Latin America 15-17 SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
MACHU PICCHU
There are only two times in your life...
pinterest.com/contiki instagram.com/contiki youtube.com/contiki facebook.com/contiki twitter.com/contikiCAN contiki.com/app
Now and too late.
THE
#NOREGRETS PHILOSOPHY
This is your youth. You only get to live it once, but if you do it right once is more than enough Live life on your own terms - create the stories now that you’ll recount for decades to come Make new friends from new places Travel a lot. It’s the only thing you’ll buy that’ll make you richer
Celebrate individuality, diversity, connections & a little bit of craziness Find comfort outside your comfort zone See the world through youthful eyes, a little bit of naivety & a truckload of optimism Live for the moment. Have #NOREGRETS, just memories And above all... Make every moment count.
CONTENTS
Where we go Why choose Contiki? Our 5 ways to travel Ways to stay What we include Meet our team ME Time = your free time Taste of Latin America How we travel Compare Contiki Machu Picchu & Inca Trail Trek Options The Contiki facts Deals, deals, deals Contiki Cares Our ocean causes Giving back with Contiki
06 08 10 12 14 15 16 18 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28
DISCOVERY PLUS TRIPS The Latin Quest Galapagos & Andes Latin Legends The Explorer The Adventurer Mayan Heat Central Trail Sol Seeker Argentina & Brazil Experience
29 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 45
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER TRIPS Ultimate Inca Costa Rica Unplugged Mayan Rocker Caribbean Encounter Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper Peru Uncovered Andes & Amazon Highlights Inca Panorama
46 47 48 50 51 52 54 56 57
FESTIVAL TRIPS Rio Carnival
58 58
HIGH ENERGY TRIPS Mexico Grande Mexican Fiesta Yucatรกn Highlights
59 60 62 63
EASY PACE TRIPS Galapagos Island Hopper
64 65
Got a question? Booking conditions How to book
66 67 68
New for 2016 04
CONTIKI.COM
LAPA, RIO DE JANEIRO
There are lots of ways to travel Latin America but none is quite like Contiki. We guarantee that travelling with us will give you the best possible Latin America experience with more included. With us, you get the best of each destination, with exclusive accommodation, food & experiences, for unbeatable value, every time. MORE CHOICE No two travellers are the same, which is why we offer 5 ways to explore the colourful cultures & sights of Latin America. See p.6 & 7 for where we go & p.10 & 11 to find your travel style.
FOR 18-35s ONLY We’re all about exploring the world with like-minded people –18-35 year olds, no younger, no older. Don’t worry if you’re not travelling as a couple or with a friend from home – 50% of our travellers set off solo.
MORE INCLUDED Our trips include everything you need to have the adventure of a lifetime & the best value: • We take care of all the logistics like booking the accommodation (a mix of comfort, great locations & local stays) • We include breakfast daily • We get you from place to place fast, via a mix of air, wheels & water • We immerse our travellers in the way the locals live & give back in local communities that we know & love • Our team of young Trip Managers & Local Guides know all about the destinations & the sights. You’ll get VIP access to Latin America’s icons, so try not to look too smug as you skip to the front of the mile-long line to Christ the Redeemer Check out p.8-9 for even more reasons on why Contiki is the only way to go
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
05
JALISCO
Tequila Puerto Vallarta
MEXICO MERIDA
YUCATÁN
CANCUN
guanajuato Guadalajara QUINTANA ROO MICHOACÁN
MEXICO CITY
Guatemalan Rainforest
CAYE CAULKER
GUERRERO CHIAPAS
OAXACA
TEHUANTEPEC
BELIZE
SAN CRISTOBAL
LAGO ATITLAN
SANTA ELENA
GUATEMALA ANTIGUA
MEXICO HOLA! Crammed full of cultural tradition & diverse geography, Mexico is a longtime traveller fave. From Puerto Vallarta & Cancun to the jungles of the Yucatan & World Heritage Listed Chichen Itza, this is one place you’ll never forget.
GUATEMALA From jungles to ancient ruins, to coffee plantations & colourful historic towns with cobblestone streets & old-world charm, it’s time to discover what makes Guatemala tick.
WHERE WE GO WE VISIT SOME PRETTY INCREDIBLE PARTS OF LATIN AMERICA, THE ONLY REAL QUESTION IS – WHERE WILL YOUR ADVENTURE TAKE YOU? VISIT CONTIKI.COM/LATIN-AMERICA
06
CONTIKI.COM
SARAPIQUI ARENAL PLAYA TAMARINDO TORTUGUERO MONTEVERDE COSTA SAN JOSÉ RICA MANUELANTONIO
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS From the heights of the volcanoes to the unexplored waters of Galapagos, this is heaven for lovers of the great outdoors. Snorkel with Sea Lions & Eagle Rays, or chill with the Giant Galapagos Tortoise.
PERU Experience the best of Peru - from ancient Inca culture, the Andes & the Amazon jungle to awesome locals. See the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the culturalhub of Cusco, the Colca Canyon & our highlight Machu Picchu where you can trek, or discover by train, you choose.
BELIZE With the motto here being ‘go slow’ this is the perfect place to relax in paradise. Relax on a sunset cruise with a drink in hand after spending a day diving, snorkelling or kayaking. This is the ultimate paradise. COSTA RICA This tiny country is a haven for discovery, so get ready to go in-depth & local. From jungles & rainforests, to volcanoes, beaches & cool coffee plantations, you’ll uncover amazing experiences in this adventure packed spot. O
QUITO TENA BAÑOS GUAYAQUIL ECUADOR
PERU Lima
AGUAS CALIENTES AMAZON LODGE PUERTO MALDONADO SACRED VALLEY CUSCO
COLCA CANYON
BRAZIL
BRAZIL We’re talking Brazil – home of the bikini, beaches & BBQs! Visit unbelievable Iguassu before incredible Rio. Get cosy with Christ the Redeemer & a boat cruise around Sugarloaf Mountain before sitting back on the beach at Ipanema or Copacabana.
PUNO AREQUIPA
RIO DE JANEIRO IGUASSU FALLS
BUENOS AIRES
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINA Think tango, beef & red wine. Head to Buenos Aires, known as South America’s most cosmopolitan city & paradise for the urbanite. Visit the colourful La Boca district & opt in for a day at the Argentine Polo.
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
07
WHY CHOOSE CONTIKI?
INCLUDED FLIGHTS & PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION Say hello to included flights & private transport. Why spend a sleepless night on a public bus when you don’t need to? Sure, we love it local too, but we would rather spend our precious time exploring. See p.20
08
CONTIKI.COM
TRAVELLERS YOUR AGE
AN EXPERT TEAM
FOOD YOU’LL LOVE
This adventure is all about you, new friends & ultimate fun. Unlike some others, our trips are for 18-35s only - with experiences that reflect that youth is all about being young, wild & free. With group sizes averaging 24 people, it’s the perfect mix for an epic group dynamic in this part of the world.
Our team are the best in the business. Imagine having someone to ask questions to, give you all the inside info, organize all the tickets, the hotels, the transport... and take care of all those frustrations that you don’t want to, to make things easy. Well... that’s our team! See p.15
Don’t go hungry each morning, start your day with included breakfast EVERY DAY. And we know the way to your heart really is through taste, so we open your eyes & your taste buds to the local flavours, think Brazilian BBQ feasts, Argentine steak, Peruvian ceviche & more... See p.18
OTHER WAYS TO TRAVEL LATIN AMERICA MIGHT SOUND EASIER ON YOUR WALLET, DIG A LITTLE DEEPER, DO YOUR RESEARCH & YOU MIGHT END UP WITH SOME UNEXPECTED SURPRISES. YOU ONLY GET THE BEST EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU TRAVEL CONTIKI. HERE’S WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT...
MORE INCLUDED EXPERIENCES WE GIVE BACK Giving back to the destinations that we visit is at the heart of our business. From staying in locally owned accommodation, providing income by visiting & learning about Rio’s favelas, visiting family run coffee plantations & restaurants, to our conservation causes supporting & loving it local is what we do. See p.28
We won’t charge you extra for the essentials. Iguassu Falls, a boat trip with drinks & a BBQ in Rio, Machu Picchu, Brazilian BBQ feasts, Tango dancing lesson, dinner & show... the list goes on. Do your research & you’ll see that we include more in our trips, for 2 simple reasons: We know what young travellers need & want to see. We know that tickets & getting there is a hassle, so we organize it all for you. See p.14
FREE TIME Let’s break the myth here, on our trips, the only thing fixed is your destination – the rest is up to you. We also build lots of ME Time into our trips, and ME Time = free time. We have a heap of hand-picked experiences, we organize the details, get you the best prices, and get you there too so it’s no hassle or time wasting. See p.16
ACCOMMODATION YOU WANT We know what you want when it comes to accommodation: • No dorm rooms, ever • Central stays • En-suite bathrooms in every room • Twin-share overnights • The best facilities: pools, air-con, WiFi, gyms, and bars, plus more. See p.12
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
09
5 WAYS TO GO DISCOVERY PLUS
HIGH ENERGY
9 TRIPS, 10–37 DAYS
3 TRIPS, 6–13 DAYS
Explore as much of Latin America as you want with more highlights included in your trip to ensure you check off your Latin bucket list.
Experience each incredible destination through culture filled days, cool sights & late nights!
• See more
• Amazing nightlife
• Do more
• A high energy experience
• More included • Amazing & unique overnights
10
CONTIKI.COM
• Epic sights
8 INCREDIBLE COUNTRIES, 22 TRIPS, FROM 5–37 DAYS… WE HAVE IT COVERED, FROM THE WELL-SEASONED EXPLORER TO THOSE STARTING OUT WITH A TASTE OF ADVENTURE!
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER 8 TRIPS, 7–14 DAYS These In-Depth Explorer trips get you into the heart of these incredible regions; you’ll go home feeling like a local. • More Local Guides • More local meals • Less travel time • More 2-night stays
FESTIVALS 1 TRIP, 5 DAYS Get into the action at the world’s biggest party, Rio Carnival with epic days of exploring & even more epic nights. Combine this with comfy hotels & delicious breakfasts all included.
EASY PACE 1 TRIP, 6 DAYS
• All hotels • Breakfast daily • Epic inclusions
Try a more relaxed way to explore the incredible Galapagos Islands. You’ll have a unique experience in this part of the world. • More ME Time • Later morning starts • Relaxing days LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
11
YOU WOULDN’T SLEEP IN A DORM ROOM WITH 10 PEOPLE AT HOME, OR UPRIGHT IN AN UNCOMFY BUS. SO WHY DO IT WHEN YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY? AFTER A GREAT DAY EXPLORING, SAY YES TO OVERNIGHTS YOU’LL LOVE.
Wake up to all new views at this cute & comfy rustic family-run lodge.
COLCA CANYON LODGE, PERU
Pool, WiFi, fluffy towels… check! Relax & take it easy.
CASONA DEL LAGO, GUATEMALA
12
TRIBECA HOTEL, BUENOS AIRES
Comfy beds, the sound of the jungle… it’s eco-perfection.
This luxe downtown hotel has huge rooms, a gym, WiFi & water pressure you’ll love.
PACHIRA LODGE, TORTUGUERO
CONTIKI.COM
HOTELS: Comfort, great locations & a home away from home. RESORTS: Right by the beach, with WiFi, swimming pools & the WOW factor facilities you want.
LOCAL & FAMILY-RUN STAYS: Jungle & Rainforest lodges, and unique experiences like a Costa Rican eco-lodge, a Jungle Lodge in Peru & family- run overnights in the Colca Canyon & Merida to name a few.
Visit contiki.com/latin-america for more details of our awesome accommodation Keeping in touch is easy, with WiFi at 90% of the places we stay
AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE, PERU Stay in the heart of the city, only 2 blocks from the beach in comfort & style.
MAR IPANEMA HOTEL, RIO
Let the sounds of the Amazon soothe you into slumber in our luxury jungle lodge.
Beach at your doorstep, comfy beds, pools & more‌ a true place to un-wind.
HOLIDAY INN, CANCUN
HOTEL SOL, SACRED VALLEY
This cute colonial hotel is just a 2-min walk to the town centre. LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
13
CITY CIT C TY SIGHTSEEING SIGH IG GH G HT HTSE TS TSE SE S EE EIN EI IN ING TOUR, TOU OUR O UR U R, BUENOS BUE UEN U EN E NOS SA AIRES IRES
MORE INCLUDED EXPERIENCES WE KNOW WHAT’S ON YOUR LATIN BUCKET LIST, SO WE INCLUDE IT. WITH US, YOU WON’T GET STUNG BY ADDITIONAL FEES FOR THE ESSENTIALS. We show you the sights that you’ve got to see, organize the tickets, and let you get the most out of your time by skipping right to the front of the lines. Put all this together, it’s the stuff you just can’t get when travelling any other way.
HERE’S A TASTE OF WHAT WE INCLUDE • Iguassu Falls, Argentina & Brazil sides • Canopy hiking, Monteverde • White-water rafting, Costa Rica
• San Cristobal, Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands in the Galapagos • Cenote swimming, Cancun • Bike tour, Argentina
• Christ the Redeemer, Rio
• City & orientation tours in every destination
• Ancient Mayan ruins, Mexico
Plus more….
Check out the • on our trip itineraries & visit contiki.com 14
CONTIKI.COM
AFTERNOON BOAT TRIP, RIO
OUR TEAM SAY FAREWELL TO GOOGLE TRANSLATE, MAPS & STRESS – OUR TEAM HAVE YOU SORTED. ZIP-LINING, COSTA RICA
Our Trip Managers are the best trained in the industry. Just like you they love to travel & are young & fun. They’ve got you covered on anything & everything Latin America. Combine this with our Local Guides who’ll help you get the inside track on destinations & what makes them tick…it’s all on! NO STRESS: Transportation & travel sorted, plus bookings, and entry to sites taken care of by our team. NO HASSLE: No question is too hard, plus priceless knowledge on every single spot is what they live for. EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: They’re all locals, or those who now call Latin America home - they speak the language, and know each spot like the back of their hands. Plus passionate Local Guides – priceless insider access at no extra cost. THE BEST: Awesome travel buddies who will make sure you have the best time exploring these incredible countries.
Meet our amazing team at contiki.com/team TRIP MANAGER, BRAZIL
WILDLIFE KAYAKING ADVENTURE, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
LOCAL GUIDE, MEXICO
LOCAL GUIDE, ARGENTINA
TRIP MANAGER, PERU
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
15
ME TIME = FREE TIME. TIME TO DO WHAT YOU WANT, THE WAY YOU WANT. Our trips include the must-see & must do essentials as part of the experience (see p.14), but we include lots of free time in our itineraries too. We’ve got a ton of ME Time optionals that are hand picked to showcase a destination, so you can experience even more. We organize them for you, get you there so it’s no hassle & get you great prices. Get ready to check some things off that bucket list! • Mountain biking, Peru, because who doesn’t like exploring on 2-wheels! • Paragliding, Rio, for all new city views • Speedboat ride, Iguassu Falls for a serious adrenaline rush
• Surf lessons in Costa Rica, to channel your inner surfer • Kayaking in the Amazon or Belize, because we love exploring from the water
• Ziplining, Costa Rica for 360 rainforest views
• Polo experience, Buenos Aires. A steak overload, watching a game & literally learning from the pros…why not!
• Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil
• And best of all, that’s just the start.
• Volcano hiking, Antigua…because you can
To find out more visit contiki.com/metime
Important: ME Time optional activities are not included in the price of your trip. They are run by 3rd party operators & on occasions, for some of the activities, travellers may be required to sign a waiver to participate. Before you leave, it’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities & be aware that some of our optionals can be physically demanding & may involve some risk.
16
CONTIKI.COM
SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN, RIO
POLO EXPERIENCE, BUENOS AIRES
SPEEDBOAT TRIP, IGUASSU FALLS
KAYAK EXPERIENCE, BELIZE
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
17
BBQ FEAST, BRAZIL
ME TIME FOODIE ADVENTURES!
CEVICHE, PERU
18
CONTIKI.COM
EMPANADAS, ARGENTINA
TASTE OF
LATIN AMERICA LOVE FOOD, LOVE CONTIKI: They say getting to the heart of a destination is through your stomach, so we include more food experiences in our trip prices. Take a true foodie journey, with delicious included meals, fresh ingredients & local delicacies you want when you travel. • Breakfast included daily: save yourself money & time & get right out into the action! • Lots of included local dinner experiences including: Argentinian Tango dinner & show, an epic Brazilian BBQ & some amazingly fresh ceviche in Peru. • Plenty of ME Time (free time) for you to head out on your own journey of adventures, especially lunches.
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
19
PRIVATE AIR CON MINI COACHES
LOCAL FUN WAYS TO GET AROUND
HOW WE TRAVEL
INCLUDED INTERNAL FLIGHTS
LOCAL BOAT RIDES
SAY NO TO OVERNIGHT BUSES, CROSS COUNTRY TRAIN RIDES & SPENDING HALF YOUR HOLIDAY ON THE ROAD.
HOW WE TRAVEL
Let us take the hassle out of travelling. We know your time in this part of the world is limited, that’s why nearly all of our trips include internal flights. And when you’re not in the air, our comfy mini-coaches get you from A to B with ease – accommodation pickups, and your bags loaded for you…yes please!
• BOAT RIDES
20
CONTIKI.COM
• INCLUDED INTERNAL FLIGHTS • PRIVATE AIR CON MINI-COACHES
• LOCAL EXPERIENCES; TRICOLOS, BIKES, CANOES, CABLE CARS & MORE
COMPARE CONTIKI WITH ANY TRIP, YOU NEED TO DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU GO. WHERE TO STAY, WHAT TO EAT, WHAT TO SEE (YOU GET THE PICTURE!). WE COMPARED YOUR HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS BELOW – WITH & WITHOUT CONTIKI. SO, WHAT KIND OF TRAVELLER ARE YOU? YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST ACCOMMODATION
…DO YOU WANT THIS? • Accommodation that could be miles out of town, with shared bathrooms…and extra hidden charges • Hours scouring websites for recommendations from people you don’t even know…
OR WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE THIS WITH CONTIKI? COMFORT & LOCATIONS YOU WANT: • Centrally located hotel stays with the best facilities like swimming pools, en-suites, WiFi & air con as standard • Locally owned Special Stay experiences • No camping, except when it counts, on our NEW 4 day Inca Trail Trek on the Ultimate Inca trip
GETTING AROUND
YOUR TEAM
• Waiting hours for an overnight public bus
FAST & COMFORTABLE:
• Being squashed in with other people right up in your grill
• Included internal flights
• Transport with no bathroom & no idea of the next stop – uh-oh
• Train or a boat, anyone?
• To waste time buying tickets, finding the bus stop or taxi rank, finding directions & looking for the essentials like an ATM (when you don’t speak the language…) • Spending time with your nose in a guidebook rather than checking out the sites
EXPERIENCES
FOOD
• Private air con mini coaches
WE HAVE THE BEST TRAINED TEAM IN THE BUSINESS: • A Trip Manager & network of Local Guides • No hassle, like finding the hotel, the ATM & the bathrooms - we’ll make sure you’re in the know
• Making your own way to the sights, finding your way to buy tickets, paying for those tickets (with the right change), then waiting in line in the heat for hours
NO WASTED TIME:
• Playing food roulette with meals you can’t quite identify
• Breakfast included daily
• Included entry fees, tickets & queue jumping • Included experiences like: Christ the Redeemer, Ziplining in Costa Rica, Tango Show in Buenos Aires, Guided favela tour in Rio & more
• Lots of delicious local meal experiences
• Hunting down breakfast each morning
PEOPLE
• To come back with a camera & phone full of selfies, cos there’s no one on hand to take your picture • To be stuck with people on a completely different wavelength - older, younger or both
• To make new friends your age, from all over the world: new friends for life • To take the trip of a lifetime, have the best experience & ultimate fun
And don’t just take our word for it. Check out our trips online & read our traveller reviews for info straight from those that know it best – our travellers! LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
21
MACHU PICCHU INCA TRAIL TREK THE LOST CITY, MACHU PICCHU. ONE OF THE MAN-MADE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD & 100% BUCKET LIST-WORTHY.
PAGE 47
11.5 KM Avg. time Hiking: 6 hrs.
Llactapata (3,750m)
DAY 1
Bus to “KM82”
Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m)
1ST NIGHT Wayllabamba (3,000m)
CHECKPOINT “KM82” (2,720m)
DAY 2
10.5 KM Avg. hiking time: 7 hrs.
2ND NIGHT: Pacamayo (3,600m)
DAY 3
15 KM Avg. hiking time: 8 hrs.
You asked for it, so we’ve got it! Get amongst the greatest of the great outdoors on one of the world’s top 5 hikes. Our brand new trip will see you take on Machu Picchu like a pro as you spend 4 days hiking the iconic Inca trail as part of our new 8 day experience, the Ultimate Inca.
ESSENTIAL BOOKING REQUIREMENTS When you book your trip (as early in advance as possible) it’s essential that you let us know the following details: Full name (as appears on passport), nationality, date of birth & gender. What else? It’s also important that the passport information that you submit with your application is exactly the same as the passport you will use to travel to Latin America & it must have 6 months validity at time of travel. You will also need your passport to enter onto the trail.
22
CONTIKI.COM
Note: If your information changes it can result in a penalty & cancellation of admission to the trail. No refunds will be given. Book early! The Peruvian Government closely controls the number of travellers on the trail, with only 500 permits available each day. Inca Trail permits are non-refundable & nontransferable so it’s essential that you let us know your correct passport details at the time of booking so we can process your application quickly. (Contiki will process your application on your behalf within 3 days of booking but we cannot guarantee permit availability).
WE GIVE OUR TRAVELLERS THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME WITH 2 WAYS TO TREK: 1-day Inca Trail Trek, available on all our trips that visit Peru.
OR
Chachabamba (2,100m)
START
Train to “KM104”
Our new 4-day Inca Trail Trek as part of our Ultimate Inca trip – new for 2016.
Hike through the cloudforest
Wiñay Wayna (2,600m)
Sungate Viewpoint/ Intipunku (2,700m)
Stop for your included lunch soak up more incredible views
Get that first glimpse of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu (2,400m) END
CHECKPOINT “KM104”
Choose our 1-day hike on all our trips that visit Peru. Take the train to KM104 then channel the ancient Incas on this 1-day experience. See pages 30-33, 36-39 & 54-57 for trips where you can take the 1-day trek.
Runkurakay Pass (3,860m)
Sayacmarca (3,600m)
Phuyupatamarca (3,600m) END
3RD NIGHT: Wiñay Wayna (2,600m)
DAY 4
6 KM Avg. hiking time: 3.5 hrs.
Sun Gate (2,700m)
Machu Picchu (2,400m)
Note: the 4-day hike is not bookable on its own, only as part of the Ultimate Inca trip. See p. 47 for more info & visit contiki.com for full details on the experience.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
SEASONS
CAMPSITES
BOOK EARLY
The Inca Trail is open all year (apart from February when its closed for maintenance), with Apr to Nov being peak season.
Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution (Ministerio De Cultura) that regulates the use of the Inca Trail. Note: This applies to the 4 day trek only.
To ensure you get your spot, we advise at least 3 months before travelling between Oct & Apr & 6 months before travelling in May to Sept, although it is at times possible to get permits outside these timescales. Please note that the trail is closed in February for maintenance.
DAILY DISTANCES FOR THE 4-DAY TREK: day 1: 11.5 km, day 2: 10.5 km, day 3: 15 km, day 4: 6km
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
23
IS ALL WE DO
SAVE YOUR TIME TRAVEL PIONEERS We’re the original travel company for young explorers & after 53 years, we’re still the best
ALL ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED, EVERY NIGHT! No researching on TripAdvisor necessary with Contiki!
HERE’S A LITTLE SNAPSHOT OF WHY TRAVELLING WITH CONTIKI IS AN EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER.
1000
CONTIKI.COM/COMPARE
Contiki team members around the world
INCLUDED TEAM ME TIME = FREE TIME The only thing fixed is your destination – the rest is up to you
24
CONTIKI.COM
Our trips have an experienced Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations, all included & with you 24/7! It’s priceless knowledge & insight into the destinations you can’t get if you travel alone. Leave the hard work to us & do what you came to do – have fun!
Say NO to wasting precious travel time. Take to the destinations like a pro & let us take care of the hassle. No waiting for transportation, no lining up for tickets, no looking for tourist info centres, ATMs, or bathrooms
TRANSPORT INCLUDED From comfy coaches, internal flights & boat rides, it’s all about experiencing a range of ways to explore your chosen destination
YOU CAN DO IT! 50% of our travellers go solo. It’s all about a great blend of groups, couples & friends – all like-minded explorers
BOOK EARLY & SAVE It’s really pretty simple. Book & pay early for the best deal on your trip. Don’t miss out on these great deals. Check contiki.com/deals for the latest.
BOOK WITH FRIENDS We believe in the principle of the more the merrier! Start early & get your friends on board for an amazing adventure. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN SAVE, IT’S REALLY PRETTY SIMPLE • 4 OR MORE – everyone saves 5% • 7 OR MORE – everyone saves 7.5% • 10 OR MORE – everyone saves 10% (or…invite an 11th & bring them, or yourself, for free!)
#1 SAVE UP TO C$900* Pay in full on or before 16th July, 2015 & save up to 10%
TRAVELLING AGAIN?
#2 SAVE UP TO C$675* Pay in full on or before 17th September, 2015 & save up to 7.5%
PART PAY
CHECK OUT THE BEST DEALS ON CONTIKI TRIPS AT Travelled with us or one of our sister companies before? Welcome back to the family with 5% additional discount
CONTIKI.COM/DEALS
BOOK 2 OR MORE TRIPS
Once you’ve booked, register online, share it with your family & friends & pay off your trip over time!
WITH ALL WE INCLUDE, YOU CAN’T DO WHAT WE DO, FOR LESS.
$$$ Can’t get enough of Contiki? We know the feeling. Book 2 trips of 7+ days & get C$50 off your second trip!
It’s just another way you’ll save when you travel Contiki.
The facts: All these discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only. (This excludes taxes, included flight costs, extra accommodation, Inca trail permit & optional activities. Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights that start or end your trip). You can combine loyalty discounts (‘Travelling Again’), group discounts (‘Book with Friends’), multi trip discounts (‘2 or more’) & early payment (‘Book early & save’) discounts on trips of 7 days or longer. ‘Book early’ savings only apply to departures on or after 31st October 2015, they do not apply to bookings made within 45 days of trip departure & may not be combined with Last Minute Deals. Group discounts (‘Book with friends’) is available on all trips. * Book early savings of C$900 & C$675 based on The Latin Quest p. 30
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
25
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
CONTIKI CARES
POWERED BY THE TREADRIGHT FOUNDATION, CONTIKI CARES IS ON A VERY EXCITING JOURNEY; A JOURNEY TO CREATE A COMMUNITY OF YOUNG & PASSIONATE PEOPLE WHO SIMULTANEOUSLY LIVE WITH CONSCIENCE & LIVE TO TRAVEL.
