Extended South America

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.

North South Journeys' representative in Argentina will meet you at the Ezeiza International Airport upon arrival. They will be holding a sign with your name after you leave the secure customs area with your bags. Please do not leave this area until you find each other. 

They will escort you to your private transfer, assist you on check-in at your hotel and present you with a detailed itinerary for your experiences in Argentina. This is your chance to run through specific pick up times and logistics for your tours in Buenos Aires and other Argentina destinations. 

If you have any questions regarding your itinerary, ask them now. 

Located only 260m from Plaza San Martin and from Florida Street, Hotel Pulitzer offers stylish, modern rooms with free WiFi and plasma TVs in downtown Buenos Aires.

Decorated in sober colours, rooms at Pulitzer Hotel feature comfortable armchairs upholstered in leather and natural fabrics. All of them have minibars and large windows. A buffet breakfast including fresh juices is served daily. Fine drinks and cocktails can be enjoyed at the bar. A skybar is also featured.

Guests can unwind reading a book from the library in the charming lounge, which features a glass ceiling. Galerias Pacífico Shopping Mall is 400 m away, whereas Puerto Madero is 700 m away.

Duration: 5 hours
Departure: Morning departures.
Included Services: Guided Tour in English in a shared van of up to 12 seats. Pick up from no more than 4 hotels. This tour Includes stops at Plaza de Mayo, Caminito at La Boca, San Telmo, Puerto Madero and Recoleta (Cemetery visit not included).
Food: Street Food Appetizer included

In this tour, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken on a historically based tour of the city, where you will get to see how Buenos Aires developed throughout the years since its foundation. By traveling with an experienced tour guide, they will take you to the most historical and beautiful places of the City, giving you a great insight into the "porteños" (people from Buenos Aires) view.

At the first stop, discover the history of May Square, the site of the most important historical events and their protagonists since its foundation: see its surroundings, the most emblematic buildings, and learn all about them.

Continue for a visit to the oldest residential neighborhood in Buenos Aires: San Telmo, with its cobble-stoned streets and discover its antique shops and picturesque buildings. Live and feel the original Tango in the neighborhood of La Boca: walk along Caminito Street. See the mythical Boca Juniors soccer stadium.

Contemplate the modernization of the city whilst traveling along Puerto Madero and its exclusive docks, full of excellent restaurants and large offices. 

Pass through the Retiro neighborhood and move on to see the most exclusive residential area before finally arriving at Recoleta. (Note:  If you wish to visit the cemetery, you can purchase tickets separately and end the tour here, allowing you to explore at your own pace and make your own way back to the hotel).

Marvel at the engineering marvel of Floralis Generica and the academic brilliance at University of Buenos Aires’ Law School.  Enjoy a visit to El Ateneo Grand Splendid (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world). 

During the itinerary, a Street Food snack is included (Choripan or empanada, or similar) with 1 soft drink.

*After the tour you will be dropped to your hotel.

You will be picked up at your hotel and head to the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, the birthplace of tango and the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires. Arrive at a conventillo, a historic tenement restored and now used as a restaurant-theater, where La Ventana takes place. As you stroll through the theater’s preserved architectural interior, travel back in time to the tango grandeur of the early 1900s. 

You will arrive 90 minutes before showtime and dig into a three-course meal featuring a wide array of Argentine and international dishes, accompanied by Argentine wines. Two tango orchestras and an Argentine folk music group provide live accompaniment to the five smartly costumed couples on stage, who grace the stage with sensuality and breathtaking precision.

 Listen to both Spanish and indigenous styles of music from the bands as well as vocalists. Get a glimpse of the gaucho culture, or Argentina’s version of cowboys, through a demonstration of boleadoras, used to wrangle livestock.

After the show, you will be dropped at your hotel.

Duration: 5hs 30min approx
Pick Up: Morning
Vehicle: Van up to 12 seats. Pick up from no more than 3 hotels. 

Premium Motor Boat Navigation between Puerto Madero and Tigre. Visit to Puerto de Frutos and other Tigre highlights. Visit to San Isidro. Snacks along the way. Guided Tour in Spanish and English Language.

This small group tour to Tigre is unique within the market due to its characteristics and the services it offers, such as traveling from Buenos Aires to the Delta in a first class motor launch with a small group. 

At the start of the tour the group will make its way to the city’s port to board a First Class motor boat which will take you to the Tigre Delta. During the one and a half hour trip our guests can admire Buenos Aires from The River Plate, its northern areas and the Delta rivers, whilst enjoying refreshments on board. 

After the motor boat trip, a minibus will pick you up and take you to visit Paseo Victoria, the most important neighborhoods in Tigre and Puerto de Frutos, a typical market. You will soon find yourself in San Isidro where you will visit the town’s historical center and cathedral on foot while having a snack, and then finally you will see the city’s northern areas and the Presidential Residence in Olivos, before being taken back to your hotel.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION INSTEAD OF TIGRE

Escape to the countryside with a day spent at the Santa Susana ranch. Experience the daily life of the gauchos – the cowboys of the fertile Pampas lowlands – as you're introduced to their rural traditions, folk culture and culinary delicacies during an authentic barbecue.

Head out northwest into the plains until you reach the small country town of Los Cardales, located about 1.5 hours from Buenos Aires. Arrive at Estancia Santa Susana, where the ranch staff welcome you with some delicious and handmade savoury empanadas. Next, set out for a tour of the ranch, checking out its museum, church and working barns. You can even choose to explore the grounds on horseback if you'd like.

