South America Group Tours

EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

H35 H over

years of travel experience

H

south america

Take the holiday you deserve

Inca Group Tours Small personable groups 4 or 5-star, fully-escorted All guaranteed to depart

www.incatours.net

machu picchu cuzco iguassu falls

enjoy south Inca Tours is both a tour wholesaler and a registered travel agent, being a member of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).

with inca australia’s small

includes all tipping & porterage all inclusive Journeys No hidden extras, all tipping, all porterage, all entrance fees and all transfers are included.

all inclusive of flights Includes all economy-class flights in South America

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includes some of the best properties

includes all sightseeing

Inca Tours uses some of the finest hotels, lodges, trains and cruising vessels in the world. Where possible, we utilise properties with local charm, style and character, avoiding foreign chains with their generic decor and international design styles.

Inca Tours includes all sightseeing with expert local guides, so you do not have to pay extra when you get there.

If it is worth doing or seeing, we include it for everyone in our small groups. This way, you do not have to choose between various options.

inca tours - excellence in travel

rio the amazon the southern lakes

america tours

100% of our departures are guaranteed

group specialists

includes fine dining

includes all activities

Where possible, Inca Tours’ lunches and dinners are in local restaurants with free choices, not at set menu or buffet “tourist restaurants”.

Let us surprise you with various special event meals, included to enhance your South America experience.

Inca Tours has chosen the very best sights and activities so you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the exclusive and pampered South America experience. When it comes to including sights and activities in our tours, it’s our attention to detail that sets us apart.

incatours.net

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contents

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experience south america with inca tours, the small group specialists luxury-class south america

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south america gold tour first part of gold tour second part of gold tour

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superior-class south america

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south america sensations tour first part of sensations tour second part of sensations tour

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short tours & extensions

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galapagos islands cruises antarctic cruises australis south patagonia cruise skorpios II chilean fjords cruise amazon river luxury cruises the best of colombia perito moreno & upsala glaciers torres del paine National park the atacama desert easter island a taste of ecuador spirit of the andes, ecuador uyuni salt flats, bolivia nazca lines & paracas, peru

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inca tours - excellence in travel

over 35 years of travel experience!

incatours.net

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inca tours will show you the real south america South America is surprise & mystery —from the Amazon to the majestic Andes; from vast deserts and salt flats to the scenic beauty of Patagonia; from gigantic waterfalls to lakes like seas, South America is home to it all. the andes mountains & its many gifts The majestic Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, extending from Venezuela down to Chile and Argentina, where it forms the border between the two before gradually tapering into the sea north of Antarctica. The Andes offer so much, including fabulous Cuzco, the original Inca Capital; the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas; Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas and possibly the highlight of South America; the sea-like Lake Titicaca, birthplace of Manco Capac, the first Inca; and La Paz, the world’s highest (unofficial) capital—all fabulous destinations in their own right. Far south of Peru and Bolivia, we find a very different Andes in Patagonia. Here the Andes Mountains invite you to walk, trek or simply relax in pristine places such as Torres del Paine National Park, recently recognised at the 8th Wonder of the World.

The amazon river, basin & rainforest The Amazon is the world’s second longest river and it varies from one and a half to ten kilometres wide!

Its Basin, often referred to as the “Lungs of the World” extends into no less than seven countries and is mostly covered by rainforest, the largest in the world. This pristine place is legendary for its indigenous peoples, flora and abundant but secretive wildlife. You have many exciting choices here offering a vast variety of experiences, from jungle lodges to canopy walkways to luxury cruises on the mighty river itself.

The pacific, atlantic & caribbean coasts After the Andes and Amazon, South America’s other main regional attractions are on or close to its spectacular coastlines. The Pacific Coast features a diversity of attractions, including fjords and UNESCO listed glaciers such as San Rafael; picturesque Puerto Montt in Patagonia’s Southern Lakes District; the Atacama Desert in Chile’s north; Peru’s Nazca Lines and Colonial City, to name just a few. The Atlantic Coastal region boasts cosmopolitan Buenos Aires City, upbeat Rio de Janeiro and further south the disputed Falkland islands (Islas Malvinas). The Caribbean Coast, bordering much of the Central America Region, also laps the north west of South America and boasts the charming and historic city of Cartagena, one of the many fabulous jewels of Colombia.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

cultures at their most unique!

includes unique fauna and flora, as well as some of the most stunning scenery in all of south america

includes contact with quechua speaking descendants of the incas, one of the friendliest of peoples incatours.net

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with inca tours, you are in very good hands Inca Tours, a destination specialist, is very proud to have over 35 years experience organising small group journeys to various parts of the world. Just imagine what we can do for you in South America! we have done all the planning for you In planning a visit to a diverse region, one not only has to decide what to see and how much time to spend in each location but just as importantly, what to avoid. Tours must be planned to satisfy special interests, whether they be the majestic scenery, dynamic cities, the monuments of past civilisations, the colourful people who call it home, meeting new friends or just having a good time! We do all this and more. Our tours are planned and operated by people who know and above all, love South America.

your tour leader is there for you Each component of your Inca Gold Tour or Sensations Tour is hosted by one of our experienced tour leaders. They are in turn, assisted by our expert English-speaking local guides, drivers and ground handlers to ensure your journey is as seamless as possible and you get to remember it for all the right reasons. As our group sizes are small, you have regular access to your tour leader and your local guides.

This usually occurs on a one-on-one basis, so you get the absolute most from your holiday.

guaranteed departures & group sizes allow you to book with confidence Unfortunately today, many tour companies have in their fine print that the tour may be cancelled or may not be fully escorted without a minimum number of clients. We know this uncertainty causes many problems for travellers, so for all Inca Sensations Tours and Inca Gold Tours, we guarantee that the tours will operate and that they will be fully escorted with two or more guests.

In the same way that we guarantee our departures and tour leader, we also place a cap of only eighteen guests on each of our Sensations and Gold Tours. For financial reasons, most other tour companies do not do this. We believe your tour should give you the opportunity to connect with the people and places you visit and enable your tour leader to get to know you personally, not just by a name tag. This is only possible if travelling in a small group, not in the large crowds often seen in other tour groups.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

why choose inca tours?

australian owned & operated

• Superior-class & Luxury-class hotels and lodges.

• The Southern Lakes Crossing from Chile to Argentina.

• Superb rail experiences: Hiram Bingham & Andean Explorer.

• Luxurious Lake Titicaca stay.

• Dedicated tour leader and expert specialist local guides.

• Most dining is included.

• All cultural & sightseeing activities are included.

• Special dining events.

• All flights in South America as outlined in itineraries.

• All city & sightseeing tours and associated entrance fees.

• All porterage is included.

• All private airport transfers.

• All tipping and gratuities.

Inca Tours’ personalised groups (a Maximum of only 18) means you are not just another face in the crowd

your tour leader, with assistance from our englishspeaking local guides will ensure a seamless journey incatours.net

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with inca tours’ small groups, you won’t miss a thing We were one of the pioneers in small group travel, boasting more than 35 years of continuous service. You are in very good hands when you choose to travel with us, as our small groups mean you won’t miss out on a thing. inca tours has led the way & still does For many destinations, we were the first or one of the first to take small group journeys into what was considered “out of the way” places. Our tour leaders and office staff regularly visit these destinations, as well as new ones, which ensures that our destination knowledge is always up-to-date and second to none. Because of this we are able to plan and execute the very best itineraries, many of which are now emulated by those who have followed our lead. Regular destination updates also mean we are equipped to make changes if any aspect of the journey has changed or if better options have become available.

no gimmicks!

Because of our extensive knowledge, we do not have the “free choice” gimmicks that others offer.

If it is worth doing or seeing, we simply include it!

no need for headsets Up to 40 people on a tour is not a small group! With a maximum of only18 guests, our groups are small and intimate, which means there is no need for clumsy and uncomfortable headsets to allow you to hear what the local guide or tour leader is saying. With us you hear it directly from “the horse’s mouth” as they say. Our small group sizes also mean that it is much easier for you to ask questions and be heard and more importantly, answered.

inca tours’ style of meals Where ever possible, we arrange for the included lunches and dinners to be enjoyed at local restaurants, with guests having free choice from the menu and thus avoiding limited “set menus” or buffets. Many of these restaurants are chosen because of their location and/or because of their quality and style, which turns the dining experience into a highlight in itself. Only touring with small groups provides the flexibility in this area and subsequently, greatly enhances your South America experience.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

with inca, you won’t miss a thing!

with a maximum of only 18 guests, you are assured of the most personalised service on your inca tour

with daily one on one interaction with your tour leader, you will have the greatest experience possible incatours.net

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inca tours’ extraordinary experiences There is a big difference between visiting a destination and truly experiencing it. There are numerous activities built into our journeys so that you experience South America in all of its Latin charm and glory. stroll the quiet streets of Puerto Varas, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue in the beautiful Chilean Patagonia. traverse the Andean Lakes on the spectacular Southern Lakes Crossing, taking you from Chile across to Argentina. enjoy the most upmarket Tango Show in Buenos Aires. feel the spray and force of the mighty Iguassu River, as it thunders and cascades over the spectacular Iguassu Falls.

Marvel at the natural beauty and charm of Rio de Janeiro. immerse yourself in the Inca traditions and culture of Cuzco City and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru. explore Machu Picchu over almost two enchanting days. observe the sunrise over the sea-like Lake Titicaca. experience La Paz, the world’s highest capital city.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

once in a lifetime experiences

one day you marvel at iguassu falls from below, the next you delight in rio from the base of the statue of christ

whether exploring buenos aires or sailing the amazon, experience the real south america with inca tours incatours.net

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spectacular hotels & lodges in really stunning locations Most hotels and lodges used by us have been inspected and stayed in by members of the Inca Tours’ team.

They are chosen for their location, history, character or ambiance, so you’ll experience only the very best.

Llao Llao Hotel & resort, a ‘Leading Hotel of the World’, Puerto Panuelo, Bariloche, Argentina. sofitel buenos aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. das cataratas, by Orient Express, Iguassu Falls, Brazil. windsor atlantica, Copacabana, Rio, Brazil. inkaterra reserva amazonica, Amazon, Peru.

Tambo del Inka resort, Sacred Valley, Peru. inkaterra machu Picchu pueblo hotel, Machu Picchu Village, Peru. monasterio hotel, by Orient Express, Cuzco, Peru.

HOTEL TITILAKA, Lake Titicaca, Peru. grand hyatt HOTEL, Santiago de Chile.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

south america’s finest properties

truly spectacular hotels and lodges sit in the most stunning locations to be found in south america

follow the footsteps of HRH queen elizabeth II, as you stay in the famous Das cataratas hotel, at the Spectacular iguassu falls incatours.net

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spectacular rail & cruise experiences Our tours include truly authentic experiences, some of which could have come from a by-gone era, such as Orient Express’ fabulous services.

Why rough it on your once in a lifetime journey to South America? hiram bingham & vistadome trains The Hiram Bingham is a luxurious train linking Poroy (near Cuzco) and Machu Picchu, via the Sacred Valley. Although the journey can be made as a day excursion, we recommend doing it with an overnight stay at Machu Picchu Village. The service includes live music and brunch or a gourmet dinner, as the train travels through spectacular and ever-changing scenery. This historic-style train, named after the North American who re-discovered Machu Picchu in1911, captures the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era. It features dining cars, a bar car and an open-deck observation car. The Vistadome Train is more modest than the Hiram Bingham but still offers the fantastic scenery as it make its way to Machu Picchu Village. It boasts high windows which merge into the carriage’s ceilings, allowing you to see the mountain peaks from way below. A light breakfast or late lunch are included in the onboard service.

andean explorer train Enjoy the mysticism offered by the beautiful Peruvian Altiplano (high plain) aboard this luxury train linking Cuzco to Lake Titicaca and Puno. Riding the Andean Explorer is a unique and special experience, a journey between highlands, mountains and clouds. The journey takes ten hours and includes an a-la-carte lunch, afternoon tea and welcome drinks. The train is decorated with the subtle, delicate style of the great Pullmans of the1920s. It includes a bar car and an open-deck observation car.

The Andean Explorer offers the most leisurely and comfortable trip between Cuzco and Lake Titicaca.

southern lakes’ catamarans The spectacular Southern Lakes Crossing from Chile to Argentina involves three different sailing vessels crossing three separate lakes. You will sail along Lake Todos Los Santos, Lake Frias and Lake Nahuel Huapi and be amazed at the different colours of their respective waters. Weather permitting you should see Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes and El Tronador Mountain in the pristine national parks you sail through. The Lakes Crossing multi-level catamarans have cental heating, bars, cafeterias, very comfortable seating, small souvenir shops and open air upper decks. The vessels are designed so you can appreciate the outside natural scenery that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

soak up the atmosphere of yesteryear

journey across the wide open altiplano in style, while enjoying a freshly prepared a-la-carte lunch

cruise to one of the southern most parts of the world on board an australis cruise vessel or the fine skorpios II incatours.net

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cuzco, sacred valley, machu picchu & lake titicaca Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu were very important places in the Inca Empire. Likewise today, they and Lake Titicaca are important places to visit for anyone interested in Pre-Colombian civilisations. cuzco Peru’s Cuzco region is one of the main reasons people choose to visit South America. Cuzco exudes a special ambiance with its Inca and Colonial buildings and is believed to be the America’s oldest continually inhabited city, settled in the11th or12th Century. There is much to see in Cuzco, including an ornate main cathedral, a beautiful Main Square (close to where the Inca Sensations and Inca Gold Tour hotels are located), the Temple of the Sun and Sacsayhuaman, one of the city’s many gems.

the sacred valley of the incas The Sacred Valley of the Incas lies between Cuzco and Machu Picchu. When travelling to Machu Picchu your journey takes you via the Sacred Valley, so it’s well worth spending a night or two in this absolutely stunning location. The Sacred Valley is home to a very important site, the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, which is a must see. Also situated here are the villages of Pisac and Chinchero and their well known markets. The valley is now home to a number of up-market boutique hotels, which makes it the perfect place to include some time at leisure and simply relax in this stunning destination.

machu picchu Your first view of Machu Picchu with its surrounding cloud forests and mountains will literally take your breath away. Most find it an unforgettable and sometimes spiritual experience! Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the best known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent. The ruins (urban, agricultural and religious areas) require at least a day or two to explore properly. The mountain overlooking the site, Huayna Picchu, has steps to the top for a superlative view of the area below.

lake titicaca Lake Titicaca is best visited from Cuzco, either by rail or road. At 3,800 metres above sea level, it is the world’s highest navigable lake. The lake is believed to be the birthplace of the first Inca ruler Manco Capac. There are a number of well located hotels and lodges near the lake, including one on Sun Island.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

titicaca, an enchanting place to stay

Cuzco’s streets are stepped, narrow and filled with quechua speaking descendants of the incas: a gem of peru

The site discovered in 1911 was different to the one you see today, with All the buildings very thickly overgrown. incatours.net

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buenos aires, Iguassu falls & rio de janeiro Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls & Rio are diverse yet all wonderfully exciting places in their own distinctive ways.