TIMELINE OF CONTIKI CARES PROJECTS Since 2011, Contiki has partnered with some incredible ocean-based organisations & people, including CĂŠline Cousteau, providing support for sustainability & conservation initiatives & educating travellers through Earth Month expeditions. Check out contiki.com/storytellers contiki.com/contikicares & treadright.org for more.
26
CONTIKI.COM
2012
2014
MAR Leadership
Sea Turtle Conservancy
2011
2012
2013
2014
Sustainable Coastlines
Oceana
Shark Savers
Surfrider Australia
OCEAN CAUSES Oceans have a domino effect on the entire eco-system of the planet. We’re proud to support projects protecting the world’s oceans – many of which are based in magical Latin America. WE’VE DONE SOME GREAT THINGS In 2012, we launched our inaugural Earth Month Expedition – giving travellers & our team the chance to celebrate Earth Month & get hands-on with our projects. 2012’s trip explored the Mesoamerican Reef system in Mexico, in 2013 we visited the Galapagos Islands & 2014 was all about exploring beautiful Costa Rica. Check out contiki.com/storytellers for what 2015 has in store.
MAR LEADERS The Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) Leadership Program supports young, local environmentalists working hands on to protect MAR. MAR is the second largest reef system in the world that spans 1000km of coastline along Mexico, Belize, Guatemala & Honduras. Protecting this jaw-dropping corner of the Earth is vital in the defence against
storms & coastal erosion & in protecting a myriad of different species of coral, fish, manatees, mammoth whale sharks, several species of sea turtles & other amazing marine life.
SHARKSCOUNT Of all the millions of animals on the planet, sharks are among the most misunderstood. In 2013 Contiki helped kick off SharksCount in the Galapagos Islands. The programme empowers divers & snorkellers to identify, count & log the sharks they see in the water, with data contributing to making a real difference to the protection of sharks globally.
SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY In April 2014 we partnered with the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) – the oldest & most accomplished sea turtle organisation in the world.
The STC conducts research that has been instrumental in saving sea turtles from extinction throughout the Caribbean, as well as Central America. We are proud to be to support their amazing initiatives, research & training of marine biologists.
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION Our newest partnership in 2014! As part of Surfrider Australia’s “Rise Above Plastics” campaign, Contiki sponsors a number of Aussie beach clean-ups, including a cleanup event for 100 Contiki employees. Surfriders also works with Contiki around the impacts of plastics in the ocean, the dangers of plastic pollution, advocating the reduction of single-use plastics & recycling of all plastics.
VISIT TREADRIGHT.ORG TO CHECK OUT OUR EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIPS WITH WILDAID & ALLIANCE FOR ARTISAN ENTERPRISE
5 WAYS TO TREAD LIGHTLY WHEN TRAVELLING 1. Bring a reusable water bottle & reduce the use of plastics.
2. Explore cities by foot, bike or public transport on your ME Time to reduce your carbon footprint. 3. Switch off when you’re not in your hotel room to conserve energy.
4. Buy local – you’ll support the communities you visit & help reduce shipping from other countries. 5. Conserve water in hotels by turning off the taps when not in use – water is a scarce resource in many of the countries we visit.
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
27
COFFEE PLANTATION, GUATEMALA
FAVELA TOUR, RIO DE JANEIRO
CUSCO CENTRE FOR TEXTILE TRADITIONS
GIVING BACK GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES WE VISIT IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING THAT WE DO. As well as our ocean causes (see p.26), we’re proud to support local businesses on our trips, whether it be the places we eat, the places we shop, the accommodation we stay at, or the places we visit. The profits feedback directly into the local communities by providing jobs & income. Where other travel operators may own their vehicles & run these independently of the locals, wherever possible we try & work with local suppliers. It’s our way of saying thanks. Here’s just a few ways you can give back on our trips: • Cusco Centre for Textile Traditions - visit the centre that employs more than 500 people in an effort to maintain the more than 10,000 year old Andean weaving traditions. • Experience the great green & leatherback turtles nesting in some of the most important sea turtle nesting grounds in the western hemisphere in Tortuguero. • SharkCount in the Galapagos Islands run by WildAid, empowering you to count & log the sharks you see, contributing to protect sharks globally. ...and that’s just the start.
28
CONTIKI.COM
DISCOVERY PLUS
CHECK OFF CHRIST THE REDEEMER, IGUASSU FALLS, LAKE TITICACA & COPACABANA TO NAME JUST A FEW, ON THESE TRIPS IT’S ALL ABOUT SEEING & DOING IT ALL.
9 TRIPS / 10–37 DAYS
INCLUDED
The Latin Quest ........................................ p.30 Galapagos & Andes................................. p.32 Latin Legends............................................ p.34 The Explorer............................................... p.36 The Adventurer ......................................... p.38 Mayan Heat ............................................... p.40 Central Trail ............................................... p.42 Sol Seeker ................................................... p.44 Argentina & Brazil Experience............. p.45
• Twin share rooms, or a single room for a little extra privacy, for a little more • Breakfast daily, plus lots of included dinners
• Included activities like a salsa lesson, a guided favela tour & a hot spring swim in Chivay
• Sightseeing tours of all major areas
• Internal flights & transfers, plus modern airconditioned coaches, mini-coaches or vans
• An experienced Trip Manager plus English speaking expert Local Guides
• ME Time – your chance to explore your way or choose our awesome optional activities
contiki.com/discovery-plus-latin-america
We Love WiFi – stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
29
ECUADOR/PERU ARGENTINA/BRAZIL
DISCOVERY PLUS
36 DAYS - FROM C$12299 PP*/C$342 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$900. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
QUITO 1
SANTA CRUZ ISABELA
Puerto Ayora 1
Puerto 2 VILLAMIL
TENA 2
SAN CRISTOBAL
2 BAテ前S
2 Puerto BAQUERIZO MORENO
PACIFIC OCEAN
GUAYAQUIL 1 ECUADOR Flight to Lima
3 RIO DE JANEIRO
Paraguay
2 IGUASSU SSU FALLS S Flight from Guayaquil
Rainforest
AGUAS CALIENTES 1
(Machu Picchu)
3 ARGENTINA
BRAZIL
Lima
SACRED VALLEY 1 PERU
8 World Heritage sites visited
LAPA, RIO DE JANEIRO
AMAZON LODGE 1
INCA TRAIL Ollantaytambo
Coast
1 PUERTO MALDONADO
CUSCO 4 Andes Chivay
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van BUENOS Plane, train, canoe or boat AIRES
4
COLCA CANYON 1
PUNO/LAKE TITICACA 2
1 AREQUIPA Uruguay
THE LATIN QUEST ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Start Quito. Hola Quito! Meet your group before exploring this famed & historic city. Later, visit the Equator line before dinner. Hotel (D) Locally guided city tour to see the Presidential Palace, Independence Square & Churches of San Francisco, La Compania & La Catedral Visit Panecillo lookout Visit the Inti Ñan Museum at the Equator Day 2: Quito to Tena. It’s out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views & a thermal pool swim en route. A perfect way to spend the day. Hotel (B) Thermal springs swim Day 3: Tena. This morning its all about ME TIME - have a lie in or opt to visit an indigenous community. Get your adrenalin pumping this afternoon on class 3-4 rapids. Hotel (B,D) M Rafting experience Day 4: Tena to Baños. We head to Baños today, the adventure capital of Ecuador. Tonight get local as you learn to salsa at our included lesson. Hotel (B) Salsa dancing lesson Day 5: Baños. With a free day, explore your way & Baños goes off! Baños is a hub for travellers who love great weather, small town vibes & the great outdoors. Choose your adventure - horseback riding, canyoning or abseiling. Hotel (B,D) Day 6: Baños to Guayaquil. Today we head to Guayaquil. A walk down the promenade is essential. Tonight, set sail on an evening river cruise with drinks. Hotel (B) Evening river cruise Day 7: Guayaquil to Isabela Island. Today we fly to the Galapagos Islands. First up, we’ll check out the islands’ old lava tunnels & see the giant tortoises. Later, we head off to Isabela Island. Hotel (B,D) See famous Galapagos’ giant tortoises Boat ride to Isabela Island Day 8: Isabela Island. This morning we’ll kayak with sea lions & snorkel with colourful fish. This afternoon we’ll visit the Wall of Tears – you might even see some baby tortoises along the way! Hotel (B,L) Wildlife kayaking & Snorkelling adventure Visit the Wall of Tears Day 9: Isabel Island to Santa Cruz Island. Relax this morning before we take off to Santa Cruz Island. This afternoon we’ll visit Tortuga Bay for a stroll along the beach & a swim. Hotel (B) Visit Tortuga Bay Day 10: Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Island. We’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station this morning & check out the tortoises & land iguanas before heading out to San Cristobal! Hotel (B) Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station Day 11: San Cristobal Island. Today it’s all about the water as we head out to Kicker Rock to snorkel. Keep your eyes peeled for manta rays, sea turtles & maybe a Galapagos shark! Later, relax on the beach before a BBQ feast. Hotel (B,L,D) Boat cruise & off shore bird spotting experience Explore Kicker Rock’s 143m cone Visit Puerto Grande beach Day 12: San Cristobal to Lima. Today we fly to Lima where we relax before our next adventure begins. Hotel (B) Day 13: Lima. We’ll take a city tour to uncover the city sights. Hotel (B,D) See the Historic Centre, Barranco & Mira Flores Day 14: Lima to Arequipa. We fly to the “White City” of Arequipa. Delve into the city’s history with a walking tour. Hotel (B) City walking tour Visit Santa Catalina Convent & Plaza de Armas Day 15: Arequipa to Colca Canyon. We drive through Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve on our way to the Colca Canyon. We stop for a hot springs swim before a night at our rustic lodge. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay See wild vicuña See the Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve Indulge in a relaxing hot spring dip
• • • •
•
•
Day 16: Colca Canyon to Puno. First up we’ll try & spot the Andean condor. Later, experience the Andes along the way to Puno. Hotel (B) Visit Cruz del Condor & Maca Pueblo See the massive Colca Canyon Day 17: Puno. Catch a lift on a triciclo before cruising Lake Titicaca to the island of Taquile & the floating Uros Islands. Meet locals & see their handmade crafts. Hotel (B,L,D) Ride on a triciclo! Island boat trip on Lake Titicaca Visit the Taquile & Uros island communities Day 18: Puno to Cusco. First up is Pukara & its ancient Inca ruins. See the Inca walls in Raqchi & then the ancient Incan empire, Cusco. Hotel (B) Visit Pukara, La Raya & Sicuani See the Temple of Wiracocha Day 19: Cusco. Experience Cusco on a guided walking tour then the afternoon’s yours. Explore Inca buildings, or try local food or adrenaline activities. Hotel (B,D) City walking tour Visit San Blas, La Catedral, Koricancha & San Pedro Market Day 20: Cusco to Sacred Valley. Today we explore the Sacred Valley. Take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins before a night in Ollantaytambo, one of Peru’s oldest towns. Hotel (B) Entry into the Sacred Valley & Pisac ruins Try some local Chicha de Jora Day 21: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Adventure & adrenaline await! From biking & hiking to rafting there’s loads on offer, before we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B)
• • • • • • • • •
• •
Day 21: Inca Trail Trek. Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to Kilometre 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest to the Sun Gate & Guardian House where your hard work is rewarded with incredible views of this magnificent ancient site before returning to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B,L) • Train ride to Kilometre 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.22-23 for more info. Code: QURJT
• • • • • •
• • •
• • •
• • •
Day 22: Machu Picchu to Cusco. Wake early & enter Machu Picchu for sunrise. Learn more about Machu Picchu on a tour, then explore. Hotel (B) Tour the Temple of Three Windows, the ceremonial baths & altar Day 23: Cusco. Why not start the day mountain biking & rafting? Then get into Cusco’s amazing nightlife & join our Illary (Sunrise) Club! Hotel (B,D) Day 24: Cusco to Jungle Lodge. Fly over the Andes to Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s southern jungle. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Visit the Infierno community Puerto Maldonado city tour Jungle canopy hike Day 25: Jungle Lodge to Puerto Maldonado. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the giant otter, before it’s back to the city. Hotel (B,L,D) Locally guided jungle catamaran boat trip Day 26: Puerto Maldonado to Lima. Today it’s back to Lima for our last day in Peru. Hotel (B) Day 27: Lima to Buenos Aires. Today we board our flight to Argentina - it’s hola Buenos Aires! Hotel (B) Day 28: Buenos Aires. This morning get out & experience this iconic city on a bike tour. Tonight, get ready to tango as you learn all the tricks at a dance lesson & show. Hotel (B,D) City sights bike tour - see the neighbourhoods of La Boca, Puerto Madero Tango lesson, show & dinner Days 29 - 30: Buenos Aires. Start day 2 with a coach tour to see the rest of the city & then you can experience BA your way. Catch a football game, drink wine at a polo match or hit the shops. Hotel (B)(B)
•
• • • •
• •
M Argentine culinary experience Day 31: Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls. Today we fly to Puerto Iguassu then travel to the Brazilian side to see the 275 individual waterfalls. You could take a heli-flight for a different angle, or try your luck at spotting macaws & toucans. Hotel (B) Flight & transfers & visit Iguassu Falls
•
Day 32: Iguassu Falls. We’ll cross back into Argentina & visit their side of the Falls with a walk to see Devil’s Throat. Try a speed boat ride to feel the spray of the Falls, or go for a swim at the hotel. Tonight, try delicious Brazilian BBQ. Hotel (B,D) Visit Iguassu Falls Taste delicious Brazilian BBQ
• •
Day 33: Iguassu Falls to Rio. Home to the world’s largest carnival celebration, Copacabana Beach & the Brazilian bikini, get ready for good times in Rio. Hotel (B,D) Day 34: Rio de Janeiro. Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer & after we’ll chill on a boat ride with great views of Sugarloaf take a swim, have a drink & enjoy a BBQ. Hotel (B,L) Entry to Christ the Redeemer for amazing city views M Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain
•
SNAPSHOT
35
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Unique Special Stays: 1 night Colca Canyon Lodge, 1 night Amazon Jungle Lodge & 33 nights in twin-share hotels
57 INCLUDED MEALS 35 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L), 15 dinners (D)
58 INCLUDED MEALS (TREKKING OPTION) 35 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L), 15 dinners (D)
Day 35: Rio de Janeiro. Today is yours to explore. Try hang gliding, hang or grab your towel, sunnies & iPod & chill on Rio’s famous Ipanema Beach. Tonight, end the trip as we head out for our last night out in this amazing city! Hotel (B) Day 36: Depart Rio de Janeiro. We’ll give you an insiders-only experience to visit a favela & see the contrast of how some cariocas live. Our adventure ends after our favela tour. (B) Locally guided favela tour
•
TRAVELLING EARLY? Travelling between 17th Aug 2015 & 1st Feb 2016? The below trips (QURJ/QURJT 2015/16) are 37 days long & feature a slightly modified itinerary from the map shown, spending 1 night in Tena, 2 nights in Guayaquil, 3 nights in Buenos Aires & 2 nights in Buzios. See below for start & end times & visit contiki.com/latin-quest for full details.
Code: QURJ/QURJT 2015/16 Start Quito
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip Trip plus only Inca Trail C$ pp* C$ pp*
Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
12375 12375 12375 12375 12375
2015 Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
17 14 12 9 7 ●
Start Quito
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
Feb 9 Mar 8
12375 12625 12375 NA
2016 22 20 17 15 12
12625 12625 12625 12625 12625
Jan 4 Feb 1
Single room supplement add C$2419. ● Trip spends Xmas in Cusco & NYE in Puerto Maldonado.
Code: QURJ/QURJT 2016/17 Start Quito
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip Trip plus only Inca Trail C$ pp* C$ pp*
Apr May May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
12299 12299 12299 12299 12299 12299 12299 12299
2016 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
29 28 25 23 20 18 ▼ 15 12
Start Quito
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
2016 4 2 30 27 25 22 19 17
12549 12549 12549 12549 12549 12549 12549 12549
Oct 10 Nov 14 Nov 7 Dec 12 Dec 12 ■ Jan 16
12299 12549 12299 12549 12299 12549
2017 Jan 2 Jan 30
12299 12549 12299 NA
Feb 6 Mar 6
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add C$2345.
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • 2 international & 7 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Go local at a salsa lesson • Evening river cruise & drinks • Galapagos BBQ feast at our favourite local spot • City tour of Arequipa visiting the Santa Catalina Convent • Hot spring swim in Chivay • Entry to the Temple of Wiracocha • Walking tour of Cusco & entry to La Catedral & the Temple of Koricancha • Tango show & lesson in Buenos Aires • City sight seeing bike tour in Buenos Aires • BBQ feast in Iguassu • Guided favela tour & city tour in Rio • Afternoon boat cruise in Rio • Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
Start Quito 7:00am & end Rio 11:00am.
ME TIME OPTIONS
Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February. Note: There is a reciprocity fee that must be paid online & prior to arrival into Argentina. Canadian citizens US$92. Note: The Galapagos Islands have a compulsory US$100 entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park, a US$20 INGALA fee & a US$5 Isabela Island tax that are only payable in cash on arrival (subject to increase). Please ensure you have this money ready to ensure entry to these locations. ▼ Trip is in Rio during Olympics 2016. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Arequipa & NYE in the Sacred Valley.
M Hang gliding M Rappelling (abseiling) & canyoning day trip M Rafting See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ LATIN-QUEST
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
31
ECUADOR/PERU
DISCOVERY PLUS
26 DAYS - FROM C$8415 PP*/C$324 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$650. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ECUADOR
QUITO 1
SANTA CRUZ
ISABELA
Puerto Ayora 1
Puerto 2 VILLAMIL
2 TENA SAN CRISTOBAL
2 BAテ前S
2 Puerto BAQUERIZO MORENO
1
PACIFIC OCEAN
GUAYAQUIL PERU
Rainforest
AGUAS CALIENTES 1
(Machu Picchu)
2 Lima
INCA TRAIL
AMAZON LODGE 1 Ollantaytambo
1 PUERTO SACRED VALLEY 1 MALDONADO PERU CUSCO 4 Coast Andes
6 World Heritage sites visited
ISABELA ISLAND
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane, train, canoe or boat
Chivay
COLCA CANYON 1 PACIFIC OCEAN
2 PUNO/LAKE TITICACA 1 PACIFIC PAC AREQUIPA OCEAN OC Boliv
GALAPAGOS & ANDES
SNAPSHOT
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING
42
Day 1: Start Quito. Hola Quito! Meet your group before exploring. Your expert guide will teach you all about this city & its past, then check out the views at Panecillo. Later, visit the Equator line before dinner. Hotel (D) Locally guided city tour to see the Presidential Palace, Independence Square & Churches of San Francisco, La Compania & La Catedral Visit Panecillo lookout Visit the Inti Ñan Museum at the Equator Day 2: Quito to Tena. It’s out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views & a thermal pool swim en route. A perfect way to spend the day. Hotel (B) Thermal springs swim Day 3: Tena. This morning its all about ME Time - have a lie in or opt to visit an indigenous community. Get your adrenalin pumping this afternoon on class 3-4 rapids. Hotel (B,D) M Rafting experience Day 4: Tena to Baños. We head to Baños today, the adventure capital of Ecuador, nestled under the still active Tungurahua volcano. Tonight get local as you learn to salsa at our included lesson. Hotel (B) Salsa dancing lesson Day 5: Baños. With a free day, explore your way & Baños goes off! Situated in a valley of waterfalls & hot springs, Baños is a hub for travellers who love great weather, small town vibes & the great outdoors. Choose your adventure - horseback riding, canyoning, or rappelling. Hotel (B,D) Day 6: Banos to Guayaquil. Today we’re off to discover Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city & its economic hub. This cosmopolitan city is one of Ecuador’s new hotspots & a walk down the promenade with the city’s colourful Cerro Santa Ana district as your backdrop is essential. Tonight, set sail on an evening river cruise with drinks. Hotel (B,D) See famous Galapagos’ giant tortoises Visit some lava tunnels Boat ride to Isabela Island Day 7: Guayaquil to Isabela Island. Today we fly to The Galapagos Islands. Before arriving in Puerto Ayora we’ll check out the island’s old lava tunnels & see the incredible giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Later, get out on the water as we head off to Isabela Island to relax for two nights. Hotel (B) See famous Galapagos giant tortoises Visit lava tunnels Boat ride to Isabela Island Day 8: Isabela Island. This morning we’ll kayak with sea lions & snorkel with colourful fish (keep your eyes peeled for turtles!). This afternoon we’ll visit the Wall of Tears – you might even see some baby tortoises along the way! Later relax on the beach & take in this amazing place. Hotel (B,L) Wildlife kayaking adventure Visit the Wall of Tears Snorkelling experience Day 9: Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island. Relax this morning before we take off to Santa Cruz Island. This afternoon we’ll visit Tortuga Bay for a stroll along the beach & a swim. Hotel (B) Visit Tortuga Bay Day 10: Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Island. We’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station this morning & check out the tortoises & land iguanas before heading out to San Cristobal! This afternoon explore the island by bike before watching the sunset. Hotel (B) Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station Day 11: San Cristobal Island. First up: a coastal cruise to spot native birds, before hitting the water in search of puffer fish & cute sea lion pups. We’ll snorkel around Kicker Rocks 143m tuff cone looking out for manta rays, starfish & maybe the Galapagos shark. Later, relax on the beach, before a BBQ feast. Hotel (B,L,D)
• • • •
•
• • •
• • •
• • • •
•
cruise & off shore bird spotting experience • Boat Kicker Rock’s 143m cone • Explore • Visit Puerto Grande beach Day 12: San Cristobal to Lima. Today we fly to Lima & relax before our next adventure begins. Hotel (B) Day 13: Lima. We’ll take a city tour to uncover the city sights. Hotel (B,D) See the Historic Centre, Barranco & Mira Flores
•
Day 14: Lima to Arequipa. We fly to the “White City” of Arequipa. Delve into the city’s history with a walking tour. Hotel (B) City walking tour Visit the Santa Catalina Convent & the Plaza de Armas
• •
Day 15: Arequipa to Colca Canyon. We drive through Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve on our way to the Colca Canyon. We stop for a hot springs swim before a night at our rustic lodge. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay See wild vicuña See the Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve See El Misti, Chachani & Pichu Pichu volcanoes Indulge in a relaxing hot spring dip
• • • •
Day 16: Colca Canyon to Puno. First up we’ll try & spot the Andean condor. Later, experience the Andes along the way to Puno. Hotel (B) Visit Maca Pueblo See the massive Colca Canyon Visit Cruz del Condor
• • •
Day 17: Puno. Catch a lift on a triciclo before cruising Lake Titicaca to the island of Taquile & the floating Uros Islands. Meet locals & see their handmade crafts. Hotel (B,L,D) Ride on a triciclo! Island boat trip on Lake Titicaca Visit the Taquile & Uros island communities
• • •
Day 18: Puno to Cusco. First up is Pukara & its ancient Inca ruins. See the Inca walls in Raqchi & then the ancient Incan empire, Cusco. Hotel (B) Visit Pukara, La Raya & Sicuani See the Temple of Wiracocha
• •
Day 19: Cusco. Experience Cusco on a guided walking tour, then the afternoon is yours. Explore Inca buildings, or try local food or adrenaline activities. Hotel (B,D) City walking tour Visit San Blas, La Catedral, Koricancha & San Pedro Market
• •
Day 20: Cusco to Sacred Valley. Today we explore the Sacred Valley. Take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins before a night in Ollantaytambo, one of Peru’s oldest towns. Hotel (B) Entry into the Sacred Valley & a guided tour of the Pisac ruins Try some local Chicha de Jora
• •
Day 21: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Adventure & adrenaline await! From biking & hiking to rafting there’s loads on offer, before we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B) Day 21: Inca Trail Trek. Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to Kilometre 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest to the Sun Gate & Guardian House where your hard work is rewarded with incredible views of this magnificent ancient site before returning to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B,L) • Train ride to Kilometre 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.22-23 for more info. Code: QULIT
25
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Unique Special Stays: 1 night Colca Canyon Lodge, 1 night Amazon Jungle Lodge & 23 nights in twin-share hotels
Day 22: Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Wake early & enter Machu Picchu for sunrise. Learn more about Machu Picchu on a tour, then explore. Hotel (B) Tour the Temple of Three Windows, the ceremonial baths & altar
•
Day 23: Cusco. Why not start the day mountain biking & rafting? Then get into Cusco’s amazing nightlife & join our Illary (Sunrise) Club! Hotel (B) Day 24: Cusco to Jungle Lodge. Fly over the Andes to Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s southern jungle. You could hike through the jungle for a canopy climb, then chill to the sound of the jungle. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Visit the Infierno community Puerto Maldonado city tour Jungle canopy hike
• • •
Day 25: Jungle Lodge to Puerto Maldonado. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the giant otter, before it’s back to the city. Hotel (B,L,D) Locally guided jungle catamaran boat trip
INCLUDED MEALS 25 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 11 dinners (D)
43 INCLUDED MEALS (TREKKING OPTION) 25 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L), 11 dinners (D)
•
INCLUSIONS
Day 26: Puerto Maldonado to Lima. Your trip ends on arrival in Lima, where it’s time to say ‘adios!’ to your mates. (B)
• An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • 1 international & 5 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges
Please note: Do not book departing flights before 9:00pm.
TRAVELLING EARLY? Travelling between 17th Aug 2015 & 1st Feb 2016? The below trips (QULI/QULIT 2015/16) feature a slightly modified itinerary spending 1 night in Tena & 2 nights in Guayaquil. See below for start & end times & visit contiki.com/galapagos-andes for full details.
Code: QULI/QULIT 2015/16 Start Quito
Finish Lima
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Start Inca Trail Quito C$ pp*
Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
8415 8415 8415 8415 8415
8665 8665 8665 8665 8665
2015 Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
17 14 12 9 7 ●
Finish Lima
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
Jan 29 Feb 26
8415 8415
8665 NA
2016 11 9 6 4 1
Jan 4 Feb 1
Single room supplement add C$1335. ● Trip spends Xmas in Cusco & NYE in Puerto Maldonado.
