Ecuador Peru Chile Argentina Brazil
Experience South America South America remains the undiscovered continent for the vast majority of Irish travellers. Let us help you experience some of its amazing delights through the medium of this brochure — compiled by leading South American experts, in partnership with Ireland’s largest travel agency group, Travel Centres!
I N F O R M AT I O N
South America
South America Destinations
South America is a vast continent, comprising some 12 sovereign states — of which just five — Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru, are featured in this brochure. Brazil alone is 100 times larger than the entire island of Ireland and spans three separate time zones (the same as the continental USA). What is most curious though, given the strong historical roles that many Irishmen and women played in the route to independence for many of these South American countries (most notably Chile and Venezuela) and the fact that Argentina boasts the 5th largest Irish Diaspora in the Brazil world, is the fact that so few Irish people have ever visited this most amazing of continents!
Galapagos Islands
Ecuador
Perú
Chile
Argentina
So whether you want to retrace Darwin’s footsteps in the Galapagos, Ecuador, fish for piranhas in the Amazon jungle in Peru, tour award-winning wineries in Argentina, learn the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira on Copacabana beach in Rio or marvel at the eerie landscape of the Atacama desert in Chile which NASA claims most closely resembles the surface of Mars, South America has something to offer the most demanding of adventurers in addition to those of you who simply want to experience a whole new world without having to move too much outside of your comfort zone.
Time to start ticking off items on that bucket list!
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I N F O R M AT I O N
This selection of recommended itineraries for South America has been compiled by Travel Centres — Ireland’s largest grouping of independently-owned and managed travel agencies — all of whom are government licensed and bonded, thus ensuring that all your monies are fully covered. The various recommended itineraries that feature on the following pages are based on what activities and destinations have been found to appeal most to European travellers. Bear in mind though that they are just that – recommendations. If you have a specific itinerary or duration that you wish to undertake, then please feel free to ask us for a bespoke quote as practically anything can be arranged for the right price and of course, subject to availability. Please bear in mind though that with most travels in the tropics (which covers much of the content of this brochure), there are optimum times to visit some of the places featured so some itineraries may be seasonal and thus, not available all year round.
General Information Because of the relative volatility of some local currencies in South America, it is quite the norm for all pricing to be quoted in US dollars and that reality is reflected within the pages of this brochure so please bear in mind that the final price in Euros may vary, depending on the prevailing rate of exchange between the dollar and the Euro, when your booking is actually made. Please note that all pricing quoted in this brochure has been based on costings made in June 2014 and thus may vary if you are referencing this brochure in 2015 or beyond. All of the prices quoted do not include air content as this provides you with the maximum flexibility in choosing the optimum routing and/or carrier combination in order to keep your flights costs to an absolute minimum. As all Travel Centres affiliated travel agents have access to extremely competitive fares with all the major international carriers and airline consolidators, it is highly unlikely that you will find cheaper or better value-for-money airline offers elsewhere but in the unlikely event that you do, your Travel Centres agent will still happily book the ground content only for you and your travel companions. Although your travel agent will provide you with details of all the necessary passport, visa and inoculation advice that you will require for your trip to South America, together with any travel advisories that
may be in operation at the time of booking and/or travel, please note that it is ultimately the travellers own responsibility to ensure that their passport is fully up to date (many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your date of departure from their territory) and that all other relevant documentation is in order, e.g. visas, international certificates of inoculation, medical prescriptions etc.). Luckily, Irish passport holders do not require visas for any of the countries featured in this brochure but if you are of a different nationality, please do not assume that the same applies to you. The descriptions for each of the itineraries and destinations featured in this brochure are explicit in outlining exactly what is and what is not included in the package price but please do not hesitate to ask one of our staff in the event that you are unsure or that you feel the description/explanation is in any way ambiguous. ‘Meet & Greet’ services using an English-speaking guide are provided locally at all airports to assist with arrivals and departures at/from both International gateway airports and domestic airports. As all the prices quoted in this brochure are bespoke and based on just two persons travelling, please note that these may decrease where numbers of tour participants are larger. Please ask for a dedicated quote.