Prepare for a very special lunch as you make your way to the asado, a genuine Argentine barbecue. Breathe in the mouthwatering aroma of freshly seasoned and grilled meats, which are served up by the friendly staff along with refreshing drinks, dessert and coffee. Your cultural immersion doesn't end there, though. The gauchos round off your day with a spectacular show featuring the traditional equestrian sport corrida de sortija (horse taming) as well as a performance of regional folk dancing and the tango.

Inclusions:

• Guided tour of the Estancia Santa Susana

• Live folkloric dance performance

• Horse riding and ranch demonstrations

• Lunch and snacks

• Beer, wine, coffee and soft drinks

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote

This small city is not the main tourist destination as the falls provide the main visitor draw card. However, during your time at leisure, you may wish to visit the 'hito de las tres fronteras' or the 'three country border'. This is the intersection of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.  

The hotel is located in the heart of Puerto Iguazu, a few meters from the best restaurants, bars and pubs in the city.  It offers stunning views of Luis Honorio Rolon Natural Park and the Iguazu River. 

O2 Hotel Iguazu is a modern hotel, featuring rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, and modern amenities such as free WiFi, minibars, and soundproofing. Guests enjoy views of landmarks and tiled floors for a comfortable stay.

The hotel offers a rooftop swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, sauna, fitness centre, sun terrace, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property.  

Its unbeatable location a few meters from different points of interest and entertainment such as the Iguazú Casino and the Iguazú shopping promenade allows you to enjoy the different leisure activities offered by the city.

Included: Brazilian National Park Entrance Ticket, Private Transfers, Guided Visit

The tour starts when you arrive to the Visitor Center to enter the park. 

You will use the official buses that explore the park and take us to the trail over the Iguazú River. From this point, you will get a panoramic view of the Argentinean falls across the river and is an ideal time to take pictures. Continuing on, you will see Río Iguazú Canyon, Salto Rivadavia and Tres Mosqueteros. Towards the end of the tour, you will arrive at the Devil’s Throat lower viewpoint, 200m away. This beautiful scenery is enhanced by rainbows that are always on display. 

The tour ends at Salto Floriano where an elevator takes you up to the bus parking - or for those looking for an active option, you can walk the path and up the stairs to the meeting point.

OPTIONAL ADD ON

Included: Bird Park entrance fee & Guided Visit

The Parque das Aves is a magnificent bird park positioned just 300 meters away from the entrance of the Brazilian side of the Iguazu National Park. The walking tour through the park on the marked circuit lasts about two hours, however, visitors may remain in the park all day long if they want to spend more time with the birds.

Parque das Aves is the only institution in the world focused on the conservation of the beautiful and exuberant birds of the Atlantic Rainforest, offering an up-close, immersive and charming experience with them. When you visit Parque das Aves you also learn about what we do to help reverse the conservation crisis that these birds and the Atlantic Rainforest are experiencing. Here you can have a complete experience of connection and knowledge about birds and their forests, a natural heritage of global importance at your fingertips.

The entire trail is sign-posted and has special access for wheelchair users. During the circuit, you'll find toilets and shelters. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy the restaurant and cafe overlooking the Lake of Flamingos and relax. 

For visitors who enjoy observing birds from afar, the park does offer shortcuts around the aviaries that do not require you to pass directly through them. Other areas in the park have open ponds where birds like flamingos congregate. 

Included: National Park Entrance Fee, Train & Guided Visit

You will be picked up from your hotel to visit the Argentinean side of the Iguazú Falls, 67.000 hectares long, located within Iguazú National Park, one of the first protected areas of America. 

The falls are made up of 275 falls thundering down from a 70 meter average height. In this section of the rainforest, a huge variety of ferns, orchids, begonias, birds and butterflies can be seen while walking plus the diversity of native species this park has to offer. 

Once inside the park, you have the option to take a train to Estación Cataratas and/or Estación Garganta del Diablo if you prefer not to walk. It takes 18 minutes to Estación Garganta. After arrival, walk along the 1200m moderate trail and enjoy the most spectacular fall: Devil’s Throat. After that, you will walk on Upper Circuit: 800m trail of raised boardwalk above the ground and water surface, so as not to block or scare away our local fauna. In this circuit, the waterfalls from the upper part of Dos Hermanas, Bosetti, Bernabé Méndez, and M’Bigua among other waterfalls can be observed. 

Then on Lower Circuit: 1600m trail walk, above the ground surface, with a view from the bottom of Dos Hermanas, Alvar Nuñez, San Martín, Bosetti and Peñon of Bella Vista waterfalls; from Peñon we get a view of Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) and Cañón del Rio Iguazú inferior. 

Note: Lunch is on your own in the park. Your guide will explain the options and provide time in between activities for you to eat.

OPTIONAL ADD ON

This add on tour offers an exciting adventure within Iguazú National Park and in Lower Iguazú River. 

It is divided into 2 parts: firstly, the sailing on the semi-rigid boats to reach the bottom of San Martin, Bosetty, Tres Mosqueteros and Cañon de Garganta del Diablo falls and down the river rapids up to Puerto Macuco (3 km from the Waterfalls); secondly, an 8 km ride in a special truck along the rainforest, observing the local flora and fauna with the aid of specialized guides. 

Feel and experience the Waterfalls in this tour! You can start this tour by boat and then walk, or the other way around.

Difficulty: Medium, 100 meters of stairs total.
Note: This ride does have restrictions for pregnant women, people with physical / medical problems and children under 12 years old.

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.

North South Journeys representative in Brazil will meet you at the airport upon arrival. They will be holding a sign with your name after you leave the secure area with your bags. 

They will escort you to your private transfer, assist you with your bags and make sure you get your detailed itinerary for your experiences in Brazil.  