Code: QULI/QULIT 2016/17 Start Quito
Finish Lima
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Start Inca Trail Quito C$ pp*
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
8465 8465 8465 8465 8465 8465 8465 8465
8715 8715 8715 8715 8715 8715 8715 8715
29 28 25 23 20 18 15 12
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
Oct 10 Nov 4 Nov 7 Dec 2 Dec 12 ■ Jan 6
8465 8465 8465
8715 8715 8715
2017 Jan 2 Jan 30
8465 8465
8715 NA
2016
2016 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Finish Lima
25 22 20 17 15 12 9 7
Jan 27 Feb 24
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Single room supplement add C$1349. Start Quito 7:00am & end Lima approx. 5:00pm. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The Galapagos Islands have a compulsory US$100 entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park, a US$20 INGALA fee & a US$5 Isabela Island tax that are only payable in cash on arrival (subject to increase). Please ensure you have this money ready to ensure entry to these locations. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Arequipa & NYE in the Sacred Valley.
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Go local at a salsa lesson • Evening river cruise & drinks • Galapagos BBQ feast at our favourite local spot • City tour of Arequipa visiting the Santa Catalina Convent • Hot spring swim in Chivay • Entry to the Temple of Wiracocha • Walking tour of Cusco & entry to La Catedral & the Temple of Koricancha Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Rappelling (abseiling) & canyoning day trip M Kayaking trip on the Tambopata River or Jungle Canopy climb M San Cristobal Island guided biking adventure See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ GALAPAGOS-ANDES
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
33
MEXICO/BELIZE GUATEMALA
DISCOVERY PLUS
18 DAYS - FROM C$6015 PP*/C$335 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$520. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
CANCUN 3
MERIDA 1 YUCATÁN
Playa del Carmen
GULF OF MEXICO QUINTANA ROO
MEXICO
1 MEXICO CITY Guatemalan Rainforest
PUEBLA
Belize City
1
Oaxaca 2 Monte Alban
Mitla
SAN CRISTOBAL 2
OAXACA
TEHUANTEPEC 1
Flores BELIZE CHIAPAS
Chiapas
1 SANTA ELENA
Comitan
PANAJACHEL 1
GUATEMALA
Lago Atitlan
8 World Heritage sites visited
CAYE CAULKER
PACIFIC OCEAN
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane
2 ANTIGUA
2 CAYE CAULKER
LATIN LEGENDS •
Day 2: Mexico City to Merida. Leave behind the buzz of Mexico City & fly to the beautiful white-stone city of Merida. Tour the city’s gorgeous colonial buildings & Government Palace before indulging in a mouthwatering Yucatecan meal. Hotel (B,D) Walking tour of Merida’s sights Horse & Carriage ride
• •
Day 3: Merida to Cancun via Chichen Itza. Immerse yourself in Mayan history on a guided tour at Chichen Itza – the country’s spectacular ancient Mayan city. This afternoon we arrive in legendary Cancun with its endless shopping, nightlife & outdoor hub. Hotel (B) Guided tour of the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza Swim in a cenote (sink hole)
• •
Day 4: Cancun & Playa del Carmen. We’ll take a day trip to the beach playground of Playa del Carmen. Take a stroll along the Quinta Avenida & the stunning beach while enjoying the friendly local hospitality. Fill your day with everything from snorkelling the clear blue waters, hanging out in open-air cafés & restaurants, stopping for a beer or two with the locals, or people watching. You can even take a ferry across to the island of Cozumel before heading back to Cancun. Hotel (B) Visit Playa del Carmen
•
Day 5: Cancun. Soak up all the Cancun action you want today - swim through a jungle lagoon, snorkel, or take a day trip to beautiful Isla Mujeres for some delicious seafood & sightseeing. Tonight, party in great bars & dance clubs ‘til the sun comes up. Hotel (B,D) M Snorkelling & zipline adventure Day 6: Cancun to Caye Caulker. Adios Mexico, but we’ll be back! We’ll head to Chetumal for some exploring before it’s onto Belize. We’ll shore up on this Caribbean island, where the motto is “go slow.” Tonight prepare to feast on fresh seafood & your chance to sample the reggae nightlife! Hotel (B,D) Day 7: Caye Caulker. The day is all yours! You could try swimming with sharks at Belize’s World Heritage Barrier Reef, kayaking the mangroves or lazing on “The Split” where sipping & sunbathing is the scene! Tonight, it’s an amazing sunset sail with snacks, drinks &music. Hotel (B) Sunset boat cruise M Dive or snorkel on Belize Barrier Reef
•
Day 8: Caye Caulker to Guatemalan Rainforest. Next up is Guatemala’s Peten via Belize town! On arrival at our awesome Jungle Lodge there’s the option to fly through the rainforest canopy on ziplines… why not! Explore the local ruins then drift to sleep to the sounds of the forest. (B,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Stay in Tikal National Park M Jungle ziplining experience
•
Day 9: Guatemalan Rainforest to Santa Elena (Flores). Rise early to watch daybreak unfold from the top of the Mayan ruin, Templo IV. We’ll take a guided tour of the area &explore the magnificent jungle ruins, before a trip to the island of Flores, built on the ancient Mayan center, Tayasal. Hotel (B) Locally guided tour of Tikal National Park
•
17
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stay: 1 night Jungle Lodge & 16 nights in twin-share hotels
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Arrive Mexico City. Meet up with your Contiki Team & start the day with a tour of the incredible ancient ruins of Teotihuacan. Afterwards, the day is yours to jump into the city’s high energy & explore its sidewalk cafés, bazaars, boutiques & museums. Hotel (D) Guided tour of Teotihuacan
SNAPSHOT
Day 10: Santa Elena to Antigua. From the relaxed Flores to Guatemala’s bustling capital city! Skip the queues & head straight for the unique beauty & relaxed vibe of World Heritage Antigua. Experience the historic & beautiful town, with its rooftop flowerbeds, horse drawn carriages & cobblestones. Hotel (B,D) Sightseeing tour of Colonial Antigua
•
Day 11: Antigua. With the day all yours, see the sights & tick those boxes. Adventure seekers can hike a volcano or ride mountain bikes. Or if you want to relax you could try making local native chocolates or shop for traditional textiles. Hotel (B) M Hike the Pacaya Volcano Day 12: Antigua to Panajachel. We’ll take a private boat to a lakeside Mayan community & meet local artisans who’ll teach us to make yummy tortillas by hand. Afterwards, relax on a hammock & enjoy the views. Hotel (B) Visit a Mayan community among the volcanoes of Lake Atitlan & learn to make tortillas
•
Day 13: Panajachel to San Cristobal de las Casas. We’ll make our way through small Mayan communities of Guatemala’s highlands before we reach the beautiful & rugged territory of Chiapas. Next on the list, the evergreens & the cool cultural capital of San Cristobal de las Casas via Comitan! Hotel (B) Visit the charming town of Comitan
•
Day 14: San Cristobal de las Casas. Adventurers can try horseback riding or mountain biking this morning, then we’ll visit the Mayan hillside communities of San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan. Tonight, try some traditional Tamales Chiapanecos before hitting the town. Get festive! Hotel (B,D) Enter a sacred highland temple to experience ancient traditions in Chiapas M Horseback ride the evergreen highlands of Mexico
•
Code: MXMC 2015/16/17 Start Mexico City
Finish Mexico City
2015 6015 6015 6015
2016 Jan Mar Mar Apr May Jun Jul
23 5 19 23 28 18 2
Start Mexico City
Finish Mexico City
Total Cost C$ pp*
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul
9 22 5 10 14 5 19
6015 6015 6015 6015 6015 6015 6015
Jul Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
16 Aug 6 Aug 27 Sep 24 Oct 22 Nov 19 Dec 10 ■ Dec 24 ▲ Jan
2 23 13 11 8 6 27 10
6015 6015 6015 6015 6015 6015 6015 6015
2017 Jan 21 Feb 18
Feb 7 Mar 7
6015 6015
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Single room supplement add C$1409. Start Mexico City 7:00am & end Mexico City approx. 5:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in San Cristobal de las Casas. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Oaxaca. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Merida & NYE in Tikal.
Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): entering Mexico US$22, leaving Mexico for Belize US$32.50, departing Belize US$20, entering & departing Guatemala US$1.50. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer. For travel insurance see p.66.
CHICHEN ITZA
Day 16: Tehuantepec to Oaxaca. First up we head to World Heritage Oaxaca then it’s onto Matatlan. Later we head to Mitla, where sacred rites were once carried out among the still intact geometrical stonework. We’ll discover colonial architecture this afternoon, stopping at the local market for some delicious Chapulines…yum! Hotel (B) Visit the Zapotec religious center Mitla Taste fiery mescal & sample spicy chapulines in the valley of Oaxaca Locally guided walking tour of colonial Oaxaca
26 INCLUDED MEALS
2016
Aug 29 Sep 15 Oct 24 Nov 10 Dec 12 ● Dec 29
Day 15: San Cristobal de las Casas to Tehuantepec. After a morning relaxing, we’ll descend from the forested hills into the beautiful coastal plains of Tehuantepec, where you’ll visit the city square. This evening, chill by the pool before a delicious local meal. Hotel (B,D)
17 breakfasts (B), 9 dinners (D)
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations • 2 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker (round trip) • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Tour the pyramids of Teotihuacan • Relax & take in the sights on a horse drawn carriage ride in Merida • Visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza • Sunset boat cruise • Visit a Mayan community among the volcanoes of Lake Atitlan • Taste fiery mescal, sample spicy chapulines & learn to make tortillas • Enter a sacred highland temple in Chiapas Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS
• • •
M Mayan culture adventure complete with ziplining, rappelling, canoeing & lunch! M Kayak the crystalline Caribbean M Ride in a horse drawn carriage through World Heritage Antigua M Hike a volcano (availability subject to lava flow) M Mountain bike the cloud forests of San Cristobal See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
Day 17: Monte Alban. Discover local museums & shops before we visit Monte Alban, built on a mountaintop. Famous for its traditional crafts, we will visit a local workshop before our last night… Salud! Hotel (B,D) Visit the UNESCO site Monte Alban & discover a local workshop
•
Day 18: Oaxaca to Mexico City. This morning we travel to the center of the ancient Aztec universe. We’ll take a panoramic tour of World Heritage Puebla, then head to Cholula. Choose to enjoy a relaxed lunch in the small town plaza or enter the ruins & explore the ancient tunnels (entrance fee not included). This evening, we arrive Mexico City, where you can say adios to your amigos! (B) Visit Cholula where the church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios stands above the buried pyramid Tlachihualtepetl
Total Cost C$ pp*
•
Please note: Do not book departing flights before 9:00pm.
ANTIGUA
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ LATIN-LEGENDS
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
35
PERU/ARGENTINA BRAZIL
DISCOVERY PLUS
18 DAYS - FROM C$6455 PP*/C$359 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$450. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
BRAZIL PERU
AGUAS CALIENTES (Machu Picchu)
1 Lima
Rainforest
AMAZON LODGE 1
1
INCA TRAIL Ollantaytambo Andes
CUSCO 3
PUERTO MALDONADO 1
1 SACRED VALLEY Bolivia
Coast
3 RIO DE JANEIRO Paraguay
2 IGUASSU FALLS
ARGENTINA BRAZIL
5 World Heritage sites visited
IPANEMA BEACH, RIO
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane, train or canoe
Uruguay
4 BUENOS AIRES
SNAPSHOT
THE EXPLORER
17
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Arrive Cusco. As the modern-day starting point for visits to Machu Picchu, we’ll explore this ancient city on foot, then the afternoon’s yours. Head out & explore - from Inca buildings, intricate colonial architecture, artisan shops to boutiques & delicious cuisine & adrenaline activities, there’s loads to experience. Hotel (D) City walking tour Visit San Blas, La Catedral & Koricancha
• •
Day 2: Cusco to Sacred Valley. Today we explore the Sacred Valley. Take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins before a night in Ollantaytambo, one of Peru’s oldest towns. Hotel (B) Entry into the Sacred Valley & a guided tour of the Pisac ruins Try some local Chicha de Jora
• •
Day 3: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Adventure & adrenaline await! From biking & hiking to rafting there’s loads on offer, before we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B) Day 3: Inca Trail Trek. Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to Kilometre 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest to the Sun Gate & Guardian House where your hard work is rewarded with incredible views of this magnificent ancient site before returning to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B,L) • Train ride to Kilometre 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.22-23 for more info. Code: CURJT Day 4: Machu Picchu to Cusco. Be among the first to enter Machu Picchu for sunrise. Learn more as you tour with your guide then explore in your own time before returning to base. Hotel (B) Day 5: Cusco. Why not start the day mountain biking & rafting? Then get into Cusco’s amazing nightlife & join our Illary (Sunrise) Club! Hotel (B,D) Day 6: Cusco to Jungle Lodge. Fly over the Andes to Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s southern jungle. You could hike through the jungle for a canopy climb, then chill to the sound of the jungle. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Visit the Infierno community Puerto Maldonado city tour Jungle canopy hike
• • •
Day 7: Jungle Lodge to Puerto Maldonado. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the giant otter, before it’s back to the city. Hotel (B,L,D) Locally guided jungle catamaran boat trip
•
Day 8: Puerto Maldonado to Lima. Today it’s back to Lima for our last day in Peru. Next up: red wine, steak & tango in Argentina! Hotel (B) Day 9: Lima to Buenos Aires. Today we board our flight to Argentina - it’s hola Buenos Aires! Hotel (B) IGUASSU FALLS
Day 10: Buenos Aires. This morning get out & experience this iconic city on a bike tour to spots like Puerto Madero & La Boca. Tonight, get ready to tango with the locals as you learn all the tricks at a dance lesson & show. Hotel (B,D) City sights bike tour - see the neighbourhoods of La Boca & Puerto Madero Tango lesson, show & dinner
• •
Days 11 - 12: Buenos Aires. We’ll start day 2 with a coach tour to see the rest of the city & then you can experience BA your way. Get into the cuisine of Argentina on our culinary experience: try empanadas or the ubiquitous Argentine steak & learn to make the traditional sweet – alfahoras. You might catch a football game, drink wine at a polo match or perhaps learn to play yourself, hit the shops or pay a visit to the historic Café Tortoni for a café con leche & a spot of people watching. Hotel (B)(B) City tour Palermo Chico & Palermo Soho, Recoleta M Argentine culinary experience
•
Day 13: Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls. Today we fly to Puerto Iguassu then travel to the Brazilian side to see the 275 individual waterfalls. You could take a heli-flight for a different angle, or try your luck at spotting macaws & toucans. Hotel (B) Flight & transfers Visit Iguassu Falls
• •
Day 14: Iguassu Falls. We’ll cross back into Argentina & visit their side of the Falls with a walk to see Devil’s Throat. The day is all yours! Try a speed boat ride to feel the spray of the Falls, or go for a swim the hotel. Tonight, try delicious Brazilian BBQ. Hotel (B,D) Visit Iguassu Falls Taste delicious Brazilian BBQ See Devil’s Throat
• • •
Day 15: Iguassu Falls to Rio. Home to the world’s largest carnival celebration, Copacabana Beach & the Brazilian bikini, get ready for good times in Rio. Hotel (B,D) Day 16: Rio de Janeiro. This morning we’ll visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue & after we’ll chill on a boat ride around Guanabara Bay with great views of Sugarloaf - take a swim, have a drink & enjoy a BBQ. Hotel (B,L) Entry to Christ the Redeemer for amazing city views M Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain
•
Day 17: Rio de Janeiro. Today is yours to explore. Try hang gliding or grab your towel, sunnies & iPod & chill on Rio’s famous Ipanema Beach. Tonight, we head out for our last night in this amazing city! Hotel (B) Day 18: Depart Rio de Janeiro. We’ll give you a unique insiders-only experience of visiting a favela & seeing the contrast of how some cariocas live. Our adventure ends after our favela tour, when it’s time to say ‘Tchau’ (goodbye) to your travel mates. (B) Locally guided favela tour
•
Unique Special Stay: 1 night Amazon Jungle Lodge & 16 nights in twin-share hotels
TRAVELLING EARLY? Travelling between 28th Aug 2015 & 19th Feb 2016? The below trips (CURJ/CURJT 2015/16) are 19 days long & feature a slightly modified itinerary spending 3 nights in Buenos Aires & 2 nights in Buzios. See below for start & end times & visit contiki.com/southam-explorer for full details.
27 INCLUDED MEALS 17 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
Code: CURJ/CURJT 2015/16 Start Cusco
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip Trip plus only Inca Trail C$ pp* C$ pp*
2015 Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov
28 4 18 2 16 23 30 13 20 27
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
28
Dec 11 ● Dec 29 Dec 25 ■ Jan 12
6525 6525
6775 6775
2016 Jan 1 Jan 8 Jan 15 Jan 22 Feb 5 Feb 19
INCLUDED MEALS (TREKKING OPTION)
6525 6525 6525 6525 6525 6525
6775 6775 6775 6775 NA NA
Start Cusco
Finish Rio de Janeiro
2015 Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec
15 22 6 20 3 10 17 1 8 15
6525 6525 6525 6525 6525 6525 6525 6525 6525 6525
6775 6775 6775 6775 6775 6775 6775 6775 6775 6775
Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Mar
19 26 2 9 23 8
17 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
Single room supplement add C$1519. ● Trip spends Xmas in Buzios. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Cusco & NYE in Puerto Maldonado.
INCLUSIONS
Code: CURJ/CURJT 2016/17 Start Cusco
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip Trip plus only Inca Trail C$ pp* C$ pp*
2016 Mar Apr Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep
18 Apr 1 Apr 15 May 29 May 13 May 27 Jun 10 Jun 24 Jul 8 Jul 5 ▼ Aug 19 Sep 2 Sep 16 Oct
Start Cusco
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
17 31 14 28 12 26 16
6455 6455 6455 6455 6455 6455 6455
6705 6705 6705 6705 6705 6705 6705
30 6 20 6
6455 6455 6455 6455
6705 6705 NA NA
2016 4 18 2 16 30 13 27 11 25 22 5 19 3
6455 6455 6455 6455 6455 6455 6455 6455 6455 6455 6455 6455 6455
6705 6705 6705 6705 6705 6705 6705 6705 6705 6705 6705 6705 6705
Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec
30 Oct 14 Oct 28 Nov 11 Nov 25 Dec 9 ▲ Dec 30 ◆ Jan
2017 Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Feb 17
Jan Feb Feb Mar
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add C$1445. Start Cusco 8:00am & end Rio 11:00am. Please note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Please note: The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February. ▼ Trip is in Rio during Olympics 2016. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Rio. ◆ Trip spends New Year’s Eve in Sacred Valley. Note: There is a reciprocity fee that must be paid online & prior to arrival into Argentina. Canadian citizens US$92. Explore More: Have a few more days? Check out The Adventurer & start the trip in Lima & end in Rio.
• An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • 1 international & 4 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Walking tour of Cusco & entry to La Catedral & the Temple of Koricancha • Tango show & lesson in Buenos Aires • BBQ feast in Iguassu • Guided favela tour & city tour in Rio • Afternoon boat cruise in Rio • City sight seeing bike tour in Buenos Aires • Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Kayaking trip on the Tambopata River M Polo match experience in Buenos Aires See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
LOCAL CULTURE The passion for football (soccer) in Brazil is like no other, make sure you have time to fit a game in & get into the frenzy! VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ SOUTHAM-EXPLORER
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
37
PERU/ARGENTINA BRAZIL
DISCOVERY PLUS
24 DAYS - FROM C$7795 PP*/C$325 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$560. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
BRAZIL PERU
AGUAS CALIENTES (Machu Picchu)
2 Lima
Rainforest
AMAZON PUERTO LODGE 1 MALDONADO 1
1
INCA TRAIL
Ollantaytambo Andes
1 SACRED VALLEY
CUSCO 4
Coast
Chivay
COLCA CANYON 1
Bolivia
PUNO/LAKE TITICACA 2
1 AREQUIPA
RIO DE 3 JANEIRO Paraguay
2 IGUASSU FALLS
ARGENTINA BRAZIL
6 World Heritage sites visited
LA BOCA, BUENOS AIRES
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane, train or canoe
Uruguay
4 BUENOS AIRES
THE ADVENTURER
SNAPSHOT
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING
38
Day 1: Arrive Lima. Meet your Contiki Team & group this morning before checking out the city sights. Made up of 43 districts with their own flair, with a free afternoon, get out & explore! Hotel (D) See the Historic Centre, Barranco & Mira Flores
•
Day 2: Lima to Arequipa. We fly to the “White City” of Arequipa. Delve into the city’s history with a walking tour. Hotel (B) City walking tour Visit Santa Catalina Convent & Plaza de Armas
• •
Day 3: Arequipa to Colca Canyon. We drive through Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve on our way to the Colca Canyon. We stop for a hot springs swim before a night at our rustic lodge. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay See wild vicuña See the Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve See El Misti, Chachani & Pichu Pichu volcanoes Indulge in a relaxing hot spring dip
• • • •
Day 4: Colca Canyon to Puno. First up we’ll try & spot the Andean condor. Later, experience the Andes along the way to Puno. Hotel (B) Visit Maca Pueblo See the massive Colca Canyon Visit Cruz del Condor
• • •
Day 5: Puno. Catch a lift on a triciclo before cruising Lake Titicaca to the island of Taquile & the floating Uros Islands. Meet locals & see their handmade crafts. Hotel (B,L,D) Ride on a triciclo! Island boat trip on Lake Titicaca Visit the Taquile & Uros island communities
• • •
Day 6: Puno to Cusco. First up is Pukara & its ancient Inca ruins. See the Inca walls in Raqchi & then the ancient Incan empire, Cusco. Hotel (B) Visit Pukara, La Raya & Sicuani See the Temple of Wiracocha
• •
Day 7: Cusco. Experience Cusco on a guided walking tour then the afternoon is yours. Explore Inca buildings, or try local food or adrenaline activities. Hotel (B,D) City walking tour Visit San Blas, La Catedral, Koricancha & San Pedro Market
• •
Day 8: Cusco to Sacred Valley. Today we explore the Sacred Valley. Take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins before a night in Ollantaytambo, one of Peru’s oldest towns. Hotel (B) Entry into the Sacred Valley & Pisac ruins Try some local Chicha de Jora
• •
Day 9: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Adventure & adrenaline await! From biking & hiking to rafting there’s loads on offer, before we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B) Day 9: Inca Trail Trek. Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to Kilometre 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest to the Sun Gate & Guardian House where your hard work is rewarded with incredible views of this magnificent ancient site before returning to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B,L) • Train ride to Kilometre 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.22-23 for more info. Code: LIRJT
Day 10: Machu Picchu to Cusco. Be among the first to enter Machu Picchu for sunrise. Learn more as you tour with your guide then explore in your own time before returning to base. Hotel (B) Day 11: Cusco. Why not start the day mountain biking & rafting? Then get into Cusco’s amazing nightlife & join our Illary (Sunrise) Club! Hotel (B,D) Day 12: Cusco to Jungle Lodge. Fly over the Andes to Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s southern jungle. You could hike through the jungle for a canopy climb, then chill to the sound of the jungle. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Visit the Infierno community Puerto Maldonado city tour Jungle canopy hike
• • •
Day 13: Jungle Lodge to Puerto Maldonado. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the giant otter, before it’s back to the city. Hotel (B,L,D) Locally guided jungle catamaran boat trip
•
Day 14: Puerto Maldonado to Lima. Today it’s back to Lima for our last day in Peru. Next up: red wine, steak & tango in Argentina! Hotel (B) Day 15: Lima to Buenos Aires. Today we board our flight to Argentina - it’s hola Buenos Aires! Hotel (B) Day 16: Buenos Aires. This morning get out & experience this iconic city on a bike tour to spots like Puerto Madero & La Boca. Tonight, get ready to tango with the locals as you learn all the tricks at a dance lesson & show. Hotel (B,D) City sights bike tour - see the neighbourhoods La Boca & Puerto Madero Tango lesson, show & dinner
• •
Days 17 - 18: Buenos Aires. We’ll start day 2 with a coach tour to see the rest of the city & then you can experience BA your way. Get into the cuisine of Argentina on our culinary experience: try empanadas or the ubiquitous Argentine steak & learn to make the traditional sweet – alfahoras. You might catch a football game, drink wine at a polo match or perhaps learn to play yourself: hit the shops or pay a visit to the historic Café Tortoni for a café con leche & a spot of people watching. Hotel (B)(B) City tour Palermo Chico & Palermo Soho, Recoleta M Argentine culinary experience
•
Day 19: Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls. Today we fly to Puerto Iguassu then travel to the Brazilian side to see the 275 individual waterfalls. You could take a heli-flight for a different angle, or try your luck at spotting macaws & toucans. Hotel (B) Flight & transfers Visit Iguassu Falls
• •
Day 20: Iguassu Falls. We’ll cross back into Argentina & visit their side of the Falls with a walk to see Devil’s Throat. The day is all yours! Try a speed boat ride to feel the spray of the Falls, or go for a swim the hotel. Tonight, try delicious Brazilian BBQ. Hotel (B,D) Visit Iguassu Falls Taste delicious Brazilian BBQ See Devil’s Throat
23
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Unique Special Stays: 1 night Colca Canyon Lodge, 1 night Amazon Jungle Lodge & 21 nights in twin-share hotels
to Christ the Redeemer for amazing city views •M Entry Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain
INCLUDED MEALS 23 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D)
Day 23: Rio de Janeiro. Today is yours to explore. Try hang gliding or grab your towel, sunnies & iPod & chill on Rio’s famous Ipanema Beach. Tonight, we head out for our last night in this amazing city! Hotel (B) Day 24: Depart Rio de Janeiro. We’ll give you a unique insiders-only experience of visiting a favela & seeing the contrast of how some cariocas live. Our adventure ends after our favela tour, when it’s time to say ‘Tchau’ (goodbye) to your travel mates. (B) Locally guided favela tour
•
39 INCLUDED MEALS (TREKKING OPTION) 23 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D)
TRAVELLING EARLY? Travelling between 22nd Aug 2015 & 13th Feb 2016? The below trips (LIRJ/LIRJT 2015/16) are 25 days long & feature a slightly modified itinerary spending 3 nights in Buenos Aires & 2 nights in Buzios. See below for start & end times & visit contiki.com/southam-adventurer for full details.
Code: LIRJ/LIRJT 2015/16 Start Lima
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Start Inca Trail Lima C$ pp*
Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec
7869 7869 7869 7869 7869 7869 7869 7869 7869 7869
8119 8119 8119 8119 8119 8119 8119 8119 8119 8119
22 29 12 26 10 17 24 7 14 21
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
Dec 5 ● Dec 29 Dec 19 ■ Jan 12 Dec 26 ▲ Jan 19
7869 7869 7869
8119 8119 8119
2016 Jan 2 Jan 9 Jan 16 Jan 30 Feb 13
7869 7869 7869 7869 7869
8119 8119 8119 NA NA
2015
2015 Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov
Finish Rio de Janeiro
15 22 6 20 3 10 17 1 8 15
Jan Feb Feb Feb Mar
26 2 9 23 8
Single room supplement add C$1745. ● Trip spends Xmas in Buzios.
