32 Day APT Best of South America with Galapagos & Amazon Cruise - Santiago to Lima
Tour Type:
- Escorted Tour
Operator:
Country/Region:
Style:
The Ultimate Wildlife Wonder
Home to thousands of animal and marine species, the Galapagos Islands is a definite must-see destination
The Best Of South America
Exploring the icons of this vast continent is easy as we whisk you from tip to tail in comfort and style
Amazon Rainforest Cruise
All aboard the luxurious Delfin II as you follow parrots and piranhas along the placid waters of the Amazon
INCLUSIONS
-
All flights within South America
-
The expertise of a dedicated APT Tour Director and expert local guides
-
Included sightseeing in up to 13 locations
-
APT's Freedom of Choice Inclusions in six locations
-
Tipping, porterage and airport transfers
-
Finest dining - a total of 61 meals
Itinerary
Arrive Santiago (Chile)
Arrive in Santiago, Chile’s capital. This afternoon, explore the city’s landmarks on a guided tour, before a Welcome Reception.
Stay: Two Nights: The Singular Santiago
Santiago
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
You might like to travel to the colourful port city of Valparaiso for a tour of the World Heritage-listed Historic Quarter and a funicular ride. Alternatively, learn about Chilean wine during a tour and tasting.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Santiago, Buenos Aires (Argentina)
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
At your hotel, discover Argentina’s national dance during a tango lesson, before indulging in a delicious selection of tapas.
Fly to Buenos Aires where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the fashionable Recoleta barrio (district).
Stay: Three Nights: Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel
Daily :
- Breakfast
Buenos Aires
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Next, visit the iconic Café Tortoni, a literati coffeehouse established in 1858. Later, explore the barrio of La Boca.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Dining
Tonight, learn how to make empanadas during an interactive dinner party, dine at an Argentinian steak restaurant, or take in dinner and a tango show.
A tour of Buenos Aires begins with a wander along Avenida de Mayo to the Plaza de Mayo.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Buenos Aires
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
Perhaps travel to the island town of Tigre where you can enjoy a cruise over the waterways of the Paraná Delta, or take a city walking tour. Alternatively, head to Teatro Colón opera house.
Daily :
- Breakfast
Buenos Aires, Rio De Janeiro (Brazil)
Fly to Rio de Janeiro, lapped by a deep blue ocean and flanked by mountains and lush verdant rainforest.
Stay: Three Nights: Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Palace
Daily :
- Breakfast
Rio De Janeiro
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
At sunset, ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, stopping mid-way to enjoy a caipirinha.
Make your way to Corcovado, famous for its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Visit the statue and travel to the platform at its peak for stunning views. Dine on a delicious Brazilian BBQ tonight.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Rio De Janeiro
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
Perhaps embark on a tour through local favelas or venture deep into the urban Tijuca Forest, or take a colonial city walking tour.
Daily :
- Breakfast
Rio De Janeiro, Iguassu Falls
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE™ - Sightseeing
You may wish to step aboard a boat ride safari and take in the breathtaking spectacle of Iguassu Falls from beneath the thundering cascades. Alternatively, embark on an awe-inspiring helicopter ride over the falls.
Board your flight to Iguassu Falls, which straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil.
Stay: Two Nights: Iguassu Falls, Hotel das Cataratas
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Iguassu Falls
Spend time in World Heritage-listed Iguassu National Park. Ride the Rainforest Ecological Train to a series of walkways.
Daily :
- Breakfast
Iguassu Falls, Lima (Peru)
Iguassu Falls, Lima (Peru) Walk through the giant aviaries and get up close to a range of native South American birds, including the iconic toucan, at Parque das Aves Bird Park. This evening, board your flight to the Peruvian capital, Lima.
Stay: Two Nights: Hilton Lima Miraflores
Daily :
- Breakfast
Lima
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Afterwards get a taste of traditional culture when you visit a private hacienda to enjoy live music and dance, before lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show.
Head out to explore Lima on a city tour today.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Lima, Sacred Valley
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
During a weaving demonstration here today, you’ll learn how the famous colourful materials of South America are created.
Board a flight to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. On arrival, you’ll travel to Chincheros in the Sacred Valley, which is located in the Andean highlands.
Stay: Two Nights: Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka, Luxury Collection by Starwood
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Witness the dazzling sight of the Maras salt mines, and see thousands of salt pools spill over a terraced slope. Afterwards, travel to the Moray archaeological site, a fascinating collection of ancient terraced fields. While here, enjoy a sumptuous lunch overlooking the Moray ruins, at a restaurant owned by star Peruvian chef and restaurateur Virgilio Martinez.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
OPTIONAL INCA TRAIL HIKE
Perhaps enjoy an optional Inca Trail Hike. Must be pre-booked.
Board PeruRail’s Vistadome train and admire the lush forest as you set off towards Machu Picchu. On arrival at the famous ruins, take a guided tour and learn about its history. This incredible ancient Inca citadel remained undiscovered in modern times until the American historian, Hiram Bingham, brought it to international attention in 1911.