Inclusions: On the following “Day by Day Itinerary” pages, you’ll see these symbols which denote the meals included in that day’s arrangments.
BLPD B L P D
Breakfast Lunch Packed Lunch Dinner
Prices: All prices are quoted in US Dollars ($). Final Euro prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
With almost 80 agency outlets located throughout Ireland, there is bound to be a Travel Centresaffiliated travel agent in relative proximity to where you live so on the off-chance that the back page of this brochure does not contain their contact details, then please log on to www.travelbug.ie (the consumer-facing website of Travel Centres) in order to find the nearest affiliated agent to you. The tour guides/local expertise that all of the itineraries featured in this brochure are based on, are part of an exclusive arrangement between Travel Centres and our destination management partners who are located all over South America and thus cannot be booked through a non-Travel Centres agent. When comparing pricing and features/benefits make sure that you compare like with like as you tend to get what you pay for!
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ECUADOR
Ecuador Galápagos Islands
Ecuador
Ecuador is located to the Northwest of South America, straddling latitude 0°, right at the “Middle of the World”. The country’s geography encompasses a dazzling variety of landscapes and fascinating cultures: magnificent beaches on the shores of the Pacific; Amazon rainforest and peoples; Andean cloudforests, snow-capped mountains and volcanoes; Highland Indian villages and cities replete with Colonial and Republican architecture; plus the fabled, enchanting Galápagos Islands.
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In Ecuador, everything is close. It’s easy to travel from one completely different region to another in a short space of time. Travellers spend less time travelling and more time enjoying themselves. Couple this quality to delicious cuisine, first-class accommodations and friendly, helpful people, and you have the recipe for a happy holiday!
ECUADOR
Did you know..? • There’s a steam train that runs through the Andes • You weigh less in Ecuador! • The country is named after the equatorial line – you can straddle both hemispheres at once • The Galápagos were the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theories • You can have breakfast in the Amazon, lunch in the Andes, and enjoy a sundowner on the Pacific, all in one day • Quito was the first city named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Fast Facts Population: Capital city: Area: Government: Language: Local Time: Currency: Electricity: Plug type: Visa:
15,584,009 (2011 census) Quito 283,560km2 (109,483 sq. miles) Democratic Republic Spanish, (also Kichwa and Shuar) GMT/UTC -5, -6 hours (Galapagos) U.S. Dollars 110 V Type A, Type B (see: www.iec.ch/worldplugs/) No tourist visa required for Irish passport holders for a stay of up to 90 days.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Ecuador is in late Spring (April and May) and early autumn (late August through to September) when the humidity isn’t quite so high. Ecuador’s wet season runs from October to May, with the dry summer season from June to September. The waters around the Galapagos get cool and choppy from around September, however temperatures stay mild into early autumn. Ecuador’s climate, which varies according to region, is fairly mild throughout the year, however travellers should note that during the high season (December to January and June to August) prices are noticeably higher and accommodation can be fully-booked.
Highlights Quito – A Living World Heritage Jewel The city is proud of its heritage and its intriguing Old Town, the first to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and today beautifully restored. Visitors adore this extensive neighbourhood, while also enjoying the first-class hotels, restaurants, parks and culture of its modern quarters.