Just 130 m from Copacabana Beach, the Windsor Palace features a rooftop terrace with a pool and beautiful ocean views. Surrounded by trendy shops, it is only 3 km from the famous Ipanema Beach and perfect for beach walks, sandy beaches and promenades.

The air-conditioned rooms at the Windsor Palace Hotel provide a balcony, modern bathroom and cable TV. Amenities also include a minibar, telephone and radio. 

The restaurant serves Brazilian and international food. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Several international and regional dining options are available within a 5-minute walk.

You will be picked up from your hotel after breakfast to visit the most famous landmarks of the city and see the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro from up above. 

Embark on a comfortable train that ascends the mountain, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located 700 meters above sea level. The Christ statue, known as the “wonder of Rio”, was recently elected one of the 7 "New Wonders of the World". Upon arrival at the top, you can use the panoramic elevators or escalators to arrive at the foot of the statute. There you will marvel at the panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and discover why it is called the "Marvellous City".

Afterwards, descend the mountain and stop for a delicious lunch (not included). From there passengers will continue to Sugar Loaf.

Over a million tourists each year visit the world famous ‘Pão de Açúcar’, (Sugar Loaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of a concentrated, refined sugar loaf. The journey to the top is made in glass cable-cars. The first cable-car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its surrounding islands. From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable-car to the top of Sugar Loaf which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360 degree view of the entire city including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado Mountain and downtown Rio de Janeiro.

You will be transferred back to your hotel after the tour.

This is a unique walking tour which gives visitors a feeling of the legends and stories woven around the narrow streets and old historical buildings of downtown Rio. The walk includes a visit to many interesting points, such as the São Bento Monastery, Candelária Church, Praça XV, the "Travessa do Mercado", Imperial Palace (‘Paço Imperial’), the cultural center located in the beautifully-restored Banco do Brasil, the Casa França-Brasil, Ouvidor Street and Gonçalves Dias Street with the traditional Colombo Coffee Shop. 

The walk continues on down Uruguaiana Street, Carioca Square, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Conde Waterfront Park,  part of the Olympic legacy, a once rundown area was fully renovated. 

You will then be returned to your hotel.

Duration: approximately 4 hours
Show Location: Teatro Leblon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

You will be picked up at your hotel and will first enjoy a delicious dinner before enjoying this multicultural show that brings different cultures of Brazil to the stage. 

The show perfectly combines a variety of Brazilian dances that developed from African rhythms via the slave trade and from the natives that lived in Brazil before colonization. The presentation combines diversity and culture: the Ziriguidum from the Northeast, the Folklore from Amazon, the Capoeira from Bahia, and samba dance from Rio de Janeiro.

After dinner and the show, you will be transferred back to your hotel. 

Duration: approximately 4 hours
Days of operation: Chacara do Ceú Museum from Mondays to Wednesdays,
Ruins Park from Thursdays to Sundays.

On this private tour, you will be picked up from your hotel to visit the neighborhood of Santa Teresa which is located on Morro do Desterro (Exile Hill) During the XVIII century this neighborhood served as a convent. The hill is located in the city's heart and has preserved Old Rio's aspects ('Rio Antigo'). Artists and bohemians flock to Santa Teresa because of its architectural and cultural charm. Old-fashion cable cars maneuver the narrow streets and are considered one of the city's historical heritage.

The tour begins at Cosme Velho before heading through Castelinho ('Little Castle'), where Commander Antonio Valentim lived during the XIX century. Next, we will stop by Ruins Park ('Parque das Ruinas'), where visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro. Afterward, we will visit the Chácara do Céu Museum (Farmstead of Heaven Museum), an exciting Brazilian and European art collection highlighting Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, Matisse, and Modigliani.

The tour continues to Largo do Guimarães, considered the heart of the neighborhood, where there are several bars and restaurants. You will then be returned to your hotel.  After this tour, guests will certainly feel as though they know a little more about the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro.

For your time at leisure in Rio de Janeiro, we recommend visiting Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana beaches to experience Rio like a local.

There are a myriad of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars in these areas to enjoy. 

If you are in Rio on a Sunday, you can check out the Feira Hippie de Ipanema which is the hippie market in Ipanema. It is full of colourful clothing, artistic local paintings and beautiful local hand made jewelry. 

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.

North South Journeys' representative in Peru will meet you at the airport upon arrival. They will be holding a sign with your name after you leave the secure area with your bags. 

They will escort you to your private transfer, assist you on check-in at your hotel and present you with a detailed itinerary for your experiences in Peru. This is your chance to run through specific pick up times and logistics for your tours in the country. 

If you have any questions regarding your itinerary, ask them now. 

Located in Lima, 1.8 km from Playa Redondo, Holiday Inn - Lima Miraflores, an IHG Hotel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a terrace. 

The property is set 5.9 km from Museum of the Nation, 8.4 km from San Martín Square and 8.7 km from Museum of the Santa Inquisicion.

 The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. 

At Holiday Inn - Lima Miraflores, an IHG Hotel every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

You will be picked up at your hotel for this private half day tour.

At the scheduled time, we will begin the visit of the city with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, we will stop off at the Main Square, to explore it on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima’s still-present colonial architectural opulence. We will visit the Cathedral; as walking through its numerous chapels, we will discover various architectural styles and learn about the religious history of Peru. 

We will continue with the visit to Santo Domingo Convent founded in 1540. It is a very special place for the Latin American Catholic community since three personalities who today are Peruvian saints passed through its church and convent. It is the first saint of the Santa Rosa de Lima continent, in addition to San Martín de Porres and San Juan Macias. Inside the church of Santo Domingo, his relics are kept amid a special fervor. It has a beautiful cloister covered with tiles, a library with a collection of 25,000 books and a bell tower, from where you can see the entire city of Lima and the port of Callao. 

