Tena
Today we travel to the tropical town of Tena, the entrance to the Amazon jungle, stopping at the Napo River where we travel by boat to our accommodation. [B,D]

Day 8 Tena – Banos
We wake up early this morning and travel by canoe down the Napo River through the wild Amazon jungle before enjoying a hike through the forest with our guide. This afternoon we continue on to sub-tropical Banos, and, weather permitting, we’ll enjoy some stunning views of the Tungurahua Volcano. This evening you can enjoy salsa lessons at one of the many salsa bars in Banos (optional). [B,L]

Day 9 Banos
Today we enjoy a short hike into the upper basin of the Amazon rainforest to the Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall and see the impressive Pastaza River Gorge. You have the option to cross the deep gorge in a cable car. The afternoon is at leisure. [B,L]

Day 10 Banos – Cuenca
Today we drive through the highlands of the Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador’s highest volcano (6310m), to Cuenca. On the way we visit a beautiful market and see indigenous people in their colourful traditional clothing. [B,L]

Day 11 Cuenca
This morning we enjoy a visit to a panama hat factory and are wowed with panoramic views of the city. The rest of the day is free to enjoy this beautiful colonial city on your own. [B]

Day 12 Cuenca - Guayaquil
An amazing day as we drive from the highlands at a height of 4,500m right down to the coastal city of Guayaquil. Known as Ecuador's main sea port, it is also the country's largest city with a population of over 3 million people. Afternoon at leisure. [B]

Day 13 Guayaquil - Lima – Iquitos
Early flight to Lima where we enjoy a city tour visiting the main Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, Government Palace, Torre Tagle Palace and the Larco Museum, here we learn about Peruvian culture and history. This afternoon we fly to Iquitos. [B]

Day 14 Amazon Jungle
Iquitos is located on the Amazon River and is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest. We transfer by a short boat ride to our jungle lodge where we are welcomed with a tropical drink. This afternoon we hike through the rainforest reserve with our knowledgeable guide, before enjoying a well-earned dinner. [B,L,D]

Day 15 Amazon Jungle
Watch for dolphins during our morning boat ride on the Amazon River. We then visit a local village and learn about Indian culture and their traditional way of life, including handicrafts. This afternoon we take an excursion to a nearby Indian town which was originally a Franciscan mission. [B,L,D]

Day 16 Iquitos – Lima
This morning you have a choice of a morning walk or boating excursion in the rainforest before we leave this lush jungle and return to civilisation! We then transfer to Iquitos where we board our flight to Lima. [B,L]

Day 17 Lima – Cusco
Today we fly to Cusco where on arrival we enjoy a city tour including the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, known in the time of the Incas as the Sun’s House. [B]

Day 18 Cusco – Machu Picchu
A truly magical day as we travel by train through the Sacred Valley to the famous lost city of the Incas – Machu Picchu, which is located high up in the Andes Mountains. After checking into our mountain-top eco-resort we make the short journey up to Machu Picchu, where we enjoy a guided tour of this spiritual place which is the most familiar symbol of the Incan Empire and a real global treasure. [B]

Day 19 Machu Picchu – Cusco
This morning is at leisure for you to return to Machu Picchu before the day-trip crowds arrive. In the afternoon we take the train back to Cusco. [B]

Day 20 Cusco
Enjoy a full day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Highlights include the Incan town of Ollantaytambo with its impressive hillside terraces, plus local archaeological sites. [B]

Day 21 Cusco – Puno
Today we travel along the Andes Ranges, passing through picturesque villages to Puno, located on the shore of Lake Titicaca. It’s the world’s highest navigable lake and is fed by an amazing 25 rivers! [B]

Day 22 Lake Titicaca
An exciting day as we cruise across Lake Titicaca by hydrofoil, enjoying fascinating views of the Andes. Along the way we explore the Islands of the Moon and Sun before arriving in La Paz, the colourful capital of Bolivia. [B]

Day 23 La Paz
This morning we explore the city of La Paz, visiting an Indian street market, the old colonial centre of La Paz with its cobbled streets, and the natural wonder called Moon Valley. [B]

Day 24 La Paz
A free day today to further explore this city with its dramatic setting against snow-capped peaks and its rich cultural life. [B]

Day 25 La Paz – Santiago
This afternoon we fly to Santiago with free time to enjoy its wonderful restaurants and nightlife. [B]

Day 26 Santiago – Rio de Janeiro
Today we cross from the west to east coast of South America as we fly to Rio de Janeiro, one of the world’s greatest cities and home of the famous Mardi Gras. [B]

Day 27 Rio de Janeiro
A free day to relax and revel in the atmosphere of Rio and its lively beaches. Or maybe take an optional tour to Petropolis, the botanical gardens, or -,if you are a sports fan - you can attend a local soccer game. [B]

Day 28 Rio de Janeiro
A spectacular day visiting the famous landmarks of the city, including the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, situated high on top of Corcovado Hill, and Sugar Loaf Mountain with its breathtaking views of the city below. See note below on the Statue of Christ the Redeemer. [B,L]

Day 29 Rio de Janeiro – Iguazu Falls
This morning we fly to Iguazu Falls. Surrounded by lush forest and located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, the falls are one of the world’s big three and a definite must-see! This afternoon we explore the Brazilian side of the falls. [B]

Day 30 Iguazu Falls
Today we cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge to the Argentinian side where a small train will take us into the national park. A highlight of our visit is the dramatic Devil’s Throat, sure to provide lasting memories. [B]

Day 31 Iguazu Falls – Buenos Aires
Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires for the last leg of our amazing journey. Known as “the Paris of the South”, this vibrant city features European architecture along its grand avenues and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. [B]

Day 32 Buenos Aires
Our morning tour features all the highlights of this sophisticated city, including the colourful La Boca district, Caminito Street and the Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Peron was laid to rest. [B]

Day 33 Buenos Aires
Enjoy a day at leisure to further explore this wonderful city. Tonight put on your dancing shoes as we enjoy a lively tango dinner show. [B,D]

Day 34 Depart Buenos Aires
We bid farewell to the colourful and memorable continent of South America as we begin our journey home to Australia. [B]

Day 35 In transit
Day 36 Arrive in Australia

*Note on the Statue of Christ the Redeemer - Restoration of the Christ the Redeemer Statue will commence in February 2010, with completion expected by the end of June 2010. During this time there will be periods when the Statue will be completely covered with scaffolding and a see-through protective screen allowing visitors to enjoy part of the Statue. However, the observatory will remain clear to visitor's access to admire the scenery.
The work will depend on weather conditions therefore it is not possible to specify the dates on which the Statue will be fully covered.
During the restoration there will be a campaign by the Administrators offering visitors the opportunity to make a donation (R$7.00 - approx A$5.00). In return for a donation visitors will receive a miniature statue with a certificate of authenticity.

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