Day 1: Lima

Upon arrival in Lima, Peru, meet your local Suedamerika-Reisen.travel Peru tour guide or representative at the airport and transfer to the Hotel Boulevard**** or Sheraton***** - centrally located in Miraflores, the modern center of the city, near restaurants, commercial centers, the Indian markets and parks. You will receive a briefing about your travel program and all documents for your trip.

This afternoon enjoy a first impression of Lima as your guide takes you around on your City Tour.

Day 2: Fascinating Cuzco

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cuzco. After 1 hour flight, arrival in Cuzco and transfer to the Novotel Cuzco**** a new hotel in the city center, a few blocks from the Main Square. The rest of the morning is spent at leisure in order to get accustomed to the altitude. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the city, the old capital of the Inca Empire, including the Cathedral and the Korikancha (the ancient temple of the Sun), as well as the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay and Qenqo.

Tonight's dinner and folklore show are included!

Day 3: Market day in Pisak, Sacred Valley (Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays only)

Probably the most spectacular market in all of the Andes! But Pisac is also a superb Inca fortress, with temple ruins that still overwhelm with their most magnificent Inca masonry. In the afternoon follow the Sacred Valley along Rio Urubamba down to Ollentaytambo. How to survive under these climatic conditions, feed an enormously numerous population? See the a complete irrigation system in the mountains, canals cut out of the sheer rock. The flights of terraces leading up above the town are superb and so are the curving terraces following the contours of the rocks overlooking the Urubamba.

Day 4: Travel to Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning transfer to the station for the train travel to Machu Picchu. A 3 hour scenic train journey brings you to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will take a shuttle bus up to the entrance of the ruins. Guided visit to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”, with its fabulous architecture and astonishing landscapes. After free time for lunch, return by shuttle bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Tonight choose from one of the many little restaurants for your dinner. Too many different tastes are available, you'll have to decide for yourself! Tonight overnight (please check tour details here)in Aguas Calientes in the shadow of Machu Picchu at the Hatuchay Towers***

Day 5: Return to Machu Picchu on your own or Relax!

This morning, opt to return to the citadel of Machu Picchu. See tour options here, please) You are in the village named after it's hot springs. (Aguas calientes = Hot waters). Enjoy the view of the valley while you are getting soaked in one of the pools. In the afternoon take your 1st class train back up through the scenery of the Andes to Cuzco. Transfer to your hotel and have a last stroll over the baroque heart of Cusco, the Plaza de Armas.

Day 6: 1st class Train to Puno! (Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays, with occasional service on other days)

Another interesting but relaxing day is waiting for you. As you sink in to your first class seat, watch mountains go by as high as 20 000 feet, snow capped & majestic. As the train stops en route, glimpse out of the window and wonder how the local Indians live here. See potato fields that feed these people and which from here through the Spanish conquerors also became a mainstay for the entire world. (Please note: Train schedule subject to scheduling by Peru Rail; alternatively transfer will be by first class tourist bus including sightseeings and lunch along the route to Lake Titicaca) This evening, check in to the Posada del Inca Hotel at the shores of lake Titicaca Tonight's dinner is included.

Day 7: Lake Titicaca and it's floating islands

You are at 3855 m above sea level! Sounds even more amazing to say you are at almost 12000 feet! See today how the Uro Indian tribe lives on floating islands in the lake as the fish, hunt birds and live of lake plants. This afternoon have a look at the astonishing pre-Columbian funeral towers of Sillustani in a beautiful setting on a peninsula in lake Umayo. Archeologists attempts to rebuild the towers has been defeated. The engineering involved is more complex then anything the Incas built.

Day 8: Along lake Titicaca to Bolivia

NEW: Alternatively is is now also possible to take a cruise over lake Titicaca, with lunch stop on the Island of the Sun! A visit to Tiahuanaco can then be done on Monday instead of the Moon valley and La Paz city tours.