■ Trip spends Xmas in Cusco & New Year’s Eve in Puerto Maldonado. ▲ Trip spends New Year’s Eve in Cusco.
Code: LIRJ/LIRJT 2016/17 Start Lima
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Start Inca Trail Lima C$ pp*
7795 7795 7795 7795 7795 7795 7795 7795 7795 7795 7795 7795 7795
8045 8045 8045 8045 8045 8045 8045 8045 8045 8045 8045 8045 8045
2016 Mar Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep
12 Apr 26 Apr 9 May 23 May 7 May 21 Jun 4 Jun 18 Jul 2 Jul 30 ▼ Aug 13 Sep 27 Sep 10 Oct
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
17 31 14 28 12 26 16
7795 7795 7795 7795 7795 7795 7795
8045 8045 8045 8045 8045 8045 8045
30 6 20 6
7795 7795 7795 7795
8045 8045 NA NA
2016 4 18 2 16 30 13 27 11 25 22 5 19 3
Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec
24 Oct 8 Oct 22 Nov 5 Nov 19 Dec 3 ▲ Dec 24 ◆ Jan
2017 Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 28 Feb 11
Jan Feb Feb Mar
* Prices shown are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
• • •
Single room supplement add C$1675.
Day 21: Iguassu Falls to Rio. Home to the world’s largest carnival celebration, Copacabana Beach & the Brazilian bikini, get ready for good times in Rio. Hotel (B,D)
Note: The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February.
Day 22: Rio de Janeiro. This morning we’ll visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue & after we’ll chill on a boat ride around Guanabara Bay with great views of Sugarloaf - take a swim, have a drink & enjoy a BBQ. Hotel (B,L)
◆ Trip spends Xmas in Arequipa & New Year’s Eve in
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • 1 international & 5 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • City tour of Arequipa visiting the Santa Catalina Convent • Hot spring swim in Chivay • Entry to the Temple of Wiracocha • Walking tour of Cusco & entry to La Catedral & the Temple of Koricancha • Tango show & lesson in Buenos Aires • BBQ feast in Iguassu • City sight seeing bike tour in Buenos Aires • City tour of Rio • Locally guided Rio favela tour • Afternoon boat cruise in Rio • Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS
LIRJ/LIRJT: Start Lima 8:00am & end Rio 11:00am. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. ▼ Trip is in Rio during Olympics 2016. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Rio.
M Mountain biking adventure M Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain M Polo experience See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
Sacred Valley. Note: There is a reciprocity fee that must be paid online & prior to arrival into Argentina. Canadian citizens US$92.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ SOUTHAM-ADVENTURER
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
39
MEXICO/BELIZE GUATEMALA
DISCOVERY PLUS
25 DAYS - FROM C$7475 PP*/C$299 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$669. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
CANCUN 3
JALISCO
Puerto 3 Vallarta
MERIDA 1
GUANAJUATO Tequila 1 1 guanajuato 1 Guadalajara MEXICO
YUCATÁN
Playa del Carmen
GULF OF MEXICO QUINTANA ROO
2 MEXICO CITY MICHOACÁN
Guatemalan Rainforest
PUEBLA
Belize City
1
Oaxaca 2 Monte Alban
Mitla
OAXACA
TEHUANTEPEC 1
BELIZE
10 World Heritage sites visited
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane
SAN CRISTOBAL 2
Flores BELIZE
CHIPAS
Chiapas
1 SANTA ELENA
Comitan
PANAJACHEL 1
GUATEMALA
Lago Atitlan PACIFIC OCEAN
2 ANTIGUA
2 CAYE CAULKER
SNAPSHOT
MAYAN HEAT
24
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Mexico City to Guanajuato. Meet up with your Contiki Team & drive to the beautiful Colonial City of Guanajuato. This afternoon explore the winding streets & subterranean passageways of this UNESCO World Heritage city. View the romantic “Callejon de Beso” & hear the legend about the two lovers. Later, see the cast-iron-& glass Hidalgo Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel where you’ll have a chance to shop for local sweet treats. Hotel (D) Walking tour Guanajuato Visit the Hidalgo Market M Visit the Mummy museum
• •
Day 2: Guanajuato to Guadalajara. Today we head to the city the locals call the “Pearl of the West”, Guadalajara! Take a closer look at buildings & plazas filled with great murals & history. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, where you’ll visit the four main squares, inside city hall & the magnificent cathedral. Tonight we hit the town & take in a live Mariachi show, known as the emblematic sound of Mexico. Hotel (B) Guided tour of Guadalajara Listen to a live Mariachi Band
• •
Day 3: Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. We’ll wind through the mountain areas of Jalisco on our way to the beach town of Puerto Vallarta, taking in views of the Ceboruco Volcano, which last erupted over 100 years ago. In the early afternoon, we’ll hit the beach & the local scene in Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy a drink on the sand or relax beachside before dinner at a favorite spot. Hotel (B,D) See the Ceboruco Volcano Guided tour of Puerto Vallarta
• •
Day 4: Puerto Vallarta. The day is all yours to explore the beachside restaurants & markets or take on the day ziplining through the jungle. Soak up the sun & relax under a cool beach umbrella. Hotel (B) M Extreme zipline adventure Day 5: Puerto Vallarta. This morning maybe give surfing a go in a hidden beach along the bay. You could also opt to explore the Marietas Islands for wildlife on an eco-tour. The islands, made famous by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau provide the perfect environment for snorkeling & kayaking. Tonight maybe take in a performance over dinner on an optional boat ride in the bay. Hotel (B) M Surfing safari Day 6: Puerto Vallarta to Tequila. Today it is all about tequila where we will not only have the chance to drink it but learn more about it too. We head to the picturesque town of Tequila where we will learn all about the tequila making process from plant to barrel, visit a tequila factory & of course, indulge in a tequila tasting. Later we’ll enjoy a local meal. Hotel (B,D) Tequila distillery visit & tasting
•
Day 7: Tequila to Mexico City. Return to Mexico City through the charming countryside of the colonial heartland. We’ll make our way through agricultural districts that lead to bustling Mexico City, the largest city the country & the oldest capital city in North America. Hotel (B) Day 8: Mexico City. Start the day with a tour of the incredible ancient ruins of Teotihuacan. Afterwards, get back to Mexico City & visit the unique floating gardens & markets of Xochimilco. Then, it’s off through “The City of Palaces” to see the ancient ruins & colonial-influenced, yet modern, architecture. Hotel (B,D) Guided tour of Teotihuacan Float through the canals of Xochimilco on a Trajinera Visit Coyoacan, birthplace of Frida Kahlo
• • •
Day 9: Mexico City to Merida. Leave behind the buzz of Mexico City & fly to the beautiful white-stone city of Mérida. Tour the city’s gorgeous colonial buildings & Government Palace before indulging in a mouthwatering Yucatecan meal. Hotel (B,D)
• Walking tour of Mérida’s sights
• Visit a Mayan community among the volcanoes of Lake
Day 10: Merida to Cancun via Chichen Itza. Immerse yourself in Mayan history on a guided tour at Chichen Itza – the country’s spectacular ancient Mayan city. This afternoon we arrive in legendary Cancún with its endless shopping, nightlife & outdoor hub. Hotel (B) Guided tour of the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza Swim in a cenote (sink hole)
Day 20: Panajachel to San Cristobal de las Casas. We’ll make our way through small Mayan communities of Guatemala’s highlands before we reach the beautiful & rugged territory of Chiapas. Next on the list, the evergreens & cool cultural capital of San Cristóbal de las Casas via Comitán! Hotel (B) Visit the cute town of Comitán
• •
Day 11: Cancun & Playa del Carmen. We’ll take a day trip to the beach playground of Playa del Carmen. Take a stroll along Quinta Avenida & the stunning beach while enjoying the friendly local hospitality. Fill your day with everything from snorkelling the clear blue waters, hanging out in open-air cafés & restaurants, stopping for a beer or two with the locals, or people watching. You can even take a ferry across to the island of Cozumel before heading back to Cancún. Hotel (B) Visit Playa del Carmen
•
Day 12: Cancun. Soak up all the Cancún action you want today – swim through a jungle lagoon, snorkel, or take a day trip to beautiful Isla Mujeres for some delicious seafood & sightseeing. Then for your last night, party in great bars & dance clubs ‘til the sun comes up. Hotel (B,D) Day 13: Cancun to Caye Caulker. Adios Mexico, but we’ll be back! We’ll head to Chetumal for some exploring before it’s onto Belize. We’ll shore up on this Caribbean island, where the motto is “go slow.” Tonight prepare to feast on fresh seafood & your chance to sample the reggae nightlife! Hotel (B,D) Experience the Belize Barrier Reef
•
Day 14: Caye Caulker. The day is all yours! You could try swimming with sharks at Belize’s World Heritage Barrier Reef, kayaking the mangroves or lazing on “The Split” where sipping & sunbathing is the scene! Tonight, it’s an amazing sunset sail with snacks, drinks & music. Hotel (B) Sunset boat cruise
•
Day 15: Caye Caulker to Guatemalan Rainforest. Next up, Guatemala’s El Petén region via Belize City! On arrival at our awesome jungle lodge there’s the option to fly through the rainforest canopy on ziplines… why not! Explore the local ruins then drift off to sleep to the sounds of the forest. (B,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Stay in Tikal National Park
•
Day 16: Guatemalan Rainforest to Santa Elena (Flores). Rise early to watch daybreak unfold from the top of the Mayan ruin, Templo IV. We’ll take a guided tour of the area & you could explore the magnificent jungle ruins, before a trip to the island of Flores, built on the ancient Mayan centre, Tayasal. Hotel (B) Day 17: Santa Elena to Antigua. From the relaxed Flores to Guatemala’s bustling capital city! Skip the queues & head straight for the unique beauty & relaxed vibe of World Heritage Antigua. Experience the historic & beautiful town, with its rooftop flowerbeds, horse drawn carriages & cobblestones. Hotel (B,D) Sightseeing tour of colonial Antigua
•
Day 18: Antigua. With the day all yours, see the sights & tick those boxes. Adventure seekers can hike a volcano or ride mountain bikes. Or if you want to relax you could try making local native chocolates or shop for traditional textiles. Hotel (B) Day 19: Antigua to Panajachel. We’ll take a private boat to a lakeside Mayan community & meet local artisans who’ll teach us to make yummy tortillas by hand. Afterwards, relax on a hammock & take in beautiful lake views! Hotel (B)
Atitlán & learn to make tortillas
•
Day 21: San Cristobal de las Casas. Adventurers could try horseback riding or mountain biking this morning, then we’ll visit the Mayan hillside communities of San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán. Tonight try some traditional ‘tamales chiapanecos’ before hitting the town. Get festive! Hotel (B,D) Enter a sacred highland temple to experience ancient traditions in Chiapas
•
Day 22: San Cristobal de las Casas to Tehuantepec. After a morning relaxing, we’ll descend from the forested hills into the beautiful coastal plains of Tehuantepec, where you’ll visit the city square. This evening, chill by the pool before a delicious local meal. Hotel (B,D) Day 23: Tehuantepec to Oaxaca. First up we head to World Heritage Oaxaca then it’s onto Matatlan. Later we head to Mitla, where sacred rites were once carried out among the still intact geometrical stonework. We’ll see colonial architecture this evening, stopping at the local market for some delicious chapulines… yum! Hotel (B) Visit the Zapotec religious centre Mitla Taste fiery mescal & sample spicy chapulines in the valley of Oaxaca Locally guided walking tour of colonial Oaxaca
• • •
Day 24: Monte Alban. Discover local museums & shops before we visit Monte Albán, built on a mountain-top. Famous for its traditional crafts, we will visit a local workshop before our last night…Salud! Hotel (B,D) Visit the UNESCO site Monte Albán & discover a local workshop
•
Day 25: Oaxaca to Mexico City. This morning we travel to the centre of the ancient Aztec universe. We’ll take a panoramic tour of World Heritage Puebla, then head to Cholula. Choose to enjoy a relaxed lunch in the small town plaza or enter the ruins & explore the ancient tunnels (entrance fee not included). This evening, we arrive in Mexico City, where you can say ‘adios’ to your amigos! (B) Visit Cholula where the church, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, stands above the buried pyramid Tlachihualtepet
•
Please note: Do not book departing flights before 9:00pm.
Code: MCMC 2015/16/17 Start Mexico City
Finish Mexico City
Total Cost C$ pp*
Start Mexico City
Finish Mexico City
Total Cost C$ pp*
2016
2015 Aug 22 Sep 15 Oct 17 Nov 10 Dec 5 ● Dec 29
7475 7475 7475
2016 Jan 16 Feb 27 Mar 12 Apr 16 May 21 Jun 11 Jun 25
7475 7475 7475 7475 7475 7475 7475
Jul Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
9 Aug 30 Aug 20 Sep 17 Oct 15 Nov 12 Dec 3 ■ Dec 17 ▲ Jan
2 23 13 11 8 6 27 10
7475 7475 7475 7475 7475 7475 7475 7475
Unique Special Stay: 1 night Jungle Lodge & 23 nights in twin-share hotels
36 INCLUDED MEALS 24 breakfasts (B), 12 dinners (D)
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations • 2 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker (round trip) • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Cruise on a ‘Trajinera’ & discover Xochimilco • Tour the Pyramids of Teotihuacan • Relax on a horse drawn carriage ride in Merida • Visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza • Sunset boat cruise • Visit a Mayan community among the volcanoes of Lake Atitlán • Taste fiery mescal, sample spicy chapulines & learn to make tortillas • Enter a sacred highland temple in Chiapas Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS
▲ Trip spends Xmas in Merida & NYE in Tikal.
M Marietas Eco-discovery M Kayak the crystalline Caribbean M Pirate of the bay M Ride in a horse drawn carriage through World Heritage Antigua M Hike a volcano (availability subject to lava flow) M Mountain bike the cloud forests of San Cristobal M Ride horseback among the Maya See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): entering Mexico US$22, leaving Mexico for Belize US$32.50, departing Belize US$20, entering & departing Guatemala US$1.50.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ MAYAN-HEAT
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul
9 22 5 10 14 5 19
2017 Jan 14 Feb 11
Feb 7 Mar 7
7475 7475
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add C$2095. Start Mexico City 7:00am & end Mexico City approx. 5:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in San Cristobal de las Casas. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Oaxaca.
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
41
MEXICO/BELIZE GUATEMALA
DISCOVERY PLUS
14 DAYS - FROM C$4545 PP*/C$325 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$420. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
CANCUN 1
QUINTANA ROO
MEXICO
Mexico City
GULF OF MEXICO
Guatemalan Rainforest
PUEBLA
Oaxaca 2 Monte Alban OAXACA
Mitla
TEHUANTEPEC 1
SAN CRISTOBAL 2
Flores BELIZE
1 SANTA ELENA
CHIAPAS
Chiapas Comitan
GUATEMALA
PANAJACHEL 1 PACIFIC OCEAN
CAYE CAULKER
Belize City
1
6 World Heritage sites visited
Lago Atitlan
2 ANTIGUA Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane
2 CAYE CAULKER
SNAPSHOT
CENTRAL TRAIL
13
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Unique Special Stay: 1 night Jungle Lodge & 12 nights in twin-share hotels
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Arrive Cancun. Touchdown in Cancun, Mexico’s gateway to the Caribbean where sun, music & sights await! Meet your Contiki Team, then you can either stargaze from the beach, or get amongst the nightlife at Parque las Palapas. Hotel (D)
Day 11: San Cristobal de las Casas to Tehuantepec. After a morning relaxing, we’ll descend from the forested hills into the beautiful coastal plains of Tehuantepec, where you’ll visit the city square. This evening, chill by the pool before a delicious local meal. Hotel (B,D)
Day 2: Cancun to Caye Caulker. Adios Mexico, but we’ll be back! We’ll head to Chetumal for some exploring before it’s onto Belize. We’ll shore up on this Caribbean island, where the motto is “go slow.” Tonight prepare to feast on fresh seafood & your chance to sample the reggae nightlife! Hotel (B,D)
Day 12: Tehuantepec to Oaxaca. First up we head to World Heritage Oaxaca then it’s onto Matatlan. Later we head to Mitla, where sacred rites were once carried out among the still intact geometrical stonework. We’ll discover colonial architecture this afternoon, stopping at the local market for some delicious Chapulines…yum! Hotel (B) Visit the Zapotec religious center Mitla Taste fiery mescal & sample spicy chapulines in the valley of Oaxaca Locally guided walking tour of colonial Oaxaca
Day 3: Caye Caulker. The day is all yours! You could try swimming with sharks at Belize’s World Heritage Barrier Reef, kayaking the mangroves or lazing on “The Split” where sipping & sunbathing is the scene! Tonight, it’s an amazing sunset sail with snacks, drinks & music. Hotel (B) Sunset boat cruise M Dive or snorkel on Belize Barrier Reef
•
Day 4: Caye Caulker to Guatemalan Rainforest. Next up is Guatemala’s Peten via Belize town! On arrival at our awesome Jungle Lodge there’s the option to fly through the rainforest canopy on ziplines… why not! Explore the local ruins then drift to sleep to the sounds of the forest. (B,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Stay in Tikal National Park M Jungle ziplining experience
•
Day 5: Guatemalan Rainforest to Santa Elena (Flores). Rise early to watch daybreak unfold from the top of the Mayan ruin, Templo IV. We’ll take a guided tour of the area & you could explore the magnificent jungle ruins, before a trip to the island of Flores, built on the ancient Mayan center, Tayasal. Hotel (B) Locally guided tour of Tikal National Park
• • •
Day 13: Monte Alban. Discover local museums & shops before we visit Monte Alban, built on a mountaintop. Famous for its traditional crafts, we will visit a local workshop before our last night… Salud! Hotel (B,D) Visit the UNESCO site Monte Alban & discover a local workshop
•
Day 14: Oaxaca to Mexico City. This morning we travel to the center of the ancient Aztec universe. We’ll take a panoramic tour of World Heritage Puebla, then head to Cholula. Choose to enjoy a relaxed lunch in the small town plaza or enter the ruins & explore the ancient tunnels (entrance fee not included). This evening, we arrive Mexico City, where you can say adios to your amigos! (B) Visit Cholula where the church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios stands above the buried pyramid Tlachihualtepetl
•
Please note: Do not book departing flights before 9:00pm.
•
Day 6: Santa Elena to Antigua. From the relaxed Flores to Guatemala’s bustling capital city! Skip the queues & head straight for the unique beauty & relaxed vibe of World Heritage Antigua. Experience the historic & beautiful town, with its rooftop flowerbeds, horse drawn carriages & cobblestones. Hotel (B,D) Sightseeing tour of colonial Antigua
•
Start Cancun
Finish Mexico City
Total Cost C$ pp*
2015 4545 4545 4545
2016 27 9 23 27 1 22 6
Finish Mexico City
Total Cost C$ pp*
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul
9 22 5 10 14 5 19
4545 4545 4545 4545 4545 4545 4545
Jul Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
20 Aug 10 Aug 31 Sep 28 Oct 26 Nov 23 Dec 14 ■ Dec 28 ▲ Jan
2 23 13 11 8 6 27 10
4545 4545 4545 4545 4545 4545 4545 4545
13 breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D)
INCLUSIONS
2017 Jan 25 Feb 22
20 INCLUDED MEALS
2016
Sep 2 Sep 15 Oct 28 Nov 10 Dec 16 ● Dec 29
Jan Mar Mar Apr Jun Jun Jul
Start Cancun
Feb 7 Mar 7
4545 4545
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Single room supplement add C$925. Start Cancun 5:00pm & end Mexico City approx. 5:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in San Cristobal de las Casas. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Oaxaca. ▲ Trip spends NYE in Tikal.
Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): entering Mexico US$22, leaving Mexico for Belize US$32.50, departing Belize US$20, entering & departing Guatemala US$1.50. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.66. Explore More: Have a few more days? Check out our Latin Legends trip & start Mexico City & end the trip in Mexico City.
• An experienced & professional Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations • 1 internal flight & transfer • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker (round trip) • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Sunset boat cruise • Visit a Mayan community among the volcanoes of Lake Atitlan • Taste fiery mescal, sample spicy chapulines & learn to make tortillas • Enter a sacred highland temple in Chiapas Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS
Day 7: Antigua. With the day all yours, see the sights & tick those boxes. Adventure seekers can hike a volcano or ride mountain bikes. Or if you want to relax you could try making local native chocolates or shop for traditional textiles. Hotel (B) M Hike the Pacaya Volcano
M Kayak the crystalline Caribbean M Ride a horse drawn carriage through World Heritage Antigua M Hike a volcano (availability subject to lava flow) M Mountain bike the cloud forests of San Cristobal See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
Day 8: Antigua to Panajachel. We’ll take a private boat to a lakeside Mayan community & meet local artisans who’ll teach us to make yummy tortillas by hand. Afterwards, relax on a hammock & enjoy the views. Hotel (B) Visit a Mayan community among the volcanoes of Lake Atitlan & learn to make tortillas
•
Day 9: Panajachel to San Cristobal de las Casas. We’ll make our way through small Mayan communities of Guatemala’s highlands before we reach the beautiful & rugged territory of Chiapas. Next on the list, the evergreens & the cool cultural capital of San Cristobal de las Casas via Comitan! Hotel (B) Visit the charming town of Comitan
LOCAL CULTURE Thrill seekers this one is for you! Try zip lining in Guatemala & get your fix as you speed through the rainforest canopy for incredible views & heart racing fun!
•
Day 10: San Cristobal de las Casas. Adventurers can try horseback riding or mountain biking this morning, then we’ll visit the Mayan hillside communities of San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan. Tonight, try some traditional Tamales Chiapanecos before hitting the town. Get festive! Hotel (B,D) Enter a sacred highland temple to experience ancient traditions in Chiapas M Horseback ride the evergreen highlands of Mexico
Code: CAMC 2015/16/17
•
ANTIGUA
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ CENTRAL-TRAIL
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
43
CANCUN 3
MERIDA 1
Playa del Carmen
YUCATÁN
GULF OF MEXICO
CHICHEN ITZA
QUINTANA ROO
MEXICO
1 MEXICO CITY
SNAPSHOT
DISCOVERY PLUS
10
Guatemalan Rainforest
Belize City
1 Flores
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
SOL SEEKER
Unique Special Stay: 1 night Jungle Lodge & 9 nights in twin-share hotels
16
1 SANTA ELENA GUATEMALA
6 World Heritage sites visited
11 DAYS - 3 COUNTRIES FROM C$3749 PP*/C$341 P/DAY*
INCLUDED MEALS
SAVE
2 CAYE CAULKER
BELIZE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$295. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
10 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)
1 ANTIGUA
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations • 2 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private airconditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker (round trip) • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations • Local taxes & service charges
Day 1: Arrive Mexico City. Meet up with your Contiki Team & start the day with a tour of the incredible ancient ruins of Teotihuacan. Afterwards, the day is yours to jump into the city’s high energy & explore its sidewalk cafés, bazaars, boutiques & museums. Hotel (D) Guided tour of Teotihuacan
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS
Day 3: Merida to Cancun via Chichen Itza. Immerse yourself in Mayan history on a guided tour at Chichen Itza – the country’s spectacular ancient Mayan city. This afternoon we arrive in legendary Cancun with its endless shopping, nightlife & outdoor hub. Hotel (B) Guided tour of the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza Swim in a cenote (sink hole)
• Teotihuacan pyramids tour • Take a horse drawn carriage ride in Merida • Visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza • Sunset boat cruise Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Kayak the crystalline Caribbean See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ SOL-SEEKER
•
Day 2: Mexico City to Merida. Leave behind the buzz of Mexico City & fly to the beautiful white stone-city of Merida. Tour the city’s gorgeous colonial buildings & Government Palace before indulging in a mouthwatering Yucatecan meal. Hotel (B,D) Walking tour of Merida’s sights Horse & Carriage ride
• •
• •
Day 4: Cancun & Playa del Carmen. We’ll take a day trip to the beach playground of Playa del Carmen. Take a stroll along the Quinta Avenida & the stunning beach while enjoying the friendly local hospitality. Fill your day with everything from snorkelling the clear blue waters, hanging out in open-air cafés & restaurants, stopping for a beer with the locals, or people watching. You can even take a ferry across to the island of Cozumel before heading back to Cancun. Hotel (B) Visit Playa del Carmen
•
Day 5: Cancun. Soak up all the Cancun action you want today - swim through a jungle lagoon, snorkel, or take a day trip to beautiful Isla Mujeres for some delicious seafood & sightseeing. Tonight, party in great bars & dance clubs ‘til the sun comes up. Hotel (B,D) M Snorkelling & zipline adventure
Day 6: Cancun to Caye Caulker. Adios Mexico, but we’ll be back! We’ll head to Chetumal for some exploring before it’s onto Belize. We’ll shore up on this Caribbean island, where the motto is “go slow.” Tonight prepare to feast on fresh seafood & your chance to sample the reggae nightlife! Hotel (B,D) Day 7: Caye Caulker. The day is all yours! You could try swimming with sharks at Belize’s World Heritage Barrier Reef, kayaking the mangroves or lazing on “The Split” where sipping & sunbathing is the scene! Tonight, it’s an amazing sunset sail with snacks, drinks & music. Hotel (B) Sunset boat cruise M Dive or snorkel on Belize Barrier Reef
•
Day 8: Caye Caulker to Guatemalan Rainforest. Next up is Guatemala’s Peten via Belize town! On arrival at our awesome Jungle Lodge there’s the option to fly through the rainforest canopy on ziplines… why not! Explore the local ruins then drift to sleep to the sounds of the forest. (B,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Stay in Tikal National Park M Jungle ziplining experience
•
Day 9: Guatemalan Rainforest to Santa Elena (Flores). Rise early to watch daybreak unfold from the top of the Mayan ruin, Templo IV. We’ll take a guided tour of the area & you could explore the magnificent jungle ruins, before a trip to the island of Flores, built on the ancient Mayan centre, Tayasal. Hotel (B) Locally guided tour of Tikal National Park
•
Day 10: Santa Elena to Antigua. From the relaxed Flores to Guatemala’s bustling capital city! Skip the queues & head straight for the unique beauty & relaxed vibe of World Heritage Antigua. Experience the historic & beautiful town, with its rooftop flowerbeds, horse drawn carriages & cobblestones. Hotel (B,D) Sightseeing tour of Colonial Antigua
•
Day 11: Depart Antigua. This morning it’s adios to your amigos. So say your goodbyes before heading home, or get out & do some more exploring in Antigua. (B)
Code: MCAN 2015/16/17 Start Mexico City
Finish Antigua
Total Cost C$ pp*
Sep 8 Nov 3 Dec 22
3749 3749 3749
Feb Mar Mar May Jun Jun Jul
3749 3749 3749 3749 3749 3749 3749
2015 Aug 29 Oct 24 Dec 12
23 5 19 23 28 18 2
Finish Antigua
Total Cost C$ pp*
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Nov Dec Jan
26 16 6 4 1 29 20 3
3749 3749 3749 3749 3749 3749 3749 3749
Jan 31 Feb 28
3749 3749
2016
2016 Jan Mar Mar Apr May Jun Jul
Start Mexico City
2 15 29 3 7 28 12
Jul Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
16 6 27 24 22 19 10 24 ●
2017 Jan 21 Feb 18
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Single room supplement add C$979. Start Mexico City 7:00am & end Antigua 11:00am. Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): leaving Mexico for Belize US$32.50, departing Belize US$20, entering Guatemala US$1.50. ● Trip spends Xmas in Merida.