At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel.

OPTIONAL ADD ON
Hotel Pick-Up: Scheduled for 09:00 AM. Please note timing will be reconfirmed locally

You will be picked up at your hotel for this private half day tour.

We will begin the visit of the city with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, we will stop off at the Main Square, to explore it on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima's still-present colonial architectural opulence. We will visit the Cathedral; as walking through its numerous chapels, we'll discover various architectural styles and learn about the religious history of Peru. 

We will continue with the visit to Santo Domingo Convent a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints, as well as written accounts of the endeavors of the Dominican Order across the country. 

Afterwards, we will head to Larco Museum, an eighteenth-century Viceregal mansion that houses more than 3,000 years of Peru's pre-Columbian history. The museum boasts a supremely fine collection of gold and silver jewelry and worship paraphernalia. The museum also contains a famous collection of erotic ceramic tomb art that gives insights into various aspects of pre-Columbian sexuality. 

Finally, we will begin a journey through the streets of modern Lima as head toward the most traditional of the residential zones of the capital: San Isidro, the heart of the city's financial district; and Miraflores, a perfect spot to enjoy wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean.

OPTIONAL ADD ON

The Palomino Islands are located just off the area of Callao in the City of Lima.

You have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable experience being in contact with nature and swimming with the sea lions. Once in the water, you can splash and be in direct contact with them which will create amazing memories.

The Palomino Islands are home to a colony of 5000 sea lions and a large variety of birds. You will board a small boat in the port of Callao and take a scenic boat tour before being able to actually swim with the sea Lions.

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción is located between the Tambopata National Reserve and the shores of the Madre de Dios River. Nineteen private cabanas sitting majestically on stilts and a six-room casa grande with high ceilings and a rustic thatched roof are peppered around the property.

An astonishing selection of activities is led by local explorer guides, offering first-hand knowledge of the Peruvian Amazon. Excursions include a visit to Lake Sandoval, a water mirror inhabited by Howler monkeys, caimans and giant river otters.

Day 1:
Start your journey arriving to Puerto Maldonado, where the staff will welcome you and provide the necessary information for your stay. Navigate by outboard motorised canoe along the Madre de Dios River to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion for approximately 25 minutes. 

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch with organic ingredients and native flavours. 

After lunch, take a walk through Concepcion Trails, the on property nature trails, where you will discover and learn about primary and secondary rainforest, its components, uses, transformations by the human being, and its relevance for the world. 

At dusk navigate by outboard motorised canoe, on a Twilight River excursion. By sailing on the Madre de Dios River, you will learn about its ecosystem, Amazonian creeks, nocturnal animals, and the southern constellations. 

In the evening enjoy a nice dinner in the Casa Grande’s dining room.

Deep within the heart of the Amazon – where the story of Inkaterra first began – lays Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, located between the Tambopata National Reserve and the shores of the Madre de Dios River. 25 private cabanas sitting majestically on stilts and a 5-room casa grande with high ceilings and a rustic thatched roof are peppered around the property.

An astonishing selection of activities is led by local explorer guides, offering first-hand knowledge of the Peruvian Amazon. Excursions include a visit to Lake Sandoval, a water mirror inhabited by Howler monkeys, caimans and giant river otters.

Optional Upgrade:

Within the pristine Amazon Rainforest, Posada Amazonas lodge connects you to the natural and cultural wonders of the Tambopata jungle. The lodge is conveniently located just two hours from Puerto Maldonado, yet it offers ample opportunities to observe wildlife and to discover ancient indigenous heritage.

While there's plenty of adventure as you explore the jungle, there is also plenty in store for your downtime. Relaxation is covered as you lounge in a locally-made hammock or get an Amazonian massage. When you're feeling more lively, check out our exclusive boutique filled with artisan goods, and the Ronsoco Bar, featuring rainforest-inspired cocktails alongside classics like the Pisco Sour.

Day 2
New experiences are ahead and after enjoying a nutritious breakfast buffet, get ready for a long trek through terra firma into the Tambopata National Reserve towards Lake Sandoval. 

Here you will understand why Madre de Dios is called the biodiversity capital of Peru, while learning about the Reserve’s conservation efforts and the lake’s formation. Navigate by dugout canoe across this mirror-like oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), and one of the world’s biggest fresh water scaled fish, the paiche (Arapaima gigas). 

After this morning excursion, head back to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, discover Inkaterra's canopy walkway and Anaconda walk. Take a 20-minute ride by outboard motorized canoe to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Center where you will learn about its construction and the conservation projects of ITA-Inkaterra Asociación (NGO). Ascend one of the two 30 m high towers and cross the 7 hanging bridges that connect the treetops at 28 m high. Enjoy the breathtaking vistas and get the chance to watch white-throated toucans (Ramphastos tucanus), woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) and the three-toed sloth (Choleopus hoffmani). After descending keep on exploring the primary rainforest going along the 200-meter wooden bridge over the swamps (aguajales). You will learn about the fauna and flora of this flooded ecosystem. 

At night get ready for an adventure with the 'rainforest by night' excursion, where you will explore the Amazon rainforest that gives way to nocturnal animals who display intriguing behavior patterns, and enhanced senses as adaptation mechanisms. Listen to nocturnal living nature sounds, and penetrate this hidden world. 

Return to the lodge and enjoy a nice dinner.

Day 3
The sun rises once again and after an early breakfast, you will take the Native Farm excursion where you will be able to learn local techniques of cultivation and taste some of the products during the visit. Then visit the Botanical Garden, discover the immense variety of medicinal plants considered part of the “natural pharmacy” used by the habitants at the amazon region. Compare the medicinal uses of local medicine with traditional remedies. 