The ruins of Tiahuanaco prove that the Incas were not the only cultural and military power of the Andes. When the Incas came to conquer what today is Bolivia, they found a people that lived around ruins that are today around 3600 years old. But, sadly, the people can no longer explain what those ruins were for or what the meaning of them was.

Tiahuanaco was the hub for trans Andean trade, situated on fertile land. The flooding of the raised fields system destroyed the empire that stretched from Peru, Bolivia to Chile. Today this irrigation system is being successfully re-utilized in the Titicaca area.

Continue on to La Paz, the highest capital in the world where you spend your last night in the Andes in the very nice 5**** Plaza Hotel in the lower part of the city, where the air is a bit thicker! Tonight's dinner is included.

Day 9 : City Tour of La Paz & Valley of the Moon

Enjoy a city tour of the Bolivian capital, followed by a special excursion to the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon). Overnight back in La Paz.

Day 10: Atacama Desert Orientation (BB, D)

Transfer this morning into the Atacama. You will be introduced to the many options this Oasis has to offer: There are many excursion possibilies, but you can pack you day with other more active trips; Horse back riding, hikes, trekking, biking, hill climbing, ...But first, after you have refreshed, journey to see the spectacular sunset of the Moon Valley. No weather risks! It almost never rains here in the Atacama desert. The Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) is a bizarre, almost lunar landscape formed by the erosion of salt mountains. Strange sculpted rock formations in the middle of the desert with the Lincancabur Volcano in the background make for a particularly rare experience. After sunset we return to San Pedro. Overnight and dinner at La Casa de Don Tomás.

Day 11: Miscanti y Meñiques: Lagoons and Flamengoes on the Altiplano (BB)

During this excursion we drive deep into the Altiplano. On lonesome unpaved roads we shall pass Socaire - the oasis of a mountain river. The few inhabitants of Socaire depend on terraced agriculture (maize, wheat, potatoes). After another rise to an altitude of 4,500m (13,800ft) you'll be rewarded by a spectacular view: the very scenic blue-black twin lagoons Meñiques and Miscanti, edged by a white crust of salt, they form a majestic picture of silence. Wildlife is especially abundant in this area. You are sure to see many different species of ducks and other bird-life around the lagoons, as well as llamas and vicuñas in herds along the hillsides. Towering in the background Cerro Meñiques overlooks this vast section of the Altiplano.

Continue to visit the world's largest salt lake: the Salar de Atacama. Rich in minerals, including borax and lithium, it is home. to various species of flamingoes as well as many other birds. The Laguna Chaxa, part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamingoes, offers a terrific opportunity to get closer to these birds in their natural habitat. In the evening we return to the hotel in San Pedro.

Day 12: Full-day excursion to the Geyser El Tatio

In the morning we set out for a full day excursion to witness the power of Mother Nature. At an altitude of 4500m (ca. 14,800ft) the Geyser El Tatio is best seen in the early morning. Bring swimwear and a towel to bathe in the warm pool! There are about 40 geysers, thermal wells and fumaroles. The early morning light striking the water and steam hurling up from the geysers, makes for an unforgettable experience. On our way back to San Pedro we shall see green bushes of Yareta shining in the sparse desert. In the early afternoon we reach San Pedro and the rest of the day will be at your leisure to explore the environs. Maybe you would like to visit the 800 years old pre-Inca fortress Pucará de Quitor nearby?

Day 13: After breakfast transfer back to Calama and flight to Santiago in order to connect with your flight to Argentina. Arrive in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires - Arrival, reception and transfer from the airport to 4**** Hotel Dandi Royal only one block away from the busy pedestrian street Florida and the famous shopping mall Galeria Pacifico. Opt upon arrival to be taken first to the San Telmo Sunday-only Antique market, undoubtedley the best in the Americas. Dinner and Tango show tonight is included.