Combined, they make for a unique immersion in South America’s culture, nature and scenic beauty. buenos aires The cosmopolitan Argentine Capital of Buenos Aires, replete with historic buildings and once home to Eva Peron, is often referred to as the “Paris of the Americas”and for good reason. As well as having many European cultural and architectural influences, it is the most fashionable city in South America and boasts many beautiful parks and plazas. There is much to experience here, so we recommend a number of nights to get a feel for this exciting city. Buenos Aires is the birthplace of Tango, offering numerous Tango shows and schools. The hotels utilised on our Inca Gold and Inca Sensations Tours are all located in the fashionable downtown district of the capital.

iguassu falls The Iguassu River forms part of the border between Argentina and Brazil and just a short distance down river where it flows into the Parana River, you see the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay!

Iguassu Falls are considered the most impressive waterfalls in the world, surpassing in grandeur both Niagara and Victoria Falls. Almost 300 separate cascades fall in a wild array of spray over a winding three kilometre long cliff front. It is a must that the falls be seen from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. It is best however, to stay (as we do) in the hotel on the Brazil side as about 70 per cent of the falls are in Argentina and are therefore best viewed and photographed from across the river in Brazil.

rio de janeiro Rio de Janeiro with its spectacular sights, legendary beaches and home of Samba is not to be missed.

Rio sweeps twenty kilometres along the narrow alluvial strip between the mountains and the open sea.

The combination of dark blue sea, studded with rocky islands, with the tumbling wooded mountains and expanses of bare grey rock which surround the city is very impressive. You will be equally impressed with the variety of food available in Rio. From fresh seafood to some of the best beef in the world and from all types of vegetables to a vast array of tropical fruits, your taste buds are certainly in for a treat.

Our two preferred hotels are located right opposite Copacabana Beach, with expansive views looking out over the Atlantic Ocean.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

rio, like nowhere else on earth!

iguassu falls was the setting for the award winning film ‘the mission’, starring Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons

buenos aires is a stylish city, with artistic & historical attractions that rival many of the finest cities of europe incatours.net

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ecuador, the galapagos islands & easter island Ecuador is an often overlooked South American gem, with the Galapagos Islands being only one of its many attractions. Chile’s Easter Island is unique in very different ways but is also a perfect place to spend time. ecuador Ecuador boasts spectacular mountain scenery, friendly locals and a very interesting history. Like Peru, Ecuador is comprised of three distinct regions: the Pacific Coast, the Amazon Jungle and the Andes Highlands, each with their own culture, lifestyle and ethnicity. Most well known are the Galapagos Islands with their unique fauna and flora but Ecuador has much more to offer. Quito, the capital, is one of South America’s most beautiful cities, the historic part of which has one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved Colonial centres in the Americas. Along with Krakow, it was the first World Cultural Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in1978. Other places worth visiting include Banos, Riobamba, Ingapirca and Cuenca, all in the Andes. Ecuador’s second largest city Guayaquil, on the Pacific, is very different to Quito due to its sea level location. It’s also a great place to spend some time.

the galapagos islands The Galapagos Islands are comprised of 18 major islands, 3 minor islands and scores of tiny islands that lie almost1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador. It is here that rare ecosystems co-exist in one of the most active volcanic areas on earth. Made famous by Charles Darwin, the islands are a very popular cruise destination with their fascinating scenery and unique wildlife. Cruises range from 3 to14 nights and depending on their length, follow different itineraries. One of the highlights of a cruise is visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to very young and very old, Giant Galapagos Tortoises.

The largest weigh up to 400 kilograms, are almost 2 metres long and live to between 100 and150 years!

“Lonesome George” as he was known, the last remaining Pinta Island tortoise was moved to the research station, where scientists attempted to breed from him but he died in 2012 without producing offspring.

easter island 4,000 kilometres from Chile, the most remote place in the world is an island which still holds a special mystery and magic. Rapa Nui, as the natives called it, was discovered on Easter Sunday1722 and thus to this day, is still referred to as Easter Island. This isolated place, entirely volcanic in origin, is a vast outdoor museum dotted with over 600 giant Moai statues that have intrigued the world for centuries.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

home to the blue-footed booby!

retrace charles darwin’s steps with a galapagos Cruise & visit the research station so named in his honour

spend a few nights on Easter Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world & home to 600 moai statues incatours.net

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antarctica, the falklands & ushuaia Antarctica, the “White Continent” is one of the planet’s most spectacular places and best experienced by embarking on a cruise. Some cruises also take in the Falklands, which are bursting with all manner of wildlife. antarctica, the “white continent” Walk in the footsteps of Shackleton and Scott and discover the magic of Antarctica. A cruise to the “White Continent” is one of the most spectacular expeditions on the planet! Most cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, sail through the Beagle Channel, explore Cape Horn and cross the mythical waters of the Drake Passage before entering the Antarctic Peninsula. Antarctica is almost completely covered by an icecap formed by the constant accumulation of snow over the course of hundreds of thousands of years. At its deepest, the covering is approximately four kilometres, hiding beneath it mountains, valleys and plains. Huge ice masses break off daily, forming icebergs that can measure up to several kilometres.

Wildlife in the Antarctic is unique. As there is virtually no history of hunting, its animals are usually unafraid of humans and are sometimes actually ‘intrigued’ by us. The opportunity to be able to wander among thousands of penguins and sea lions makes this special place a paradise for photographers.

the falkland islands The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are an archipelago on the Patagonian Shelf, about 500 kilometres east of Argentina. They are comprised of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, as well as about 800 smaller islands. Roughly 3,000 people live there, the majority in Stanley the capital. Falkland Islands culture is predominantly of British origin but has some South American characteristics, as well as plenty of old world Victorian charm. Fauna, especially penguins such as Magellanic, Gentoo, King and Rockhopper Penguins are one of the main natural attractions of the islands. The Falkland Islands can be visited as part of an Antarctic Peninsula cruise or by plane from Santiago de Chile.

ushuaia Ushuaia is often referred to as the “Southernmost City in the World” and this alone makes it an attractive destination for some. More importantly however, it is from Ushuaia that the majority of Antarctic Cruises set sail. Other tourist attractions include Tierra del Fuego National Park, which can be reached by road or via the End of the World Train. The city has a very interesting museum of Yamana, English and Argentine settlements, including its years as an Argentine prison colony.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

absolutely remarkable scenery

antarctica is one of the most remote places on earth & also the coldest, windiest, driest & most inhospitable continent

falklands boast vast colonies of blackbrowed albatross, elephant seals & five species of penguins incatours.net

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the amazon basin, amazon lodges & river cruises A trip to the Amazon Basin is like no other. The sights, sounds and smells of the jungle are unique. Despite including morning, afternoon and some night activities, you are bound to leave invigorated and relaxed! the amazon basin The Amazon Basin extends from Venezuela in the north to Bolivia in the south and from the Atlantic in the east to the Andes in the west. The Amazon River at the heart of this catchment has more fresh water in it than any other river on earth. Other major rivers in the basin are the Rio Negro, originating in Venezuela, the Rio Napo originating in Ecuador and the Madre de Dios of Peru. We utilise two very good jungle lodges in Peru, both of which are accessed from Puerto Maldonado, only a short flight from Cuzco. We also regularly utilise a number of luxurious Amazon cruises which sail out of Iquitos, Peru.

amazon lodges The most comfortable of our two preferred Amazon Lodges is Reserva Amazonica (used on our Gold Tour), which has its own canopy walkway. Reserva Amazonica is a private ecological reserve and research centre covering an area of10,000 hectares and is easily accessed from Puerto Maldonado, Peru.

The lodge is ideally located on the banks of the Madre de Dios River. Built with natural materials, it gives you the feeling of being part of the jungle but does not hold back on comfort. All rooms are separate free standing dwellings and are screened, have ceiling fans and ensuite bathrooms. Despite its relative comfort, Reserva Amazonica Lodge provides an authentic Amazon Jungle experience.

Sandoval Lake Lodge (used on our Sensations Tour), overlooking the pristine Sandoval Lake and also accessed from Puerto Maldonado, is rustic and good for sighting wildlife. It is constructed almost entirely of ecologically-harvested mahogany trees collected from the floods that carry logs down river.

The lodge is one extended structure consisting of a large screened main dining and lounge room with fully-screened rooms arranged in two wings. All rooms have ceiling fans and ensuite bathrooms and all rooms and communal areas have electricity (at certain times), as well as kerosene lamps and candles.

amazon river cruises We offer five superb 4 or 5-star Amazon Cruises on the Amatista, Aqua Amazon, Aria Amazon, Delfin I and II. All depart from Iquitos, Peru’s major jungle city and take you to the heart of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. A more budget cruise on the Tucano, sailing from Manaus in Brazil, is also a great experience.

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the amazon, “the lungs of the world”

The amazon river pushes a vast plume of fresh water about 400 km out into the atlantic ocean before it turns salty

jungle lodge stays & river cruises are the best ways to experience the amazon’s wildlife, as well as the way of life of its people incatours.net

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patagonia, the southern lakes & el calafate Patagonia, Chile’s Lakes District and El Calafate’s enormous glaciers offer vivid displays of colour. From the blue ice of Patagonia and Calafate, to the green, yellow and orange forests and emerald waters of the Lakes District. patagonia Patagonia is not a province (state) but a geographic region shared by Argentina and Chile, extending south of the Colorado River. Argentine Patagonia includes Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) and Chilean Patagonia includes Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) National Park. Patagonia is a land of fjords, lakes, glaciers and mountains. Here the spine of the Andes tapers into the sea and the scenery is among the most spectacular in the world, with jagged peaks, awe-inspiring volcanoes and vivid blue ice. There are a few superb luxury options for staying in Patagonia, in addition to more budget hotels and lodges.

There are also excellent small vessel sea cruises which explore the islands, fjords and glaciers off the coast.

the southern lakes district The Southern Lakes District in the south of Argentina and Chile is defined by many magnificent lakes cutting through the foothills of the Andes. The area boasts some of South America’s most spectacular scenery extending east from Puerto Varas in Chile, across the Andes to Bariloche, Argentina. The Lakes Crossing takes you across this region and can be undertaken over one or two days. In winter when days are shorter, it must be completed over two days and involves a night in Puella, mid way through. The crossing involves four buses and three vessels, all of which are very comfortable multi-level catamarans.

Three separate lakes are sailed during the crossing with private roads connecting one lake to another.

el calafate & its spectacular glaciers El Calafate is a picturesque Patagonian village of less than10,000 residents located on the shores of Lake Argentino. From El Calafate you have access to Los Glaciares National Park, only 50 kilometres away and sheltering more than 300 glaciers. The most famous of them is the Perito Moreno Glacier, declared World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. From El Calafate you also have access to the Upsala Glacier, which is 595 square kilometres in area, three times the size of Buenos Aires city! It is 60 kilometres long, seven kilometres wide and varies from 60 to 80 metres in height. Certainly a sight to behold.

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amazing scenery at the world’s end

patagonia will leave you with the most unique and most unforgettable memories, literally at the base of the world

the lakes crossing takes you from chile to argentina, traversing the andes mountain range from west to east incatours.net

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useful check list when comparing alternative tours EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

#35 # over

years of travel experience

#

south america

Take the holiday you deserve

I

It is difficult to compare tours when descriptions in brochures look the same but differ when experienced due to subtle differences. This check list should help you cut through some of the hype!

issues to consider when comparing

Inca other other tours tour? tour?

• Is the tour guaranteed to depart with only two guests? (As unlikely as this scenario is.)

YES

_________

_________

• Is the tour guaranteed to have a tour leader regardless of minimum guest numbers?

YES

_________

_________

• Does the tour price include all airfares, fuel surcharges and airline / airport taxes?

(These can be a substantial additional cost.)

YES

_________

_________

• Are all activities / excursions included or do you have to choose between alternatives?

ALL included

_________

_________

• Do you have free choice from a menu or are all included meals from a buffet / set menu? MOSTLY free choice _________

_________

• Is everything described included or are there optional extras at additional cost if you choose to undertake them?

ALL included

_________

_________

• Does the tour operator have over 35 years of experience organising small group tours?

YES

_________

_________

• Do you need to use headsets to hear what is being said by the guide as the groups are so large? (Normally more than 20 guests.)

NO

_________

_________

• Are there excessive claims of EXCLUSIVE when in reality most are not exclusive but widely available and used on different tours?

NO

_________

_________

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inca tours - excellence in travel

life long friendships are formed

memories are not based on what you did not do! you have worked hard and deserve a great experience

book your future memories now with inca tours, so you do not regret missing out later incatours.net

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orient express lakes crossing rojo

the inca gold tour the ultimate luxury tour of south america the pinnacle of opulence & service Inca Tours has forged a reputation for opulence and outstanding service based on over 35 continuous years of travel experience. The Inca Gold Tour is our ultimate luxury tour including most of the highlights of South America and staying in some of the best hotels on the continent. It is led by an experienced tour leader and includes expert English-speaking guides during all excursions and city tours.

guaranteed departures with 2 or more You have the confidence to book with Inca Tours knowing that the Inca Gold Tour is guaranteed to operate and won’t be cancelled due to insufficient numbers at the last minute, as often happens with other tour operators. On all Gold Tours, we guarantee that your tour will operate with only two or more guests.

ultimate small groups with a max of 18 In the same way that we guarantee our departures and tour leader, we also place a cap of only eighteen guests on each of our Inca Gold Tours. This way you receive personalised attention all the way. For financial reasons, most other tour companies do not do this and book as many people as they can onto their tour departures.

stay in south america’s best properties We select hotels, trains and cruises which retain the charm and character of South America. We avoid where possible, the chrome and glass hotels of major international chains, preferring to experience the culture and lifestyle first hand in properties with a local flavour. You have worked hard all of your life, so you deserve it!