Straddle the Middle of the World Just north of Quito, the equatorial line girdles the Earth. A monument housing an ethnographic museum marks the Equator, and the “Middle of the World” complex features restaurants, a display honouring the French scientists, and further museums. The “Avenue of the Volcanoes” The Andes Mountain chain runs north-south through Ecuador. Within the chain stand dozens of volcanoes, several of them still active. Visitors delight in travelling “the Avenue of the Volcanoes,” enjoying the stunning scenery, colourful crafts, and historic towns such as Otavalo and Cuenca. Enter Cloud Nine Ecuador’s cloudforests and montane rainforests harbour immense biodiversity, particularly bird species and some of the highest rates of plant endemism in the world. Don’t miss the awardwinning Mashpi Lodge in this region! The ‘Green Mansions’ of the Amazon Rainforest This vast ocean of green is home to the most diverse ecosystem on Earth: 10% of all species known to man live in the Amazon. Visitors can base themselves in comfortable jungle lodges, where they can visit indigenous communities, spot wildlife and swim in the warm rivers. All aboard the Ecuadorian railways! There are many ways to explore Ecuador, but none quite like riding the rails. Launched in 2013, the Tren Crucero (“Cruise Train”) is a 4-day, speciallydesigned, upscale product operated by Ecuadorian Railways, with set departures most of the year.
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ECUADOR
Ecuadorian Odyssey Programme: 8 nights/9 days | Featuring: Quito, Otavalo, Galapagos, Guayaquil
An exciting journey which takes in the World Heritage wonders of the capital, Quito, as well as a chance to venture into the Andean world around the town of Otavalo. Then fly out to the Galápagos Islands for an expedition cruise through this laboratory of creation aboard the Santa Cruz. Day by Day Itinerary
Day 5: Tues - Santiago Island BLD AM Buccaneer Cove: Walk, snorkelling, panga ride / PM Puerto Egas: Walk, snorkelling. ride / PM Cerro Brujo: Walk, panga ride and glass bottom boat.
Day 1: Fri Transfer in between airport and hotel in Quito Day 2: Sat Scenic tour of Quito, 3 hours Day 3: Sun Otavalo full day with lunch at Puerto Lago, Cusin or Pinsaqui Day 4: Mon Transfer out between Quito hotel and airport (shared)
B
BL
B
Days 4-8: Mon-Fri Galapagos – Northern Islands Santa Cruz Day 4: Mon LD Baltra Airport / Santa Cruz Island AM Arrival at Baltra airport and embarkation on board MV Santa Cruz, starts navigation / PM Las Bachas: walk. Welcome cocktail, lecture and dinner.
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Day 6: Wed BLD Rabida Island / Bartolome Island AM Rábida: panga ride, walk, snorkelling, glass bottom boat ride / PM Bartolomé: walk, snorkelling, glass bottom boat ride, and panga ride Day 7: Thurs BLD Genovesa Island. AM Prince Phillip Steps: walk, panga ride / PM Darwin Bay: walk, snorkelling, swimming. Day 8: Fri San Cristobal Airport /Guayaquil AM Cerro Colorado Breeding Centre / San Cristóbal Airport for departure flight back to continent. Arrival in Guayaquil, transfer to the hotel in Guayaqui Day 9, Sat Transfer between Hotel & Airport in Guayaquil for departure
B
ECUADOR
Includes (Land Arrangements): Accommodation and meals as mentioned in the itinerary. Private services.
Trip Planner Otavalo 2
Mv Santa Cruz Includes Accommodations, all meals, island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lecture services in English/ Spanish (guiding in other languages upon request for groups larger than 10 guests: German, French, Italian), snorkeling gear, luggage handling, medical care on board (but not the cost of medication), taxes and transfers in the islands.
Papallacta 1
Mashpi Lodge 3
Galápagos Islands 4
Guayaquil 1
Excludes (Land Arrangements): Drinks, tips, and personal expenses.
Quito 3
Avenue of the Volcanoes Spirit of the Andes • Cotopaxi National Park • Baños • Riobamba 3 • Ingapirca Ruins
Antisana Reserve
Amazonía 3
Legend:
Mv Santa Cruz - Not Included Air ticket Quito/Galapagos/Guayaquil $486 net per person (rate subject to change without prior notice); Galapagos National Park admission fee ($100 per person, subject to change without notice); transit Control Card for Galapagos ($10 per person subject to change); Wet Suits available for rent (not included); alcoholic drinks, tips, gifts and additional items.