Day 14: First spanish class today from 10am to 1pm! Aprendemos español! The city tour in the afternoon visits the 'old' district of San Telmo, the main residential area in colonial days, full of antique shops to the picturesque district of La Boca, 2 miles south of the main port area, on the west bank of the river Riachuelo. This former port from the turn of the century was settled by many Italians from Genoa who made their homes from corrugated iron sheets, painting them with all the colors of the spectrum. Along the colorful street of Caminito (name of a famous Tango) sit local artists, painting and selling their wares. Tonight is your first Tango Lesson!

Day 15: After a hearty breakfast, Spanish class from 10am to 1pm. In the afternoon continue your exploration of the city, or opt for an excursion to the Tigre Delta by boat.

 

Day 16: After having trained your spanish in the morning shop along the pedestrian street of Florida, or opt for an excursion to an Estancia. You will witness a show by the gauchos on horseback before enjoying a BBQ lunch prepared just for you!

Back in the capital, don your gown, tie you tie...it's Tango Time!

Day 17: With your new language skills, the spanish you learnt, which gets better and better, the day is free for you to get an even closer look at the city...perhaps a visit to the Congress? Or a tour of the Opera? Or visit the guards protecting San Martin at the Cathedral.

Tonight...the big Tango Finale!

Day 18: Morning breakfast before one last appointment at the language school. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago de Chile, full of the rhythms of Tango! Your Suedamerika-Reisen.travel tour guide will accompany you to your hotel in the green heart of the city, Hotel Radisson*****

Day 19: Breakfast in Santiago de Chile, gateway to the Andes, situated between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. Your guide introduces you to this city nestled between mountains: Enjoy a city tour visiting both the historic and modern centers of Santiago, as well as a trip to neighboring San Cristobal for a good look at the surrounding area. Dinner tonight is included.

Day 20: In the afternoon enjoy an excursion to the Concha y Toro Winery, one of the most famous Chilean vineyards around the world. Located in the Maipo River canyon, planted with grapevines of the most noble French stock such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and others. Founded in 1883 showing today a most modern technology in cooling equipment, stainless steel tanks, filters and oak casks which has lead to the making of exceptional wines.

Day 21: Visit:Valpara’so, the oldest port in Chile. Though no longer its largest port, it retains tremendous historical significance and beauty, as well as being home to the Chilean House of Assembly and Senate. The upper and lower parts of the city are connected through 16 funicular railways constructed around the turn of the century, a time when the city experienced tremendous growth.Parts of Valparaiso are considered to become a UNESCO heritage site.From Valpara’so, continue along the coast to the beautiful beaches of Vi–a del Mar, the Garden city, named for its many parks and green spaces.

Day 22: Fly from Santiago de Chile directly South to Puerto Montt, the capital of Lake District, founded in 1853 by German colonists on the site of an indigenous Mapuche community. Continue on to your hotel in neighboring Puerto Varas: 4**** Hotel Cabanas del Lago on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. The city gets its nickname from the tremendous variety of roses all over town. Your hotel has a small beautiful restaurant with lake view for your dinner (not included), but there are many other places for you to choose from in Puerto Varas: Among the Merlin, Chile's best Fish restaurant South of Santiago.

Day 23: Set out this morning on the lake crossing over the Andes to Argentina, following along the shores of Lago Llanquihue with breathtaking views of the volcanos Osorno and Calbuco. Stop at PetrohuZ Falls for some spectacular views. No words can describe the natural beauty of the area. You'll be speechless, the landscape awe-inspiring: Volcanos, jagged mountains, crystal clear lakes - you'll expect Heidi on every Alpine meadow!

Next, cross Lago Todos Los Santos, with more spectacular views of Volcano Osorno and Tronador. Lunch stop in Puerto Peulla (overnight here from May - August due to shortened daylight hours - continue Friday to Bariloche). Then continue up over the Andes pass and down to Lago Frio, as you enter Argentina! Board your second boat, then continue on a short bus journey to Puerto Blest, where you'll board your 3rd boat across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo. Upon arrival in Puerto Panuelo, continue to your Hotel Nevada**** Bariloche and check in to your superior room. The hotel is only a few steps away from Bariloche's many restaurants.