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inca tours - excellence in travel

tango hiram bingham casa aliaga the finest hotels & lodges

reside in some of the best hotels and lodges, combined with the ultimate inclusions, as well as fine dining

guaranteed max of 18 guests each tour, with a dedicated tour leader & expert englishspeaking local guides incatours.net

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llao llao sofitel buenos aires Hotel

inca gold luxury-class hotels lodges, trains & vessels It is envisaged that you will be hosted in the following exquisite establishments during your tour of a lifetime. chile

peru sofitel, buenos aires

grand hyatt hotel, santiago de chile

brazil cabanas del lago hotel, puerto varas

das cataratas hotel, by orient express, iguassu falls

llao llao hotel & resort, bariloche

windsor atlantica hotel, rio de janeiro

argentina

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inca tours - excellence in travel

titilaka das cataratas el monasterio

world class hotels & facilities

miraflores park hotel, by orient express, lima

inkaterra machu picchu pueblo hotel, machu picchu village

andean explorer orient express, cuzco to puno

inkaterra reserva amazonica jungle lodge, Tambopata

hiram bingham orient express, machu picchu to cuzco

hotel titilaka, lake titicaca

bolivia tambo del inka hotel, sacred valley of the incas

el monasterio hotel, by orient express, cuzco

europa hotel, la paz

Please note: the interior hotel room photos on these two pages are for general information purposes only.

The specific room you are accommodated in on tour may differ slightly in terms of room type, standard and configuration.

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five diverse and exciting countries:

32 days exclusive south america gold tour

PERU Lima Puerto Maldonado Machu Picchu Lake Titicaca Cuzco BOLIVIA Puno La Paz

ARGENTINA

BRAZIL

Iguassu Falls

Rio de Janeiro

Santiago Buenos Aires Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas Bariloche CHILE

included highlights • Experienced senior tour leader throughout the tour, from beginning to end.

• Expert private English-speaking local guides on all city / sightseeing tours and excursions.

• All tipping, porterage and departure taxes throughout the tour.

• Views of the “Valley of the Volcanoes”, while flying from Santiago to Puerto Montt.

• Two nights in the beautiful lakeside village of Puerto Varas.

• The spectacular full day Southern Lakes Crossing, from Chile to Argentina.

• Two nights at the Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Bariloche, a Leading Hotel of the World.

• Three nights in Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan and stylish capital of Argentina.

• The Rojo Tango Show, at the Philippe Starck designed Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires.

• Two nights at Iguassu Falls, considered by many to be the most spectacular in the world.

• Comprehensive walking tours of both the Argentine & Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls.

• Three nights in Rio de Janeiro, staying directly opposite the famous Copacabana Beach.

• Separate half day tours in Rio, including the Statue of Christ & Sugar Loaf Mountain.

• Two nights in Lima, staying in the upmarket suburb of Miraflores near the Pacific Coast.

• A tour of Casa Aliaga, Lima, home to Peru’s only remaining hereditary Spanish Count.

• Three nights at Reserva Amazonica, a private ecological reserve and research centre.

included fine dining • Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.

Our experienced tour leader will make recommendations about where to dine.

• Where possible, lunches & dinners are not buffet or set menus. We visit local restaurants where you have a choice.

• 60 meals are included: 30 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 17 dinners, some of which are tour highlights. In addition, a number of meals are served on flights.

• Two nights in the stunning and fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru.

• Three course lunch at the Casa Orihuela, a private hacienda in the Sacred Valley.

• Overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village) and two visits to Machu Picchu.

• The Orient Express Hiram Bingham Train from Machu Picchu to Cuzco.

• Three relaxing nights in historic and charming Cuzco, the original Inca Capital.

• The Andean Explorer Train from Cuzco to Puno, via the Altiplano and La Raya Pass.

• Three nights at a luxurious and all-inclusive property, on the shore of Lake Titicaca.

• A full day Lake Titicaca crossing from Peru to Bolivia, including a visit to the Sun Island.

• Two nights in La Paz, the unofficial capital city of Bolivia, high in the Andes Mountains.

• Two nights in Santiago de Chile, set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes.

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argentina bolivia brazil chile & peru

never more than 18 in an inca group!

santiago de chile at dusk

lake nahuel huapi, bariloche, argentina

south america inca gold tour itinerary DAY 1

Saturday sydney / Puerto Varas

This morning you depart on your flight to Santiago. As you cross the International Date Line you ‘gain’ a day so you arrive later on Saturday. In Santiago we connect with our flight to Puerto Montt, in the Southern Lakes District of Patagonia. This area contains a series of magnificent lakes cutting through and strung along the foothills of the Andes. On arrival we are taken to our hotel for two nights in nearby Puerto Varas, a beautiful alpine type town on the shores of Llanquihue Lake. (Meals inflight)

DAY 2

Sunday Puerto Varas

After a leisurely start we host a very informative tour orientation meeting in which we get to know each other and outline the important aspects of the day-to-day operation of your Gold Tour. Later we are taken on a sightseeing tour of Puerto Varas and nearby Puerto Montt, including the local fish markets. (BL)

DAY 3

Monday Puerto Varas / Bariloche

After breakfast we commence the spectacular Southern Lakes Crossing, a combination of bus and boat travel traversing this picturesque area. We are collected from our hotel and travel by coach around the shores of Lake Llanquihue. After entering Vicente Perez

looking back towards the Andes. This Rosales National Park we visit Petrohue Falls. breathtaking view includes Lake Moreno, the We then cross Todos Los Santos Lake, seeing Llao Llao Hotel and the northern arm of Lake Osorno Volcano and the peak of El Tronador Nahuel Huapi including Victoria Island. (BL) Mountain, to Peulla. After lunch in Peulla we cross the Vicente Perez Rosales Pass into DAY 5 wednesday Argentina. We then travel by catamaran across Bariloche / Buenos Aires Frias Lake to Puerto Alegre where we board This morning we fly to cosmopolitan Buenos a bus to Puerto Blest. From Puerto Blest to Aires, where we have three fabulous nights.

Puerto Panuelo is again by catamaran, this Tonight enjoy dinner at a traditional Argentine time on the famous Nahuel Huapi Lake. steak house. (BD) On arrival at Puerto Panuelo we I do want to thank will be taken to the luxurious Llao DAY 6 Thursday Llao Hotel for two nights. (BL) Ross for his care & Buenos Aires

company on tour.

He made it feel like a group of friends travelling together —that was special!

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and South America’s, most fashionable city, with Bariloche, situated on the shore of many beautiful parks and beautiful Lake Nahuel Huapi is plazas. Portenos, as the locals an internationally recognised ski call themselves, are fun loving resort with steep streets, wooden Mrs Pamela Barnett QLD people who enjoy their city. chalets perched Swiss-style upon a After breakfast we are taken on glacial moraine at the foot of Cerro Otto. a city tour seeing Government House (Casa Today’s tour follows the southern shore of Rosada), City Hall, the House of Congress, the Lake Nahuel Huapi. We might catch sight of Metropolitan Cathedral, the Colon Theatre, the highest mountain of the area, El Tronador Avenue 9th of July (the world’s widest avenue) (The Thunderer), whose snow capped peaks and the Italian La Boca District. This evening rise to 3,554 metres. The road then takes we dine at the city’s most exclusive and us through the coyhue forest, an indigenous upmarket Tango Show. (BD) evergreen of the beech family. We then follow DAY 7 Friday the southern edge of Lake Moreno under the Buenos Aires steep cliffs of Mount Lopez to the spectacular Panoramic Point for a magnificent view Today is entirely at leisure in Buenos Aires. (B)

DAY 4

Tuesday Bariloche

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puerto varas bariloche buenos aires

iguassu falls & orient express’ das cataratas hotel

DAY 8

Saturday Buenos Aires / Iguazu

This morning we fly to Iguazu Falls, considered the most impressive in the world, surpassing in grandeur both Niagara and Victoria Falls. Some 275 separate cascades fall in a wild array of spray over a winding 3 km cliff frontage. One of the most spectacular falls is aptly named “the Devil’s Throat”. On arrival we are taken on a walking tour of the Argentine falls before transferring to the Brazil side and to the famous Das Cataratas Hotel, for a fabulous two-night stay. (BLD)

DAY 9

Sunday Iguassu Falls

Our day starts with a comprehensive visit to the most spectacular side of the falls from a photographic point of view—the Brazilian side.

We are then taken through the rainforest by 4-wheel drive jeep to the Iguassu River, for a spectacular boat ride up river to the base of Iguassu Falls. There should also be time to visit the local bird sanctuary, home to a wide variety of South American species. (BD)

DAY 10 Monday Iguassu / Rio de Janeiro We fly to Rio de Janeiro and are taken to our hotel, located opposite Copacabana Beach, for three nights. Rio sweeps 20 kilometres along the narrow alluvial strip between the sea and the mountains. The combination of dark blue sea, studded with rocky islands, with tumbling wooded mountains and expanses of bare grey rock surrounding the city is very impressive.

Brazilians say “God made the world in six days, the seventh He devoted to Rio”. (B)

DAY 11 Tuesday Rio de Janeiro We start with a visit to Corcovado Mountain and the Statue of Christ. The statue is one of Rio’s most famous landmarks. It is 37 metres high, weighs 1,100 tons and has a 360 degree view of the entire area below, encompassing the city, the bay, the mountains and the sea, within a circle of up to160 km. Tonight we dine at one of Rio’s most popular local restaurants before experiencing Rio’s best Carnival and Samba Show outside of Carnival. (BD)

DAY 12 Wednesday Rio de Janeiro In the afternoon we visit the Old City of Rio before being taken to Sugar Loaf Mountain, located uniquely above the entrance to Guanabara Bay. It is reached by a spectacular 2-stage cable car that offers a beautiful look at the city and its beaches from a vantage point high above Rio. Here we enjoy a cool drink as the sun sets over the emerging lights of Rio. (B)

DAY 13 Thursday Rio de Janeiro / Lima Early this morning we fly to Lima, Peru for a two-night stay. Lima, “The City of the Kings” is a very beautiful city. It was the first seat of the Government of Spain in1535 and still has many perfectly preserved buildings from the Colonial Period. This afternoon we are taken to the world famous Lima Gold Museum, which also houses one of the world’s largest collections of armoury. (BD) copacabana beach, rio, brazil

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rio de janeiro lima amazon cuzco

the sacred valley of the incas, peru

DAY 14 Friday Lima Our morning starts with a tour of Colonial Lima, during which we visit Casa Aliaga, one of South America’s oldest Spanish homes, still inhabited by the original Aliaga family (an Inca Tours’ Australian exclusive!) and the Franciscan Monastery. We see the Government Palace and the Plaza de Armas, before driving through the elegant tree-lined avenues of San Isidro and Miraflores to Parque del Amor, with its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. (B)

DAY 15 Saturday Lima / Amazon Jungle We fly to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the Amazon Basin, where on arrival we are met and driven to the river port. We then take a 45-minute journey down the Madre de Dios River by motor canoe, bringing us to Reserva Amazonica, a private ecological reserve and research centre and our home for three relaxing nights. This afternoon we take a guided walk on one of the trails in the Reserva Amazonica Natural Reserve. The trails offer an excellent introduction to the Amazon Jungle’s rainforest environment. (BLD)

like oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter, as well as red howler monkeys, macaws, anacondas, point-tailed palm creepers and side-neck turtles. This afternoon we travel upriver to Hacienda Concepcion, home to a remarkable Botanical Garden with over 200 different species of rainforest plants, many of which are used for medicinal purposes. (BLD)

from below, while looking for giant strangler fig trees, orchids, toucans, woodpeckers, trogons and with luck, monkeys or sloths. Later we walk to Gamitana Creek. The sights, scents and sounds of the jungle will surround us as we walk along the banks of this winding, dark water creek that is home to piranha, caimans, turtles and brightly coloured birds. (BLD)

DAY 17 Monday Amazon Jungle

DAY 18 Tuesday Amazon / Sacred Valley

Today we take a short boat ride to Inkaterra’s private canopy walkway. After ascending the first tower, at 30 metres above the forest floor, we literally walk through the treetops for one and a half hours along suspension bridges that link eight observation platforms. We enjoy vistas and landscapes that would be unimaginable

This morning we fly to Cuzco, the Inca Capital, from where we are driven to a lower altitude in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We have accommodation in this stunning rural destination for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy our surroundings. (BD)

DAY 16 Sunday Amazon Jungle Our day starts early with a boat ride to the Tambopata National Reserve, where wildlife surrounds us as we take the one hour walk to the pristine Sandoval Lake. Here we glide in a wooden catamaran across a beautiful, mirror sandoval lake, puerto maldonado, peru

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sacred valley machu picchu lake

Cuzco local & original inca stonework

DAY 19 Wednesday Sacred Valley of incas

DAY 21 Friday machu picchu / Cuzco

Here we visit the famous Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo before continuing on to the traditional local markets of Pisac, with their fabulous artefacts, weavings, etc. After lunch at a private hacienda, we return to our hotel. (BL)

Your day is free to further explore Machu Picchu without the hassle of large crowds. This evening we make our way back to the train station for our return journey to Cuzco on the Hiram Bingham Train. On arrival we check in to our luxurious hotel for three nights. (BD)

DAY 20 Thursday ollanta / Machu Picchu We have an early morning transfer to Ollanta Train Station for our two-day excursion to Machu Picchu. We follow the Urubamba River on one of the world’s great train journeys.

Machu Picchu, known as the “Lost City of the Incas” is the most spectacular archaeological site on the continent. On arrival we are taken on a guided walking tour of Machu Picchu. (BLD)

DAY 22 Saturday Cuzco Cuzco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Massive Inca-built stone walls line most of Cuzco’s central streets to form the foundations of Colonial and modern buildings.

This morning we take you on a comprehensive tour of Cuzco that includes the Main Cathedral,

the Plaza de Armas, the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), as well as other highlights. We then visit one of the other very important Inca Ruins outside of Cuzco: Sacsayhuaman. (BD)

DAY 23 Sunday Cuzco Today is at leisure to further explore Cuzco. (B)

DAY 24 Monday Cuzco / lake titicaca This morning we board the Orient Express Andean Explorer train for our journey across the Altiplano, via the La Raya Pass (until recently the world’s highest) and on to Juliaca.

This journey takes about10 hours and provides a wonderful insight into local life as it has been for hundreds of years, as well as showcasing some of the world’s most spectacular views.

On arrival in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, we are driven to our luxury hotel for a unique three-night stay. (BLD+)

DAY 25 Tuesday Lake Titicaca Today we enjoy a boat excursion to the Uros Floating Islands. These islands are inhabited by local descendants from one of the most ancient cultures in South America. They live in an archipelago of more than 40 man-made totora reed islands. Here we learn how they survived by catching fish, by using reeds in amazing ways and by trading with land-based settlers. This afternoon we have another excursion in this very remote yet incredibly beautiful part of the world. (BLD+) machu picchu, peru

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inca tours - excellence in travel

titicaca altiplano la paz santiago

floating islands of los uros, lake titicaca, peru

DAY 26 Wednesday Lake Titicaca

DAY 28 friday La Paz

DAY 30 sunday Santiago

Today’s start sees us sail across the lake to Taquile, the most interesting island in the area because of its pristine way of life and unique past. Taquile people are of Quechua origin, as opposed to the majority of the region’s locals who are of Aymara origin. Being part of the Inca Empire, the island has ruins on the peak of its mountain. From Taquile you can view the impressive snowcapped Cordillera Real.