Hotels Quito: Dann Carlton Galapagos: MV Santa Cruz Guayaquil: Hampton Inn
Start/end point Main programme
Cuenca 2
Must-see places to visit Pre & Post Tours Number of nights
Loja 2
Rates $3,195 per person (based on double occupancy) Single supplement: $1,425 per person
Standard room Main deck cabin Standard room
All aboard the Santa Cruz... explore the breathtaking Galápagos Islands, the ‘Laboratory of Creation’
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PERU
Peru Peru is a travel paradise. It offers a bottomless wealth of possibilities, ranking among South America’s most varied and exciting nations. Peru
Explore the lost city of Machu Picchu - one of the Seven New Wonders of the World – the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca or the thick green jungles of the Amazon. Peru, one of the 12 mega-diverse countries in the world, with its changing geography, from the desert coast to the jungle, crossing the incredible Andes, never ceases to amaze. This geography means it’s full of opportunities for adventures in nature, as well as culture. Meet the people, experience the adventure, live the traditions, delight your palate, encounter the past, embrace nature, feel the mystery...
Did you know? • Lima was named the world’s best gastronomic destination due to its incomparable cuisine heritage and restaurants. • Peru has 84 of the 104 life zones that exist on our planet. • Cotahuasi Canyon in the Arequipa region is considered one of the world’s deepest canyons at 3,535 meters (11,597 feet) deep – twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA. • Lake Titicaca in Southern Peru is the world’s highest navigable lake, and South America’s largest lake. • Cusco in Peru was the most important city in the whole of the Inca Empire, and governed as far north as Quito in Ecuador and as far south as Santiago in Chile.
Reconnecting With The Past: The Mystic Land Of The Incas Lima/Arequipa/Colca/Puno/Cusco/Sacred Valley/ Machu Picchu/Puerto Maldonado A trip of discovery through the mighty lands of one of the most amazing cultures, the Incas! Travel through Peru’s varied destinations, enjoy picturesque settings, meet the people and get involved in their culture and history,
Machu Picchu has generated more than just visits… it has marked a place in the soul of every traveler. 8
PERU
discover their ancient techniques, enjoy its exquisite culinary expressions, and get in touch with nature; living an intense journey of exploration. Visit Lima, the capital of the country, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, Puno and Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Sacred Valley and the enigmatic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, finally visit the National Reserve of Tambopata; all in a 15-day programme created for true explorers at heart.
Fast facts Capital city: Population: Area: Government: Language: Local Time: Currency: Electricity: Plug type: Visa:
Lima 30,475,000 inhabitants 1,285,215km2 (498,222 sq. miles) Democratic Republic Spanish (also Quechua, Aymara) GMT/UTC -5 hours Nuevos Soles 220 V Type A, Type B, Type C (see: www.iec.ch/worldplugs/) No tourist visa required for Irish passport holders for a stay of up to 183 days
Best time to visit: The peak tourist season in Peru is from May to October, and particularly in July and August. Winter, from June to September, is the best time for the Inca Trail due to the wonderful visibility of the clear, sunny days; and this is also a good time to visit the Amazon basin, as mosquitoes are fewer and the animals stay closer to the water, making them easier to spot.