For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.66.
RIO DE JANEIRO 3
LA BOCA, BUENOS AIRES
Paraguay
2 IGUASSU FALLS
BRAZIL
2 World Heritage sites visited ARGENTINA
1 or more nightstops Plane
Uruguay
BUENOS 3 AIRES
SNAPSHOT
8
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
DISCOVERY PLUS
8 nights twin-share hotel accommodation
ARGENTINA & BRAZIL EXPERIENCE
12 INCLUDED MEALS 8 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 3 dinners (D)
9 DAYS - 2 COUNTRIES FROM C$3069 PP*/C$341 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$235. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
INCLUSIONS
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires. Hola Buenos Aires! This cosmopolitan city is filled with culture & diversity in everything from buildings to its people. As the birthplace of tango there’s a love of music, dance & football – not to mention world-renowned beef & red wine. This morning get out & experience this iconic city on a bike tour to spots like Puerto Madero & La Boca. Tonight, get ready to tango with the locals as you learn all the tricks at a dance lesson & show. Hotel (D) City sights bike tour - see the neighbourhoods of La Boca & Puerto Madero Tango lesson, show & dinner
• •
Days 2 - 3: Buenos Aires. We’ll start day 2 with a coach tour to see the rest of the city & then you can experience BA your way. Get into the cuisine of Argentina on our culinary experience: try empanadas or the ubiquitous Argentine steak & learn to make the traditional sweet – alfahoras. You might catch a football game, drink wine at a polo match or perhaps learn to play yourself: hit the shops or pay a visit to the historic Café Tortoni for a café con leche & a spot of people watching. Hotel (B)(B) City tour Palermo Chico & Palermo Soho, Recoleta M Argentine culinary experience
•
Day 4: Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls. Today we fly to Puerto Iguassu then travel to the Brazilian side to see the 275 individual waterfalls that make up Iguassu. You could take a heli-flight for a different angle on the Falls, or try your luck at spotting macaws & toucans. Tonight, sample the delicious national drink, caipirinha. Hotel (B) Visit Iguassu Falls
•
TRAVELLING EARLY? Day 5: Iguassu Falls. We’ll cross back into Argentina & visit their side of Iguassu Falls with a walk to see Devil’s Throat. The day is all yours to experience the Falls. Try a speed boat ride to feel the spray of the Falls, or go for a swim back at the hotel. Tonight we have tasty BBQ. Hotel (B,D) Visit Iguassu Falls Taste delicious BBQ See Devil’s Throat
• • •
Day 6: Iguassu Falls to Rio. Home to the world’s largest carnival celebration, Copacabana Beach & the Brazilian bikini, get ready for good times in Rio. Hotel (B,D) Day 7: Rio de Janeiro. This morning we’ll visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue & after we’ll chill on a boat ride around Guanabara Bay with great views of Sugarloaf - take a swim, have a drink & enjoy a BBQ. Hotel (B,L) Entry to Christ the Redeemer for amazing city views M Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain
•
Day 8: Rio de Janeiro. Today is yours to explore. Try hang gliding or grab your towel, sunnies & iPod & chill on Rio’s famous Ipanema Beach. Tonight, we head out for our last night in this amazing city! Hotel (B) Day 9: Depart Rio de Janeiro. We’ll give you a unique insiders-only experience of visiting a favela & seeing the contrast of how some cariocas live. Our adventure ends after our favela tour, when it’s time to say ‘Tchau’ (goodbye) to your travel mates. (B) Locally guided favela tour
•
Travelling between 30th Aug 2015 & 14th Feb 2016? The below trip (BARJ 2015/16) is 10 days long & features a slightly modified itinerary spending 2 nights in Buenos Aires & 2 nights in Buzios. See below for start & end times & visit contiki.com/southam-experience for full details.
Code: BARJ 2015/16 Start Buenos Aires
2015 Aug 30 Sep 6 Sep 27 Nov 1 Nov 22 Nov 29 Dec 20 ●
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Total Cost C$ pp*
Sep Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec Dec
3139 3139 3139 3139 3139 3139 3139
8 15 6 10 1 8 29
Start Buenos Aires
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Total Cost C$ pp*
2016 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Feb 14
Jan Jan Feb Feb
3139 3139 3139 3139
19 26 2 23
Single room supplement add C$965. ● This trip spends Xmas in Buzios.
Code: BARJ 2016/17 Start Buenos Aires
Finish Rio de Janeiro
2016 Mar 27 Apr 4 Apr 10 Apr 18 Apr 24 May 2 May 8 May 16 May 22 May 30 Jun 5 Jun 13 Jun 19 Jun 27 Jul 3 Jul 11 Jul 17 Jul 25 Aug 14 ▼ Aug 22 Aug 28 Sep 5 Sep 11 Sep 19 Sep 25 Oct 3
Total Cost C$ pp*
3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069
Start Buenos Aires
Finish Rio de Janeiro
2016 Oct 9 Oct 17 Oct 23 Oct 31 Nov 6 Nov 14 Nov 20 Nov 28 Dec 4 Dec 12 Dec 18 ■ Dec 26 2017 Jan 8 Jan 16 Jan 22 Jan 30 Jan 29 Feb 6 Feb 12 Feb 20 Feb 26 Mar 6
Total Cost C$ pp*
3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069
shown are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we * Prices can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add C$889. BARJ: Start Buenos Aires 7:00am & end Rio 11:00am. ■ This trip spends Xmas in Rio. ▼ Trip is in Rio during Olympics 2016. Note: There is a reciprocity fee that must be paid online & prior to arrival into Argentina. Canadian citizens US$92.
• An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • 2 internal flight & transfers • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Tango show & lesson in Buenos Aires • City sight seeing bike tour in Buenos Aires • BBQ feast in Iguassu • City tour of Rio • Locally guided Rio favela tour • Afternoon boat cruise in Rio • Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Helicopter flight over Iguassu Falls M Soccer game (when available) See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ SOUTHAM-EXPERIENCE
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
45
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
REALLY EXPERIENCE LIFE AS A LOCAL. TRACK TURTLES IN COSTA RICA, EXPLORE ANCIENT INCAN RUINS IN PERU & SOAK UP THE SUN-DRENCHED SHORES OF THE CARIBBEAN WITH THE TRAVEL STYLE THAT’S ALL ABOUT GRABBING A SLICE OF LOCAL LIFE. 8 TRIPS / 7–14 DAYS
INCLUDED
Ultimate Inca
• Twin share rooms, or a single room for a little extra privacy for a little extra & three nights camping for those who head out for adventure on the Ultimate Inca
....................................... p.47
Costa Rica Unplugged............................ p.48 Mayan Rocker ........................................... p.50 Caribbean Encounter .............................. p.51 Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper ....p.52 Peru Uncovered ........................................ p.54 Andes & Amazon Highlights ................ p.56 Inca Panorama ......................................... p.57
New for 2016
• Breakfast each day, and lots of included local cuisine • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • An experienced & professional Trip Manager, plus expert English speaking Local Guides
contiki.com/in-depth-explorer-latin-america
• Lots of included activities, like a sunset cruise & wildlife kayaking experience, a salsa lesson & a walking tour of Cusco • A modern air-conditioned coach, mini coach or van • ME Time – your chance to explore on your own or take advantage of our awesome optional activities
We Love WiFi – stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops
AM AMAZO A MAZ MA MAZO MAZ AZ AZO ZO ON ON
BRAZIL PERU
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
AGUA AS CALIE IE IE IENTES (Machu u Pic c u)) cchu)
MACHU PICCHU
4
INCA A TRA AIL AI A Ollan llan ay llantay aytam amb ambo a am mb m
ULTIMATE INCA
Andes
CUSCO 2
SNAPSHOT
1 SACRE ACRE CRE CRED VALLEY Y Bolivia
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$169. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
NEW TRIP
2 World Heritage sites visited
7
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Coast
8 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM C$1795 PP*/C$225 P/DAY* SAVE
Rainforest
4 nights in twin-share hotels & 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail
Places visited 1 or more nightstops Coach, mini-coach or van Train
15 INCLUDED MEALS
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Arrive Cusco. Meet up with your Contiki Team this morning & get ready for your adventure to begin! The modern-day starting point for visits to Machu Picchu, we’ll explore this ancient city on foot, then the afternoon is free for you to explore, your way. From ancient Inca buildings, intricate colonial architecture, artisan shops & boutiques, to delicious cuisine & adrenaline activities, there’s something for everyone! Hotel (D) City walking tour Visit San Blas, La Catedral, Koricancha & San Pedro Market
• •
Day 2: Cusco to Sacred Valley. Today we explore the Sacred Valley. Take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins before spending the night in one of Peru’s oldest towns. Tonight make sure you rest up, as tomorrow the expedition to Machu Picchu will begin! Hotel (B) Entry into the Sacred Valley & a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Pisac & Ollantaytambo Try some local Chicha de Jora
• •
Days 3 - 6: Inca Trail. Get ready for mind-blowing views as we embark on this once in a lifetime trek of the Incas. We’ll follow ancient trails through thick cloud forest, past waterfalls, wildlife & ancient ruins and over the mountain of Warmiwanusca, also known as ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’. On these three nights you’ll camp overnight with the mountains & cloud forest as your backdrop. Spend your first night Wayllabamba (3,000 metres), the 2nd night at Pacamayo (3,600m) & your final night at Wiñay Wayna (2700m). On the final morning, arriving at the Sun Gate for that first glimpse of Machu Picchu will make you feel like you’ve conquered a enchanted land. Explore the magical ancient ruins & imagine life as it was in the Inca times, before we head back to the Sacred Valley for some much needed R&R. Hotel (B,L,D)(B,L,D)(B,L,D)(B)
Code: INCAT 2016/17 Day 7: Sacred Valley to Cusco. Today we make our way back to Cusco via the Sacred Valley. We will stop at the weaving community of Chinchero, one of the great local causes supported by Treadright, before arriving back to Cusco. Enjoy a free afternoon; relax with a book or wander the town before we meet up for our farewell dinner. Hotel (B,D) Visit Chinchero
•
Day 8: Depart Cusco. It’s time to says Adios to your new friends as your trip ends at 11am this morning. (B)
Start Cusco
Finish Cusco
Total Cost C$ pp*
Apr Apr May May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep
1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1875 1875 1945 1945 1945 1945 1945
27 10 24 8 22 5 19 3 17 31 14 28
Start Cusco
Finish Cusco
Total Cost C$ pp*
Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec
18 2 16 30 13 27 11 25
1875 1875 1845 1845 1795 1795 1875 1875
Jan 15 Jan 29
1875 1875
2016
2016 Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug
7 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
3 17 1 15 29 12 26 10 24 7 21 4
Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec
11 25 9 23 6 20 4 18
2017 Jan 8 Jan 22
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Single room supplement add C$229. Start Cusco 8:00am & end Cusco approx. 11:00am. For travel insurance see p.66.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Space to trek the iconic Inca Trail is in high demand, with a limited number of spaces each day. In order to maximize the opportunity for our travellers to take the trek as a group, we have created a flexible itinerary, where the days that we take the trek may vary from the itinerary If we need to alternate the itinerary to accommodate, rest assured that all destinations as specified in the itinerary will be visited as part of the 8-day Ultimate Inca trip, but the 4-day hike may be on different days. On the occasion that spaces on the Inca Trail are sold out, one of the area’s alternative treks will be offered at the time of booking. You will be advised of your itinerary in advance of your trip. Visit contiki.com/ultimate-inca for details.
• Walking tour of Cusco & entry to La Catedral, Koricancha & San Pedro market • Entry into the Sacred Valley & a guided tour of the Pisac ruins & Ollantaytambo • Guided tour of Machu Picchu • Visit the weaving community of Chinchero; a TreadRight sponsored initiative Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
CONTIKI.COM/ ULTIMATE-INCA
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
47
COSTA RICA
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
12 DAYS - FROM C$2885 PP*/C$241 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$290. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
Nicaragua
COSTA RICA
ARENAL playa tamarindo 2
SARAPIQUI 1
2
2 MONTEVERDE
Poas Volcano National Park
2
TORTUGUERO 15 day extension only
Braulio Carrillo National Park
1 SAN JOSÉ SAN JOSÉ 2 15 day extension only Quepos
GULF OF MEXICO
MANUEL ANTONIO 3 Manuel Antonio National Park
PACIFIC OCEAN
COSTA RICAN RAINFOREST
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 15 day extension nightstop (Jun-Oct 2016) 1 or more nights at Special Stay
COSTA RICA UNPLUGGED
SNAPSHOT
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING
19
Day 1: Arrive San Jose. Meet up with your Contiki Team before heading out to explore Poás Volcano National Park & San José’s famous spots. Tonight, start the trip right & get to know your group over a delicious dinner at our favourite local restaurant. Hotel (D) San José tour see La Sabana Park, the Contemporary Art Museum, Central market, La Plaza de la Cultura & National Theatre Visit Poás Volcano National Park
• •
Day 2: San Jose to Sarapiqui Rainforest Lodge (Selva Verde Eco-Lodge Special stay). Next up, our overnight eco-lodge in Sarapiqui – it’s perfect for those that love to relax. You’ll discover the rainforest on our Tirimbina chocolate tour to learn about one of mankind’s favourite treats. After we head to the lodge where you can explore the trails and hanging bridges or just chill by the pool. (B,D) Contiki Special Stay Rainforest Lodge Locally guided Tirimbina chocolate tour Dance lessons
• •
Day 3: Sarapiqui to Arenal/La Fortuna. This morning’s yours, so choose from adrenaline pumping whitewater rafting, a canopy adventure or horseback riding before checking out the perfectly symmetrical Arenal volcano. The area is known for its spa & mud pool treatments, so it’s the ideal place to treat yourself. Hotel (B,L) Try rafting, a canopy zipline or horseback riding - your choice! See the incredible Arenal volcano
• •
Day 4: Arenal. This morning maybe give canyoneering a go, then this afternoon experience the traditional Costa Rican way of life with a visit to La Casona Rio Fortuna. Get in the know as you learn how to mill sugar cane & make delicious coffee & tortillas, then enjoy a traditional homemade dinner with the owners. Hotel (B,D) Guided tour of Las Casona & its local industries Learn how traditional products are made & try making some yourself! M Canyoneering (Waterfall rappelling)
• •
Day 5: Arenal to Playa Tamarindo. Today we head to the pacific coast to spend a couple of days in Playa Tamarindo, known for its great surfing beaches & party feel. Before arriving we’ll visit Palo Verde National Park, a slice of wetland sanctuary in the middle of Costa Rica’s driest region & experience a wildlife river cruise on the Tempique River, Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of American Crocodiles, Coatis, Raccoons, Capuchin & Howler Monkeys. Beach Resort (B,L,D)
Verde National Park • Palo • Wildlife boat tour & lunch Day 6: Playa Tamarindo. Get into the laid-back vibe of this beach town, try your hand at surfing, snorkelling or diving. This afternoon join us on an optional catamaran cruise. Beach Resort (B) M Catamaran trip Day 7: Playa Tamarindo to Monteverde. Today it’s on to Monteverde, Costa Rica’s most popular reserve. It’s one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics, filled with cloud forests, coffee plantations, monkeys, mist & friendly locals. This afternoon we hike into the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Hotel (B) Hike the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
•
Day 8: Monteverde. It’s an early start this morning as we visit Selvatura Park to walk the hanging bridges, visit the butterfly sanctuary and for the thrill seekers opt in for ziplining. This afternoon learn the A-Z about Costa Rica’s famous coffee. Hotel (B,D) Costa Rican coffee making tour
•
Day 9: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. It’s all sun & good times this morning, we’re off to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Rican Central Pacific coast! We’ll make a stop in Jaco before arriving at Manuel Antonio, a haven for those that love to relax. Hotel (B) Day 10: Manuel Antonio. This morning is all about doing your own thing. Hit the beach with your iPod & a book, head out to explore the town or just sit with a drink & work on your tan. This afternoon opt in for a horseback ride through the jungle & to the Tacori waterfalls. Hotel (B) Visit a local market M Horseback riding
•
Day 11: Manuel Antonio. It’s time to get active & walk with our expert guide through the exotic, bio-diverse tropical rainforest of Manuel Antonio National Park. This afternoon join a kayak adventure to explore the biodiversity in the mangroves. Don’t forget your swimming gear for swim stops & snorkelling. Hotel (B,D) Locally guided rainforest hike M Coastal kayak/snorkelling experience
•
Day 12: Manuel Antonio to San José. Relax in paradise this morning before we head back to San José where your trip ends on arrival. (B) Please note: Do not book departing flights before 8:00pm.
3-DAY TRIP EXTENSION JUNE-OCTOBER 2016 Travelling between June-October 2016? Add on a 3-day extension to experience one of the Western Hemisphere’s most important nesting sites of the green sea turtle. The experience: Spend the night in San Jose, then the following morning leave the big city behind & head to eco-tourism hotspot Tortuguero & our 2 night jungle lodge by boat. Pass by plantations & travel through a lush tropical rainforest, meander on the rivers & canals which offer breathtaking views of the Costa Rican forest & mangrove swamps. Visit the stunning coastline to prepare to have a once in a lifetime moment as you watch the turtles nest or give birth! We return to San Jose on day 15 at approx. 4:00pm Twin room supplement C$825. Single room supp C$930. See ■ symbol in price panel for available departures. Code: COSTAT
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Special Stay experiences: 2 nights Beach Resort, 1 night Eco Rainforest Lodge & 8 nights in twin-share hotels
INCLUDED MEALS
TRAVELLING EARLY?
TORTUGUERO TURTLE EXPERIENCE O
11
15 DAYS
Travelling between 12th Sep 2015 & 20th Feb 2016? The below trip (COSTR 2015/16) features a slightly modified itinerary spending 2 nights in Tortuguero. See below for start & end times & visit contiki.com/unplugged for full details.
Code: COSTR 2015/16 Start San Jose
Finish San Jose
Total Cost C$ pp*
Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec
2885 2885 2885 2885 2885 2885 2885
2015 Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec
Start San Jose
Finish San Jose
23 7 28 11 25 9 23
Dec 26 ● Jan 6
27
Total Cost C$ pp*
INCLUDED MEALS (TURTLE VISIT OPTION)
2885
14 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D)
2015
12 26 17 31 14 28 12
11 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D)
2016 Jan Jan Feb Feb
9 23 6 20
Jan Feb Feb Mar
20 3 17 2
2885 2885 2885 2885
Single room supplement add C$1055.
INCLUSIONS
● Trip spends New Year’s Eve in Arenal.
• An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges
Code: COSTR 2016/17 Start San Jose
Finish San Jose
Total Cost C$ pp*
Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep
2949 2949 2949 2949 2949 2949 2949 2949 2949 2949
2016 Mar Apr Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep
26 30 4 25 9 23 13 20 3 17
Start San Jose
Finish San Jose
Total Cost C$ pp*
2016
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
6 11 15 6 20 3 24 31 14 28
Oct Oct Nov Dec Dec
1 ■ Oct 12 29 Nov 9 26 Dec 7 17 Dec 28 31 Jan 11
2949 2949 2949 2949 2949
2017 Jan 28 Feb 25
Feb 8 Mar 8
2949 2949
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Single room supplement add C$1115.
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Rafting, canopy adventure or Horseback riding in Sarapiqui • Enjoy dinner at a traditional country estate Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
Start San Jose 8:00am & end San Jose approx. 4:00pm. ■ Turtle visit extension available on these departures.
ME TIME OPTIONS
▲ Trip spends Xmas in Manuel Antonio. ◆ Trip spends New Year’s Eve in San José.
For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.66.
POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
M Hot springs dip M Selvatura Park ziplining M Mangrove/Damas Island kayaking See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
LOCAL CULTURE Love people watching? Grab an ice cream & spend an afternoon chilling out at Parque Central in San Jose.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ UNPLUGGED
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
49
ANTIGUA
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
SNAPSHOT
MEXICO
MAYAN ROCKER
7
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation
GULF OF MEXICO
Mexico City
PUEBLA
Oaxaca 2 Monte Alban
Mitla
OAXACA
SAN CRISTOBAL 2 CHIAPAS Chiapas Comitan
TEHUANTEPEC 1
8 DAYS - 2 COUNTRIES FROM C$2265 PP*/C$284 P/DAY*
10
SAVE
GUATEMALA
PANAJACHEL 1
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$225. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
ANTIGUA 1 Places visited 1 or more nightstops Coach, mini-coach or van
4 World Heritage sites visited
INCLUDED MEALS 7 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS
Day 1: Arrive Antigua. Meet up with your Contiki Team, then get out & see the sights. Adventure seekers can hike a volcano or ride mountain bikes. Or simply relax & shop for local textiles & chocolate. Hotel M Hike the Pacaya Volcano Day 2: Antigua to Panajachel. Take a private boat to a lakeside Mayan community. Afterwards, relax on a hammock & enjoy the views. Hotel (B) Visit a Mayan community among the volcanoes of Lake Atitlan & learn to make tortillas
•
Day 3: Panajachel to San Cristobal de las Casas. We’ll make our way through Guatemala’s highlands before reaching Chiapas. Next up, the evergreens & the cultural capital of San Cristobal! Hotel (B) Visit the charming town of Comitan
•
• Visit a Mayan community among the volcanoes of Lake Atitlan • Taste fiery mescal & sample spicy chapulines in the valley of Oaxaca • Visit the UNESCO site Monte Alban Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
Day 4: San Cristobal de las Casas. Adventurers can try horseback riding or mountain biking this morning, then we’ll visit the Mayan hillside communities. Tonight, try some Tamales Chiapanecos before hitting the town. Hotel (B,D) Enter a sacred highland temple M Horseback ride
ME TIME OPTIONS
Day 6: Tehuantepec to Oaxaca. First up, Oaxaca then it’s onto Matatlan. Later we head to Mitla, where sacred rites were once carried out. Discover colonial architecture this evening & stop at the local market for some delicious Chapulines…yum! Hotel (B) Visit Mitla Sample food in Oaxaca Locally guided walking tour of colonial Oaxaca
Look for the M symbol in the itinerary & visit contiki.com VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ MAYAN-ROCKER
Code: ANMC 2015/16/17 Day 7: Monte Alban. Discover local museums & shops before we visit Monte Alban. Famous for its traditional crafts, we visit a local workshop before our last night… Salud! Hotel (B,D) Visit Monte Alban & a local workshop
•
Day 8: Oaxaca to Mexico City. Travel to the centre of the ancient Aztec universe.Take a tour of Puebla, then head to Cholula. Enjoy lunch or enter the ruins & explore ancient tunnels (entrance fee not included). Later we arrive in Mexico City & say adios! (B) Visit Cholula
•
Start Antigua
Finish Mexico City
Total Cost C$ pp*
2015 2265 2265 2265
2016 2 15 29 3 7 28 12
Finish Mexico City
Total Cost C$ pp*
Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
2 23 13 11 8 6 27
2265 2265 2265 2265 2265 2265 2265
Jan 10 Feb 7 Mar 7
2265 2265 2265
2016
Sep 8 Sep 15 Nov 3 Nov 10 Dec 22 ● Dec 29
Feb Mar Mar May Jun Jun Jul
Start Antigua
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul
9 22 5 10 14 5 19
2265 2265 2265 2265 2265 2265 2265
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Nov Dec
26 16 6 4 1 29 20 ■
2017 Jan 3 Jan 31 Feb 28
Please note: Do not book departing flights before 9:00pm.
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Single room supplement add C$435. Start Antigua 8:00am & end Mexico City approx. 5:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in San Cristobal de las Casas. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Oaxaca.
•
Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): departing Guatemala US$1.50, entering Mexico US$22.
Day 5: San Cristobal de las Casas to Tehuantepec. Head into the beautiful coastal plains of Tehuantepec & visit the city square. This evening, enjoy a delicious local meal. Hotel (B,D)
For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.
• • •
For travel insurance see p.66. Explore More: Have a few more days? Check out the Central Trail & start this trip in Cancun.