After lunch we choose another excursion. We may visit Socca, another rustic community.

Here we can walk along wide sandy shores between wetlands and farms and appreciate the local dress and slow pace of life. (BLD+)

We undertake a comprehensive half day tour of La Paz, during which we visit the Indian and Pagan sacrificial markets, Calle Jaen with its museums, San Francisco Church, Plaza Murillo, the National Congress, the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, Obrajes and Calacoto.

We also visit the unusual formations of the spectacular Moon Valley, outside of La Paz. (B)

Our day starts with a city tour visiting the Plaza de Armas, the16th Century Cathedral, City Hall, the National Congress Buildings and the Moneda Presidential Palace. We also see O’Higgins Park, featuring the former Chilean Military Academy and Santa Lucia Hill, where Santiago was founded in1542. Tonight we enjoy a special end of tour farewell dinner. (BD)

DAY 27 Thursday titicaca / sun is / la paz An early start sees us on our way to Bolivia!

We are collected from our hotel and driven around the shores of Lake Titicaca to Juli, where we board our hydrofoil for the trip across the lake and into Bolivian waters.

Stopping at the Moon Island to visit Inak Uyu, the Sun Virgins Temple, we have breathtaking views across the lake. We continue on to Sun Island and go ashore to visit the Inca staircase and sacred fountain, where we touch the water believed to give eternal youth and happiness.

After lunch on the island we again board our hydrofoil bound for Copacabana. Here we have a short tour of the local market before our private bus trip to La Paz. On arrival we check in to our hotel for a unique two-night stay. (BL)

DAY 29 saturday la paz / Santiago Late today we fly to Santiago, via Iquique in the Atacama Desert on Chile’s far northern coast. On arrival into Santiago we are met and taken to our luxurious uptown hotel for two relaxing nights. (B)

DAY 31 monday Santiago / inflight Today we are taken to Santiago Airport for our flight home to Sydney. (B & Meals Inflight)

DAY 32 tuesday inflight / sydney We arrive in Sydney late today. Welcome Home!

tour Dates for south america Gold Tour

Departing 2nd April 2016

Returning 3rd May 2016

Departing 1st October 2016

Returning 1st November 2016

costs for south america Gold Tour

$29,990 $28,490 $7,9 6 0 $5,690

Per person twin-share ex-Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney Per person twin-share starting in Puerto Montt & ending in Santiago Single room supplement for solo travellers not wishing to share rooms Business-class upgrade for long-haul international sectors

galapagos islands or patagonia cruise extensions

Please consider our Galapagos Islands or Patagonia Cruises on page 54, 58 and 59. They work very well before or after the South America Gold Tour.

Terms & conditions apply. Tour costs may change prior to receipt of full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.

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first part: chile argentina brazil

15 days argentina brazil chile BRAZIL

ARGENTINA Santiago

Iguassu Falls

Rio de Janeiro

Buenos Aires

young lions the southern lakes crossing & osorno volcano

Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas Bariloche

first part of south america gold tour

CHILE

This dynamic part tour takes in the very best that Chile, Argentina and Brazil have to offer. At only fifteen days duration, it also allows people with limited time to enjoy the luxury and pampering of our Inca Gold Tour of South America.

included highlights • Experienced senior tour leader.

• Expert local guides in each location.

• All tipping, porterage & departure taxes.

• Views of the “Valley of the Volcanoes”.

• Two nights in beautiful Puerto Varas.

• The stunning Southern Lakes Crossing.

• Two nights at Bariloche’s Llao Llao Hotel, a Leading Hotel of the World.

• Three nights in stylish Buenos Aires.

• The Rojo Tango Show, Buenos Aires.

• Two nights at fabulous Iguassu Falls.

• Comprehensive walking tours of the Argentine & Brazilian sides of Iguassu.

From the south of Chile and Argentina with its pristine Patagonian scenery, to the stylish Argentina Capital; then on to the world’s most spectacular waterfalls and finally, a stay on Brazil’s most famous beach on the Atlantic Ocean, this tour covers many highlights.

You have two relaxing nights in beautiful Puerto Varas, the gateway to Chile’s South Lakes District of Patagonia, before undertaking the Lakes Crossing to Bariloche in Argentina.

After two nights at the fabulous Llao Llao Hotel & Resort on the shores of Bariloche’s Lake Nahuel Huapi, it’s a short flight to Buenos Aires for a cosmopolitan three-night stay, which includes the much acclaimed Rojo Tango performance and dinner. Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro then calls, for another three nights in one of Copacabana Beach’s most well appointed hotels, before returning to Australia, all “Latined out!”

DAY 1 TO DAY 12 sydney / rio de janeiro

first part of tour Dates

• Three nights in vibrant Rio de Janeiro.

Please see Days1 to12 on pages 37 & 38 for the detailed itinerary of the Gold Tour First Part.

Departing 2nd April 2016 Returning 16th April 2016

• Separate tours in Rio, including Sugar Loaf Mountain & the Statue of Christ.

DAY 13 thursday rio / santiago / inflight

Departing 1st October 2016 Returning 15th October 2016

Today you fly to Santiago where you connect with your flight to Sydney, via Auckland. (B)

included fine dining

DAY 14 Friday inflight

• Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

• 24 meals are included: 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 6 dinners.

Today is spent inflight as you re-cross the International Date Line and ‘lose’ a day.

DAY 15 saturday inflight / sydney

First part of tour costs

$13,990 Per person twin-share $12,490 Per person twin-share starting Puerto Montt & ending Rio $3,6 80 Single supplement $5, 690 Business-class upgrade

You arrive home this morning. Welcome Home!

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inca tours - excellence in travel

second part: peru bolivia & chile

21 days chile peru Bolivia PERU Lima Puerto Maldonado Lake Titicaca Machu Picchu Cuzco Puno La PazBOLIVIA machu picchu

CHILE Santiago

included highlights • Experienced senior tour leader.

• Expert local guides in each location.

• All tipping, porterage & departure taxes.

• Three nights in Lima’s Miraflores.

• A tour of Casa Aliaga, Lima.

• Three nights at Reserva Amazonica.

• Two nights in the fertile Sacred Valley.

• Three course lunch at Casa Orihuela.

• Overnight and two Machu Picchu visits.

• The Hiram Bingham Train to Cuzco.

• Three nights in Cuzco, the Inca capital.

• The Andean Explorer, Cuzco to Puno.

• Three nights of luxury at Lake Titicaca.

• Lake Titicaca crossing, Peru to Bolivia.

• Two nights in downtown La Paz. • Two nights in Santiago de Chile.

included fine dining • Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

• 40 meals are included: 19 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 12 dinners.

second part of south america gold tour This popular part tour includes the highlights of Peru and Bolivia, with a little taste of Chile at the end. At twenty-one days, it also allows those with limited time to enjoy the service and attention that our South America Gold Tours are famous for.

From Lima to the Amazon with its abundant flora and fauna; to Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo; then to Lake Titicaca, where you stay in the most luxurious property on the lake. You then cross the lake, visit Moon and Sun Islands and travel on to La Paz. After three nights in Lima, it’s off to an upmarket, yet authentic Amazon Basin lodge. A short flight then takes you to Cuzco and its down to the Sacred Valley for two relaxing nights. An early morning train then delivers you to the doorstep of Machu Picchu. After the best part of two days at Machu Picchu, you board the Orient Express Hiram Bingham Train to Cuzco, where you have three nights in the city’s finest hotel. Another superb train then takes you on to Puno, from where you are taken to a virtual lakeside paradise for three nights. A hydrofoil crossing of Lake Titicaca is followed by a bus to La Paz. Finally, enjoy two nights in Santiago!

DAY 1

wednesday sydney / santiago / lima

Today you fly to Santiago and then on to Lima, Peru. As you cross the International Date Line you ‘gain’ a day so you arrive in Lima later on Wednesday. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel for three nights. Tomorrow you meet your tour leader and the other members of your Inca Gold Tour. (Meals Inflight)

second part tour Dates

Departing 14th April 2016 Returning 3rd May 2016 Departing 13th October 2016 Returning 1st November 2016 second part tour costs

$18,590 Per person twin-share

DAY 2 TO DAY 21 lima / sydney

$17,090 Per person twin-share starting Lima & ending Santiago

The itinerary for the Gold Tour Second Part is the same as the South America Gold Tour from the afternoon of Day13 to Day 32. Please see pages 38 to 41 for the detailed itinerary.

$4,280 Single supplement

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$5, 690 Business-class upgrade

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casa aliaga andean explorer lake

the inca sensations tour the ultimate superior south america tour the highlights in a shorter period The Inca Sensations Tour of South America includes most of the highlights of South America but over a shorter duration and at a more moderate level than the luxury Gold Tour. This is our more modestly priced Superior-class tour to South America, designed for the more budget conscious guest. It too visits most of the highlights and is escorted by an experienced tour leader with assistance from our expert English-speaking local guides. It utilises less extravagant hotels than the Gold Tour but the properties are very well located, of a very high standard and exhibit all the charm and character that is South America.

guaranteed departures with 2 or more You have the confidence to book with Inca Tours knowing that the Sensations Tour is guaranteed to operate and won’t be cancelled due to low numbers at the last minute, as often happens with other tour operators. On all Sensations Tours, we guarantee that your tour will operate with only two or more.

ultimate small groups with a max of 18 In the same way that we guarantee our departures and tour leader, we also place a cap of only eighteen guests on each Sensations Tour. This way you receive personalised attention all the way. For financial reasons, most other tour companies do not do this and book as many people as they can on each tour.

stay in south america’s best locations Why go all that way only to stay near the places you want to see? We select hotels which retain the charm and character of South America and are located at the places of interest. Iguassu Falls is just one example.We avoid the international chains, preferring to experience the culture and lifestyle first hand in properties with local flavour and style. You have worked hard during your life, you deserve it!

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inca tours - excellence in travel

titicaca sun island orient express

superior class hotels & lodges

great hotels & lodges in the very best locations, combined with the must see & do inclusions, as well as fine dining

guaranteed max 18 guests each tour, with tour leader & expert local guides means an extremely personalised experience incatours.net

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sandoval lake lodge rio sagrado

sensations superior-class hotels, lodges, trains & vessels It is envisaged that you will be hosted in the following exquisite hotels and a jungle lodge during your tour. peru estelar miraflores hotel, lima

el mapi hotel, machu picchu village

sandoval lake lodge, amazon basin

vistadome train, machu picchu to cuzco

bolivia rio sagrado orient express hotel, sacred valley

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aranwa boutique hotel, cuzco

inca tours - excellence in travel

aranwa la casona das cataratas

the finest properties to reside in

porto bay rio international hotel, rio de janeiro

sun island eco lodge, sun island lake titicaca

andean explorer orient express, cuzco to puno

argentina

brazil lake titicaca hydrofoil, copacabana to sun island

melia hotel, buenos aires

la casona boutique hotel, la paz

casa andina private collection, puno

chile* das cataratas hotel, by orient express, iguassu falls

plaza san francisco hotel, santiago de chile

*Optional Santiago Stopover Please note: the interior hotel room photos on these two pages are for general information purposes only.

The specific room you are accommodated in on tour may differ slightly in terms of room type, standard and configuration.

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four diverse & exciting countries:

23 days south america’s best on an inca sensations tour

PERU BRAZIL Machu Picchu Lima Puerto Maldonado Cuzco Lake Titicaca La Paz Puno Rio de BOLIVIA Janeiro CHILE Iguassu Falls ARGENTINA Santiago

Buenos Aires

included highlights • Experienced senior tour leader throughout the tour, from beginning to end.

• Expert private English-speaking local guides on all city / sightseeing tours and excursions.

• All tipping, porterage and departure taxes throughout the tour.

• Two nights in Lima’s fashional residential, shopping and restaurant district of Miraflores.

included fine dining

• A tour of Casa Aliaga, Lima, home to Peru’s only remaining hereditary Spanish Count.

• Two nights in an Amazon Jungle lodge, directly overlooking Lake Sandoval.

• Two nights in the stunning and fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru.

• A three course lunch at the Casa Orihuela, a private hacienda in the Sacred Valley.

• Peru Rail’s Vistadome Train to and from Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

• Overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village) and two visits to Machu Picchu.

• Two relaxing nights in historic and charming Cuzco, the original Inca Capital.

• The Andean Explorer Train from Cuzco to Puno, via the Altiplano and La Raya Pass.

• One night in Puno, on the Peruvian shores of stunning Lake Titicaca.

• Two-day crossing of Lake Titicaca, commencing in Peru and concluding in Bolivia.

• A visit to the Island of the Moon and an overnight on the Island of the Sun, Lake Titicaca.

• Two nights in La Paz (the world’s highest capital), including a tour of the Moon Valley.

• Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.

Our experienced tour leader will make recommendations about where to dine.

• Where possible, lunches & dinners are not buffet or set menus. We visit local restaurants where you have a choice.

• 36 meals are included: 21 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 8 dinners, some of which are tour highlights. In addition, a number of meals are served on flights.

• Three nights at the famous Orient Express Das Cataratas Hotel, overlooking Iguassu Falls.

• Comprehensive walking tours of both the Argentine & Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls.

• Two nights in fabulous Rio de Janeiro, staying directly opposite Copacabana Beach.

• Separate half day tours in Rio, including the Statue of Christ & Sugar Loaf Mountain.

• Three nights in Buenos Aires, staying in a pedestrian street in the city’s Downtown area.