Highlights Lima Gastronomic Experiences and New Sensations Gateway to the country, home to amazing archaeological museums, top restaurants, fun nightlife and an intriguing historical heart. Arequipa & Colca Canyon Canyons, contrasts and camelidae Experience one of the deepest canyons in the world and visit the natural habitat of the Vicuña, the camelidae with the finest and most desirable fibre in the world. Puno & Lake Titicaca Cultural Cradle The Uros Indians — purportedly the ‘purest’ race in the Americas — live today on floating islands much as their ancestors did thousands of years ago. Cusco The Center of the World There are 17 colonial churches around Cusco, all of them built above Inca ceremonial temples. This is part of the “religious fusion” for which the city is famed. Sacred Valley A Paradise to be Discovered Discover the place where the Incas innovated their agricultural techniques and brought to the world the treasure of the Andes: more than three thousand varieties of potatoes. Machu Picchu Inca Royalty and its Sanctuary Machu Picchu has generated more than just visits… it has marked a place in the soul of every traveler. As a result of a special connection with people of all nations, it was recognized as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
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PERU
Highlights of Peru Programme: 14 nights/15 days | Featuring: Lima/Arequipa/Colca/Puno/Cusco/ Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu/Puerto Maldonado
This comprehensive tour of South America’s most popular destination will have you astounded at the sophisticated engineering of the Incas —one of the world’s most enigmatic cultures. Day by Day Itinerary
Day 12: Cusco /Puerto Maldonado BLD • AM: Domestic flight Cusco-Puerto Maldonado • 3 day / 2 night Jungle program
Day 1: Lima • Arrival in Lima and transfer to the hotel Day 2: Lima • AM: City tour Lima + Larco Museum Day 3: Lima / Arequipa • AM domestic flight Lima-Arequipa • Transfer airport / hotel • PM: City tour Arequipa + Santa Catalina Convent Day 4: Arequipa / Colca • 2 day program Arequipa / Colca / Puno
B
B
BP
Day 6: Puno • FD Uros & Taquile Islands
BL
Day 7: Puno / Cusco • Private transportation with guide from Cusco to Puno
BL
Day 9: Cusco / Sacred Valley • FD Awanacancha, Pisac Market, Pisac Ruins & Ollantaytambo Fortess
B
BL
Day 10: Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu BLD • FD tour to Machu Picchu via roundtrip Vistadome train Day 11: Machu Picchu / Cusco • Morning at leisure • Afternoon return to Cusco 10
BLD
Day 14: Puerto Maldonado / Lima • Transfer Lodge / airport • Domestic flight Puerto Maldonado - Lima • Transfer airport / hotel
B
Day 15: Lima / … B • At proper time, transfer & assistance with your international flight
Included
Day 5: Colca / Puno B • AM: Visit the Condor Cross + en route villages
Day 8: Cusco • AM: City tour Cusco + ruins
Day 13: Puerto Maldonado • Jungle excursions
B
• Private services with local English speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary except where otherwise specified • All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary • Meals: As indicated in the itinerary • Roundtrip train ticket to Machu Picchu via Vistadome coach per person • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu per person • Bus ticket to and from the Machu Picchu ruins per person • Shared regular bus Colca / Puno without guide. • Shared regular bus Puno / Cusco with shared guide on board. • Jungle excursion provided on shared basis. • 14 nights’ hotel accommodation • All tips (except hotel staff & guides); additional tips are optional and voluntary. However, the following amounts may be uses as guidelines: • Guide/transferman: $ 4.00 per guest per day • Driver: $ 2.00 per guest per day • Restaurant Tips: 10% of the total bill • Permanent assistance during the trip
PERU
Not Included • International air fares or domestic air fares • Meals or any other item not described in the itinerary • Early check-in, late check-out services and non-mentioned meals in the itinerary • Personal expenses • Drinks during meals, hotel extras and personal spending • Tips for hotel staff & guides • Local VAT taxes (18% applicable only to Peruvian and foreign residents of Peru; in order to be exempted you will need to show your passport) • Domestic flight tickets (Rates subject to changes and availability) • Lima –Arequipa $210 Net per person • Cusco- Puerto Maldonado $210 Net per person • Puerto Maldonado – Lima $210 Net per person
Rates $3,356 per person (based on double occupancy) Single supplement: $1,033 per person.