CANCUN 1 Playa del Carmen
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
GULF OF MEXICO
CARIBBEAN ENCOUNTER 7 DAYS - 3 COUNTRIES FROM C$2275 PP*/C$325 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$190. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
Guatemalan Rainforest
GUATEMALA
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane
6
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stay: 1 night Jungle Lodge & 5 nights in twin-share hotels
1 ANTIGUA
10 INCLUDED MEALS
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING
Code: CAAN 2015/16/17
Day 1: Arrive Cancun. Touchdown in Cancun, Mexico’s gateway to the Caribbean where sun, music & sights await! Meet your Contiki Team, then get amongst the nightlife at Parque las Palapas. Hotel (D)
ziplines! Explore the local ruins then drift to sleep to the sounds of the forest. (B,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Stay in Tikal National Park M Jungle ziplining
Day 2: Cancun to Caye Caulker. Adios Mexico! We’ll head to Chetumal for some exploring before it’s onto the Caribbean island of Belize. Tonight prepare to feast on fresh seafood & your chance to sample the reggae nightlife! Hotel (B,D)
Day 5: Guatemalan Rainforest to Santa Elena (Flores). Rise early to watch daybreak unfold from the top of the Mayan ruin, Templo IV. We’ll take a guided tour of the area before a trip to the island of Flores, built on the ancient Mayan centre, Tayasal. Hotel (B) Locally guided tour of Tikal National Park
•
Day 3: Caye Caulker. The day is all yours! You could try swimming with sharks at Belize’s World Heritage Barrier Reef, kayaking the mangroves or lazing on “The Split”! Tonight, it’s an amazing sunset sail with snacks, drinks & music. Hotel (B) Sunset boat cruise M Dive or snorkel on Belize Barrier Reef
Day 6: Santa Elena to Antigua. From the relaxed Flores to Guatemala’s bustling capital city! Visit World Heritage Antigua & experience this historic & beautiful town. Hotel (B,D) Sightseeing tour of colonial Antigua
Day 4: Caye Caulker to Guatemalan Rainforest. Next up is Guatemala’s Peten via Belize town! On arrival at our awesome Jungle Lodge there’s the option to fly through the rainforest canopy on
Day 7: Depart Antigua. This morning it’s adios to your amigos. So say your goodbyes before heading home, or get out & do some more exploring in Antigua. (B)
•
SNAPSHOT
Belize City
2 1 Flores CAYE SANTA 1 CAULKER BELIZE ELENA
3 World Heritage sites visited
CAYE CAULKER
QUINTANA ROO
• •
Start Cancun
Finish Total Start Antigua Cost Cancun C$ pp*
2015 Sep 2 Oct 28 Dec 16
27 9 23 27 1 22 6
Total Cost C$ pp*
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Nov Dec Jan
26 16 6 4 1 29 20 3
2275 2275 2275 2275 2275 2275 2275 2275
Jan 31 Feb 28
2275 2275
2016 Sep 8 Nov 3 Dec 22
2275 2275 2275
Feb Mar Mar May Jun Jun Jul
2275 2275 2275 2275 2275 2275 2275
2016 Jan Mar Mar Apr Jun Jun Jul
6 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D) Finish Antigua
2 15 29 3 7 28 12
Jul Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
20 10 31 28 26 23 14 28 ●
2017 Jan 25 Feb 22
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Start Cancun 5:00pm & end Antigua approx. 11:00am. Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): leaving Mexico for Belize US$32.50, departing Belize US$20, entering Guatemala US$1.50. ● Trip spends NYE in Tikal.
For travel insurance see p.66. Explore More: Have a few more days? Check out the Central Trail & end this trip in Mexico City.
• An experienced & professional Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations • 1 internal flight & transfer • Transportation in a private air-con coach, mini-coach or van • Water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker (round trip) • Sightseeing tours • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS
Single room supplement add C$495.
For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.
INCLUSIONS
• See the Belize Barrier Reef • Sunset boat cruise • Locally guided tour of Tikal National Park Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Kayak the crystalline Caribbean See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ CARIBBEAN-ENCOUNTER
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
51
ECUADOR
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
12 DAYS - FROM C$4145 PP*/C$346 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$335. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
ECUADOR
QUITO 1 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Baltra
ISABELA
2 World Heritage sites visited
Places visited 1 or more nightstops Coach, mini-coach or van Plane or boat GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Puerto 2 VILLAMIL
SANTA CRUZ
Puerto Ayora 1 2 SAN CRISTOBAL Puerto BAQUERIZO MORENO
2 TENA 2 BAテ前S
1 GUAYAQUIL
SNAPSHOT
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS 11 ISLAND HOPPER
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION 11 nights twin-share hotel accommodation
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Start Quito. Welcome to Ecuador’s capital, Quito! Meet up with your Contiki Team & group before exploring. Your expert guide will teach you all about this city & the history of the Inca & the Spanish invasion before the city’s best views at Panecillo. Later, visit the Equator line & wander between the two hemispheres. Tonight, head out for dinner with the group. Hotel (D) Locally guided city tour to see the Presidential Palace, Independence Square & Churches of San Francisco, La Compania & La Catedral Visit Panecillo lookout Visit the Inti Ñan Museum at the Equator
• • •
Day 2: Quito to Tena. It’s out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views & a thermal pool swim en route. A perfect way to spend the day. Hotel (B) Thermal springs swim
•
Day 3: Tena. This morning its all about ME TIME - have a lie in or opt to visit an indigenous community. Get your adrenalin pumping this afternoon on class 3-4 rapids. Hotel (B,D) M Rafting experience Day 4: Tena to Baños. We head to Baños today, the adventure capital of Ecuador, nestled under the still active Tungurahua volcano. Tonight get local as you learn to salsa at our included lesson. Hotel (B) Salsa dancing lesson
•
Day 5: Baños. With a free day, explore your way & Baños goes off! Situated in a valley of waterfalls & hot springs, Baños is a hub for travellers who love great weather, small town vibes & the great outdoors. Choose your adventure - horseback riding, canyoning, or abseiling. Hotel (B,D) Day 6: Baños to Guayaquil. Today we head to Guayaquil. A walk down the promenade is essential. Tonight, set sail on an evening river cruise with drinks. Hotel (B) Evening river cruise
•
Day 7: Guayaquil to Isabela Island. Today we fly to the Galapagos Islands. Before arriving in Puerto GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Ayora we’ll check out the island’s old lava tunnels & see the giant tortoises. Later, get out on the water as we head off to Isabela Island. Hotel (B,D) See famous Galapagos’ giant tortoises Visit some lava tunnels Boat ride to Isabela Island
• • •
Day 8: Isabela Island. This morning we’ll kayak with sea lions & snorkel with colourful fish. This afternoon we’ll visit the Wall of Tears – you might even see some baby tortoises along the way! Hotel (B,L) Wildlife kayaking adventure Visit the Wall of Tears Snorkelling experience
• • •
Day 9: Isabel Island to Santa Cruz Island. Relax this morning before we take off to Santa Cruz Island. This afternoon we’ll visit Tortuga Bay for a stroll along the beach & a swim. Hotel (B) Visit Tortuga Bay
•
Day 10: Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Island. We’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station this morning & check out the tortoises & land iguanas before heading out to San Cristobal! This afternoon explore the island by bike before watching the sunset. Hotel (B) Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
•
Day 11: San Cristobal Island. First up: a coastal cruise to spot native birds, before hitting the water in search of puffer fish & cute sea lion pups. We’ll snorkel around Kicker Rock’s 143m tuff cone looking out for manta rays, starfish & maybe the Galapagos shark. Later, relax on the beach, before a BBQ feast. Hotel (B,L,D) Boat cruise & off shore bird spotting experience Explore Kicker Rock’s 143m cone Visit Puerto Grande beach
• • •
Day 12: Santa Cristobal to Guayaquil. There’s time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival. (B) Please note: Do not book departing flights before 6:00pm.
18
TRAVELLING EARLY? Travelling between 17th Aug 2015 & 1st Feb 2016? The below trip (QUGU 2015/16) is 11 days long & features a slightly modified itinerary, spending 1 night in Tena. See below for start & end times & visit contiki.com/ecuador-galapagos-hopper for full details.
INCLUDED MEALS 11 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
Code: QUGU 2015/16 Start Quito
Finish Guayaquil
Total Cost C$ pp*
2015 Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
17 14 12 9 7
Start Quito
Finish Guayaquil
Total Cost C$ pp*
Jan 14 Feb 11
4099 4099
Finish Guayaquil
Total Cost C$ pp*
2016 Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
27 24 22 19 17
4099 4099 4099 4099 4099
Jan 4 Feb 1
Single room supplement add C$599.
Code: QUGU 2016/17 Start Quito
Finish Guayaquil
Total Cost C$ pp*
Start Quito
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Sep
4145 4145 4145 4145 4145 4145 4145 4145
Oct 10 Nov 7 Dec 12
Oct 21 Nov 18 Dec 23
4145 4145 4145
2017 Jan 2 Jan 30
Jan 13 Feb 10
4145 4145
2016 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
29 28 25 23 20 18 15 12
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • 2 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges (excluding Galapagos, see price panel)
2016 11 8 6 3 1 29 26 23
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add C$615. Start Quito 7:00am & end Guayaquil approx. 4:00pm. Note: The Galapagos Islands have a compulsory US$100 entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park, a US$20 INGALA fee & a US$5 Isabela Island tax that are only payable in cash on arrival (subject to increase). Please ensure you have this money ready to ensure entry to these locations.
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Go local at a salsa lesson • Evening river cruise & drinks • Galapagos BBQ feast at our favourite local spot Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Rappelling (abseiling) & canyoning day trip M Ziplining M San Cristobal Island guided biking adventure See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
LOCAL CULTURE The Galapagos Islands are famous for providing the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s ground breaking theory of evolution by natural selection.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ ECUADOR-GALAPAGOSHOPPER
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
53
PERU
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
14 DAYS - FROM C$3969 PP*/C$284 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$315. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
Brazil
AGUAS CALIENTES 1 (Machu Picchu)
Rainforest
AMAZON LODGE 1
INCA TRAIL
1 Lima
Ollantaytambo
1 PUERTO MALDONADO
PERU
SACRED 1 VALLEY CUSCO 4 Bolivia
Coast
Andes
Chivay
COLCA CANYON 1 PACIFIC OCEAN
4 World Heritage sites visited
CUSCO
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane, train or canoe
2 PUNO/LAKE TITICACA 1 AREQUIPA
PERU UNCOVERED
SNAPSHOT
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING
24
Day 1: Arrive Lima. Meet your Contiki Team & group this morning before checking out the city sights. Made up of 43 districts with their own flair, bustling Lima is not short of things to do & with a free afternoon the city’s yours to explore. Hotel (D) See the Historic Centre, Barranco & Mira Flores
•
Day 2: Lima to Arequipa. We fly to the “White City” of Arequipa. Delve into the city’s history with a walking tour. Hotel (B) City walking tour Visit the Santa Catalina Convent & the Plaza de Armas
Day 8: Cusco to Sacred Valley. Today we explore the Sacred Valley. Take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins before a night in Ollantaytambo, one of Peru’s oldest towns. Hotel (B) Entry into the Sacred Valley & Pisac Ruins Try some local Chicha de Jora
• •
Day 9: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Adventure & adrenaline await! From biking & hiking to rafting there’s loads on offer, before we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B)
• •
Day 9: Inca Trail Trek. Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to Kilometre 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest to the Sun Gate & Guardian House where your hard work is rewarded with incredible views of this magnificent ancient site before returning to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B,L) • Train ride to Kilometre 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.22-23 for more info. Code: LILIT
Day 3: Arequipa to Colca Canyon. We drive through Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve on our way to the Colca Canyon. We stop for a hot springs swim before a night at our rustic lodge. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay See wild vicuña See the Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve See El Misti, Chachani & Pichu Pichu volcanoes Indulge in a relaxing hot spring dip
• • • •
Day 4: Colca Canyon to Puno. First up we’ll try & spot the Andean condor. Later, experience the Andes along the way to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Hotel (B) Visit Maca Pueblo See the massive Colca Canyon Visit Cruz del Condor
• • •
Day 5: Puno. Catch a lift on a triciclo before cruising Lake Titicaca to the island of Taquile & the floating Uros Islands. Meet locals & see their handmade crafts. Hotel (B,L,D) Ride on a triciclo! Island boat trip on Lake Titicaca Visit the Taquile & Uros island communities
• • •
Day 6: Puno to Cusco. First up is Pukara & its ancient Inca ruins. See the Inca walls in Raqchi & then the ancient Incan empire, Cusco. Hotel (B) Visit Pukara, La Raya & Sicuani See the Temple of Wiracocha
• •
Day 7: Cusco. Experience Cusco today on a guided tour, then the afternoon’s yours. Explore Inca buildings, or try local food or adrenaline activities. Hotel (B,D) City walking tour Visit San Blas, La Catedral, Koricancha & San Pedro Market
• •
MACHU PICCHU
Day 10: Machu Picchu to Cusco. Wake early & enter Machu Picchu for sunrise. Learn more about Machu Picchu on a tour, then explore. Hotel (B) Tour the Temple of Three Windows, the ceremonial baths & altar
•
Day 11: Cusco. Why not start the day mountain biking & rafting? Then get into Cusco’s amazing nightlife & join our Illary (Sunrise) Club! Hotel (B,D) Day 12: Cusco to Jungle Lodge. Fly over the Andes to Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s southern jungle. You could hike through the jungle for a canopy climb, then chill to the sound of the jungle. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Visit the Infierno community Puerto Maldonado city tour Jungle canopy hike
• • •
Day 13: Jungle Lodge to Puerto Maldonado. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the giant otter, before it’s back to the city. Hotel (B,L,D) Locally guided jungle catamaran boat trip
•
Day 14: Puerto Maldonado to Lima. Your trip ends on arrival in Lima, where it’s time to say ‘adios!’ to your travel mates. (B)
13
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Unique Special Stays: 1 night Colca Canyon Lodge, 1 night Amazon Jungle Lodge & 11 nights in twin-share hotels
INCLUDED MEALS
Code: LILI/LILIT 2015/16/17 Start Lima
Finish Lima
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Start Inca Trail Lima C$ pp*
Aug Sep Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan Jan
28 4 11 20 25 9 23 30 6 15 20 27 4 13 18 1 8 10
3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969
4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219
Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Mar
15 22 29 7 12 26 6
3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969
4219 4219 4219 NA NA NA 4219
2015 Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec
15 22 29 7 12 26 10 17 24 2 7 14 21 30 5 19 ● 26 ■ 28 ▲
2 9 16 25 30 13 22
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Jan
25 8 22 6 20 3 17 1 15 12 26 9 23 7 21 4 18 2 16 6
3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969 3969
4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219 4219
Jan Jan Feb Feb
20 27 10 24
3969 3969 3969 3969
4219 4219 NA NA
2016
2016 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb
Finish Lima
Mar Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec
12 26 9 23 7 21 4 18 2 30 13 27 10 24 8 22 5 19 3 24 ◆
2017 Jan Jan Jan Feb
7 14 28 11
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Single room supplement add C$629. Start Lima 8:00am & end Lima approx. 5:00pm. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. ● Trip spends Xmas in Cusco & New Year’s Eve in Jungle
Lodge. ■ Trip spends New Year’s Eve in Cusco. ▲ Trip spends New Year’s Eve in Puno. ◆ Trip spends Xmas in Arequipa & NYE in the Sacred Valley
For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.
13 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
25 INCLUDED MEALS (TREKKING OPTION) 13 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • 3 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • City tour of Arequipa visiting the Santa Catalina Convent • Hot spring swim in Chivay • Entry to the Temple of Wiracocha • Walking tour of Cusco & entry to La Catedral & the Temple of Koricancha Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
For travel insurance see p.66.
ME TIME OPTIONS
Please note: Do not book departing flights before 9:00pm.
M Whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River M Mountain biking adventure See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
LOCAL CULTURE Sweet, sour & delicious! The famous Peruvian Pisco Sour cocktail is a must for those after something tantalizing to sip on in the sun.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ PERU-UNCOVERED
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
55
Brazil
PERU Andes
CUSCO
SNAPSHOT NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Unique Special Stay: 2 nights Amazon Jungle Lodge & 5 nights in twin-share hotels
INCA TRAIL
PACIFIC OCEAN
8 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM C$2645 PP*/C$331 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$225. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
13 INCLUDED MEALS 7 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
14 INCLUDED MEALS (TREKKING OPTION) 7 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • 2 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private airconditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Walking tour of Cusco & entry to La Catedral & the Temple of Koricancha Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with • VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ ANDES-AMAZON
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 6: Inca Trail Trek. Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to Kilometre 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest to the Sun Gate & Guardian House where your hard work is rewarded with incredible views of this magnificent ancient site before returning to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B,L) • Train ride to Kilometre 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.22-23 for more info. Code: CUCUT
• •
• • •
Day 3: Jungle Lodge. With another day at the Jungle lodge, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the giant otter. Hotel (B,L,D) Locally guided jungle catamaran boat trip
•
Day 4: Jungle Lodge to Cusco. Spend today exploring the beautiful city of Cusco – wander the main plaza, visit the Treadright support weaving center or feed your sweet tooth with a visit to the chocolate museum Then get into Cusco’s amazing nightlife & join our Illary (Sunrise) Club! Hotel (B) Day 5: Cusco to Sacred Valley. Today we explore the Sacred Valley. Take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins before a night in Ollantaytambo, one of Peru’s oldest towns. Hotel (B) Entry into the Sacred Valley & Pisac Ruins Try some local Chicha de Jora
• •
Day 6: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Adventure & adrenaline await! From biking & hiking to rafting there’s loads on offer, before we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B)
AMAZON LODGE 2 Ollantaytambo
CUSCO 3 Coast
Bolivia
3 World Heritage sites visited Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane, train or canoe
TRAVELLING EARLY?
Day 1: Arrive Cusco. As the modern-day starting point for visits to Machu Picchu, we’ll explore the city on foot, then the afternoon’s yours. From Inca buildings, intricate colonial architecture, artisan shops to boutiques & delicious cuisine & adrenaline activities, there’s loads to experience. Hotel (D) City walking tour Visit San Blas, La Catedral & San Pedro Market Day 2: Cusco to Jungle Lodge. Fly over the Andes to Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s southern jungle. You could hike through the jungle for a canopy climb, then chill to the sound of the jungle. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge Visit the Infierno community Puerto Maldonado city tour Jungle canopy hike
1
SACRED VALLEY 1
ANDES & AMAZON HIGHLIGHTS
7
AGUAS CALIENTES (Machu Picchu)
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
Rainforest
Day 7: Machu Picchu to Cusco. Wake early & enter Machu Picchu for sunrise. Learn more about Machu Picchu on a tour, then explore before returning to base. Hotel (B,D) Tour the Temple of Three Windows, the ceremonial baths & altar
•
Day 8: Depart Cusco. It’s time to say ‘adios!’ to your travel mates as your trip ends after breakfast. (B) SUN GATE
Travelling between 28th Aug 2015 & 28th Feb 2016? The below trips (CULI/CULIT 2015/16) feature a slightly modified itinerary. 1 night Amazon Jungle Lodge & 1 night in Puerto Maldonado. See below for start & end times & visit contiki.com/andes-amazon for full details.
Code: CULI/CULIT 2015/16 Start Cusco
Finish Lima
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Start Inca Trail Cusco C$ pp*
2015 Aug 28 Sep 13 Sep 18 Oct 11 Oct 16 Oct 23 Nov 8 Nov 13 Nov 20 Dec 6
Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec
2645 2645 2645 2645 2645 2645 2645 2645 2645 2645
2895 2895 2895 2895 2895 2895 2895 2895 2895 2895
4 20 25 18 23 30 15 20 27 13
2015 Dec 11 2016 Jan 1 Jan 3 Jan 8 Jan 15 Jan 31 Feb 5 Feb 28
Finish Lima
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
Dec 18
2645
2895
Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar
2645 2645 2645 2645 2645 2645 2645
2895 2895 2895 2895 NA NA 2895
Finish Cusco
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Inca Trail C$ pp*
Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec
10 24 8 22 5 19 3 17 31
2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819
3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069
Jan 14 Jan 28
2819 2819
3069 3069
8 10 15 22 7 12 6
Single room supplement add C$425.
Code: CUCU/CUCUT 2016/17 Start Cusco
Finish Cusco
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Start Inca Trail Cusco C$ pp*
2016 Mar 5 Mar 19 Apr 2 Apr 16 Apr 30 May 14 May 21 Jun 11 Jun 25 Jul 9 Jul 23 Aug 6 Aug 20
Mar Mar Apr Apr May May May Jun Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug
2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819
3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069 3069
12 26 9 23 7 21 28 18 2 16 30 13 27
2016 Sep 3 Sep 17 Oct 1 Oct 15 Oct 29 Nov 12 Nov 26 Dec 10 Dec 24 ● 2017 Jan 7 Jan 21
above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we * Prices can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add C$499. Start Cusco 8:00am & end Cusco 11:00am. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. ● Trip spends Xmas in the Jungle Lodge.
MACHU PICCHU
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
(Machu Picchu)
INCA PANORAMA 11 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM C$2659 PP*/C$242 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$235. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
•
Day 2: Lima to Arequipa. We fly to the “White City” of Arequipa. Delve into the city’s history with a walking tour. Hotel (B) City walking tour Visit the Santa Catalina Convent & the Plaza de Armas
• •
Day 3: Arequipa to Colca Canyon. We drive through Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve on our way to the Colca Canyon. We stop for a hot springs swim before a night at our rustic lodge. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay See wild vicuña See the Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve See El Misti, Chachani & Pichu Pichu volcanoes Indulge in a relaxing hot spring dip
• •
• •
Day 9: Inca Trail Trek. Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to Kilometre 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest to the Sun Gate & Guardian House where your hard work is rewarded with incredible views of this magnificent ancient site before returning to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B,L) • Train ride to Kilometre 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.22-23 for more info. Code: LICUT
• • • • • •
Unique Special Stay: 1 night Colca Canyon Lodge & 9 nights in twin-share hotels Bolivia
Chivay
COLCA CANYON 1
Places visited 1 or more nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stay Coach, mini-coach or van Plane or train
Day 7: Cusco. Experience Cusco on a guided walking tour then the afternoon’s yours. Explore Inca buildings, or try local food or adrenaline activities. Hotel (B,D) City walking tour Visit San Blas, La Catedral, Koricancha & San Pedro Market Day 8: Cusco to Sacred Valley. Today we explore the Sacred Valley. Take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins before a night in Ollantaytambo, one of Peru’s oldest towns. Hotel (B) Entry into the Sacred Valley & Pisac Ruins Try some local Chicha de Jora Day 9: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Adventure & adrenaline await! From biking & hiking to rafting there’s loads on offer, before we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B)
Day 4: Colca Canyon to Puno. First up we’ll try & spot the Andean condor. Later, experience the Andes along the way to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Hotel (B) Visit Maca Pueblo See the massive Colca Canyon Visit Cruz del Condor
Day 6: Puno to Cusco. First up is Pukara & its ancient Inca ruins. See the Inca walls in Raqchi & then the ancient Incan empire, Cusco. Hotel (B) Visit Pukara, La Raya & Sicuani See the Temple of Wiracocha
1 SACRED VALLEY
CUSCO 3
Coast
4 World Heritage sites visited
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
2 PUNO/LAKE TITICACA 1 AREQUIPA
Day 10: Machu Picchu to Cusco. Wake early & enter Machu Picchu for sunrise. Learn more about Machu Picchu on a tour, then explore. Hotel (B) Tour the Temple of Three Windows, the ceremonial baths & altar Day 11: Depart Cusco. It’s time to say ‘adios!’ to your travel mates as your trip ends after breakfast. (B)
•
Start Lima
Finish Cusco
Trip only C$ pp*
Trip plus Start Inca Trail Lima C$ pp*
2015 Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec
22 7 12 5 10 17 2 7 14 30 5 26 ● 28 ■
1 17 22 15 20 27 12 17 24 10 15 5 7
2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659
2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909
Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Apr Apr
12 19 4 9 3 22 5 19
2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659
2909 2909 NA NA 2909 2909 2909 2909
2016 Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Mar Mar Apr
2 9 25 30 22 12 26 9
INCLUDED MEALS
17
Finish Cusco
Trip Trip plus only Inca Trail C$ pp* C$ pp*
2016 Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Jan Jan
16 10 breakfasts (B), 2 lunch (L), 4 dinners (D)
Code: LICU/LICUT 2015/16/17
• • • •
Day 5: Puno. Catch a lift on a triciclo before cruising Lake Titicaca to the island of Taquile & the floating Uros Islands. Meet locals & see their handmade crafts. Hotel (B,L,D) Ride on a triciclo!
10
1
INCA TRAIL Ollantaytambo Andes
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Arrive Lima. Meet your Contiki Team & group this morning before checking out the city sights. Made up of 43 districts with their own flair, bustling Lima is not short of things to do & with a free afternoon the city’s yours to explore. Hotel (D) See the Historic Centre, Barranco & Mira Flores
Rainforest
AGUAS CALIENTES 1 Lima
SNAPSHOT
Brazil
PERU
Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec
23 7 21 4 18 2 30 13 27 10 24 8 22 5 19 3 24 ▲
May May May Jun Jun Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Jan
3 17 31 14 28 12 9 23 6 20 4 18 1 15 29 13 3
2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659 2659
2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909 2909
Jan Jan Feb Feb
17 24 7 21
2659 2659 2659 2659
2909 2909 NA NA
2017 Jan Jan Jan Feb
7 14 28 11
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add C$385. Start Lima 8:00am & end Cusco 11:00am. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. ●
Trip spends New Year’s Eve in Cusco.
■
Trip spends New Year’s Eve in Puno.
▲ Trip spends Xmas in Arequipa & NYE Sacred Valley.
For travel insurance see p.66. Explore More: Have a few more days? Check out our Peru Uncovered & end your trip in Lima.
INCLUDED MEALS (TREKKING OPTION) 10 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • 1 internal flight & transfers • Transport in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • City tour of Arequipa & visit the Santa Catalina Convent • Hot spring swim in Chivay • Entry to the Temple of Wiracocha • Walking tour of Cusco Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with • VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ INCA-PANORAMA
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
57
FESTIVALS
BE A PART OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST PARTY CARNIVAL ON THIS WHIRLWIND EYE-OPENING 5-DAY ADVENTURE IN RIO DE JANEIRO. 1 TRIP / 5 DAYS
INCLUDED • Twin share accommodation, or a single room for a little extra
contiki.com/festivals-short-stays-latin-america
• Breakfast each day, plus included lunches & dinners
We Love WiFi – stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops
• Included activities like a cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain & a boat cruise in Rio
• Sambadromo ticket also included • ME Time – your chance to explore on your own or try our awesome optional activities • An experienced Trip Manager plus knowledgeable English speaking Local Guides
SNAPSHOT
4
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION 4 nights twin-share hotel
7
INCLUDED MEALS 4 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 2 dinners (D)
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager • Sightseeing tours • Local taxes & service charges
FESTIVAL
RIO CARNIVAL 5 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM C$2619 PP*/C$524 P/DAY* SAVE
FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Carnival tickets & transfer • Sugarloaf Mountain visit • Rio boat trip & BBQ ME TIME OPTIONS M Favela tour M Hang gliding M Entry to Christ the Redeemer CODE: RIOC
1 World Heritage site visited CONTIKI.COM/ RIO-CARNIVAL XXXXXX
Day 1: Arrive Rio de Janeiro. Bem-vindo/Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, it’s time to get this carnival started in South America’s most vibrant city. Check-in to your hotel this afternoon, then head out to explore. This afternoon, meet up with your Trip Manager & fellow travel buddies before heading out for a Brazilian feast. Hotel (D) Day 2: Rio de Janeiro. Today you can opt to visit Corcovado Mountain & the Christ the Redeemer statue or view the other side of Rio with a favela tour. Next we are off to the Sambadrome Parade! The buzz & energy starts as soon as you walk in. Get ready for the party of a lifetime until the parade finishes at 4:00am when we will head back to the hotel. Hotel (B) M Favela tour M Christ the Redeemer Day 3: Rio de Janeiro. Time to relax, recap and enjoy the beach, after the previous night we know
that you need to rejuvenate the body & take it easy. This afternoon we go…1299ft up! We are visiting Sugarloaf Mountain. Get ready to climb the mountain in glass-panelled cable cars to the summit for more astounding views of the city & its beaches. This afternoon chill on the beach or enjoy a spot of shopping. Hotel (B,D) Sugarloaf mountain M Hang gliding
•
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro. Today we will be looking at Rio from a different perspective. The boat cruise is the perfect way to get out, inhale the fresh ocean air and see a few sights with your now close buddies. With a delicious BBQ on-board to indulge into, you’ll be floating on bliss. Hotel (B,L) Day 5: Depart Rio de Janeiro. Your Carnival experience ends after breakfast, where it’s time to say good-bye to Rio & swap addresses with your new travel buddies. (B)
SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN
HIGH ENERGY
LOVE TO LET LOOSE? DISCOVER EVERYTHING FROM MAYAN RUINS TO BEACHES & PARTY TILL THE SUN COMES UP. EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE, TASTES & HISTORY OF COLOURFUL MEXICO ON A HIGH ENERGY TRIP, THE TRAVEL STYLE IS ALL ABOUT ACTION-PACKED DAYS & PARTY-FILLED NIGHTS.