Head back to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion for lunch.

In the afternoon be ready for the cocha water excursion. Enjoy a dugout canoe ride on the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion natural pond (cocha). Try native fishing applying the “catch and release” techniques, as you enjoy the scenery observing hoatzins (Opisthocomus hoazin), a diversity of fly catchers, and gray-necked woodrails (Aramides cajanea). 

Disembark at the remains of Fitzcarrald steam boat; learn about its history and how it inspired Inkaterra to ask Werner Herzog to film the award-winning “Fitzcarraldo”, best director at Cannes, 1982. 

You will be able to participate in the Inland Collpa during the evening, where you will see different species and their night routines by observing through our “blinds”.

End your day with a pleasant dinner back at the lodge.

Day 4

After a breakfast buffet, begin the journey back to Puerto Maldonado by outboard motorized canoe. You will pick up your main luggage at the Inkaterra office in Puerto Maldonado. You will then be transferred to the airport in time for your departure flight.

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.

To allow your body to adapt to altitude, we will transfer you directly from arrival at the Cuzco airport (3,400 m.a.s.l) to the Sacred Valley (2,800 m.a.s.l.) This is much lower than Cuzco, but still higher than Machu Picchu which is 2,400 m.a.s.l. 

We recommend you spend this afternoon staying hydrated, relaxing and eating very light food. Altitude can slow digestion and dehydration can occur. Please do avoid being overly active this afternoon as it is likely you will feel the effects of altitude.

The name “Parakitampu”derives from the Quechua words “pakari”, which means “dawn” and “tampu” which means “home”. Pakaritampu Hotel is in the heart of the Sacred Valley, located in the village of Ollantaytambo. It is a short walk to the train station with direct connection to Machu Picchu, and one hour and a half drive from the city of Cuzco.

The town of Ollantaytambo is the starting point of the Inca Trail, a beautiful place that offers various tourist attractions.

Rooms here will provide you with a private bathroom with hot water and toiletries, a digital safety-deposit box, a TV with cable channels, amenities, WiFi access, a phone, and a garden and mountain view. 

At Hotel Pakaritampu you will find a 24-hour front desk and laundry service.

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel for your private tour.

First you will visit Pisac, a picturesque town located 32km northeast of Cuzco. Its colourful markets take place every day. Here merchants sell all sorts of handicrafts, the most important of which are the textiles and ceramic goods such as ceremonial goblets called "Q'eros", plates, ashtrays, necklace and replicas of pre-Hispanic pottery.

Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon you will visit the remarkable fortress of Ollantaytambo, built by the Incas. A very steep stone staircase leads into the fortress. Across an esplanade there is a temple with 10 niches, and beside it a block of partially un-worked stones. Beyond another esplanade, six huge rectangular monoliths (estimated weight: 50 tons) form the Temple of the Sun. Vestiges of rooms are seen on top of the fortress, and on the other side of the hill a four story building, believed to be either a military school or prison.

OPTIONAL ADD ON

Visit Maras & Moray on your All Terrain Bike (ATB). Drive through the remote villages and agricultural fields with beautiful landscapes, looking for a alternative experience to visit the historical Inca legacy.

The ATB tour starts with a driving lesson to teach you how to ride your quad bike  After that, you will visit the village of Maras and continue the adventure for a visit  to the archaeological complex of Moray.

You will visit the salt mines before returning to the base at Pata Cruz from where you will be transferred back the hotel in Ollantaytambo village.

*Duration: 5 hours 13:30 - 18:30 pm
*Difficulty: Moderate
*Bring With You: Sunglasses and waterproof sunscreen

Please prepare a small bag with essentials for tonight. Your luggage will be picked up at your Sacred Valley Hotel and transferred to your hotel in Cuzco. Only a small day bag is allowed on the train to Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, you will walk to the nearby Ollantaytambo train station.

Depart from Ollantaytambo Station via the Vistadome Observatory Train arriving into Aguas Calientes station. Upon your arrival you will meet the North South Journeys Representative at the train station who will explain the logistics in detail of your day. Your overnight bag will be brought to your hotel. 

Next you will be transferred by bus to the gates of Machu Picchu for a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, you will then have free time to explore the site at leisure. Well known as ‘The Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu was built around 1450, but abandoned 100 years later at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. 

In 1911 Hiram Bingham, an American historian discovered its existence with its classic Inca style. The main buildings of Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows, are located in the Sacred District of Machu Picchu.

After you explore the citadel, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure in town.

Spend the time at leisure in Aguas Calientes exploring the small town. There is a craft market here, however, many similar items can be found at a better price in Cuzco. 

Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu offers accommodations in Cusco. Free WiFi and welcome drink is available throughout the property.

Rooms here are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom with free toiletries and a safety deposit box.

At Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu guests will find a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, a bar and a snack bar. Other facilities offered at the property include luggage storage, laundry service and currency exchange service.

The property is located right in front of Aguas Calientes Train Station. It is 20 m from BCP Bank and only a 5 minute walk from a bus stop from which buses depart towards Machu Picchu.

Route: Inti Punku (Sun Gate) 

This morning, you will take the bus from Aguas Calientes up to the Citadel and spend the morning at leisure walking from Machu Picchu up to the Sun Gate and back. 

This second entry is for the morning time slot.  After you have enjoyed your second visit, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to prepare for your return train journey to Cuzco.