Trip Planner Nazca, Ica & Paracas 1 Arequipa & Colca
Lima 2 3
Puno & Lake Titicaca 2 Northern Beaches
Chiclayo & Trujillo 2
2
Puerto Maldonado 2
Cuzco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 3
Lima
Nazca, Ica & Paracas 1
Legend: Start/end point
Must-see places to visit
Main programme
Pre & Post Tours
Number of nights
Hotels Lima Arequipa Colca Puno Cusco Sacred Valley Aguas Calientes Puerto Maldonado
Allpa Hotel Maison d‘Elise Casa Andina Colca Eco inn Puno Los Portales Cusco Inkallpa Valle Sagrado El Mapi Hacienda Concepcion Lodge
Standard Room Standard Room Traditional Room Standard Room Standard Room Standard Room Superior Room Cabañas Room
Discover the place where the Incas innovated their agricultural techniques and brought to the world the treasure of the Andes
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CHILE
Chile Chile offers almost every type of special interest tourism.
Chile
From hiking in the Atacama Desert or fly fishing in Patagonia, from exclusive wineries to the best spa resorts, from mountain climbing to cruising into glaciers and untamed forests. All in one country, because Chile is one destination that has it all and much, much more. From the haunting, windswept deserts of the north to the ancient mysteries of Easter Island on your way to the End of the World: breathtaking Patagonia – and don’t forget its renowned cuisine, including its award-winning wines.
Did you know? • Chile has one of the world’s largest and most isolated deserts known as the Atacama. In one 40 year span no rain fell in the Atacama Desert • Along the mountainous region of Chile there are over 1,500 volcanoes – a number of which are still active • The oldest mummies in the world, the Chinchorro mummies, are located in Chile • Chile has one of the longest coastlines in the world but also one of the smallest at 6500km long and 200km wide • Chile claims about 1,250,000 square kilometres of Antarctica, or roughly 9% of its total size, as Chilean territory. They even show the weather forecast for it on the news. • Mataveri international Airport on Easter Island is the world’s remotest airport from another airport.
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Fast Facts Capital city: Population: Area: Government: Language: Local Time: Currency: Electricity: Plug type: Visa:
Santiago 17,772,871 inhabitants 756,102km2 (291,932 sq. miles) Democratic Republic Spanish GMT/UTC -4, -6 (-3, -5 in Summer) hours Chilean peso 220V Type C, Type L (see: www.iec.ch/worldplugs/) No tourist visa required for Irish passport holders for a stay of up to 90 days
Best time to visit Chile’s climate varies dramatically from north to south, with dramatic changes in temperature from summer to winter. While the summer months in Chile (December to February) are the warmest, summers in Chile tend to be very windy, especially in the southern part of the country. The best time to visit Chile is in the shoulder seasons, including October and November, and March and April. The weather in Chile is more temperate at these times. Winters in Chile are the worst time to visit, as the weather is very cold.
Highlights Chile is divided into five distinct geographic and climatic zones: the North and the Atacama Desert San Pedro de Atacama. On a visit to Chile, the Atacama Desert, a wind-swept wilderness of inspirational beauty, is a must. Explorers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and visits to the desert itself, its unique rock formations, salt flats and much, much more.
CHILE
the Atacama Desert, a wind-swept wilderness of inspirational beauty
Santiago and the Central Zone
Lakes & Volcanoes
One of Latin America’s most vibrant cities, Santiago is a study in contrast: it is home to colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers, close to not only top-notch ski resorts but sandy beaches as well. It is a traditional and friendly city that is located in the heart of Chile’s wine country’.
In Chile’s Lake District, the rhythm of life seems to be set by the slow crackling of the wood in the fireplace. As the rain falls, the skies grow clearer and recover their deep blue colour. The entire region smells of wood and the wet earth that provides employment in the fields of agriculture and livestock, and the people are warm and welcoming.
Easter Island The mysterious, beautiful Easter Island continues to captivate visitors and puzzle historians: the inscrutable moai (giant carved stone heads) still have secrets to tell. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Rapanui is not merely a history class in the middle of the ocean, but a fascinating land with rocky volcanoes, turquoise waters, a unique culture and featuring a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and scuba diving.