3 TRIPS / 6–13 DAYS
INCLUDED
Mexico Grande.......................................... p.60
• Twin share rooms, or single rooms for a little extra for some extra privacy • Breakfast daily, plus lots of other included meal experiences
Mexican Fiesta.......................................... p.62 Yucatan Highlights .................................. p.63
• Sightseeing tours of all major cities
contiki.com/high-energy-latin-america
• A modern air-conditioned coach • ME Time – explore in your own time, or take it up a notch with hand-picked optional activities
We Love WiFi – stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
59
MEXICO
HIGH ENERGY
13 DAYS - FROM C$3335 PP*/C$257 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$289. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
CANCUN
JALISCO
3 Puerto Vallarta 3
GUANAJUATO Tequila 1 1 guanajuato 1 Guadalajara MEXICO
MERIDA 1 YUCATÁN
Playa del Carmen GULF OF MEXICO QUINTANA ROO
2 MEXICO CITY MICHOACÁN
Belize Guatemala
5 World Heritage sites visited Places visited 1 or more nightstops Coach, mini-coach or van Plane
CANCUN
PACIFIC OCEAN
SNAPSHOT
MEXICO GRANDE
12
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION 12 nights twin-share hotel accommodation
18
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Mexico City to Guanajuato. Meet up with your Contiki Team & drive to the beautiful Colonial City of Guanajuato. This afternoon explore the winding streets & subterranean passageways of this UNESCO World Heritage city. View the romantic “Callejon de Beso” & hear the legend about the two lovers. Later, see the cast-iron-& glass Hidalgo Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel where you’ll have a chance to shop for local sweet treats. Hotel (D) Walking tour Guanajuato Visit the Hidalgo Market M Visit the Mummy museum
• •
Day 2: Guanajuato to Guadalajara. Today we head to the city the locals call the “Pearl of the West”, Guadalajara! Take a closer look at buildings & plazas filled with great murals & history. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic centre, where you’ll visit the four main squares, inside city hall & the magnificent cathedral. Tonight we hit the town & take in a live Mariachi show, known as the emblematic sound of Mexico. Hotel (B) Guided tour of Guadalajara Listen to a live Mariachi Band
• •
Day 3: Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. We’ll wind through the mountain areas of Jalisco on our way to the beach town of Puerto Vallarta, taking in views of the Ceboruco Volcano, which last erupted over 100 years ago. In the early afternoon, we’ll hit the beach & the local scene in Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy a drink on the sand or relax beachside before dinner at a favorite spot. Hotel (B,D) See the Ceboruco Volcano Guided tour of Puerto Vallarta
• •
Day 4: Puerto Vallarta. The day is all yours to explore the beachside restaurants & markets or take on the day ziplining through the jungle. Soak up the sun & relax under a cool beach umbrella. Hotel (B) M Extreme zipline adventure Day 5: Puerto Vallarta. This morning maybe give surfing a go in a hidden beach along the bay. You could also opt to explore the Marietas Islands for wildlife on an eco-tour. The islands, made famous by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau provide the perfect environment for snorkelling & kayaking. Tonight maybe take in a performance over dinner on an optional boat ride in the bay. Hotel (B) M Surfing safari Day 6: Puerto Vallarta to Tequila. Today it is all about tequila where we will not only have the chance to drink it but learn more about it too. We head to the picturesque town of Tequila where we will learn all about the tequila making process from plant to barrel, visit a tequila factory & of course, indulge in a tequila tasting. Later we’ll enjoy a local meal. Hotel (B,D)
INCLUDED MEALS 12 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)
• Tequila distillery visit & tasting Day 7: Tequila to Mexico City. Return to Mexico City through the charming countryside of the colonial heartland. We’ll make our way through agricultural districts that lead to bustling Mexico City, the largest city the country & the oldest capital city in North America. Hotel (B) Day 8: Mexico City. Start the day with a tour of the incredible ancient ruins of Teotihuacan. Afterwards, get back to Mexico City & visit the unique floating gardens & markets of Xochimilco. Then, it’s off through “The City of Palaces” to see the ancient ruins & colonial-influenced, yet modern, architecture. Hotel (B,D) Guided tour of Teotihuacan Float through the canals of Xochimilco on a Trajinera Visit Coyoacan, birthplace of Frida Kahlo
• • •
Day 9: Mexico City to Merida. Leave behind the buzz of Mexico City & fly to the beautiful white-stone city of Mérida. Tour the city’s gorgeous colonial buildings & Government Palace before indulging in a mouthwatering Yucatecan meal. Hotel (B,D) Walking tour of Mérida’s sights Horse & carriage ride
Code: MEXG 2015/16/17 Start Mexico City
Finish Cancun
Total Cost C$ pp*
Aug Sep Oct Oct Nov Dec Dec
13 3 1 29 26 17 31
3335 3335 3335 3335 3335 3335 3335
Jan Feb Mar Mar Apr Jun
28 25 10 24 28 2
3335 3335 3335 3335 3335 3335
2015 Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
1 22 19 17 14 5 19 ●
16 13 27 12 16 21
Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
11 25 9 30 20 17 15 12 3 17 ■
Jan 14 Feb 11
23 7 21 11 1 29 27 24 15 29
3335 3335 3335 3335 3335 3335 3335 3335 3335 3335
Jan 26 Feb 23
3335 3335
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Day 10: Merida to Cancun via Chichen Itza. Immerse yourself in Mayan history on a guided tour at Chichen Itza – the country’s spectacular ancient Mayan city. This afternoon we arrive in legendary Cancún with its endless shopping, nightlife & outdoor hub. Hotel (B) Guided tour of the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza Swim in a cenote (sink hole)
● Trip spends Xmas in Mexico City.
Start Mexico City 7:00am & end Cancun approx. 11:00am. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Merida.
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach • 1 internal flight & transfer • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Relax & take in the sights on a horse drawn carriage ride in Merida • Visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza • Trajinera Cruise Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.66.
• •
Day 12: Cancun. Soak up all the Cancun action you want today - swim through a jungle lagoon, snorkel, or take a day trip to beautiful Isla Mujeres for some delicious seafood & sightseeing. Then for your last night, party in great bars & dance clubs ‘til the sun comes up. Hotel (B,D) M Snorkelling & zipline adventure
Jun Jul Jul Aug Sep Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling Single room supplement add C$1169.
•
Total Cost C$ pp*
2017
• •
Day 11: Cancun & Playa del Carmen. We’ll take a day trip to the beach playground of Playa del Carmen. Take a stroll along Quinta Avenida & the stunning beach while enjoying the friendly local hospitality. Fill your day with everything from snorkelling the clear blue waters, hanging out in open-air cafés & restaurants, stopping for a beer or two with the locals, or people watching. You can even take a ferry across to the island of Cozumel before heading back to Cancún. Hotel (B) Visit Playa del Carmen
Finish Cancun
2016
2016 Jan Feb Feb Mar Apr May
Start Mexico City
MEXICO CITY
ME TIME OPTIONS M Marietas Eco-discovery M Pirate of the bay M Mayan culture adventure complete with ziplining, rappelling, canoeing & lunch! See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
LOCAL CULTURE Mexico introduced chocolate to the world. Look out for Ibarra, it’s a rich tasting Mexican chocolate laced with cinnamon. Yum!
Day 13: Depart Cancun. Your Mexican adventure ends this morning & it’s time to swap email addresses & say farewell to your new friends. (B)
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ MEXICO-GRANDE
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
61
HIGH ENERGY
MEXICO CITY
SNAPSHOT
JALISCO
MEXICAN FIESTA
8
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Puerto 3 Vallarta
GUANAJUATO Tequila 1 1 guanajuato 1 Guadalajara MEXICO
2 MEXICO CITY MICHOACÁN
8 nights twin-share hotel accommodation
9 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM C$2165 PP*/C$241 P/DAY* SAVE
12
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$215. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
4 World Heritage sites visited
1 or more nightstops
INCLUDED MEALS 8 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Cruise on a ‘Trajinera’ & discover Xochimilco • Tour the pyramids of Teotihuacan Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
LOCAL CULTURE Did you know Mexican children do not receive presents on Christmas Day? They receive gifts on January 6, the day on which Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ MEXICAN-FIESTA
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Mexico City to Guanajuato. Meet up with your Contiki Team & drive to the beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato. This afternoon explore the winding streets & subterranean passageways of this UNESCO World Heritage city. View the romantic “Callejon de Beso” & hear the legend about the two lovers. Later, see the cast-iron-& glass Hidalgo Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel where you’ll have a chance to shop for local sweet treats. Hotel (D) Walking tour Guanajuato Visit the Hidalgo Market M Visit the Mummy museum
• •
Day 2: Guanajuato to Guadalajara. Today we head to the city the locals call the “Pearl of the West”, Guadalajara! Take a closer look at buildings & plazas filled with great murals & history. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic centre, where you’ll visit the four main squares, inside city hall & the magnificent cathedral. Tonight we hit the town & take in a live Mariachi show, known as the emblematic sound of Mexico. Hotel (B) Guided tour of Guadalajara Listen to a live Mariachi Band
• •
Day 3: Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. We’ll wind through the mountain areas of Jalisco on our way to the beach town of Puerto Vallarta, taking in views of the Ceboruco Volcano, which last erupted over 100 years ago. In the early afternoon, we’ll hit the beach & the local scene in Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy a drink on the sand or relax beachside before dinner at a favorite spot. Hotel (B,D) See the Ceboruco Volcano Guided tour of Puerto Vallarta
Code: MEXF 2015/16/17 Soak up the sun & relax under a cool beach umbrella. Hotel (B) M Extreme zipline adventure Day 5: Puerto Vallarta. This morning maybe give surfing a go in a hidden beach along the bay. You could also opt to explore the Marietas Islands for wildlife on an eco-tour. The islands, made famous by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau provide the perfect environment for snorkelling & kayaking. Tonight maybe take in a performance over dinner on an optional boat ride in the bay. Hotel (B) M Surfing safari Day 6: Puerto Vallarta to Tequila. Today it is all about tequila where we will not only have the chance to drink it but learn more about it too. We head to the picturesque town of Tequila where we will learn all about the tequila making process from plant to barrel, visit a tequila factory & of course, indulge in a tequila tasting. Later we’ll enjoy a local meal. Hotel (B,D) Tequila distillery visit & tasting
•
Day 7: Tequila to Mexico City. Return to Mexico City through the charming countryside of the colonial heartland. We’ll make our way through agricultural districts that lead to bustling Mexico City, the largest city the country & the oldest capital city in North America. Hotel (B)
• •
Day 8: Mexico City. Start the day with a tour of the incredible ancient ruins of Teotihuacan. Afterwards, the day is yours to jump into the city’s high energy to explore its sidewalk cafés, bazaars, boutiques & museums. Hotel (B,D) Guided tour of Teotihuacan
Day 4: Puerto Vallarta. The day is all yours to explore the beachside restaurants & markets or take on the day ziplining through the jungle.
Day 9: Depart Mexico City. This morning the trip ends & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B)
•
Start Mexico City
Finish Mexico City
Total Cost C$ pp*
Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
9 30 27 25 22 13 27
2165 2165 2165 2165 2165 2165 2165
Jan Feb Mar Mar Apr May
24 21 6 20 24 29
2165 2165 2165 2165 2165 2165
2015 Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
1 22 19 17 14 5 19 ●
2016 Jan 16 Feb 13 Feb 27 Mar 12 Apr 16 May 21
Start Mexico City
Finish Mexico City
Total Cost C$ pp*
Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
19 3 17 7 28 25 23 20 11 25
2165 2165 2165 2165 2165 2165 2165 2165 2165 2165
Jan 22 Feb 19
2165 2165
2016 Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
11 25 9 30 20 17 15 12 3 17
2017 Jan 14 Feb 11
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Single room supplement add C$715. Start Mexico City 7:00am & end Mexico City approx. 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Mexico City.
For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.66.
MERIDA
Playa del Carmen
YUCATÁN
GULF OF MEXICO
QUINTANA ROO
MEXICO
YUCATÁN HIGHLIGHTS 6 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM C$1725 PP*/C$288 P/DAY* FOR MORE WAYS TO SAVE. SEE P.25 FOR DETAILS
CANCUN
SNAPSHOT
5
1 MEXICO CITY
HIGH ENERGY
SAVE
CANCUN 3
1
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION 5 nights twin-share hotel accommodation
8 INCLUDED MEALS
3 World Heritage sites visited
5 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)
Places visited 1 or more nightstops Coach, mini-coach or van Plane
INCLUSIONS
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Arrive Mexico City. Meet up with your Contiki Team & start the day with a tour of the incredible ancient ruins of Teotihuacan. Afterwards, the day is yours to jump into the city’s high energy & explore its sidewalk cafés, bazaars, boutiques & museums. Hotel (D) Guided tour of Teotihuacan Float through the canals of Xochimilco on a Trajinera Visit Coyoacan, birthplace of Frida Kahlo
• • •
Day 2: Mexico City to Merida. Leave behind the buzz of Mexico City & fly to the beautiful white stone city of Merida. Tour the city’s gorgeous colonial buildings & Government Palace before indulging in a mouthwatering Yucatecan meal. Hotel (B,D) Walking tour of Merida’s sights Horse & carriage ride
• •
Day 3: Merida to Cancun via Chichen Itza. Immerse yourself in fascinating Mayan history on a guided tour at Chichen Itza – the country’s spectacular ancient Mayan city. This afternoon we arrive in legendary Cancun with its endless shopping, nightlife & outdoor hub. Hotel (B) Guided tour of the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza Swim in a cenote (sink hole) M Mayan culture adventure complete with ziplining, rappelling, canoeing & lunch!
• •
Day 4: Cancun & Playa del Carmen. We’ll take a day trip to the beach playground of Playa del Carmen. Take a stroll along the Quinta Avenida & the stunning beach while enjoying the friendly local hospitality. Fill your day with everything from snorkelling the clear blue waters, hanging out in open-air cafés & restaurants, stopping for a beer or two with the locals, or people watching. You can even take a ferry across to the
Code: MEXH 2015/16/17 island of Cozumel before heading back to Cancun. Hotel (B) Visit Playa del Carmen
Start Mexico City
•
2015
Day 5: Cancun. Soak up all the Cancun action you want today - swim through a jungle lagoon, snorkel, or take a day trip to beautiful Isla Mujeres for some delicious seafood & sightseeing. Then for your last night, party in great bars & dance clubs ‘til the sun comes up. Hotel (B,D)
Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
Day 6: Depart Cancun. Your Mexican adventure ends this morning & it’s time to swap email addresses & say farewell to your new friends. (B)
2016
MERIDA
Jan Feb Mar Mar Apr May
8 29 26 24 21 12 26
23 20 5 19 23 28
Finish Cancun
Total Cost C$ pp*
Aug Sep Oct Oct Nov Dec Dec
13 3 1 29 26 17 31
1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725
Jan Feb Mar Mar Apr Jun
28 25 10 24 28 2
1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725
Start Mexico City
Finish Cancun
Total Cost C$ pp*
Jun Jul Jul Aug Sep Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
23 7 21 11 1 29 27 24 15 29
1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725
Jan 26 Feb 23
1725 1725
2016 Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dec
18 2 16 6 27 24 22 19 10 24 ●
2017 Jan 21 Feb 18
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
Single room supplement add C$465. Start Mexico City 7:00am & end Cancun approx. 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Merida.
For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.
• An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach • 1 internal flight & transfer • Sightseeing tours of all major cities • Local taxes & service charges
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Tour the pyramids of Teotihuacan • Relax & take in the sights on a horse drawn carriage ride in Merida • Turn back the clock at the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Cenote snorkelling & off-track adventure See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
For travel insurance see p.66. Explore More: Have a few more days? Check out the Mexico Grande & see the Pacific Ocean.
LOCAL CULTURE Just like Champagne & Kobe beef, in order to be called “Tequila” the drink has to be produced in the Tequila region of Mexico. Time to get tasting! VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ YUCATAN
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
63
EASY PACE
TAKE THINGS SLOW WITH EASY PACE. THIS TRIP STYLE IS ALL ABOUT MAXIN’ & RELAXIN’. SNORKEL WITH SEA LIONS, CHILL OUT WITH THE GIANT GALAPAGOS TORTOISE & SOAK UP THE BEAUTY OF THIS BIO-DIVERSE LAND.
1 TRIP / 6 DAYS
INCLUDED
Galapagos Island Hopper ..................... p.65
• 2 included flights to reduce travelling time • Later starts each morning & breakfast daily • Included activities such as a snorkel & kayak adventure & BBQ feast
contiki.com/easy-pace-latin-america
• Twin share rooms, or single rooms for a little extra privacy for a little more • An experienced Trip Manager plus expert English speaking Local Guides • ME Time – explore your way or try some hand-picked optional activities
We Love WiFi – stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS SANTA CRUZ Baltra
ISABELA
Puerto 2 VILLAMIL
Puerto Ayora 1 2 SAN CRISTOBAL Puerto BAQUERIZO MORENO
ECUADOR Guayaquil
Peru
1 World Heritage site visited
Places visited 1 or more nightstops Coach, mini-coach or van Plane or boat
EASY PACE
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
SNAPSHOT
GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPER
5
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION 5 nights twin-share hotel accommodation
6 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM C$2839 PP*/C$474 P/DAY* SAVE
FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS
9 INCLUDED MEALS
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Guayaquil to Isabela Island. Meet up with your Contiki crew this morning as we fly to the Galapagos Islands. Before arriving in Puerto Ayora we’ll check out the island’s old lava tunnels & see the incredible giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Later, get out on the water as we head off to Isabela Island to relax for two nights. Hotel (D) See famous Galapagos giant tortoises Visit some lava tunnels Boat ride to Isabela Island
• • •
Day 2: Isabela Island. This morning we’ll kayak with sea lions & snorkel with colourful fish (keep your eyes peeled for turtles!) This afternoon we’ll visit the Wall of Tears – you might even see some baby tortoises along the way! Later relax on the beach & take in this amazing place. Hotel (B,L) Wildlife kayaking adventure Visit the Wall of Tears Snorkelling experience
• • •
Day 3: Isabel Island to Santa Cruz Island. Relax this morning before we take off to Santa Cruz Island. This afternoon we’ll visit Tortuga Bay where we finish up with a stroll along the beach & a swim. Hotel (B) Visit Tortuga Bay
•
Day 4: Santa Cruz Island to San Cristobal Island. We’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station this morning & check out the other species of tortoises & land iguanas before heading out to San Cristobal - keep an eye out for bathing sea lions! This afternoon opt to explore the island’s highlands by bike. Tonight, it’s all about relaxing over drinks at one of our favourite local spots while watching the sunset. Hotel (B) Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station See the island’s famous sea lions M Guided biking adventure
• •
5 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
Code: GUGU 2015/16/17 Day 5: San Cristobal Island. First up: a coastal cruise to spot native birds, before hitting the water in search of puffer fish & cute sea lion pups. We’ll snorkel around Kicker Rock & its famous 143m tuff cone looking out for manta rays, starfish & maybe a Galapagos shark. Later, relax on stunning Puerto Grande beach paradise, before it’s back to town for our Galapagos BBQ feast. Hotel (B,L,D) Boat cruise & off shore bird spotting experience Explore Kicker Rock’s 143m cone Visit stunning Puerto Grande beach
• • •
Day 6: San Cristobal to Guayaquil. There’s time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival. (B) Please note: Do not book departing flights before 6:00pm.
Start Finish Total Guayaquil Guayaquil Cost C$ pp*
Start Finish Total Guayaquil Guayaquil Cost C$ pp*
2015
2016
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
22 19 17 14 12
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
27 24 22 19 17
2839 2839 2839 2839 2839
Jan Feb Mar Apr May
14 11 11 8 6
2839 2839 2839 2839 2839
2016 Jan Feb Mar Apr May
9 6 6 3 1
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
29 26 24 21 18 16 13 18
3 1 29 26 23 21 18 23
2839 2839 2839 2839 2839 2839 2839 2839
Jan 13 Feb 10
2839 2839
Jun Jul Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2017 Jan 8 Feb 5
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling
solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • 2 internal flights & transfers • Transportation in a private coach, mini-coach or van • Sightseeing tours of all major areas • Local taxes & service charges
Start Guayaquil 6:00am & end Guayaquil approx.4:00pm.
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS
Note: The Galapagos Islands have a compulsory US$100 entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park, a US$20 INGALA fee & a US$5 Isabela Island tax that are only payable in cash on arrival (subject to increase). Please ensure you have this money ready to ensure entry to these locations.
• Snorkel & kayak adventure • BBQ feast Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
Single room supplement add C$325.
For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.66.
ME TIME OPTIONS Look for the M symbol in the itinerary & visit contiki.com
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ GALAPAGOS-HOPPER
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
65
GOT A QUESTION? Answers to frequently asked questions & things you need to know: WHAT’S INCLUDED? • Coach, mini-coach, van, train, canoe, flights & ‘on trip’ airport transfers listed in the Inclusions section as specified. • Accommodation, breakfasts, lunches & dinners listed in the Inclusions section on trip pages. • Sightseeing listed in the ‘Itinerary & Sightseeing’ section in each trip itinerary. Unless specified, entrance fees to these locations are included. • Experienced Contiki Trip Manager & Local Guides. • Tips for Local Guides & Local Drivers.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED? • Personal expense money. • Visas, passport fees, personal insurance & medical fees. • Excess baggage fees & tips for porters. • Sightseeing, visits & entrance fees & transport other than those specified on trip pages. • Me Time optionals such as mountain biking, speed boat rides etc. • Lunches (unless specified under Inclusions section) & some dinners. • Reciprocity Tax in Argentina for some nationalities – check contiki.com/contikipedia for more info. • Departure Tax at airports & boarder crossing fees in some destinations – see price panels for applicable trips. • Galapagos National Park Fee of US$100 (must be paid in cash). • Ecuador INGALA Fee of US$20. • Ecuador Isabela Island Fee of US$5.
INCLUDED FLIGHTS Flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the price. As detailed within our Booking Conditions (p.67) under ‘General’, we rely on international conventions regarding air travel and other transportation as specified. Through enrolment and payment for your trip you acknowledge and accept such. Individual electronic tickets may not be issued to you prior to travel, due to the group nature of the air/flight booking. In such circumstances you acknowledge that by receipt of any applicable boarding pass and/or by boarding the aircraft you have accepted the airlines terms & conditions of travel, and the application of all relevant international conventions and applicable national and international law governing air transportation.
GROUP SIZE We average around 30 people per group on our Mexico trips and no more than 30 on the rest, which is the perfect size to explore with each region & get amongst it all!.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED? You will need to ensure you allow enough money to cover lunches & dinners not included in the trip price, souvenirs, shopping, drinks, ME Time optionals, entrance fees to some attractions & evening entertainment. When travelling within Latin America, you’ll find that you’ll often be using local currency, particularly in remote areas. The local currencies are the Nuevo Sol (Peru), Peso (Argentina), Real (Brazil), US$ (Ecuador), Colón (Costa Rica), Quetzal (Guatemala), Belize Dollar (Belize). The countries we visit rely largely on cash as opposed to credit cards or travellers cheques. In the larger cities you’ll find that established stores will accept credit cards. VISA is the most readily accepted, but stores normally charge a surcharge. Local market stalls will operate on a cash only basis. Local currency is available through cash (ATM) machines however you shouldn’t depend solely on a credit/debit card for cash as they are not accepted in all areas & ATM maintenance is often neglected. ATMs are available in Lima, Buenos Aires, Cusco, Quito, Guayaquil, San José & Mexico City & Guatemala City Airports. We recommend that you carry cash in small denominations of both US$ & local currency and have more than one credit card. Please note that travellers cheques are generally only accepted in big cities at money exchanges or banks. USD is preferred in Argentina & should be brought with you into the country as it is not available through cash machines (ATM).
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING? Baggage is restricted to only one reasonably sized backpack/suitcase & one carry-on bag & luggage policies are strictly enforced. There are some things to consider when packing for a Contiki Latin America Trip, including leaving space for on trip purchases: • Due to the large number of flights on Contiki Latin America trips, your luggage needs to meet the weight & restrictions imposed by airlines. These limits are imposed by the airlines, not by Contiki. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred by overweight luggage. Please refer to contiki.com/luggage for more info. • You are responsible for carrying your own luggage. At times this will be in hotels without elevators (as is common in the region) or on various forms of transport.
• At hotels without elevators there may be porters but this is not guaranteed. • We recommend small hand luggage for the Galapagos – Larger luggage can be stored at the Guayaquil hotel to be retrieved on return. Please keep your luggage to a maximum suitcase size of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) & maximum weight of 20kg (44lbs), plus one small handbag / daypack that can be used as an overnight bag for Machu Picchu Pueblo (see below). Important: Every Contiki trip to Peru includes a train journey round-trip to Machu Picchu Pueblo where we overnight. The train operators, have strict baggage allowances. You are allowed to carry as hand luggage a day pack/backpack with a weight of no more than 5kg/11lb & with a maximum size of 62 linear inches/157cm (length + height + width). Perurail will charge for excess baggage. A daypack/backpack of approx 26L capacity is suggested. Contiki will store your main luggage at our Cusco hotel during this time. For the new Ultimate Inca 4 day trek, a small day bag is recommended for the day hikes, with travelers being provided with an additional duffle bag for overnight essentials. This duffel will be carried by our porters. Contiki will store your main luggage at the Cusco hotel during this time. Visit contiki.com/ultimate-inca for a full packing list. Note: Travellers can rent sleeping bags for the 4 day trek in Cusco. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk & baggage insurance is strongly recommended. Luggage is not guaranteed or included in the cost of your trip & Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept over sized baggage on your trip. Note: Contiki is not responsible for any fees incurred as a result of overweight luggage.