• One of Buenos Aires’ very best Tango Shows, including an a-la-carte three course dinner.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

argentina bolivia brazil and peru

never more than 18 in an inca group!

sandoval lake, peru

lima, peru

south america sensations tour itinerary DAY 1

Monday Sydney / santiago / Lima

This morning you depart on your flight to South America. As you cross the International Date Line you ‘gain’ a day, so you arrive into Santiago on Monday. Here you connect with your flight to Lima, Peru. On arrival in Lima we are met and taken to our hotel for a two-night stay. Lima, “The City of the Kings” as it was known, is a very beautiful city. It was the first seat of the Government of Spain in1535 and still has many perfectly preserved buildings from this Colonial Period. (Meals Inflight)

DAY 2

Tuesday Lima

We tour Greater Lima visiting the three distinct historical periods of the city: PreColumbian, Colonial and Modern. We visit the Franciscan Monastery and Casa Aliaga (an Inca Tours Australian exclusive!), one of South America’s oldest Spanish homes, still inhabited by descendants of the original Aliaga family. After seeing the Government Palace and the Plaza de Armas we drive through the elegant residential tree-lined avenues of San Isidro and Miraflores, to Parque del Amor with its views of the Pacific Ocean. Late today we host a very informative tour orientation meeting in which we get to know each other and outline the important aspects of the dayto-day operation of your Sensations Tour. (BD)

DAY 3

Wednesday Lima / Amazon Jungle

DAY 5

friday Amazon / Sacred Valley

We fly to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the Early this afternoon we fly to Cuzco, the Amazon Basin, where we are met and driven original Inca capital, from where we are driven to the river port. A half hour journey down to a lower altitude in the Sacred Valley of the the Madre de Dios River by motor canoe Incas. Here we stay for two relaxing nights. brings us to the start of the trail. The trail The remainder of our afternoon is at leisure takes about one hour to walk and passes to enjoy this stunning destination. (BD) through a flooded forest of 30 metre high DAY 6 Saturday Mauritia Palms. This afternoon we board sacred Valley of incas a catamaran and set off to explore Here we visit the famous Inca pristine Sandoval Lake. In the Alecia, your attention Fortress of Ollantaytambo before flooded forest it is possible to to detail made the trip continuing to the traditional local drift beneath raucous red-bellied flow with tremendous markets of Pisac, where we can macaws as they return to the ease. And thank you bargain with the locals for their forest for the night. (BLD) Ross for your attentive fabulous weavings and ceramics. style, ensuring smooth DAY 4 Thursday We enjoy lunch at a private transitions from one Amazon Jungle hacienda (an Inca Tours’ Australian day to the next...

An early excursion on the lake exclusive) before being taken back Allan & Pauline Blake NSW may result in an encounter with to our hotel for the evening. (BL) the lake’s giant otters. In addition, DAY 7 Sunday most of the birds are active early so we should Ollanta / Machu Picchu see some prehistoric-looking Hoatzins. These We have an early morning transfer to Ollanta odd, leaf-eating birds are the size of chickens Train Station for our two-day excursion to and sport bare blue faces, red eyes and punk Machu Picchu. We follow the Urubamba River rock-type crests! After lunch and a siesta, we on one of the world’s great train journeys. again board the catamaran to explore the Machu Picchu, known as the “Lost City of the eastern part of the lake where we may see Incas” is the most spectacular archaeological site some of the five species of monkey who live on the continent. On arrival we are taken on a in the forest. They include Brown Capuchin and Squirrel Monkeys. (BLD) guided walking tour of Machu Picchu. (BLD)

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lima cuzco machu picchu titicaca

lake titicaca, bolivia

DAY 8

Monday Machu Picchu / Cuzco

We have the morning free to further explore the ruins of Machu Picchu without the hassle of large crowds. Early this afternoon we board the train for our return journey to Cuzco, where we spend the next two relaxing nights. (B)

DAY 9

Tuesday Cuzco

Cuzco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. We take you on a comprehensive city tour that includes the Main Cathedral, the Plaza de Armas, the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), as well as other highlights.

Later we visit another very important Inca Ruin outside of Cuzco: Sacsayhuaman. (B)

DAY 10 Wednesday Cuzco / Puno We board the Orient Express Andean Explorer Train for our rail journey across the Altiplano, via the La Raya Pass (until recently the world’s highest) and on to Puno. This journey takes about10 hours and provides a wonderful insight into local life as it has been for hundreds of years, as well as showcasing some of the world’s most spectacular views. On arrival in Puno we check in to our hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca. (BL)

DAY 11 Thursday Puno / Lake Titicaca Another early start sees us on the road to Copacabana, Bolivia. On arrival we have a short tour of the shrine and local market before

boarding our hydrofoil to travel to Moon Island. We enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Titicaca as we visit the Sun Virgins’ Temple.

From here we continue on to Sun Island where we take a reasonably strenuous climb to our eco lodge for tonight. Our afternoon is at leisure to explore our island surroundings. (BLD)

DAY 12 Friday Lake Titicaca / La Paz You have the option to take a walk through the local village to observe island life before we visit the Inca staircase and sacred fountain to touch the water that is believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Following lunch on the island we again board our hydrofoil bound for Huatajata. From here we are taken by road to La Paz for a unique two-night stay. (BL)

DAY 13 Saturday La Paz We undertake a morning tour of La Paz during which we visit the Indian and Pagan sacrificial markets, Calle Jaen with its museums, the San Francisco Church, Plaza Murillo, the National Congress, the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, Obrajes, Calacoto and the unusual formations of the spectacular Moon Valley outside La Paz. (B)

DAY 14 Sunday La Paz / iguassu falls An early start sees us fly to Iguassu Falls in Brazil after a plane change in Lima. On arrival we are met and taken to our hotel, the only one located within the National Park and near the falls, for three fabulous nights! (B) la paz, bolivia

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la paz buenos aires iguassu falls rio

copacabana beach, rio

DAY 15 Monday Iguassu Falls

DAY 18 Thursday Rio de Janeiro

Iguassu is considered the most impressive falls in the world, surpassing in grandeur both Vic and Niagara. 275 separate cascades fall over a winding 3 km cliff front! This morning we are taken to the Argentinean side of the falls for a comprehensive tour. Later we take a spectacular boat ride up river to the base of the falls. Tonight we are taken out for a Brazilian BBQ. (BD)

We begin the day with a tour to Corcovado Mountain and the Statue of Christ. The statue is one of Rio’s most famous landmarks. It is 37 metres high, weighs1,100 tons and has a 360 degree view of the entire area below, including the city, the bay, the mountains and the sea. (B)

DAY 16 Tuesday Iguassu Falls

After a leisurely morning we fly to Buenos Aires for a fabulous three-night, downtown stay. (B)

We undertake a panoramic walking tour of the Brazilian side of the falls this morning, before visiting the local bird sanctuary, home to a wide variety of South American species. This afternoon is at leisure. You may like to take an optional helicopter flight over the falls. (B)

DAY 20 saturday Buenos Aires

DAY 17 Wednesday Iguassu / Rio de Janeiro Early today we fly to Rio de Janeiro for a twonight stay, at our hotel located directly opposite Copacabana Beach. Rio sweeps 20 km along a narrow alluvial strip where the combination of dark blue sea, rocky islands and tumbling mountains is very impressive. Brazilians say “God made the world in six days, the seventh He devoted to Rio”. This afternoon we visit Old Rio before being taken to Sugar Loaf Mountain, located uniquely above the entrance to Guanabara Bay. It is reached by a spectacular 2-stage cable car that offers a beautiful view of the city and its beaches far below. (B)

DAY 19 Friday Rio / Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is South America’s most fashionable city, with many beautiful parks and plazas. Here we have a half day city tour

seeing Government House (Casa Rosada), City Hall, the House of Congress, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Colon Theatre, Avenue 9th of July (the world’s widest avenue) and the Italian La Boca District. Tonight we dine at and enjoy one of the city’s very best Tango Shows. (BD)

DAY 21 sunday Buenos Aires We have the day at leisure in Buenos Aires. (B)

DAY 22 monday buenos aires / inflight Today we are taken to the airport for our flight to Sydney, via Santiago. (B & Meals inflight)

DAY 23 tuesday Inflight / sydney You arrive home late today. Welcome Home!

tour Dates for south america sensations Tour

Departing 5th September 2015 Returning 29 th September 2015 Departing 5th March 2016

Returning 29 th March 2016

costs for south america sensations Tour

$19,990 $18,490 $ 3,553 $5,6 90

Per person twin-share ex-Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney Per person twin-share starting in Lima & ending in Buenos Aires Single room supplement for solo travellers not wishing to share rooms Business-class upgrade for long-haul international sectors

galapagos islands or patagonia cruise extensions

Please consider our Galapagos Islands or Patagonia Cruises on page 54, 58 and 59. They work very well before or after the South America Sensations Tour.

Terms & conditions apply. Tour costs may change prior to receipt of full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.

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sensations first part: peru & bolivia

16 days bolivia & peru part PERU Lima

Machu Picchu Puerto Maldonado Cuzco Lake Titicaca La Paz Puno BOLIVIA CHILE

main square, lima, peru

first part of south america sensations tour

Santiago

This ever popular part tour includes most of Peru and Bolivia’s many highlights.

Sixteen days long, it allows those of you with limited leave time the opportunity to experience the attention to detail that our Sensations Tours are well known for.

included highlights • Experienced senior tour leader.

• Expert local guides in each location.

• All tipping, porterage & departure taxes.

• Two nights in Lima’s Miraflores district.

• A private tour of the Casa Aliaga, Lima.

• Two nights staying near Sandoval Lake.

• Two nights in the fertile Sacred Valley.

• A three course lunch at Casa Orihuela.

• The Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu.

• Overnight and two Machu Picchu visits.

• Two nights in Cuzco, the Inca capital.

• Andean Explorer from Cuzco to Puno.

• One night in Puno, on Lake Titicaca.

• Overnight on Sun Island, Lake Titicaca.

• Two nights in La Paz, Bolivia’s capital.

included fine dining

After two nights in Lima’s upmarket Miraflores, you fly to the Amazon’s Puerto Maldonado and the rustic yet beautifully appointed Sandoval Lake Lodge for two nights. A short flight then brings you to Cuzco, from where we take you down to the Sacred Valley for a couple of relaxing nights. You then train to Machu Picchu Village, from where you have almost two days to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu before training back to Cuzco for two nights.

It’s then on to Puno by train, from where you commence a two-day crossing of Lake Titicaca, including a night on Sun Island. To end, enjoy two nights in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia.

DAY 1 TO DAY 13 sydney / la paz The itinerary for the First Part of Sensations is the same as South America Sensations from Day1 to Day13. Please see pages 49 and 50.

DAY 14 sunday lapaz/santiago/inflight Today you fly back to Santiago. On arrival you connect with your flight home to Sydney. (B)

• Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.

• 26 meals are included: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 6 dinners.

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From Lima on the Pacific, to the Amazon and beautiful Sandoval Lake; to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cuzco, the original Inca Capital; on to Puno by train and Lake Titicaca by hydrofoil to your Sun Island lodge. Finally, spend time in La Paz, high in the Bolivian Andes.

DAY 15 monday inflight You ‘lose’ a day as you recross the Date Line.

DAY 16 tuesday inflight / sydney

first part of tour Dates

Departing 5th September 2015 Returning 19 th September 2015 Departing 5th March 2016 Returning 19 th March 2016 First part of tour costs

$12,390 Per person twin-share $10,890 Per person twin-share starting in Lima & ending in La Paz $1,54 2 Single supplement $ 5,690 Business-class upgrade

You arrive home early morning. Welcome Home!

inca tours - excellence in travel

the second part: argentina & brazil

11 days argentina & brazil part BRAZIL

Iguassu Falls

Rio de Janeiro

ARGENTINA Buenos Aires

included highlights • Experienced senior tour leader.

• Expert local guides in each location.

• All tipping, porterage & departure taxes.

• Three nights at the Das Cataratas Hotel, overlooking Iguassu Falls.

• Walking tours of both the Argentine & Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls.

• Two nights in fabulous Rio, staying directly opposite Copacabana Beach.

• Separate tours in Rio, including Sugar Loaf Mountain & the Statue of Christ.

• Four nights in the downtown of stylish and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires.

• One of Buenos Aires’ best Tango Shows including a-la-carte three course dinner.

included fine dining • Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.

• 11meals are included: 9 breakfasts & 2 dinners.

view from sugar loaf mountain, rio, brazil

second part of south america sensations tour This fabulous part tour boasts three of the most popular and awe-inspiring destinations in Brazil and Argentina. At only eleven days, it allows those with very limited time the chance to experience a small taste of South America’s many sensational sights!

From what are undoubtedly the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the world, Iguassu, where you visit both sides; to Rio, for a leisurely stay on the famous Copacabana Beach; then finally to Buenos Aires, the fashionable and European-style capital of Argentina. This tour will excite!

You begin with three relaxing nights at Iguassu Falls, where you get up close to this natural wonder from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the river. Here you stay in the charming Das Cataratas Hotel, overlooking the falls. You then “go to Rio” for two nights, staying right opposite the world famous Copacabana Beach and undertaking two half-day sightseeing tours, which feature Corcovado and the Statue of Christ and Sugar Loaf Mountain. To end, enjoy three relaxing nights in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, including a comprehensive city tour and an entertaining night at one of the city’s best Tango Shows, including an a-la-carte dinner.

DAY 1

saturday

sydney / buenos aires

second part tour Dates

Today you fly to Buenos Aires, via Santiago, for a one-night stopover. As you cross the Date Line you ‘gain’ a day, so you arrive later on Saturday.

Departing 17th September 2015 Returning 29th September 2015

DAY 2

Departing 17th March 2016 Returning 29th March 2016

sunday

buenos aires / Iguassu Today you fly to Iguassu Falls, where you are met and taken to your hotel for three relaxing nights. Later today you meet the other members of your Sensations Tour when they arrive. (B)

DAY 3 TO DAY 11 iguassu Falls / sydney The itinerary for the Second Part of Sensations is the same as the South America Sensations Tour from Day 15 to Day 23. Please see page 51.

incatours.net

second part tour costs

$11,190 Per person twin-share $9,690 Per person twin-share starting Iguassu & ending Buenos Aires $2,248 Single supplement $5,690 Business-class upgrade

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giant tortoises & albatr oss

4 to 15 days galapagos cruises Pinta

Marchena Genovesa

Puerto Santiago PAC I F I C O C E A N Egas North Seymour Baltra Fernandina Santa Cruz San Cristobal Puerto Charles Darwin Res St. Ayora Puerto Baquerizo Isabela Moreno Floreana Espanola

Almost1,000 km from Ecuador, the Galapagos has been called a unique “living museum and evolution showcase”. Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galapagos Islands are a melting pot of marine species. Ongoing seismic and volcanic activity reflect the processes that formed the islands. This together with their extreme isolation, led to the development of unusual animal life, such as land iguanas, giant tortoises and many types of finch, that in part inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

by Natural Selection following his visit in1835.