Day 24: Full day included excursion: Tronador Mountain & Alerces Falls. Head south and up into the Andes, following the road along Lago Mascardi with it's lush southern forest. After crossing the bridge of the calm River Manso, continue towards Laguna Los Moscos and Lake Hess where you'll see a tremendous waterfall - Cascada los Alerces. Onwards in the direction of Tronador, a large mountain with three peaks thrusts forth: Argentino (11,253 ft/3.410m), International (11,728ft /3.554m) and Chileno (11,319 ft/3.430m). Argentina and Chile share these mountain peaks directly on the border of the two countries.

Day 25: Navigate a beautiful circuit today around the surroundings of Bariloche, the "Aspen of South America", with emphasis on the lakes areas. Follow the lake shore of the spectacular Lago Nahuel Huapi. From Cerro Campanario, enjoy a 360 degree view of the surrounding lakes, islands and mountains. Descend and continue on to the peninsula San Pedro. In Llao-Llao, stop for a brief walk to see the Chapel of San Eduardo.

Day 26: After breakfast Flight to Buenos Aires. Visit what you want to see again. Do you still know how to dance Tango? Show your skills tonight at the place where you learned your first steps. Acommodation in 4**** Hotel Dandi Royal.

Day 27: Depart today for Iguazu/Iguassu. Upon your approach to Iguazu International Airport, your pilot might tip his wings to give you your first view of the magnificent Iguassu Falls and the surrounding natural park of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Your bilingual Suedamerika-Reisen.travel Tour guide or representative escorts you to the fabulous Hotel Mercure Internacional*****. Feast on a Brazilian dinner tonight after a relaxing swim in the pool.

Day 28: Today's full day excursion shows you the Falls from both sides. First, cross into Argentina for a walk above the falls, wider and more powerful than Niagara. A boat guides you to an island to get a close-up view of the Falls from below.

The mist of the Falls engulfs you on the Brazilian side, as you walk out onto a platform and into the garganta do diabo, the 'devil's throat'. Opt for the Macuco Safari - a boat ride under the Falls on the Brazilian side.

Day 29: The rolling landscape on today's journey is interrupted only by mountain chains, rich farmland and patches of original subtropical forest, with the unique Araucária trees. Arrive in Curitiba, named best-organized city in South America, now a model for many Western industrialized nations! The city has grown 10-fold in the past 20 years, using innovative ideas to manage its substantial growth.

The capital of the state of Paraná is a melting pot of such diverse cultures as Dutch, Polish, Arabian, German, Ukrainian, Italian and Japanese cultures, amongst many others! Check in to the Hotel Mercure Curitiba****. Tonight's included dinner will give you a taste of the region's mix of cultures.

Day 30: Morning sightseeing gives you a view of the capital, including the glass Opera House, before heading down to the coast for a stroll along the historic promenade of the Port of Antonina After lunch, board the scenic historic railway as it winds its way from sea level up 1200m (3/4 of a mile high!) over the Serra do Mar chain back to Curitiba.

Day 31: Head for São Paulo, the world's second largest city & South America's industrial powerhouse! 4000 deadly poisonous snakes welcome you on our sightseeing including the Butantã Institute, the world-famous research lab specializing in anti-venom research. Continue downtown to see the Paulistanos as they work and live in this surprisingly well-organized metropolis. Sightseeing includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Basilica and the Teatro Municipal. São Paulo's Hotel Mercure Paulista**** is located in the heart of the city. Tonight's dinner is included.

The city of São Paulo is full of surprises. It is the largest German manufacturing city in the world, and contains great architecture, such as this masterpiece by Oscar Niemeyer, architect of the capital, Brasilia

Day 32: Arrive in the cidade maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro. Welcoming you to the 'marvelous city' is your bilingual Suedamerika-Reisen.travel Tour guide or representative who will escort you to your hotel on the Copacabana - The Luxor Continental****. (Get a free upgrade to the sea view apartment at the Luxor Continental**** now! See Specials!) The afternoon is free for a stroll, some shopping or relaxing on the beach or at your rooftop pool! Meet your fellow travelers for a complementary Rodizio, an All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Barbecue (included).

