Grand Tour of South America with Quito & the Galapagos Islands Cruise (Summer 2017)
Overview
Highlights
- Cusco: Sunday market in Chinchero, truly authentic and local. Visit the Salt Pans of Maras and learn about the ancient economy of the Inca empire revolving around caring for terraced salt pools.
- Lake Titicaca: Stand on the floating islands of Uros and hear about the day to day struggle just to stay afloat on top of Lake Titicaca from family members who know no other way of life.
- Kingston Family Winery: Be immersed in the cool climate wine culture that has made Chile famous.
- Buenos Aires: Stand on the wide open Pampas of Argentina and along side the gaucho's cowboy lifestyle of the past.
- Rio de Janeiro: Walk along white sand beaches humming the famous songs they are known for....Copacabana and Ipanema.
- Lima: Over a hot chocolate or authentic café pasado, learn the secrets and discover the unique flavour of Peruvian coffee with an expert barista.
- Lima: Enjoy a Highlight Lunch at Amor Amar in a trendy, bohemian district.
- Lima: Located in an unparalleled setting within the compound of a 1500-year-old adobe pyramid built by the original inhabitants of Lima, the menu at Huaca Pucllana is creatively Peruvian, with fusion touches spicing up classic criollo cooking.
- Sacred Valley: Experience a caja china lunch, a popular way to create a delicious meal in Peru, cooked in a wooden box.
- Sacred Valley: Delight in a Pachamama Feast prepared in an underground oven and served in an exquisite garden in Ollantaytambo.
What's this trip about?
Details
Destinations
Attractions
Trip includes
- Be escorted by the crème de la crème of Insight Travelling Concierges - handpicked for every departure. This skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'.
- A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
- At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling with prompt delivery right to your door. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- With Insight Flourishes, from time to time, your Travelling Concierge will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
- Included airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 22.
Popular Trips
Itinerary
Welcome to Ecuador. On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel.
(Relaxed Start) A drive north takes you to the Equatorial Line Monument called 'Middle of the World'. Here you get a truly rare experience to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously. Visit the Ethnographical Museum, presenting the history of...
This morning, fly to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands, where you will be met and transferred to the Itabaca Channel. Take a ferry across the Channel to Santa Cruz Island. Board a coach bound for the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll learn about the unique h...
After breakfast, a panga (dinghy) ride takes you to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz. Here you can observe blue footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather conditions permit, a ride in a gl...
In the morning, a Galapagos icon awaits: Bartolomé Island. A great way to start the day is with an ascent up a wooden staircase for spectacular views from the top. Next, a dinghy takes you for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by free time to choose from ...
In the morning, begin your day with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds, with more options available for the more leisure-focused or adventure seeking traveller. The afternoon starts with a panga ride alongside the cliffs before disembarking for a steep cl...
On arrival at Lima International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your luxurious hotel in Miraflores. At 19:00, join your Travelling Concierge for a Welcome Reception and an opportunity to meet with your fellow travellers over drinks and a light meal at Nos, Chef Virgilio Martinez's new restaurant in Lima.
(Relaxed Start) Experience Lima through the eyes of a Local Expert as you are introduced to the beautiful 'City of Kings'. Explore the UNESCO listed Historic Centre, view the imposing cathedral and visit the San Francisco Monastery with its shadowy catacombs. A Highli...
Board your flight for Cusco and drive to Peru's Sacred Valley, the fertile homeland of the Incan Empire. Visit the colourful, traditional Sunday market in the town of Chinchero. Then, meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua and scholar, president of the Centre for Tr...
(Relaxed Start) Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the town of Maras to meet with a local family, giving you the unique opportunity to learn about the local arts and crafts of the region. View the spectacular terraced salt pans dating back to Inca times. Fa...
Visit to the town of Ollantaytambo, a National Archeological Site. Settle into the panoramic viewing cars of the Vistadome train for the scenic journey to Machu Picchu. Lunch is included upon arrival at your resort. Soak in nature trails winding past waterfalls and ga...
