Grand South America with Quito and Galapagos Island Cruise (Luxury Gold - Summer 2018)

28 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Group Tour
Witness the many cultures and contrasts of South America on this luxurious journey, showcasing a dazzling array of natural beauty, vibrant civilisations, and mystical ancient cities. Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Rio de Janeiro, uncover the secrets of the Incas from a Local Expert at Machu Picchu, and marvel at breathtaking scenery along the way. S...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Buenos Aires: Enjoy dinner is at Piegari Carnes.
    • Cusco: Dine at MAP restaurant, one of the city’s most prominent restaurants, situated on the patio of the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art. This contemporary Peruvian haute cuisine restaurant offers an artistic dining experience, candlelit for a dazzling evening ambiance.
    • Included Quality Dining: 21 Breakfasts (BB), 11 Lunches (L) and 15 Dinners (DW).
    • Lima: Enjoy a Highlight Lunch at Amor Amar in a trendy, bohemian district.
    • Macchu Picchu: Learn how to blend the perfect pisco sour.
    • Rio de Janeiro: Indulge in a classic buffet style lunch amid a lavish setting at the Belle Époque, Confeitaria Colombo.
    • Sacred Valley: Experience a caja china lunch, a popular way to create a delicious meal in Peru, cooked in a wooden box.
    • Santiago: Savour a Highlight Dinner at Cafe in Lasterria, Santiago's trendiest neighbourhood.
    • Aguas Calientes: With a Local Expert, explore the cloud forest, visit a working tea plantation and an orchid farm.
    • Buenos Aires: With a Local Expert, your comprehensive city exploration includes a visit to the splendid Belle Époque Teatro Colon.

What's this trip about?

    Witness the many cultures and contrasts of South America on this luxurious journey, showcasing a dazzling array of natural beauty, vibrant civilisations, and mystical ancient cities. Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Rio de Janeiro, uncover the secrets of the Incas from a Local Expert at Machu Picchu, and marvel at breathtaking scenery along the way. See how you travel like a VIP with Luxury Gold

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLima
End CityRio De Janeiro

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Peru

Attractions

  • Buenos Aires
  • Cusco
  • Galapagos
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Quito
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Sacred Valley
  • Santiago

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
    • Relax in comfort on Luxury Gold’s air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, onboard restroom and and complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy while travelling.
    • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
    • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
    • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
    • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
    • From time to time, your Travelling Concierge will enchant you with a Luxury Gold Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
    • At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
    • Included complimentary, private transfers are available on start and end dates, and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold.

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Welcome to Ecuador. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Quito Sightseeing.

A drive north will take you to the Monument to the Equator. Here, you can experience the rare opportunity of standing in the Northern and Southern hemispheres simultaneously. Next, visit the Ethnographical Museum, which presents the history of the cultures of Ecuador....

Day 3: Fly to the Galapagos Islands and Board La Pinta.

In the morning, fly to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands, where you will be met and transferred to the Itabaca Channel. A ferry will take you across the channel to Santa Cruz Island, where you then head for the highlands to learn about the island’s ecosystems and biodi...

Day 4: Observe the fascinating wildlife.

In the morning, a panga (dinghy) will ferry you to Eden Islet to observe Blue footed boobies, reef sharks and frigates. There will be a chance to snorkel and, if weather conditions permit, ride in a glass-bottom boat to see the tiny island of Sombrero Chino. Upon retu...

Day 5: Bartolomé Island, Pinnacle Rock and Sullivan Bay.

In the morning, the Galapagos icon of Bartolomé Island awaits. Ascend a wooden staircase for spectacular views from the top before boarding a panga cruise around the colossal Pinnacle Rock. After lunch, the panga will take you to Sullivan Bay, a white, coral-sand beac...

Day 6: Explore Genovesa Island.

Begin your day with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds, with options available for all travellers. In the afternoon, there is a panga ride alongside the cliffs before disembarking for a captivating walk to observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, Frigatebirds, storm petrels, and the elusive short-eared owl. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 7: Onward to Lima.

Return to Baltra Island to disembark and be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (FB) Anticipated arrival time in Lima is 22:00. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8: Lima City of the Kings.

Experience Lima through the eyes of a Local Expert as you explore the UNESCO-listed, Historic Centre of Lima. Step onto the colonial balconies, with private-access, at the Archbishop's house. Your Highlight Lunch is at Amoramar in the bohemian district of Barranco. Vi...

Day 9: Lima and On To The Sacred Valley.