Depending on the number of days, some of the following islands are visited on our cruises.

sea lions, galapagos islands

galapagos islands cruising more to enjoy before heading home! san cristobal island San Cristobal hosts frigate birds, sea lions, giant tortoises, blue and red-footed boobies, dolphins, tropicbirds, marine iguanas and gulls. It is home to the second airport serving the Galapagos. santa cruz island Santa Cruz boasts large tortoise populations and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here young tortoises are hatched, reared and prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitat. Santa Cruz is also famous for its gigantic lava tunnels.

isabela island Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos. Here Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, pelicans and Sally Lightfoot crabs abound. Land iguanas and Galapagos tortoises can also be seen, as well as Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks and Galapagos doves. floreana island Floreana has one of the most interesting histories of the Galapagos. At Post Office Bay, since the 18th Century, whalers kept a wooden barrel that served as a post office so mail could be collected and delivered by ships on their way home. Green sea turtles and flamingos nest on this island.

santiago island Santiago has marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles, flamingos, dolphins and sharks. Darwin finches and Galapagos hawks are usually seen, as well as a colony of fur seals.

bartolome island Bartolome is a tiny volcanic islet off Santiago’s east coast. It is one of the younger islands in the archipelago and one of the few that is home to Galapagos penguins, the only wild penguin to live on the equator. Green turtles also live here.

Fernandina island The famous flightless cormorants inhabit this young island, as do Galapagos penguins, pelicans, Galapagos sea lions and Galapagos fur seals. At Punta Espinosa hundreds of marine iguanas gather, largely on black lava rocks. baltra island Also known as “South Seymour”, Baltra is a small flat, arid island located near the centre of the Galapagos and houses the original airport.

espanola island Espanola is the oldest of the islands. Due to its remote location, it has many endemic species such as lava lizard, mockingbird and tortoise.

It is the only place where the waved albatross nests and its steep cliffs serve as perfect runways for these birds, taking off for their ocean feeding grounds. Espanola’s Gardner Bay is a swimming and snorkelling site. Punta Suarez has wildlife including bright red coloured marine iguanas, Espanola lava lizards, hood mockingbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, Galapagos hawks and three species of Darwin’s finches.

masked Booby

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inca tours - excellence in travel

blue footed booby & iguana

giant galapagos tortoises

rabida island Here you may see white-cheeked pintail ducks, as well as brown pelicans and boobies. Nine species of finches have been seen on this island. daphne island Daphne is made up of two small islands, Minor and Major, located directly north of Santa Cruz and directly west of Baltra. Minor is partially eroded and smooth, while Major has a volcanic feature, a tuff cone. Daphne is home to redbilled tropic birds, Nazca boobies and finches.

north seymour island This island boasts a large population of bluefooted boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. It hosts one of the largest populations of frigate birds.

land iguana, galapagos islands

duration of cruises We have modest 3-star to luxurious 5-star Galapagos Cruises to suit all budgets and timeframes. The shortest cruises are 3-night, followed by 4-night, 7-night and the ultimate 14-night cruise experience. As a rule, the longer the cruise, the more islands you will visit.

Most popular are our 4 and 7-night cruises. numbers on board We usually recommend smaller vessels, where the service and attention to detail can be more personalised. Having said that, the Galapagos Legend and the Silver Galapagos (each100 guest capacity) both offer excellent cruise experiences.

cruise vessels Name of vessel Coral I & Coral II* Cormorant # Galaven La Pinta Majestic Ocean Spray # Silver Galapagos

Star rating 4-star 5-star 3-star 5-star 4-star 5-star 5-star +

Max capacity 36 & 20 16 20 48 16 16 100

flights to the galapagos Most flights to the Galapagos depart from Quito and fly via Guayaquil, so you can fly from Quito or Guayaquil, depending on your tour itinerary. It is the reverse when flying back.

tour extension costs

genovesa island This island is also known as “the bird island� and for good reason! At Darwin Bay, frigatebirds and swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal species of gull in the world, can be seen. Redfooted boobies, noddy terns, lava gulls, tropic birds, doves, storm petrels, Darwin finches and Nazca boobies are also found on this island.

$2,480 pp sharing Superior-class* $4,138 pp sharing Luxury-class# do it BEFORE 1 Before the South America Sensations Tour on page 48.

2 Before (or after) a Taste of Ecuador or Spirit of the Andes on pages 66 & 67.

south plaza island

do it AFTER

Iguanas (land, marine and hybrids of both species) are abundant on South Plaza Island and large numbers of birds can be observed from cliffs at the south of the island, including tropic birds and swallow-tailed gulls.

3 After (or before) the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

4 After the Best of Colombia on page 61. off vessel excursion

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snow capped peaks & icebergs ARGENTINA

Falkland Islands (Isla Malvinas)

6 to 32 days antarctica Ushuaia

Drake Passage

King George Island

Petermann Island Cuverville Island

Deception Island crashing glacier, antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

antarctica, the “white continent” explore the globe’s most remote place Antarctica, the world’s southernmost continent comprises an area of 14 million square km. It is the world’s fifth largest continent, nearly twice Australia’s size. About 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice that averages at least one to two km deep. Antarctica has the highest average elevation of all the continents. There is no permanent human population there, however it is home to many species of birds, penguins and seals, while the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula are home to Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Killer Whales.

Allow us to take you to this remote and amazing place to observe wildlife in its own habitat!

Antarctic Peninsula The Antarctic Peninsula is part of the Antarctic Continent and is the continuation of the mountain chain that runs from North America through South America to the Scotia Sea. Here it continues as a mainly sub-marine ridge until it appears above sea level at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Eight hundred km long with its highest peaks rising to 2,800 metres, the peninsula offers the most dramatic scenery and the greatest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. You will be overwhelmed by its number of icebergs!

The Ross Sea Join us for a spectacular expedition to the Ross Sea. This is your ultimate chance to sail to the southern parts of the Antarctic Peninsula and visit Shackleton’s and Scott’s huts, McMurdo Station, the Dry Valleys and enroute to New Zealand, Macquarie Island. The strongest iceclass vessel, is equipped with helicopters for this voyage, as the Ross Ice Shelf is a floating mass of ice, with a front 30 metres high. Ross Sea flora and fauna is very different to the peninsula’s.

Weddell Sea The huge Weddell Sea at its widest is more than 2,000 km across and is located on the south-east side of the Antarctic Peninsula. The borders of the Weddell Sea are formed by huge floating sheets of ice. These ice-shelves produce the huge tabular ice-bergs that are so abundant in the Weddell Sea. A colony of more than

100,000 pairs of Adelie Penguins live on volcanic Paulet Island. Recently an Emperor Penguin colony was discovered in the Weddell Sea.

South Shetland Islands The South Shetland Islands is a 540 km long chain of islands located 800 km from Tierra del Fuego and120 km from the Antarctic Peninsula.

They consist of eleven major islands and many smaller ones and are mountainous and glaciated.

South Georgia Island South Georgia is a mountainous island and one of the remotest and wildest places on earth. The island is considered to be an Antarctic Oasis because of the huge numbers of penguins and seals that breed there. It is also home to various species of Albatross. The island’s unearthly views and scenery are dramatic, as it is formed mostly of snowcapped mountains and huge glaciers.

Falkland Islands Although in the South Atlantic, the Falklands have an Antarctic appeal and are a treat for nature lovers. The islands offer a wide variety of spectacular fauna and scenery. Bursting with wildlife they boast vast colonies of Black-browed Albatross, Elephant Seals and at least five species of penguin, three of which are not found in Antarctica: Rockhopper, Magellanic and King.

The list of marine mammals is extensive: South American Fur Seal, Southern Elephant Seal, Southern Sea Lion, Killer Whale and Dolphin.

up close and personal

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inca tours - excellence in travel

albatross penguin & sea lion

zodiac excursion

our antarctic partners We work very closely with companies who manage and operate their own ice-class vessels and aircraft. They all comply with the highest international safety standards. The size, capacity and capability of these small ships has proven to be a successful formula for exploring remote Antarctica. Antarctic landings (regardless of the vessel) are restricted to a maximum of 100 people at a time. Most expedition vessels offer a comfortable, friendly and informal atmosphere and are ideal for exploration; manoeuvring through pack ice; bird watching; and helicopter landings. The two Silver Sea vessels on the other hand are luxurious and all-inclusive.

view from the deck

duration of cruises We have Antarctic Cruises (including cruise and fly options) to suit all timeframes and budgets.

The shortest start at 6 days, with our ultimate 32-day cruise being the most comprehensive.

Our fly and cruise options are available at 5 days, 7 days and 9 days. The longer cruises visit more destinations and tend to spend more time in each. Most popular are our 7 to11-day cruises. cruise vessels Most Antarctic Cruise ships are expedition vessels, not deluxe cruise liners. These ships are not luxurious but the accommodation and on-board life are always comfortable and cosy.

Name of vessel Ocean Nova Ortelius Plancius* Silver Discoverer # Silver Explorer

Star rating 3 to 4-star 3 to 4-star 3 to 4-star 5-star plus 5-star plus

Max capacity 68 106 114 128 132

cruise starting points Ushuaia is the main town of Tierra del Fuego and the embarkation and disembarkation port for most Antarctic cruises. Punta Arenas, Chile is the starting point for our Antarctic fly and cruise options. Some of the comprehensive 32-day Antarctic and Ross Sea Cruises sail from New Zealand, concluding in Ushuaia, Argentina.

tour extension costs

$10,563 pp sharing Superior-class* $11,188 pp sharing Luxury-class # do it BEFORE 1 Before the South America Sensations Tour on page 48. (March departure only) 2 Before the Australis South Patagonia Cruise on page 58. do it AFTER 3 After the South America Gold Tour on page 36. (October departure only)

photogenic locals

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cape horn & magellan strait

4 days australis cruise CHILE Punta Arenas

Magdalena Island ARGENTINA

Aguila Glacier

Ushuaia Wulaia Bay Cape Horn

Day 1

australis cruise vessel

Wednesday Depart Ushuaia

australis south patagonia cruise explore the “end of the earth” Day 2

Today you make your own way to the Australis Head Office in Ushuaia to check in for your Patagonia Cruise. Late this afternoon you board your MV Stella Australis cruise ship at the port.

After a welcome reception hosted by the Captain and his crew, the MV Stella Australis will set sail for one of the remotest parts of the planet.

Your voyage will take you through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to explore one of the most breathtaking wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia, which includes the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. (D)

Thursday Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay

Your vessel sails through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where (weather permitting) you go ashore. The legendary Cape Horn was discovered in1616 and is a sheer 425 metre high rocky promontory. For many years it was an important navigation route between the Pacific and the Atlantic, and is referred to as the “End of the Earth”. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005.

In the afternoon, you go ashore at historic Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yamana Aboriginal settlements.

Charles Darwin landed there in1833 during his voyage on the Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerising beauty. Here you take a walk through the Magellan Forest of lengas, coigues, canelos, ferns and other endemic vegetation, to reach a panoramic viewpoint. (BLD)

Day 3

Friday Agostini Sound & aguila

You sail through Brecknock, Ocasion, Cockburn and Magdalena Channels to enter spectacular De Agostini Sound, in the heart of the Darwin Mountain Range. This is where you see glaciers moving down the mountainside and into the sea. This afternoon you travel in well-equipped Zodiacs to Aguila Glacier, where you take an easy walk to its base. This is the perfect place to

experience the beauty of Patagonia’s cold rain forest and to observe how the power of nature has moulded this spectacular place. (BLD)

Day 4

Early this morning (weather permitting) you go ashore on Magdalena Island, located in the middle of the Strait of Magellan.The island was once an essential source of supplies for explorers and navigators and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellan Penguins which you see during your walk to the lighthouse. Late this morning you disembark in Punta Arenas and continue on with your own arrangements. (B)

tour extension costs

$1,858 pp sharing Superior-class do it BEFORE 1 Before a visit to Torres del Paine National Park on page 63.

2 Before Skorpios II Cruise on page 59. do it AFTER 3 After (or before) the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

4 After the South America Sensations Tour on page 48.

tierra del fuego, argentina

58

Saturday arrive Punta Arenas

inca tours - excellence in travel

san rafael glacier & chiloe is

5 days skorpios II cruise CHILE

Puerto Montt

Chiloe

Puerto Aguirre Quitralco San Rafael Glacier

DAY 1

Saturday Arrive Puerto Montt / Skorpios II Cruise

On arrival at Puerto Montt Airport you are met and taken to the Cruise Ship Terminal.

Here you board your luxury touring vessel, the MV Skorpios II, for your 5-night cruise to the awe-inspiring and World Heritage listed San Rafael Glacier.

At noon your vessel departs and sails through the Llanquihue Archipelago before catching sight of Calbuco City. Later in the day you sail through the Ancud Gulf, the Archipelago of Chiloe and across the Corcovado Gulf. (LD)

skorpios II & san rafael glacier, chile

skorpios II chilean fjords cruise navigate chile’s fjords & glaciers DAY 2

Today your cruise vessel navigates through the Moraleda and Ferronave Channels, later arriving at the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre.

You continue on through the Ferronave, Pilcomayo and Costa Channels before dropping anchor at Hualas Cove, 20 nautical miles from the awe-inspiring San Rafael Glacier! (BLD)

there is a possibility of seeing humpback and blue whales. You continue to sail through the Yal Channel before arriving at the beautiful city of Chiloe in the early afternoon. You may disembark to visit this picturesque location.

Later this evening you set sail towards Puerto Montt and pass through the Lemuy, Dalcahue and Quicavi Channels. Tonight your captain hosts a Farewell Dinner & Dance. (BLD)

DAY 3

DAY 6

sunday skorpios II Cruise

Monday Skorpios II Cruise

While enjoying breakfast your vessel enters the San Rafael Lagoon and anchors a little way from San Rafael Glacier. Weather permitting, small boat excursions are undertaken among the multicoloured icebergs. This afternoon your ship moves closer to the glacier before setting sail for Quitralco Fjord early this evening. (BLD)

DAY 4

Tuesday Skorpios II Cruise

Today your vessel berths at Quitralco Pier where you have the opportunity to bathe in the hot springs. If weather permits, you undertake a boat excursion into the fjord. This evening your vessel sets sail towards Chiloe and navigates through the Moraleda and Perez Norte Channels. (BLD)

DAY 5

Wednesday Skorpios II Cruise

Thursday Depart Puerto montt

Following breakfast your vessel docks at the pier in Puerto Montt where your cruise ends.

Here you are met and taken to the airport. (B)

tour extension costs

$2,660 pp sharing Superior-class do it BEFORE 1 Before (or after) the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

2 Before (or after) a visit to Torres del Paine National Park on page 63. do it AFTER 3 After (or before) the South America Sensations Tour on page 48.