OPTIONAL ADD ON

Huayna Picchu is the towering mountain behind the actual site of Machu Picchu. From a distance the mountain looks impossible to climb without the necessary tools but even though a strenuous climb with some parts where you will actually will need both hands and feet, the climb is quite possible for all averagely fit visitors. For many people climbing Huayna Picchu is one of the highlights when visiting Machu Picchu. The climb itself is interesting as you will see how the Inca did cut out some steps out of the rocks and as you wind around the side of a mountain will see Machu Picchu from different angles.

• Only 400 people allowed daily (Maximum 75 persons in each time schedule)
• 4 groups– (07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00).
• The climb takes about 2 hours up
• Coming down about 45 minutes to 1 hour

You will return via train from Aguas Calientes to your Cuzco hotel via train and transfer. Depending on when you travel, the logistics are as follows. 

May to December Return Logistics:
From May to December, the train runs from Aguas Calientes station all the way to Poroy Station just 25 mins outside of Cuzco. Your private transfer will be waiting for you at the Poroy Station to take you to your Cuzco hotel.

January to April Return Logistics:
From January to April, the train runs only from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Station. From there, everyone on the train boards shared coaches for the drive from Ollantaytambo Station to Wanchaq Station (just 5 minutes from the centre of Cuzco). This shared coach is operated by Peru Rail. Your private transfer will be waiting for you at the Wanchaq Station to take you to your Cuzco hotel.

Ramada by Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco is a converted 17th-century mansion located in Cuzco’s centre, a few steps away from Cuzco Main Square and La Merced Church. It offers colonial-style accommodation and free WiFi. 

Ramada by Wyndham Costa del Sol Cuzco ’s Paprika Cuzco Restaurant serves breakfast buffet and international dishes with a blend of traditional Peruvian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Walak bar serves drinks and snacks.

Close attractions include the Central Market, Cathedral of Cuzco, and Inka Museum.

You will be picked up at your hotel for this private half day tour of Cuzco and nearby ruins. 

Today your guide will bring you to visit one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: the Qoricancha (the Golden Temple) - a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. Then, we will discover the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries. Afterward, we begin the exploration to the nearby ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal structure of enormous stones, carved and fitted together with incredible precision; Qenqo, the religious center; we will enjoy a panoramic view of Puca-Pucara, the red fortress and then we will visit Tambomachay with their water fountains.

After the tour, you will free to choose one of the many restaurants in the vicinity that will let you sample delicious Peruvian cuisine.

OPTIONAL ADD ON

Palcoyo is just 20kms away from the more famous Vinincunca mountain but they are two sides of the same coin. While the unique mountain of colours of Vinincunca has thousands of visitors every day, Palcoyo offers not one but three mountains of varied colours without the vast number of visitors. 

Additionally, there is a unique rock forest located in the highest complex for you to explore.

7:30 - 7:40 Pick up from Hotel
7:40 - 11:15 Drive Cuzco to Palcoyo
11:15 - 13:00 Sightseeing, walking and photography at Palcoyo
13:00 - 13:30 Drive from Palcoyo to Picnic are
13:30 - 14:00 Simple picnic lunch
14:00 - 17:00 Return dive to Cuzco

Recommended Gear: Trekking shoes and clothes, windbreaker, hat gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and camera.

Notes: Be sure to eat breakfast at your hotel before pick up.

After breakfast, you must check out at your hotel and be ready as a representative will transfer you to the Bus Terminal.

Here you will join a shared tourist bus from Cuzco to Puno (10 hours) with two stops in local communities (Includes entrance fees). Early in the morning you will depart from Cuzco for Puno on board a comfortable vehicle. This trip will allow you to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Andes. During the trip, you will make a brief stop at Andahuaylillas, a friendly, warm-weather town which is home to one of the most unique churches in the Andes, known as Peru’s Sistine Chapel. You will be dazzled by the beautifully decorated murals and frescoes covering walls, baseboards, ceilings and façades. The next stop is Racchi, one of the most important constructions of the Inca Empire, known for its extraordinary architecture. 

Following the stop at Racchi, the transfer will then cross the La Raya Pass, which lies at 4,335 m.a.s.l. There is a great chance you will see herds of vicuñas and llamas. The last stop will be the town of Pucará, known as the place where the Toritos (little bulls) of Pucará are made. The famous torito is believed to have magical and religious qualities among the inhabitants of the Andes as a symbol of procreation for their herds, for happiness in marriage, fertility at home and as protection for the house.

This transfer includes a buffet lunch at a country-style restaurant featuring regional cuisine.

OPTIONAL UPGRADE

Departures: This train runs to Puno only Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in 2025

The unforgettable experience of crossing the Peruvian Andes between Cusco and Puno, and visiting the world’s highest navigable lake, is made even more magical aboard PeruRail Titicaca. This train was created to provide passengers with all the luxuries they could want in a trip, while offering them a chance to forge a mystical connection with nature.

Enjoy unrivaled service aboard this beautiful train, dining in 1920s-style Pullman carriages and absorbing breathtaking landscapes. The open-air Observation Car is a dream for photographers keen to capture the quintessential panoramas. The route covered by the PeruRail Titicaca train is considered by many travel magazines to be one of the most beautiful in the world.

The once-in-a-lifetime adventure lasts approximately 10 hours 30 minutes. At the start of the journey, you are welcomed at the Wanchaq Station (Cusco) where local musicians will provide background music as you board the train. Once aboard, you can enjoy the two dining cars decorated in the style of the Pullman cars of the 1920s. Also, during the trip, you will have the finest in gourmet food and indulgent afternoon tea. The quality of our personalized service is guaranteed.

The Casa Andina Premium Puno is a lovely hotel that has a perfect location: on the shores of Lake Titicaca, from the hotel you can have the best lake view room in the world.