The entire day is free for you to discover the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. Meet your Local Expert for a walk through the enigmatic 'Lost City of the Incas'. Witness the great Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, believed to b...
(Relaxed Start) Return by train to the Sacred Valley and let your taste buds be tempted by a Highlight Lunch at a Pachamanca Feast, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked underground. At a local camelid farm, get up close and personal with llamas, guanacos, alpacas and even the rare vicuña, known for their soft wool. Arrive at your hotel, only steps away from the Plaza de Armas.(FB / HL)
Join a Local Expert to explore Cusco and its surroundings. Visit the Temple of the Sun at Korikancha and Cathedral, followed by the formidable citadel of Sacsayhuaman, made of gigantic boulders. Visit the local market where you can practice your bartering skills. Set ...
(Relaxed Start) Board your included flight to Juliaca. Then drive to Puno, nestled along the majestic shores of Lake Titicaca. Arrive on Esteves Island and your lakeside hotel before dinner.(FB / L / D)
Cruise Lake Titicaca to the famous floating islands of Uros. Here the locals bundle reeds from the lake to build floating platforms, houses and canoes. Learn about their lifestyle and customs before continuing to the island of Amantani, known for its weaving and gorgeous landscape. After lunch, there is time to explore before returning to Puno.(FB / L / D)
(Relaxed Start) Head out to Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo, where the ancient Colla people interred their kings and nobility in enigmatic 'chullpas' or funerary towers. After exploring these impressive burial grounds, enjoy a scenic drive back to Juliaca for y...
Bid farewell to Lima as you fly to Chile's capital city of Santiago. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner at Cafe Lasterria, set in Santiago's trendiest neighbourhood.(FB)
(Relaxed Start) Meet a Local Expert this morning for a city tour of the Chilean capital, including bustling Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Church and the busy Central Market. Head for the UNESCO-listed port of Valparaiso and spend some time at the boutique Kingston Family Winery located in the Casablanca Valley. Enjoy an introduction to their exquisite cool climate wines and a tasting.(FB)
(Relaxed Start) Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore Santiago further. Fly to Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital city of Argentina, and arrive at your hotel, the celebrated Alvear Palace. This evening, your Highlight Dinner is at Chef Donate DeSantos' Cucina Paradiso.(FB)
(Relaxed Start) Get to know Buenos Aires with a Local Expert. Your comprehensive city tour includes the city's best neighbourhoods, including Palermo, San Telmo and Recoleta, where a visit is made to the famous cemetery. Enjoy views of the balcony made famous by Evita...
(Relaxed Start) With its narrow colonial streets, churches, bars and museums, 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 the stunning La Bamba de Areco Estancia, which has been...
Fly to Iguassu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great natural wonders of the world. You are in for a unique treat as your Local Expert takes you into a community of indigenous Guarani people. Meet the tribal representative and learn about daily life ...
(Relaxed Start) Join a Local Expert for a spectacular walk past thundering curtains of water and misty rainbows on the Brazilian side of the falls. Explore the base of the falls and see the impressive panoramic view of San Martin Island. Visit the Bird Park to see sev...
Today, fly to vibrant Rio de Janeiro. Transfer to your hotel located on famous Copacabana Beach. Elegant surroundings, exemplary service, gourmet cuisine and fine wines are the hallmarks of the evening's Michelin Highlight Dinner at Mee, the vision of celebrity Chef K...
(Relaxed Start) Join a Local Expert for a spectacular day of sightseeing in Rio. A cable car takes you to the lofty heights of Sugarloaf Mountain. At the Confeitaria Colombo, enjoy a classic buffet-style Highlight Lunch amid a lavish setting. In the afternoon, you are...
Join your Local Expert on a narrow-gauge train ride up Corcovado Hill to the open arms of Christ the Redeemer, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is completely free for your own pursuits. In the evening, toast the culmination of your South American tour...
(Relaxed Start) A private transfer will take you to the Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. Hotel check-out time is at noon. Alternatively, you may choose to extend your stay in Rio de Janeiro.(FB)
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
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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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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.
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