4 After the Australis Cruise on page 58.

Around breakfast time your vessel undertakes the Corcovado Gulf Crossing during which off vessel excursion

incatours.net

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iquitos & the mighty amazon

4 to 8 days amazon cruises Iquitos

PERU

Nauta

Maranon River

Amazon River

Pacaya River

aria amazon cruise vessel

Pacaya Samiria Reserve Ucayali River

amazon river luxury cruising sail the amazon in absolute comfort

Our luxury Amazon River Cruises take you to the heart of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

This reserve is one of the largest protected areas in Peru, with an area of more than 20,000 sq km and containing a rich eco diversity. Pacaya Samiria is the largest nature reserve in the country and the second largest in the Amazon Basin! It is triangular in shape, bordered by the Maranon and Ucayali Rivers in the South, just before their union where they combine to form the mighty Amazon River itself. The reserve’s main purpose is to preserve the ecosystems of the Omagua Region and to promote the sustainable development of local towns.

In and around the reserve, there are five rivers and depending on which cruise you choose, you will sail on some of these rivers (as well as the Amazon itself) in your luxurious all-suite vessel, gliding gently on their pristine waters. There are also many lakes, gorges, canals and oxbows and on some of these you undertake morning or afternoon excursions aboard smaller boats.

You also have guided walks in the jungle in search of the reserve’s diverse flora and fauna, of which there is an abundance. Because the Pacaya Samiria Reserve has an annual rainfall of up to 3,000 millimetres, it is able to support its huge biodiversity: over 500 bird species,100 mammal species (including pink dolphins), 70 species of reptiles, 60 species of amphibians, 270 fish species and over1,000 species of plants.

duration of cruises We have Amazon Cruises to suit most budgets and timeframes. From the five recommended vessels (listed in next column) you can choose either a 3, 4, 5 or a blissful 7-night cruise. The longer sailings usually involve more stops and off vessel activities. The 3, 4, 5 and 7-night cruises have all proved to be equally popular. starting point for cruises All of our Amazon Cruises involve flying into Iquitos, Peru’s main Amazon Jungle city in the north east of the country. There are a number of daily flights between Iquitos and Lima.

cruise vessels These cruises are of the highest quality available in South America. Furthermore, the vessels’ suites, decor, furnishings and service are of world-class standard. Aside from providing an authentic Amazon adventure, the cruises are unique culinary experiences, offering the best Amazonian-Peruvian cuisine in gourmet settings.

Name of vessel

Star rating

Max capacity

Amatista* Aqua Amazon # Aria Amazon Delfin I Delfin II

4-star cabins 5-star suites 5-star suites 5-star suites 5-star suites

31 24 32 8 28

tour extension costs

$1,875 pp sharing Superior-class* $3,563 pp sharing Luxury-class # do it BEFORE 1 Before the South America Sensations Tour on page 48. do it AFTER 2 After the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

3 After the Best of Colombia Tour on page 61.

delphin amazon cruise vessel

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a cathedral hewn from salt

8 days the best of colombia Cartagena

EAN SEA

Bogota COLOMBIA San Augustin

cartagena, colombia

the best of colombia discover colombia’s hidden gems DAY 1

Arrive Bogota On arrival into Bogota, founded in1538, you are met and taken to your hotel for two nights.

Later you are taken on a city tour, including the Colonial La Candelaria District and the famous Colombian Gold Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of indigenous gold objects.

DAY 2

Bogota – zipaquira A pleasant drive takes you to Zipaquira, famous for its underground cathedral carved of salt! It is extraordinary, with its Stations of the Cross hewn from salt mine tunnels under the mountain and eerily illuminated. Though a popular tourist attraction, it is still a place of pilgrimage. (BL)

DAY 3

Bogota / San Agustin You have an early flight to Neiva, where on arrival you are driven to San Agustin for a two-night stay. Enroute you stop to see plantations of tobacco, sorghum, rice and cocoa. San Agustin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of pre-Colombian archaeological significance, the largest in South America. (B)

DAY 4

San Agustin You undertake a comprehensive tour of San Agustin archaeological park, extending over a lush 2,000 square kilometres. The area is dotted with more than 500 freestanding megalithic statues representing snakes, lizards and salamanders, carved from stone by an unknown pre-Colombian civilisation existing between the 6th and 14th Centuries. (B)

DAY 5

San Agustin / Cartagena Today sees you fly to colourful Cartagena for three relaxing nights. Cartagena was founded in 1533 and was the only port in South America until Buenos Aires was founded. Spanish fleets stopped here to take gold and other products back to Spain. Due to its richness, the city was a temptation for pirates and therefore had to be protected by fortresses and high walls to repel the buccaneers. Cartagena has the best preserved Colonial architecture in Colombia and also boasts an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Listing. (B)

DAY 6

Cartagena Your day starts with a city tour including the Convent of La Popa, built on a hill at the beginning of the17th Century and from where a magnificent view of the city is had. You continue to San Felipe Fort, built to protect the city, after which you are taken on a walk through the beautiful Old Walled City, home to streets of brightly coloured Colonial houses, beautiful balconies and quaint squares. (B)

DAY 7

Cartagena

You are at leisure to enjoy Cartagena. (B)

DAY 8

Depart Cartagena

Today you are taken to the airport. (B)

tour extension costs

$2,979 pp sharing Superior-class $8,660 pp sharing Luxury-class do it BEFORE 1 Before the South America Sensations Tour on page 48.

2 Before a Galapagos Islands Cruise on page 54.

3 Before a Taste of Ecuador on page 66. do it AFTER 4 After the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

salt cathedral, zipaquira, colombia

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61

perito moreno upsala onelli

4 days perito moreno ARGENTINA Buenos Aires

Upsala Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier

perito moreno glacier, argentina

perito moreno & upsala glaciers extend you stay and see the glaciers

El Calafate

DAY 1

arrive El Calafate On arrival into El Calafate you are met and taken to your hotel for three nights. El Calafate is a village located on the southern shore of Lake Argentino. Quiet streets and rose gardens make the scenery of this pretty Patagonian town. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore.

DAY 2

Calafate / Perito Moreno From El Calafate you access Los Glaciares National Park, which shelters more than 300 glaciers. The most famous is Perito Moreno, declared World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. Today you are driven about 80 km to the far end of Lake Argentino, where you see the

Perito Moreno Glacier. It is one of the few permanently advancing glaciers in the world, with a 5 km wide front and a height of sixty metres. Great blocks of ice break loose and fall thunderously into the lake making great waves and later surfacing to form icebergs. In a cycle of roughly three years, the glacier advances across the lake, cutting off Brazo Rico from the Canal De Los Tempanos, then finally the pressure breaks the ice and re-opens the canal once again.

You may like to undertake some optional “mini-trekking” on the glacier. This involves your guides providing crampons and explaining their use. From here the two-hour trek circuit introduces you to the landscapes of the glacier and includes ice of the most incredible blues! The surface over which you walk will be irregular but firm and the trekking is classified as “moderate”. This afternoon you return to the launch for a 20 minute cruise back to the pier from where you are returned to El Calafate. (BL)

DAY 3

Calafate / Upsala & Onelli This morning you depart from Punta Bandera on a vessel and sail along the Northern Arm of Lake Argentino, one of the most beautiful areas of the national park. You navigate for two hours among huge icebergs, some several times the size of the ship, towards the Upsala Glacier.

The glacier’s size is 595 square km, three times the size of Buenos Aires! It is 60 km long,

seven km wide and its height varies from 60 to 80 metres. On arrival at the glacier your boat stops so you can take in the spectacular scenery. Continuing on to Onelli Bay, you experience some spectacular views of its surface, almost completely covered by icebergs. It is here that three glaciers converge from their frozen peaks to form one. You sail back to Punta Bandera and then continue on to your hotel for the night. (BL)

DAY 4

depart el Calafate This morning is at leisure to further explore El Calafate. This afternoon you are taken to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. (B)

tour extension costs

$1,069 pp sharing Superior-class Not available in Luxury-class do it BEFORE 1 Before the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

2 Before the Australis South Patagonia Cruise on page 58. do it AFTER 3 After the South America Sensations Tour on page 48.

upsala glacier, argentina

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blue icebergs & white glaciers

4 to 5 days torres del paine np CHILE Torres del Paine NP Punta Arenas

Torres del Paine National Park (the largest national park in Chile) is situated in the far south of Chilean Patagonia, in a spectacular natural environment. Your days at the park are designed for you to simply relax and explore, combining nature and adventure in one of the most remote places on earth. You will be accompanied by expert local guides to places with inspiring names like Mirador Condor, Laguna Azul or Glacier de Valle del Frances!

Here rheas and llamas live in peace with flamingos, while glaciers, emerald lakes, waterfalls, peaks of all shapes and shining valleys await you and your camera.

torres del paine & explora hotel

torres del paine National park a world famous wilderness area Most hotels and lodges in this region offer activities and excursions on foot, in vehicles, on horses, on mountain bikes or in row-boats. It is entirely your choice as to which you undertake.

torres del paine hotels There is a wide choice of properties located inside, bordering and some distance from Torres del Paine National Park.

duration of stays We suggest three or four nights to experience Torres del Paine National Park properly, although shorter stays are possible at the majority of hotels and lodges.

These range from the all-inclusive Explora and Tierra Patagonia luxury hotels, to other more modestly priced options. We recommend staying inside or adjacent to the national park.

getting to torres del paine NP There are daily return flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas, in the south of Chile. From Punta Arenas it takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to drive to Torres del Paine National Park.

Name of hotel Ecocamp Patagonia (unusual) Explora Patagonia (inside the NP) Las Torres Patagonia Hotel* The Singular # Tierra Patagonia

Star rating 3-star 5-star 4-star 5-star 5-star

tour extension costs US$1,620 pp sharing Superior-class* US$1,980 pp sharing Luxury-class #

do it BEFORE 1 Before (or after) the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

2 Before (or after) the South America Sensations Tour on page 48. do it AFTER 3 After the Australis South Patagonia Cruise on page 58.

4 After Skorpios II Cruise on page 59. torres del paine np, chile

guanacos, torres del paine np

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san pedro de atacama’s desert

4 to 5 days atacama desert Calama Atacama Desert

San Pedro de Atacama Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat)

CHILE

pink flamingo, the atacama desert, chile

the atacama desert explore the world’s driest desert

The Atacama Desert (in places the driest desert

Most hotels in the Atacama offer activities and

in the world) is situated in the far north of

excursions which allow you to explore the nature

Chile, near San Pedro de Atacama village.

and history of the place. These activities can be

The Atacama possesses a strange environment,

on foot, on horseback, by bicycle or by vehicle

almost Mars-like in places! Your days here are

and are accompanied by our expert local guides.

designed to relax and explore these unique lands. You will be accompanied by expert local guides on explorations taking you to places with inviting names like Rio Grande, Quebrada del Diablo and Valle de la Luna! You can either be in the Andes experiencing the wonder of volcanoes or visiting small villages with their traditions and folklore. Almost everywhere you should see cameloids and flamingos.

duration of stays We suggest three or four nights to experience the Atacama Desert properly, although shorter stays are possible at the majority of hotels. getting to the atacama desert There are daily return flights from Santiago to Calama, in Chile’s north. From Calama it takes about an hour to drive to San Pedro de Atacama.

atacama desert hotels There is a good choice of hotels both in the quaint village of San Pedro de Atacama and outside of the village, in the desert proper.

These options range from the all-inclusive and luxurious Alto Atacama Hotel, the Explora Hotel and the Tierra Atacama Hotel, to much more modestly priced hotels and lodges.

Name of hotel

Star rating

Alto Atacama Hotel #

5-star

Casa Atacama Hotel*

4-star

Explora Atacama

5-star

Tierra Atacama Hotel

5-star

tour extension costs US$1,040 pp sharing Superior-class* US$1,533 pp sharing Luxury-class #

do it BEFORE 1 Before (or after) the South America Sensations Tour on page 48. do it AFTER 2 After (or before) the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

3 After the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour on page 68.

licancabur volcano, the atacama

64

church, san pedro de atacama

inca tours - excellence in travel

600 easter island moai statues

4 to 5 days easter island Anakena Beach Terevaka Hill 507 m Rano Raraku Volcano Hanga Roa Ana Kai Hanga Piko Tangata Mataveri Vaihu Vinapu Orongo Rano Kao Volcano Motu Nui Island

Ahu Tongariki

moai statues, easter island

Akahanga SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

4,000 kilometres from Chile, the most remote place in the world is an island which still holds a special mystery and magic. Rapa Nui, as the natives called it, was discovered on Easter Sunday 1722 and thus to this day, is still referred to as Easter Island. This isolated place, entirely volcanic in origin, is a vast outdoor museum dotted with over 600 giant Moai statues that have intrigued the world for many centuries. We usually recommend three or four nights on Easter Island. This allows you to undertake tours of the most important sites and also have some time at leisure to explore the local village or have a swim in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

easter island spend time on this remote island!

We usually include a full-day tour of Easter Island’s famous Moai Route, where you pass

by Vaihu, an area surrounded by many Moai statues lying face down on the ground. You then visit the Akahanga Ruins, where the first King of the island was buried. The tour continues to Rano Raraku Volcano, the “Factory of the Moais” as it is known, where hundreds of Moais are still fixed to the rocky wall, some measuring twenty metres long and weighing over 200 tons. Finally, the tour visits Anakena Beach where other archaeological sites are viewed, the most important of which is Tongarki, the largest site with15 Moai statues each weighing an average of 50 tons.

We also include s separate half day tour on the island. This excursion firstly visits the Rano Kao Volcano, whose deep crater contains a lake surrounded by exuberant vegetation. The tour continues on to Orongo, a ceremonial village from where the competition to elect the chief of the island started. The men had to swim to Motu Nui Island to get the Manutara Egg (a sacred bird) and swim back to the island. The first man to arrive back became chief for a year.

More than100 petroglyphs can be seen here, representing different symbols of the Rapa Nui Culture. The tour proceeds to Ana Kai Tangata Cave, used as a shelter during times of war and concludes at Ahu Vinapu, where the construction is said to resemble Inca techniques.

easter island hotels There is a range of hotels on Easter Island, from the all-inclusive and luxurious Explora Rapa Nui and Hanga Roa properties, to the more modestly priced Hare Noi and Iorana Hotels.