It has 45 non-smoking rooms with bottled water, small balcony and services like: internet center, free WiFi, restaurant, lobby bar, room service, concierge, among others.

Today is another excursion with a full day tour on the spectacular Lake Titicaca where you will see the floating reed islands of the indigenous Aymara. You will have a private guide just for your group, but there will be other passengers on the boat as well. 

This tour explores the floating reed islands called Uros as well as the island of Taquile. Here you will meet the local Aymara who occupy these islands. The Aymara are the second largest indigenous culture in Peru behind the Quechua who are direct decedents of the Incan peoples. 

It is a great day exploring the highest navigable lake in the world and seeing living culture. After visiting the islands on Lake Titicaca, you will return to Puno via fast boat and will be picked up at the dock and transferred to your hotel.

Lunch is included at a traditional restaurant on Taquile Island. 

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.

Walk 2 mins on your own across the terminal to your hotel at the airport.

Stellar hospitality, steps from the Airport.

Linked directly to Jorge Chavéz International Airport and offering upscale amenities for discerning travelers, our non-smoking hotel offers the ultimate in convenience and comfort, whether you’re exploring Peru’s capital or just passing through.

Experience legendary Peruvian hospitality as soon as you arrive, with a handy walkway that leads from the terminal to our front door, and a free welcome drink upon check in. Savour our free breakfast buffet daily and an onsite restaurant and lounge. Rooms are available either nightly or hourly, if needed, to recharge during a long layover for your convenience.

We’re connected to the airport, but quiet enough that you’ll forget. Enjoy the serenity of your guest room, or relax in our spa and 24-hour fitness facilities, with an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and massage.

Note: Breakfast served daily from 4:00am to 10:30am.

Walk 2 minutes from your hotel to the departures area at the Lima Airport. 

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.

North South Journeys' representative in Ecuador will meet you at the airport upon arrival. They will be holding a sign with your name after you leave the secure area with your bags. 

They will escort you to your private transfer, assist you on check-in at your hotel and present you with a detailed itinerary for your experiences in Ecuador. This is your chance to run through specific pick up times and logistics for your tours in the country. If you have any questions regarding your itinerary, ask them now. 

Mercure Hotel Alameda is located just steps away from the Artisan Market on Quito’s showcase shopping street, Avenida Amazonas, within the district of Mariscal Sucre. All guest rooms at Mercure Hotel Alameda feature a satellite TV and an private bathroom with a bathtub. In addition, the bedrooms all have WiFi connectivity, free bottled water and a safety-deposit box.

The property starts breakfast service at 06:00 and offers a coffee station throughout the morning. Restaurant Spicy is the hotel’s elegant dining establishment, serving a varied menu of local and international cuisine. A French bakery is also available. There are also many restaurants within a few minutes’ walk of the hotel.

You will be picked up after breakfast for your tour.

The day begins visiting the Quito's downtown, one of the biggest in South America, our first point is the oldest street of the city, La Ronda, that used to be the home of musicians, poets and politics back in time. Here we will encounter with the traditions of the city first by stopping in the gastronomic capsule, to have an explanation of the different local spices that are used for the typical Ecuadorian gastronomy. Continuing we will visit the house of handicrafts made of metal and wood most of them designed for the traditional churches and made by hand for furniture decoration. After we are done with la Ronda we will visit the Independence Square, surrounded by important historical buildings. 

Visit the Cathedral (XVI Century), the Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church (XVII Century), and La Compañia de Jesus (XVII Century), one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America. Not to be missed are the Church of San Francisco and Monastery, built a few months after the arrival of the Spaniards (XVI Century). Finally you will drive to the viewpoint at the Panecillo hill, where the virgin of Quito is located, the unique winged virgin of the world. You will have a wonderful view over the city and the surrounding mountains and volcanoes.

Next you will drive 30 kms north of Quito, towards the Middle of the World where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres. You will visit the main monument built in honour of the French scientific expedition that arrived in Ecuador in the XVIII century to determine the correct location of the equator line. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the Inti Ñan Museum, a scientific and cultural museum, located in the exact crossing of the Equator Line. Return to Quito.

Note: Lunch is not included in this tour. 

OPTIONAL ADD ON
Note: This shared tour is only available on Tuesdays & Saturdays.

You will be picked up from your hotel after breakfast and start the drive north towards Imbabura, “the lakes” – Province. You will taste exotic fruits in the Guayllabamba valley, cross the Equator Line at Cayambe where on a clear day, it is possible to admire the majestic snow-capped mountain (5,790 m.), the world´s highest point where the Equator Line crosses, and try its famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese.

At the foot of Imbabura mountain enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador's largest lake, San Pablo. Afterwards, visit the famous Otavalo Indian Market, where vendors proudly offer a stunning variety of weaving - such as the famous ponchos - among other textiles like rugs, mittens and scarves. The market is compared often with a rainbow due to the colors of the textiles exhibited. You can also find handcrafts, jewellery and other artisan work.

If time permits, you will also visit Cotacachi Village known for its leather products and the Cuicocha Crater Lake. Return to Quito and transfer to hotel.

Airport English speaking assistance to pay your Galapagos Taxes. 

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.

Please note that all water based island explorations in this itinerary are subject to change, without prior notice, due to weather conditions. 

Additionally, the order of island explorations or the specific islands visited may also change. The day excursions used below are samples only. Your island options will be recommended when you request a quote for specific days. 

North South Journeys Galapagos representative will be waiting for you at the Baltra Airport. They will provide you with your pre-paid transfer ticket and will escort you to the short airport shuttle and the ferry which takes you across the small channel (10 min ride) to Santa Cruz Island. Here your private transfer and guide is awaiting you. 