PAST TRAVELLER 5% DISCOUNT Eligibility for this discount is based on clients having booked & travelled with Contiki (or one of our Travel Corporation sister brands, visit thetravelcorporation.com for details) within 5 years of their last trip. Clients must have completed a trip before they can redeem the discount on a subsequent trip booking. Only one discount can be redeemed per past traveller annually. A deposit must be received before the discount can be applied to the booking. It is not available on pre & post-trip accommodation rates & other selected products. The discount applies to brochured prices only & cannot be combined with any non-brochured special market promotions.
ME TIME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES WHEN DO I CHOOSE? Optionals are arranged & paid for on your trip. By leaving the final decisions until then you can choose at the same time as your new friends. You’ll get great value as we get you great rates & your Trip Manager can offer personal advice. Some activities are seasonal & weather dependent as well. HOW DO I PAY? All Me Time Optionals can be paid cash in Local Currency or USD which is preferred in Argentina – see “HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED”
ACCEPTANCE OF RISK It’s important that you acknowledge that at times travelling on a Contiki Latin America trip may be more adventurous & presents greater challenges than your normal daily life. The civil infrastructure, medical facilities, transportation, telecommunications & accommodation standards may not be what you are used to. Cleanliness & hygiene standards also vary. As such there is some degree of personal risk inherent in travelling Latin America & as a Contiki traveller you accept this.
BROCHURE AUTHENTICITY We have put a great deal of effort into producing this brochure. The information given & literature produced by Contiki has been compiled with care & is published in good faith. Sometimes, because of circumstances outside our control, we have to alter some activities due to seasonal closing or repairs to buildings, etc., especially early or late in the season. If this happens, alternatives will be arranged.
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS? At the time this brochure went to press (April, 2015) the following immunisations are recommended for travellers in Latin America by the CDC (The Centre for Disease Control): Travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccinations: Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) Diphtheria/ Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT), Poliovirus etc. Recommended for Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Guatemala & Peru: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid & Rabies. Malaria & Yellow Fever are also an issue in Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos, Iguassu Falls. You should consult your local doctor or travel agent on what vaccinations &/or preventative medicines would be required. Don’t forget to bring with you any medication that you may require en route such as antihistamines, antibiotics, etc
DO I NEED A PASSPORT OR VISA? Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to enter certain countries included in your Latin America trip. You are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas PRIOR to the departure of your trip. Any costs whatsoever regarding obtaining, replacing or changing visas whilst on your trip (including accommodation, meals, flights & transfers incurred due to associated delays) are at your own expense. Contiki is not legally permitted to knowingly allow anybody who does not have a valid visa to join a trip. Visa & other entry & exit conditions (such as currency, arrival/departure taxes, customs & quarantine regulations) change regularly. Visit contiki.com/visas for more information. Alternatively, consult your travel agent or visit your local embassy to determine which visas you require. Your passport must have at least six months validity at time of travel. Local immigration authorities may deny entry & deport people who do not meet this requirement, even if they intend on staying only for a short period. Important to consider: 1. Visas can take up to six weeks & a fee is normally charged. 2. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could cause you to miss part of your trip & will result in you incurring considerable expense & inconvenience. 3. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of you failing to obtain all necessary visas before the departure of your trip. 4. It is better to apply for all visas through your travel agent before you leave home. 5. It is very important that the entry & exit dates are correct on the visa. Your travel agent will contact Contiki for full details. 6. You will need a machine-readable passport.
NO COMPULSORY TIPPING - REWARD ONLY EXCELLENCE! Every country in the world has different tipping customs & in Latin America, within service industries, tipping is common practice. Tipping is totally optional & only given if you feel the service has exceeded your expectations. If you think your Contiki Team have done an exceptional job then you may wish to tip them. This is entirely discretionary – it’s completely up to you. No compulsory tipping – reward only excellence!
WILL I GET MORE INFORMATION? Upon receipt of final payment, your trip documentation will be released 21 days prior to your departure. You’ll receive a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary including full details & costs of all optional activities available on your trip. Your free Contiki document wallet* & luggage tag will be sent to you with your travel documents. The wallet is a safe place for your tickets & passport. * Contiki reserves the right to substitute an alternative travel accessory for the Contiki document wallet.
MANAGE BOOKING Ready, set, go! You’re booked & it’s nearly go time, however just like when you’re taking a flight, it’s important you provide us with your all your details before you can travel. Check out contiki.com/managebooking to log into your booking.
BOOKING SECURITY Contiki has been running trips for young people since 1962 & in all countries where Contiki operates we fully comply with local travel industry laws. All your money is held in a Trust Account until the time of travel to comply with Canadian Travel Industry Regulations. Contiki is a member of the Association of Canadian Travel Agents (ACTA), the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Security is a major concern to all of us and the situation globally is constantly changing. Events around the world, coupled with the “Travel Advisories“ put out by various governments, may at times necessitate changes to the accommodations and itinerary or even trip cancellation. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information in this regard. You must accept these risks involved in travel to any country that may experience security difficulties and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions.
WHAT ELSE? Regular passport checks are common throughout Latin America. It’s essential that when you book your trip that you provide the passport details for the passport you will be travelling with.
TRAVEL INSURANCE Cancellation, unexpected medical expenses, injuries, theft, lost luggage or money can significantly disrupt & ruin your holiday. It is compulsory that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, evacuation & repatriation expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money & public liability before you travel. In some instances, you may not be accepted on a Contiki holiday unless you have arranged satisfactory insurance. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages & remedies against us arising from your participation in your holiday. For insurance details, please speak to your travel agent or Contiki when you are booking your trip.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Photos Courtesy of © Costa rica Jungle Lodge p.12 Swimming Pool. Photos Courtesy of © Colca Canyon Casa de Mama Yacchi p.12 Colca Canyon Lodge. Photos Courtesy of © Casona Del Lago Guatemala p.12 Hotel Swimming Pool. Photos Courtesy of © Holiday Inn Cancun p.13 Hotel Exterior. Photos Courtesy of © Claire Midgley p.14 Sealion, p.37 Iguassu Falls p.53 Giant Tortoise, p.65 Lizard. Photos Courtesy of © Sarah Duff p.15 Ziplining, p.28 Coffee Beans. Photos Courtesy of © Dan Lumelski p.47 Machu Picchu.
CONTIKI HOLIDAYS TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN PROVIDING YOU WITH “ANY REASON” CANCELATION FLEXIBILITY: Contiki Holidays Travel Protection Plan – designed with the following: Priced at: Trips up to $2,000: $129 per person / Trips $2,001 or greater: $169 per person Note: Prices are subject to change without notice and subject to provincial sales tax, where applicable. SECTION I: TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT PROTECTION Provided by Contiki Holidays Trip Cancelation: Up to Total Trip Cost. Reimburses the non-refundable Contiki Holidays cancelation penalties imposed if you must cancel your trip for a specified reason such as illness, injury or death to you, a traveling companion or an immediate family member. Other eligible reasons for cancelation include Common Carrier-caused delays due to inclement weather, jury duty, subpoena, or a documented traffic accident en route to departure, and other reasons as cited in the plan description. The Contiki Holidays “Any Reason” Cancelation Waiver**. With the Contiki Holidays “Any Reason” Cancelation Waiver, Contiki Holidays will provide you with 100% of the cancelation charges in the form of a future travel credit certificate, should you cancel your trip more than 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure for any reason that is not eligible for cash reimbursement under the Trip Cancelation section of the Travel Protection Plan. Cancelation charges are reimbursed in the form of Contiki Holidays Travel Certificates allowing you a two year credit to travel with us at a later date! Please note that to be eligible for the “Any Reason” Cancelation Waiver, you must enroll and pay for the plan within two days of your initial trip deposit. The certificate is valid for two years, is non-transferrable and non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash. Future travel certificates do not include airfare cancelation charges for air arrangements unless those arrangements were provided by Contiki Holidays. Trip Interruption: Up to Total Trip Cost Trip Delay: Up to C$1,000 (C$150/day)
SECTION II: TRAVEL INSURANCE BENEFITS Underwritten by Legacy General Insurance Company* Baggage Protection: Up to C$2,500 Bag Delay: Up to C$500 Medical & Dental Expenses: Up to C$1,000,000** Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: Up to C$50,000 SECTION III: EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES Provided by On Call International The above is only a summary – a plan description detailing the terms, conditions and exclusions will be sent to you – we have highlighted just a few of the plan benefits. If you have any Travel Protection Plan questions, or would like to request a copy of the plan description, please call our plan administrator, AON Affinity, at 1-866-580-4871. You may also view the plan at contiki.com The Contiki Holidays Travel Protection Plan is provided in addition to other applicable indemnity or insurance programs, where permitted by law and shall apply only after benefits have been paid. * Section II Travel Insurance Benefits, Policy Number MZ0926385H0001A are underwritten by Legacy General Insurance Company. ** NOTE: The Medical & Dental Expense benefits of this plan are subject to a maximum benefit limit of C$30,000 for those persons who, at the time of a covered Injury or Sickness, do not have valid hospital and medical insurance under a Government Health Insurance Plan of a province or territory of Canada. This plan was designed and is administered by AON Affinity (an authorized agent for Legacy General Insurance Company). In Canada, this plan is administered by AON Reed Stenhouse Inc. LL# 26437478
BOOKING CONDITIONS Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & conditions set out below.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. YOUR VACATION RESERVATION On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability and at our discretion, Contiki will reserve your place on your selected vacation. A contract is only made between you and us upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us and our communication thereof to either you or your travel agent. 2. PRICE GUARANTEE Trip prices in this brochure are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies and exchange rates as of 24th March, 2015. Should any of these costs change, a surcharge may be made on the price of your vacation. If the total trip price increases by more than 7%, passengers will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty. No surcharges in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment has been received. The guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or their agencies. In exchange for these guarantees, no refund will be made if costs are reduced. Prices are per person and are in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise specified. 3. IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR VACATION 3.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. 3.2 Should change or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, and where available, offer you a comparable alternative. 3.3 If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another Contiki vacation without payment of any transfer fee. 3.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Contiki’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking. 3.5 Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any trip departure. 4. VACATION DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 4.1 The information in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print (April, 2015) but we cannot guarantee that any item or amenity mentioned will be available especially where we have no direct control over it. 4.2 With respect to our touring program, Contiki will do our best, at our discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing trips and transportation to give you good value for money. 4.3 Contiki constantly strives to improve trip itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations. 4.4 We reserve the right to alter or substitute the type, the size of vehicle and/ or the style of transport mentioned in the brochure, resulting in occasionally having to utilise transport without some of the features promoted. Please note there are strict laws in Latin America governing Driver’s driving hours and this may necessitate utilising public transport in some cities. 5. LIABILITY 5.1 Your travel agent shall, on the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for you until the booking is confirmed at which time those monies ‘monies shall be remitted promptly by your travel agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law. 5.2 We will be entitled to keep for our account any interest earned on such monies. 5.3 All monies paid by you to us through your travel agent or otherwise, whether in respect of the deposit or full payment, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit, in respect of the services to be provided and/or fees payable under your selected vacation. The payment of a deposit or any other monies in respect of your vacation shall be deemed to be an authorization for disbursement thereof as aforesaid.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. BOOKING YOUR VACATION 1.1 In order to reserve your vacation, a deposit of C$200, per person per trip, or the full amount payable if booking is made within 45 days of departure from Canada, must be submitted to Contiki within 3 days in respect of that booking. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first installment of the vacation price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent. Any form of payment is accepted for the initial deposit of C$200 per person. 1.2 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non refundable deposit of C$200 per person, per trip which must be within 3 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled. 1.3 Air Reservations/Ticketing: Air-inclusive bookings may require an additional non-refundable deposit at time of booking. Upon receipt of full air payment, your airfare, taxes and fuel surcharges are final. This will be regardless of future price fluctuations up or down. When booking a guided vacation including flights, you will be required at the time of booking to provide us the full name as detailed on the passport or government-issued ID. 1.4 Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Contiki cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients’ special meal requirements are not fulfilled. 1.5 Travel documents and instructions for joining your trip will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure (provided full payment has been received). If final payment is not received when due, costs to courier documents will be the responsibility of the Travel Agent. Please note that entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete. 1.6 Inca Trail Trek. If you wish to book a tour including the Inca Trail Trek you will be required to make an additional non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. Your Reservations Agent will advise you of the additional amount required. Should Contiki be unable to obtain a trail pass for the date requested your additional deposit will be refunded in full. You will need your passport to enter the trail. It is important that the passport information you submit with your application is exactly the same as the passport you will use to travel to Latin America & it must have 6 months validity at the time of travel. If your information changes it can result in a penalty & cancellation of your admission to the trail. No refunds will be given.
2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 The balance of the vacation price must be paid by no later than 45 days before the scheduled vacation departure date from Canada which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki. 2.2 If payment isn’t made by the due date, Contiki may assume that you have cancelled and cancellation charges in accordance with clause 3 below will be levied by Contiki. 2.3 Tickets and other documents won’t be forwarded until full payment has been received by us. Travel agency cheques must be received within 7 business days from the date payment is called in. 2.4 In the case of Late Bookings made within 45 days of your departure from Canada, the full cost of the vacation will be payable immediately on booking and we reserve the right to provide all travel documents at the vacation departure point. 2.5 Contiki reserves the right to cancel the booking and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods. 2.6 Your authorization to use your Credit Card number for deposit and/ or final payment indicates your compliance with our booking conditions, whether or not you have actually signed the appropriate draft. Verbal authorization of the use of your Credit Card confirms your reservation. MasterCard, Visa, Visa Debit and American Express are accepted. Credit Card payments are not accepted for group bookings. A signed sales draft is required. If you wish to change a credit card payment after it has been processed, change fees will apply. For security purposes, we are required to collect passengers’ credit card billing address as well as the passengers 3-digit CVC2 code (MasterCard) or 3-digit CVV2 code (Visa & Visa Debit) or 4-digit CID code (American Express). 3. IF YOU CANCEL 3.1 If you cancel, your deposit will not be refunded nor can it be credited to any other booking. 3.2 Upon cancellation you will be liable to pay a fee to cover the estimate of cost and expenses incurred by us in the terms of the schedule set out hereunder. This is expressed as a percentage of the vacation price and is calculated as follows: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE Number of days prior to as % of tour commencement total price 45 days or more notice The non-refundable deposit plus the Travel Protection Plan’s insurance premium is forfeited 44-22 days:.............................................................................................25% 21-8 days: ...............................................................................................30% 7-1 days: .................................................................................................75% Day of departure: ..................................................................................100% Where the percentage cancellation fee is less than the tour deposit, the cancellation fee will equal loss of deposit. If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any vacation insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges may, subject to the terms of your insurance policy, be refunded to you by the insurance company. 3.3 Any cancellation of additional services booked prior to and after your tour or resort booking, such as pre and post accommodation and transfers, that are cancelled within 14 days of the commencement date of these services, incur a 100% cancellation fee. If you have booked a tour including the Inca Trail Trek the additional deposit you paid at the time of booking is non-refundable. 3.4 These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent. All cancellation policies valid as at 10th April, 2015 and are subject to change. Final policy will be confirmed at time of booking. 4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to change to an alternate departure date or you wish to change to a different Contiki vacation, you may do so subject to availability and provided the new vacation date is also in this brochure. 4.2 A fee of C$35 per person will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed unless the change increases the value of the booking. A change of trip date or trip itinerary within 45 days of departure date will be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier trip departure of equivalent or greater value in which case a C$35 per person amendment fee will be charged. 4.3 Air Cancellation & Changes: Prior to airline ticketing, a service fee $35 per person and after airline ticketing a service fee of $75 per person, plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the air ticket price, will be charged. If paper tickets are issued, no refund will be made for canceled air tickets until after the paper tickets are returned to Contiki. Non-refundable tickets cannot be refunded. Please ensure any returned guided vacation document which contains airline tickets is sent by certified or registered mail. Lost ticket replacement can take up to one year and processing fees may be assessed. 4.4 Air Seating: Not all airlines offer pre assigned seats. Some may charge for pre assigned seats. Any additional charge imposed by airlines will be at guests’ expense. Where pre-assigned seats are not offered or different seats are desired, guests must contact airline(s) direct to arrange seating assignments. Seating is solely under the airline’s control, as are itinerary changes due to flight delays and schedule changes. Contiki reserves the right to offer alternative schedules for itineraries affected by airline schedule changes and equipment. Flight delays, flight cancellation and schedule changes are the responsibility of the airline. Contiki will not be responsible or liable for such delays or rescheduling, and additional charges may be involved. 5. VACATION DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 Please read the brochure carefully for those items included in the price. No allowance or refund can be made for meals, accommodation, excursions, etc. that you elect not to take, or when museums, shops, etc are closed. Hotel facilities may vary from place to place. Meals may vary in style, while Contiki Holiday’s Trip Manager and staff will do our best to accommodate passengers with special dietary needs or food allergies or restrictions, we cannot guarantee that all restaurants, accommodations or hotels will be able to adhere their special requests or meet their needs. 5.2 Contiki holidays are specifically designed and marketed for those in the 18 through 35 age group. Consequently the facilities and activities on a Contiki vacation are not appropriate to persons outside this age bracket. If you have a question regarding the age groups, you are welcome to discuss this with a member of the Contiki staff. 5.3 The Company strives to provide a safe, enjoyable and memorable travel experience for all passengers. The Company welcomes passengers with special needs or disabilities. However, please note the following: • Passengers are required to advise the Company, in advance, of any physical, medical or other special needs that require accommodation. • All guests must ensure they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Company may impose safety requirements necessary for the safe
operation of the trip. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a trip or an activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety. • The Company does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, assisting with luggage, toileting or dressing,). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature. • The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on trip, or for the quality of the care or services received. • Passengers should be aware some trips include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, steps and locations & overnight accommodations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the trip, the Company may make arrangements with carriers, hotels and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which the Company has no control. Accommodations on international trips may differ from those in North America. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers traveling on international trips. • Passengers are required to carry their own luggage to the coach and also to their rooms, there may be times passengers are required to carry their luggage far distances & up many flights of stairs with no assistance. • The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with the Company’s terms and conditions. The Company is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a passenger is removed from a trip. Passengers agree not to hold the Company or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions. 5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the vacation. 5.5 There may be times when the Contiki Trip Manager or Representative has to make a decision in your best interest or the best interests of their group. You agree to comply with the authority and decisions of the appointed Contiki Trip Manager or Representative and the laws of the country in which you are traveling. If you do not so comply or if, in the Contiki Trip Manager’s or Representative’s opinion, you are not compatible with the general enjoyment and well being of other members on the trip or the smooth operation of the vacation itself, we reserve the right to refuse to let you continue with the trip. We do not tolerate the possession or carriage of illegal or restricted substances (drugs). Furthermore you agree that your fellow travellers and any Contiki Representative has the right to travel/work in a safe environment. Any threats to their safety, well being or inappropriate behavior by you, whether verbal or physical, will be taken extremely seriously and may result in the immediate termination of your vacation. In either event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation and related costs and have no claims against us. 5.5.1 You are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of damage or excess cleaning fees related to your accommodation. You are advised to immediately report any pre-existing damage in your room to hotel staff and/ or a Contiki Trip Manager as soon as it is discovered. 5.6 Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or co-operating organizations shall be liable for any illness, injury or death or any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of the accident or incident. 5.7 It is your responsibility to have a valid passport (at least 6 months) and all visas, permits and certificates required for your selected holiday before your departure as well as any necessary vaccinations and to comply with all applicable laws. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of failing to obtain necessary visas. Any costs whatsoever regarding obtaining, replacing or changing visas whilst on trip (including accommodation, meals, flights and transfers incurred due to associated delays) are at your own expense 5.8 You agree that our Contiki Trip Managers or Representatives may take photographs and films of you while you are on vacation and that these may be used in our Group brochures and/or advertising or publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of such photographs and/or films. 5.9 Should you have a complaint in respect of the vacation, you should inform the Contiki Trip Manager or Representative during the course of the vacation and if the matter cannot be resolved after the representative’s best endeavours to do so during the vacation, your complaint should be made in writing to Contiki, Guest Relations as soon as it is reasonably possible after the vacation. If you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, please provide your home address so that we are able to reply to you in writing. 5.10 The contract and all matters arising in respect hereof shall be subject to English Law, unless we agree otherwise in writing. 5.10.1 If any provision of this contract is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed to be re-written to give effect to the same purpose within the permitted limits of the law. The validity and enforceability of the other provisions shall not be affected. 5.10.2 If you are unsuccessful in any legal action instituted against us, you agree to pay all our costs, including but not limited to, attorney/client costs. 6. INSURANCE It is compulsory that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money & public liability before embarking on a Contiki Latin America trip. Please check that the insurance covers all of the activities that you are going to be participating in. Some policies exclude certain adventure activities. This should be arranged at the time of payment of the deposit and will, in certain circumstances, cover you against loss of deposit or cancellation fees from the date of confirmation of your booking, as shown in the insurance policy. Contiki cannot be held responsible for your failure to take out appropriate insurance. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies which may be brought against us in respect of your participation in the holiday. Contiki offers a comprehensive package that can be tailor made to your vacation. A brief description of this coverage is shown on p.66. The complete limitations and exclusions are contained in the certificate of insurance sent to you with your final documents. Please ask your Travel Agent to ask Contiki when making your booking. Please note there will be no travel insurance provided unless you request it from your Travel Agent and the payment is forwarded to Contiki.
7. ILLNESS OR ABSENTEEISM In the event of your withdrawal from a vacation after the commencement as a result of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. No refunds will be made for any absence from the trip. 8. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE VACATION PRICE Airfares to and from your vacation destination, airport taxes, airport transfers, passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, special needs and services required by handicapped clients (see 5.3 under Vacation Details & Conditions), tips to Trip Managers, representatives, drivers and local guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, optional excursions. 9. WEATHER CONDITIONS Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for snow or weather conditions, nor can any vacation be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of snow or weather conditions.
GENERAL
1. CONTRACTING PARTIES 1.1 The Booking Conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you and Contiki. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation. This contract may only be varied in writing by a duly authorized officer or director of Contiki. 1.2 Your contract is with us as the trip operating company and not Contiki Holidays (Canada) Limited. At any time and at our complete discretion we may nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of those provisions of this contract, which we may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions concerned directly with that company or person in the first place as well as agreeing them with us. We may at our complete discretion assign all or any rights and liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with you. 1.3 Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international conventions, national and international law, which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol & Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road & the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage & delay to passengers & luggage. Enrolment in & payment for a trip shall constitute agreement & acceptance by the passenger of the terms & conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company. 1.4 Contiki is not a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches. All bookings with carriers, hoteliers and other service providers are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by those carriers, hoteliers, and other service providers. Please note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. Whilst we cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such third-parties, we will give every reasonable assistance in helping to resolve any reasonable dispute. Please also note that Contiki cannot be held responsible for the failure of any of these parties to provide facilities or services for handicapped clients (see also 5.3 under Vacation Details & Conditions). 1.5 Please note that no airline or carrier depicted or recommended in this brochure by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser of a vacation from Contiki or as having any other legal relationship with any such purchaser. 1.6 Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to print, however Contiki cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. 2. DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT In order to process your trip booking, Contiki Holidays will need to use personal information for you and other passengers included in your booking. This personal information may include each passenger’s name, address, phone number, email address, passport number, credit/debit card number and sensitive information such as health, medical, dietary, mobility, religious or other special requirements. This personal information may be passed on to other suppliers of your travel arrangements in addition to public authorities (such as customs and immigration), security and credit checking organizations, and otherwise as required by law. Similarly, we may also need to provide personal information to contractors who provide services to or for us (e.g., sending mail, processing payments, providing marketing assistance). This may involve sending personal information (including sensitive information) to other countries that may not afford the same level of protection of personal information. We may also use the personal information you provide us to review and improve the trips and services that we offer, and to contact you (by post, email and/or telephone) about other trips and services offered by Contiki Holidays that you may be interested in. If you don’t want to receive this information, or if you want a copy of the personal information we hold about you, write to us at Contiki Holidays, Attn: Marketing Department, 33 Kern Road, Toronto Ontario, Canada, M3B 1S9. Contiki Holidays may charge a fee for supplying you with this information as permitted by law. 3. VALIDITY The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from August 2015 to March 2017. 4. OPERATING COMPANIES The programmes advertised in this brochure are owned and operated by: Contiki Holidays Latin America, Rue Du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH Channel Islands. Please note that Contiki utilises ground handlers to assist with the operation of our products. These ground handlers include: Journey Mexico (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala), Galakiwi (Ecuador & Galapagos Islands), Costa Rican Trails (Costa Rica), & Altura Travel (Argentina, Brazil & Peru). 4. CONTIKI IS REPRESENTED IN: Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and USA. Contiki is a registered trademark of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Guernsey. This brochure was published in April, 2015 and supersedes any other current brochure in the market. Please see contiki.com for complete & up to date terms & conditions.
LATIN AMERICA 2015-17
67
THE ORIGINAL
SINCE '62 TO BOOK DIRECT CALL 1 866 224 0267 AGENTS CALL 1 800 268 1835 UP LATE? US TOO! CALL US WHEN IT SUITS YOU WITH OUR EXTENDED CUSTOMER SERVICE HOURS. Mon-Thurs: 9am-2am (EST) Fri: 9am-10pm (EST) Sat: 11am-7pm (EST) Fax: 1877 782 6377 or (416) 932 1147
VISIT CONTIKI.COM MAIL CONTACTUS@CONTIKI.CA OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT CONTIKI HOLIDAYS 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3B 1S9
TICO REGISTRATION Wholesale #2058256 Retail #2759979
Association of Canadian Travel Agencies
SAVE A TREE, PASS THIS TO YOUR FRIEND
THE TRAVEL CORPORATION Contiki is backed by The Travel Corporation, one of the world’s most successful family-owned travel companies. Our passion and commitment for giving our travellers life changing experiences is in our blood. It also means you get the peace of mind that comes from a financially strong group with global scale. But don’t take our word for it, check out the awards we’ve won at thetravelcorporation.com.
DRIVEN BY SERVICE
© Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Contiki provides you with holidays & experiences of a lifetime.
YOUR CONTIKI TRAVEL EXPERT IS:
1st Edition