Name of hotel Explora Rapa Nui Hanga Roa Eco Village & Spa # Hare Noi Hotel * Iorana Hotel @

Star rating 5-star 5-star 4-star 3-star

flights to easter island You can fly to and from Easter Island from Santiago, the capital of Chile. Daily flights take between 5 and 6 hours to and from the island.

tour extension costs US$641 pp sharing Tourist-class @ US$1,482 pp sharing Superior-class * US$1,545 pp sharing Luxury-class #

do it BEFORE 1 After (or before) the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

2 After (or before) the South America Sensations Tour on page 48.

rano kao volcano, easter island

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quito & the otavalo markets

5 days a taste of ecuador Otavalo Quito ▲ Cotopaxi

ECUADOR

church of la compana, quito, ecuador

a taste of ecuador make your tour more memorable!

DAY 1

arrive Quito On arrival in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, you are met and taken to your hotel for four nights.

DAY 2

Quito You start with a city tour seeing the carved facade of the Congress, the Presidential Palace, Independence Square and the Cathedral. You also visit the Church of La Compana from 1605 with its golden alters, the finest example of Baroque in South America, as well as the San Francisco Monastery from1535. Later you are driven to the Equatorial Monument, north of Quito. It marks Latitude Zero or the exact “Middle of the World”. (B)

DAY 3

Quito – Otavalo Markets Today you are driven north from Quito to reach the Awakening Valley, renowned for its colourful, bread-dough figures. You then pass through the beautiful Andean landscape before reaching Otavalo, home of the Otavalo Indians, a prosperous and enterprising indigenous group. You have ample time at the Otavalo Markets discovering enticing items such as textiles, paintings, ceramics, leather goods, jewellery, tapestries and more. Lunch is served at a typical Ecuadorian hacienda.

Before returning to Quito you visit Peguche, an Indian Village near Otavalo. (BL)

DAY 4

Quito – Cotopaxi After being collected from your hotel you are driven through the panoramic scenery that surrounds Quito, to Machachi. On arrival in Machachi you undertake a short walk in the moorlands before lunch is served at a local hacienda. A blazing fireplace warms the dining room, where you enjoy a traditional meal made from fresh local produce. There will be time to explore the surroundings before returning to Quito later in the afternoon. (BL)

DAY 5

depart quito This morning you are taken to Quito Airport for your onward flight. (B)

tour extension costs

$1,275 pp sharing Superior-class $2,185 pp sharing Luxury-class do it BEFORE 1 Before the South America Sensations Tour on page 48.

2 Before (or after) a Galapagos Cruise or Spirit of the Andes on pages 54 & 67. do it AFTER 3 After the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

4 After the Best of Colombia on page 61. otavalo markets, ecuador

66

middle of the world monument

inca tours - excellence in travel

cotopaxi NP banos & cuenca the highlands, ecuador

4 to 7 days spirit of the andes Mashpi Reserve Quito

ECUADOR

spirit of the andes, ecuador chill out in ecuador’s highlands DAY 1

depart quito / Patate Today you depart Quito for Cotopaxi National Park and the Cotopaxi Volcano. On clear days, its perfect snow-capped cone is magnificent.

The evergreen landscape of these Ecuadorian Highlands is very beautiful. After lunch, stroll through a rose plantation, with many varieties ready for export. You then travel to Patate and spend the night in a 300 year old hacienda. (LD)

DAY 2

Patate / Banos / Riobamba

You continue on to Banos (baths), at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, from where the thermal waters that gave it its name emerge.

Here you visit the Devil’s Cauldron, surrounded

by subtropical vegetation and orchids. Later you take a walk around Banos, a quaint town which Ecuadorians enjoy visiting. From here you travel to Riobamba, via hills and fields where the rich dark soil is still turned with hand plows. You spend tonight in Riobamba. (BLD)

DAY 3

Riobamba / Cuenca An early start sees you on the road passing multicoloured fields where most of Ecuador’s cereals are grown. Later you arrive in Alausi, the heart of the rehabilitation of Ecuador’s railways. Here you board the Devil’s Nose Train, the highlight of which is the thrilling 800 metre descent on the zig zag line cutting into the rock of the Devil’s Nose. The train returns you to Alausi after which you continue by vehicle, visiting the fabulous Inca Fortress of Ingapirca enroute to Cuenca, where you stay for the night. (BLD)

DAY 4

depart cuenca Cuenca is a World Heritage Site, with its tiled roofs, cobblestone streets and plazas. Today you have a tour including the Plaza of San Sebastian, the Modern Art Museum and flower market.

After a stroll to the main square, surrounded by the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, you are driven to the river to see Cuenca’s overhanging houses. Following a visit to a Panama Hat workshop, you are taken to the airport. (BL) Alternatively and at extra cost, you can stay in Cuenca and be driven to Guayaquil tomorrow.

mashpi cloud forest extension Spending three days in Mashpi Cloud Forest Reserve before the Spirit of the Andes Tour is a perfect way to extend your time in Ecuador.

The wonders of the cloud forest will delight, as will staying at Mashpi Lodge. Perched at 900 metres above sea level amongst rainforest and cloudforest, the lodge is surrounded by a profusion of plant species, from ferns and bromeliads to hundreds of orchid species, many newly discovered. A staggering 500 species of bird (including 36 endemic species) inhabit the forest. Monkeys, peccaries and even puma also make their homes inside Mashpi Reserve.

tour costs

$2,481 pp sharing Superior-class Not available in Luxury-class do it BEFORE 1 Before the South America Sensations Tour or Gold Tour on page 48 & 36.

2 Before (or after) a Galapagos Cruise or A Taste of Ecuador on pages 54 & 66.

AFTER 3 After time in Mashpi Cloud Forest Reserve. Please see the above extension.

4 After the Best of Colombia on page 61.

colonial houses, cuenca, ecuador

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the world’s largest salt lake

5 days uyuni salt flats La Paz

Uyuni Salt Flat

Ojo de Perdiz

BOLIVIA

Colchani Uyuni

Sucre Potosi

Red Lagoon

Atacama Desert

uyuni salt flat, bolivia

Green Lagoon

San Pedro de Atacama

CHILE

uyuni salt flat step on the world’s largest salt lake

Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat)

DAY 1

Arrive sucre On arrival into Sucre, situated at 2,800 metres above sea level, you are met at the airport and taken to your hotel for tonight. After lunch you are taken on a city tour of Sucre. (LD)

DAY 2

sucre / potosi / Colchani Today you are driven to Potosi, where you are taken on a tour visiting San Lorenzo Church, the Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint) and Potosi’s significant Colonial streets. Later you continue to Uyuni and on to nearby Colchani, situated on the edge of the enormous Uyuni Salt Flat.

You have two unique nights here, staying in a hotel made entirely of large salt bricks! (BLD)

DAY 3

Colchani An early start sees you on the giant Uyuni Salt Flat, visiting the Ojos de Agua Geysers and the Salt Museum enroute. You drive to Isla Pescado (Fish Island), located in the centre of the salt flat and formed in the shape of a fish. The island is filled with a species of cacti that can grow to 12 metres high. Later today you are returned to your salt hotel in Colchani for the night. (BLD)

DAY 4

Colchani / Ojo de Perdiz

You start your day by visiting the Frog’s Valley, Chiarcota, Ramadita and Hedionda Lagoons.

You continue to the Siloli Desert and Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon). The lagoon is 4,278 metres above sea level, 60 square km and impresses because of the redness of it water. The colour is due to fine red sediment accumulated on it’s surface, as well as the pigmentation of a certain type of seaweed. It is inhabited by flocks of pink flamingos. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful at these heights, set off by the redness of the lagoon. Tonight you stay in the tiny village of Ojo de Perdiz. (BLD)

DAY 5

depart ojo de Perdiz / atacama desert (or la paz) The first stop of the day is at the Sol de Manana (Morning Sun) Geysers, where you see volcanic craters containing boiling lava and mud and geysers spurting hot water and steam 80 metres into the air. You then visit the Chalviri Salt Flats

and the Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon). This body of water is an impressive aquatic mirror that resembles a giant emerald with a particular brightness in the mornings and afternoons. The intense green hue is due to its high magnesium content. The spectacular and beautiful Volcano Licancabur (5,865 metres) can also be seen from the Green Lagoon. Later today you are driven across the border to the village of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, where your tour ends. (BL) We recommend at least three nights in San Pedro de Atacama, please see page 64. Alternatively and at extra cost, we can return you to La Paz if you don’t wish to visit the Atacama Desert.

tour extension costs

$3,060 Tourist & Superior-class Not available in Luxury-class do it BEFORE 1 Before the South America Sensations Tour on page 48.

2 Before the Atacama Desert Tour on page 64. do it AFTER 3 After the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

the red lagoon, bolivia

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nazca lines & paracas reserve

2 days nazca & paracas Lima

PERU

Ballestas Islands Pisco / Paracas

nazca lines, peru

Nazca

nazca lines & paracas view these mysterious markings DAY 1

depart lima / pisco / Nazca Lines / Paracas This morning you are taken to Lima Airport to board your short flight to Pisco, on the Pacific Coast of Peru. (This can also be done by private car or by regular bus. The road trip takes approximately three hours.)

On arrival in Pisco you board a small, highwing, light aircraft to overfly the mysterious Nazca Lines, the most famous of which are the condor, the hummingbird and the monkey.

The overflight will allow you to appreciate the scale of this amazing work. The Nazca Lines are the most intriguing of the many remnants

of civilisations that prospered along the coastline for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. No one knows exactly why the inhabitants of these coastal valleys etched lines and figures in the desert some 2,000 years ago. During your overflight you may also see the Palpa Lines and other new discoveries in Pisco, Ocucaje and Cahuachi.

Following your overflight you are taken to the Ica Archeological Museum, which houses mummies, ceramics, textiles and skulls from the Paracas, Nazca and Inca Cultures. You are then driven to your hotel in Paracas for the night. Here you enjoy a relaxing lunch. (L)

DAY 2

Paracas / Ballestas Islands / pisco / Lima Early this morning you are taken to the pier to board a boat to visit the Ballestas Islands, part of the Paracas National Reserve and the habitat of boobies, pelicans, sea lions, seal colonies, the Humboldt Penguin and an abundance of other bird species. The islands are simply spectacular, eroded into numerous arches and caves which provide shelter for thousands of seabirds, some of which are very rare, as well as hundreds of sea lions. You are then taken back to the airport to board your flight to Lima. (This can also be done by private car or by regular bus.) (B)

tour extension costs

$1,289 pp sharing Superior-class $1,406 pp sharing Luxury-class do it BEFORE 1 Before the South America Sensations Tour on page 48.

2 Before the Second Part of the South America Gold Tour on page 43. do it AFTER 3 After (or before) the South America Gold Tour on page 36.

4 After the Uyuni Salt Flats on page 68. coastline, paracas, peru

paracas marine reserve, peru

incatours.net

69

tour enhancers at iguassu falls, in rio, at machu picchu & in la paz You can choose to add the following activities to your tour at our special rates as listed on the price insert. $151 pp

helicopter over iguassu falls

$319 per person

$85 per person

helicopter over rio de janeiro

harbour boat excursion, rio

$88 per person

$15 pp

climbing Huayna picchu

70

machu picchu from Huayna picchu

game of golf, la paz’s moon valley

inca tours - excellence in travel

combining tours popular gold tour combos days 36+ 38+ 36 37 36+ 40 36 36+ 36+ 36+ 37 36+ 37 34

Tour & extensions gold TOUR + galapagos ISLANDS Cruise antarctic cruise + gold tour australis SOUTH PATAGONIA cruise + gold tour skorpios II CHILEAN FJORDS cruise + gold tour gold TOUR + amazon RIVER LUXURY cruise gold TOUR + THE BEST OF COLOMBIA perito moreno & UPSALA glaCIERS + gold tour gold TOUR + TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK THE ATACAMA DESERT + gold tour gold TOUR + EASTER ISLAND gold TOUR + A TASTE OF ECUADOR gold TOUR + THE SPIRIT OF THE ANDES, ECUADOR gold TOUR + UYUNI SALT FLATS gold TOUR + NAZCA LINES & PARACAS

pages 36 & 54 56 & 36 58 & 36 59 & 36 36 & 60 36 & 61 62 & 36 36 & 63 64 & 36 36 & 65 36 & 66 36 & 67 36 & 68 36 & 69

popular sensations combos days 27+ 27 28 27+ 31 27 27+ 27+ 27+ 28 27+ 28 25

tour & extensions sensations TOUR + galapagos ISLANDS Cruise sensations TOUR + australis PATAGONIA cruise skorpios II FJORDS cruise + sensations tour amazon RIVER LUXURY cruise + sensations TOUR THE BEST OF COLOMBIA + sensations TOUR sensations TOUR + perito moreno GLACIER TORRES DEL PAINE NP + sensations TOUR sensations TOUR + THE ATACAMA DESERT sensations TOUR + EASTER ISLAND A TASTE OF ECUADOR + sensations TOUR THE SPIRIT OF THE ANDES + sensations TOUR UYUNI SALT FLATS + sensations TOUR NAZCA LINES & PARACAS + sensations TOUR incatours.net

pages 48 & 54 48 & 58 59 & 48 60 & 48 61 & 48 48 & 62 63 & 48 48 & 64 48 & 65 66 & 48 67 & 48 68 & 48 69 & 48 71

EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

Group travel not for you?

Inca Tours also specialises in designing tailor-made South America tours for non-group private travel, for couples, individuals, families and groups of friends. If the South America Gold Tour or the South America Sensations Tour described in this brochure do not suit you, just tell us what parts of South America you would like to visit, when you want to travel and we’ll design a personalised itinerary to reflect your interests and your budget.

Additionally, for brochures on our tours and travel to Africa, Bhutan, Central America, Cuba, Egypt, India, Mexico, Nepal or Tibet, please call us toll free on 1800 024 955 or email: sales@incatours.net Travel Agent’s Stamp

EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

#3 # # 30 0# over over

year years of travel s of experi enc experience e

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Take the holiday you deserve

EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

south america & antarctica

#30# over

years of travel experience

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EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

africa egypt & middle east

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Inca Group Tours

Inca Group Tours

Small personable groups 4 or 5-star, fully-escorted All guaranteed to depart

Small personable groups 4 or 5-star, fully-escorted All guaranteed to depart

www.incatours.net

www.incatours.net

INCA TOURS 68 Pacific Highway, Wyong NSW 2259 Tel (02) 4351 2133 Fax (02) 4351 2526 Toll free from within Australia 1800 024 955 Email sales@incatours.net Web www.incatours.net Licenced Travel Agent No 2TA5698 ABN 28 112 971 838

Inca Experience Tours

Inca Experience Tours

Individual Tailor-made Tour

Individual Tailor-made Tour Packages, Safaris, Cruises & Small Group Departures

Packages, Cruises & Treks all with Guaranteed Departures

Please contact Inca Tours or your travel agent for any of the above brochures