You will journey across the island up into the highlands and will be amazed by the island’s variety of wildlife and geology. Beginning on the coast and travelling along the road to Puerto Ayora, the road climbs through the agricultural zone and into the mist-covered forests of the highlands. Santa Cruz possesses all of the various life zones present on the archipelago, with wonderful birding opportunities, like Darwin’s finches. Almost every land bird present on the islands can be found here. Continuing on, the tour will stop at a local ranch for lunch. You will be able to explore the grounds in search of tortoises during the visit. After lunch, you continue to descend through the agricultural zone into the transition zone where the Tortoise Reserve is located. In this area, the introduced vegetation of the higher farmlands is replaced by native vegetation. 

Sol y Mar Hotel is a first-class hotel that exudes the unique spirit of the Galapagos Islands. This welcoming destination is dedicated to assisting guests in planning their unforgettable journey to the Enchanted Islands.

The hotel features 17 ocean-view rooms and 14 additional rooms in the Isla Sol Tower, all thoughtfully designed with the utmost comfort in mind, ensuring an exceptional stay for every guest.

Guests can enjoy a delicious buffet-style breakfast each morning, while later in the day, the hotel’s restaurant offers a diverse range of exquisite à la carte dishes for both lunch and dinner.

For relaxation and leisure, SOLYMAR boasts a charming oceanfront bar situated next to the terrace and pool, perfect for unwinding while enjoying the stunning views. Additionally, the hotel offers three modern event venues, ideal for hosting both social and corporate events in a refined setting.

Your day starts after breakfast at your hotel. Travel by small boat, max 16 passengers total, on an excursion to North Seymour Island. 

North Seymour is a small 1.9 km² island north of Baltra with a path that crosses the interior and allows you to explore rocky coast. You will see some of the largest bird colonies on the Galapagos Islands here.

The main features of this island are the incredible fauna species you can observe such as the Land Iguanas, the Magnificent Frigate bird with their incredible scarlet pouches, blue-footed boobies with their unique courtship dances and sea lions surfing across the waves. You will have time to explore and learn about the animals from your guide. 

Once on board, you will enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before returning to Santa Cruz Island where you will have the opportunity to snorkel at Bachas Beach if you wish, or alternatively, you can relax on shore. You will see a variety of fish species and maybe even swim with sea lions if they are feeling friendly.

After snorkeling, you will be brought back to port and transferred to your hotel for the rest of the evening at leisure. 

Your day starts after breakfast at your hotel. Travel by small boat, max 16 passengers total, on an excursion to South Plazas Island. 

South Plazas Island is very small at only .13 km² and is situated off the east coast of Santa Cruz Island. It is formed from uplifted marine lava and is one of the smallest islands on the archipelago. This island, despite its size, has a high concentration of wildlife. The tour disembarks (this is a dry landing) on a small dock frequently occupied by sea lions. 

You will continue through a small forest of prickly pear cacti with bright yellow flowers. You will see land iguanas (South Plazas has the largest population of land iguanas in the Galapagos) as they are often waiting for the pear cacti's fruits and flowers to fall on the ground. The walk continues up to a small cliff, where you can often see a shoal of the endemic yellow-tailed mullet swimming below. The clifftop lookout also offers excellent views of swallow-tailed gulls, tropic birds, frigate birds and pelicans. 

The view extends to the eastern end of the island where bull sea lions congregate to rest after they have lost territory to a challenger. Here they recover energy before vying to once again be the master of the beach. 

Return to Santa Cruz. Lunch included.

You will be picked up at your hotel after breakfast and head to the Charles Darwin Station. 

The center is a reservoir of information on habitats and local conservation, as well as other fascinating relevant statistics. The most striking attraction of this station is certainly the Tortoise Breeding Center, where it is possible to view tortoises of varied sizes and shapes. Travelers here can freely walk and get their photos with the tortoises. Among other inhabitants at the center, you can see the land and marine iguanas and different species of birds.

After lunch, the tour continues with a trail to Tortuga Bay. This trail starts from the main street in Puerto Ayora and takes about an hour of walking. The trail goes through the arid zone and many land birds can be seen along the way.

Arriving to Tortuga Bay beach you will find the first beach “Playa Brava” this beach is with open waters and strong under currents not recommendable for swimming, if you continue walking to the right side (15 minutes) you will arrive to “Playa Mansa” ideal for sun bathing, swimming and photo shooting, you will also find marine iguanas along the shore. 

Your day starts after breakfast at your hotel early in the morning to take advantage of the best hours of light. You will travel from Puerto Ayora by van to the Itabaca channel, where the boat will be waiting. The boat ride to the island is approximately 2 hours.

After arriving to the Island, you will disembark for a walk to the top of the island with a 115 meters view point above sea level. The views include the nearby islands and the famous Pinnacle Rock. In addition to incredible views, Bartolome Island provides amazing geological characteristics. 

This Bartolome Island tour also includes stops at nearby beaches to enjoy the ocean and wildlife. 

To finish the day, the tour will stop at Sullivan bay on Santiago Island which is located next to Bartolome Island. This bay includes a lava field and here you can snorkel before the boat ride back to Puerto Ayora.

The tours activities include short hike, swimming, snorkeling and wildlife observation. You have the chance of seeing blue sharks, lava heron, Galapagos crab, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays and many kinds of fish among others.

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.

You will have quite a few hours as the Santiago airport before your next flight. 

We recommend paying for lounge access (additional cost to be paid directly by client) inside the international side of Santiago Airport to rest while you are waiting for the next flight.

There are a few options with varying prices and amenities. In our opinion, the LATAM Lounge offers the best (albeit most expensive) option.

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.