Board your flight to Cusco before continuing to Peru's Sacred Valley. Meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua scholar, and president of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. Enjoy lunch with Nilda and learn about her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Day 10: Exploring the Sacred Valley.

In the morning, head to the town of Maras to meet with a local family and learn about the arts and crafts of the region. View the spectacular terraced salt pans dating back to Inca times. Experience a typical caja china lunch, cooked in a wooden box, before witnessing...

Day 11: Journey to Machu Picchu.

Visit the town of Ollantaytambo, a national archeological site. Settle into the Vistadome train for your scenic journey to Machu Picchu, before enjoying an included lunch upon arrival at your resort. Venture along nature trails with a Local Expert, through the fascina...

Day 12: Mysterious Machu Picchu.

The entire day is yours to discover the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu with your Local Expert. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Day 13: Return to Cusco.

Return by train to Sacred Valley for a Highlight Lunch of traditional Peruvian meal cooked underground. Later, get up-close to llamas, alpacas and even the rare vicuñas, before arriving at your hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch)

Day 14: Colonial Cusco.

Join your Local Expert to explore the Temple of the Sun at Korikancha and cathedral, followed by the citadel of Sacsayhuaman. Set out for San Blas to visit a candle shop and learn about its importance to the locals. Later, a candlelit Highlight Dinner is served at the reputed MAP restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 15: Lake Region of Peru.

Board your included flight to Juliaca and continue to Puno, along the shores of Lake Titicaca. Your lakeside hotel is on Esteves Island. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Day 16: The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca.

Cruise Lake Titicaca to the floating islands of Uros before continuing to the island of Amantaní to enjoy lunch, hosted by the local community. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Day 17: Puno, Back to Lima.

Head to Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo to explore the burial grounds, before your flight to Lima. At night, savour a sensational Highlight Dinner at world-renowned Astrid y Gastón. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Day 18: Fly to Santiago.

Bid farewell to Lima as you fly to Santiago. In the evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner in Lastarria, Santiago's trendiest neighbourhood. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 19: The Sights of Santiago, Valparaiso and Wine Country.

Meet a Local Expert for a city exploration before a visit to the UNESCO-listed port of Valparaíso and the boutique Kingston Family Winery in the Casablanca Valley for a tasting. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 20: Fly to Buenos Aires.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying to Buenos Aires. In the evening, your Highlight Dinner with wine is at Piegari Carnes, known for its Argentine beef. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 21: Beautiful Buenos Aires.

Get to know Buenos Aires with a Local Expert on an exploration of the city including Palermo, San Telmo and Recoleta. Enjoy views of the balcony, made famous by Evita Peron, and walk the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca. Visit the Belle Époque Teatro Colon. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner with wine, live music, singers and dancers at Rojo Tango. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 22: Pampas, Estancias and Gauchos.

San Antonio de Areco remains one of the prettiest towns in the Pampas District. Step into a world of riding boots and leather chaps at an Estancia, where you will be served a delicious asado Highlight Lunch and a taste of the life of an Argentinian gaucho, or cowboy. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)

Day 23: The Falls of Iguassu.

Fly to Iguassu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your Local Expert will take you to meet a tribal representative of the indigenous Guarani people. Venture to the Argentinean side of the falls to see the unfathomable Devil's Throat. Your luxurious resort is the only...

Day 24: The 'Great Waters' of Iguassu Falls.

side of the falls, see the panoramic view of San Martin Island and visit the incredible Bird Park, which provides shelter for over a thousand exotic birds, butterflies and reptiles from across South America. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 25: Rio de Janeiro, City of Sea and Samba.

Fly to vibrant Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel on famous Copacabana Beach. The evening is at your leisure with your Traveling Concierge on hand to make recommendations. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 26: Exploring Rio de Janeiro.

Join a Local Expert on a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. At Confeitaria Colombo, enjoy a Highlight Lunch amid a lavish setting. In the afternoon, visit one of Rio's favelas before a stop at The Maze, an iconic jazz club. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Din...

Day 27: A Farewell to Rio de Janeiro.

Join your Local Expert on a train ride up Corcovado Hill to Christ the Redeemer, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, toast your journey over a Farewell Celebration Dinner, at the Michelin starred MEE Restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 28: Depart Rio de Janeiro.

A private transfer will take you to the Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, locally known as Galeao International. (Buffet Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $17,879
Price per day$639
Last Updated: 7/29/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Insight Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Insight Vacations

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As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What they’re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

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Logistics

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Age Requirements
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Trip ID
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