Day 33: The panoramic view from the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain is the highlight of today's sightseeing tour. Board a funicular to reach the summit with its 360º spectrum of golden beaches, green forests and a thriving metropolis that has earned Rio de Janeiro the title of the world's most beautiful city. Sightseeing continues with a tour of Rio's historical past. Learn how Portugal's prince scandalously broke all family ties and declared himself Emperor of Brazil.

In the afternoon heat, everything slows down, and the Cariocas (as the people of Rio call themselves) head for the beach!

Day 34: Christ the Redeemer keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m (2340ft). Board the tremzinho (cogwheel railway) up to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a bird's eye view of the center of the city! This evening, depart for Bahia.

At the airport, your Suedamerika-Reisen.travel Tour Director or representative is waiting to transfer you to your hotel Blue Tree Towers**** overlooking the bay. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or relax at the pool or the beach, which is reached by the hotel's own cable car. Enjoy dinner (included) tonight, spiced by the local culture of Bahia.

Day 35: After a hearty Brazilian breakfast, depart for a lively tour of Salvador. Visit the Pelourinho, the recently restored historical center of Salvador, which the UNESCO declared a World Heritage Cultural Site. This evening, opt for a Bahia by Night excursion including dinner.

Day 36: Continue your explorations of the city, or opt to visit Praia do Forte, including a visit to the Turtle Station Tamar and lunch.

Day 37: Transfer by coach to Maceió. Located on the "Linha Verde", the green strip north of Salvador, you are never far away from the beach and the palm tree forests. The small capital of Alagoas state is modest, yet declared a "very friendly city with a low crime rate" by the South American Handbook. This is one of the most famous beach resort towns amongst Brazilians, yet undiscovered by the international crowd. Tonight, stay in the famous beach district in the Meliá or Jatiúca hotel right on the beach. After dinner (included) enjoy the light breeze of the trade winds during your walk along the extensive beach promenade.

Day 38: Beach, sun, a fruit drink (not even the Brazilians are always familiar with the fruits used to create the delicious "Vitaminas") or opt to take a "Jangada" sail boat out to the reefs, where you can swim in one of the tidal pools.

Day 39: The scenic journey to Recife takes only 2 1/2 hours. The city is built on land reclaimed from the ocean by the Dutch. Check in to the Blue Tree Towers**** in the city beach district and enjoy a stroll along Boa Viagem ("bon voyage") with its many protective coral reefs.

Tonight's seafood dinner is a mix of European influences, served Brazilian-style.

Day 40: Sightseeing includes the newly restored historical district of Recife, a city with 39 bridges and 50 canals. Colonial baroque architecture rests under palm trees.

Splendid Olinda, just 7km away, was the original state capital until it was jealously set afire by the Dutch Prince Maurice of Nassau in 1637 to elevate his city of Recife. Built on hills above Recife, with it's many esteemed baroque churches under shading palm trees, it has become an artist's colony. The city has been given World Heritage Cultural Site status by UNESCO, as well as being declared a National Monument by the Brazilian government, with funds for restoration donated by the Dutch government.

This included excursion leaves you plenty of time to return for Recife to say boa viagem on one of the best beaches Brazil has to offer.

Day 41: After breakfast flight to Rio de Janeiro.

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the city between mountains and beaches! Welcoming you to the 'marvelous city' is your bilingual Suedamerika-Reisen.travel Tour guide who will escort you to your hotel on the Copacabana - The Luxor Continental****. The afternoon is free for a stroll, some shopping or relaxing on the beach or at your rooftop pool! Meet your fellow travelers for a complementary caipirinha or other tropical drink before attending a Rodizio, an All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Barbecue (included).