Stay: Machu Picchu, Sumaq Hotel
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Machu Picchu, Cusco
You will have the chance to beat the morning rush and return to experience sunrise at Machu Picchu. Then, board PeruRail’s Vistadome train for your return trip to the Sacred Valley, then transfer by coach to Cusco. On arrival in Cusco, check in to your hotel and absorb the Spanish colonial charm.
Stay: Two Nights: Cusco, JW Marriott Hotel
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Cusco
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Dining
For lunch, perhaps head to Limo Cocina Peruana and Pisco Bar, savour Italian cuisine at Incanto, or enjoy a fine dining experience at the renowned MAP Café.
A walking tour of Cusco will take you to the square in the city’s historic heart, the Plaza de Armas, as well as the sacred sites of Koricancha and Cusco Cathedral.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Cusco, Belmond Andean Explorer
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Board your stylish luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer for a two night escape. Journey across the giant peaks and wide open spaces of the highest plains of the Andes to reach Lake Titicaca.
Stay: Two Nights: Belmond Andean Explorer
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Belmond Andean Explorer, Lake Titicaca
Early risers will be rewarded with a stunning sunrise before you enjoy breakfast on board. It’s then time to head off to explore Lake Titicaca. Enjoy a boat ride out to the Uros Islands and Taquile Island where you’ll enjoy a private lunch on the beach.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Arrive Arequipa
Continue by train to Sambay Caves and explore fascinating cave paintings before lunch onboard. In the afternoon arrive in Arequipa. Blessed by 300 days of sunshine annually and filled with dazzling white stone buildings, the ’White City’ is a delight.
Stay: Three Nights: Arequipa, Casa Andina Private Collection
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Arequipa
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
This afternoon, join a ‘Bean to Bar’ chocolate workshop. Enjoy tastings and create your own flavours.
Embark on a city tour, where you can admire the 16th-century Santa Catalina Convent.
Daily :
- Breakfast
Arequipa
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit San Lazaro, Arequipa’s traditional quarter and the ‘Tambos’. These white stone buildings once used as basic shelters which are now considered living museums of architecture.
End the day’s touring with a visit to an Alpaca textile centre. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Arequipa, Guayaquil (Ecuador)
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Guayaquil via Lima.
Stay: Guayaquil Hilton
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands
Fly to Baltra Island and take a small ferry ride across the channel to Santa Cruz Island and continue to Finch Bay Eco Hotel, your home for the next three nights. Explore the Galapagos Islands National Park on day trips aboard their private yacht, and embark on island tours. During these excursions you will have the chance to see the large tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. Perhaps go snorkelling and interact with playful seals.
Stay: Three Nights: Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Galapagos Islands
Enjoy a full day exploring the Galapagos Islands by yacht. Be part of a small group of only 20 guests, aboard the Sea Lion Yacht with naturalist guides, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Your yacht offers day trips to different sites within the National Park which may include the wildlife-rich North Seymour, iconic Bartolome, the wild and rugged South Plaza, and the beautiful Santa Fe.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Galapagos Islands
Today explore the Galapagos Highlands in search of giant tortoises and pay a visit to the unique lava tunnels. You are also able to visit the many bays and beaches in the area and try kayaking from your hotel or simply relax by the hotel’s pool.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Galapagos Islands, Lima (Peru)
Make your way to Baltra Island airport for your return flight to Guayaquil and continue to Lima. This evening we stay at the airport for our early morning departure the next day.
Stay: Lima, Costa Del Sol Hotel or similar
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Lima, Amazon Cruise
Fly to Iquitos, located on the Amazon and transfer to your boutique river ship. Here, you will have the opportunity to go fishing for piranhas as you explore the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Each day activities will start off in the skiff boats with a naturalist guide exploring the hidden corners of the river, birdwatching or taking you on trail walks. This evening, listen to the rhythmic sounds of the jungle as your settle in.
Stay: three Nights: Aboard Delfin II
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Amazon Cruise, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Today spend the morning and afternoon exploring by boat. You will discover the scenery of Clavero Lake from on board an aluminum skiff, and have the opportunity to head deep into the rainforest and discover the astounding diversity of flora and fauna that are native to the region.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Amazon Cruise
Watch for wildlife in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, home to hundreds of bird, mammal, reptile amphibian, and fish species. After, cruise El Dorado River and see grey and pink river dolphins. As you cruise, watch for Scarlet Macaws, Amazonian Parrotlets, iguanas and squirrel monkeys.
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Amazon Cruise, Lima
On board your skiff, visit the community of Puerto Miguel to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. There is the chance to visit the women’s art and craft market here. Your cruise ends with a transfer to Iquitos. On the way visit the Manatee Animal Rescue Centre. Fly to Lima for your overnight stay.
Stay: Lima, Costa Del Sol Hotel or similar
Daily :
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Depart Lima
Your journey comes to an end today after breakfast as you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Daily :
- Breakfast
Upgrades