Torres del Paine- Patagonia Towering mountains, ageless glaciers, crisp blue lakes and vast stretches of untamed land: Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia is the Garden of Eden in autumn and an outdoorsman’s paradise. Active explorers will want to try kayaking, mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding, trekking and more, while those looking for a more relaxing time will find first-rate lodging and slowly take in the inspirational scenery.
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CHILE
Best of Chile Programme: 9 nights/10 days | Featuring: Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama, Moon Valley, Salar & Lagunas Altiplanicas, Tatio & Machuca, Punta Arenas,Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Chile…A ribbon of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. 4.329 kms long and 180 kms wide across a variety of landscapes and climates. From the driest place on earth: Atacama Desert to the amazing rainforests of Patagonia. Northern Chile is home to the world’s most arid desert and its salt flats, hot springs and geysers as well as large deposits of copper in Chuquicamata. Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia its impressive natural beauty constitutes a unique world wonder, reason why it was declared “World Heritage Site”. Day by Day Itinerary Day 1: Santiago arrival / City Tour Fundador Hotel, Standard Room Day 2: Santiago /San Pedro de Atacama / PM: HD Moon Valley – Casa de Don Tomas Hotel, Standard Room
Trip Planner Easter Island
3
Robinson Crusoe Island 4
Australis Cruises
Santiago
2
San Pedro de Atacama
3
Colchagua
2
Valparaiso
2
B
Day 3: San Pedro de Atacama / FD Salar & Lagunas Altiplánicas Casa de Don Tomas Hotel, Standard Room
BL
Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama / FD Excursion Tatio & Machuca Casa de Don Tomas Hotel, Standard Room
B
Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama/ Santiago - Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Executive Room
B
Day 6: Santiago / Punta Arenas / Puerto Natales – Natalino Hotel Standard Room, City View
B
Legend:
4
Start/end point Main programme Must-see places to visit
Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas 3
Torres del Paine
Puerto Varas
2
Pre & Post Tours Number of nights
CHILE
Day 7: Puerto Natales / FD Torres Del Paine national park Natalino Hotel, Standard Room, City View
BL
Day 8: Puerto Natales / AM: Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Natalino Hotel, Standard Room, City View
BL
Day 9: Puerto Natales / Punta Arenas / Santiago Fundador Hotel, Standard Room
B
Day 10: Santiago / Out
B
Includes: • Shared services with local English speaking guides • Accommodation on selected hotel or similar • Meals as per itinerary • Mentioned entrance fees
Excludes: • Internal flights Day 2: Santiago- Calama USD 200* Day 5: Calama – Santiago USD 200* Day 6: Santiago - Punta Arenas USD 250* Day 9: Punta Arenas – Santiago USD 250* • Tips • Tax • Services and meals not mentioned in itinerary
Hotels Santiago – Fundador Hotel - Standard Room San Pedro de Atacama – Casa de Don Tomas Hotel - Standard Room Santiago Airport – Holiday Inn Express – Executive Room. Puerto Natales – Natalino Hotel Standard Room, City View
Towering mountains, ageless glaciers, crisp blue lakes and vast stretches of untamed land: Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia is the Garden of Eden
Rates $2,290 per person (based on double occupancy) Single supplement: $565 per person
* Net rates, are for reference only and are subject to change
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ARGENTINA
Argentina In Argentina, a single trip becomes many trips all rolled into one.
Argentina
The variety of landscapes travellers encounter is truly stunning. These range from the high plateau of the Northwest — with its deserts, valleys, gorges and brightly-coloured hills — to the lakes, forests, glaciers, steppe, mountains and cliffs of wild Patagonia; from the wetlands, lagoons, waterfalls and subtropical rainforest of the Northeast, to the expanse of flat pampas in Buenos Aires Province and the rolling hills of Córdoba. At each and every turn and with every step, Argentina surprises and tantalises: a nature spectacle like few on the planet.
Did you know? • Most Argentineans spend a good part of the day drinking maté from their special gourds. Try some yourself and you might well take up the habit! • Tango is an integral part of the ‘Buenos Aires experience’. After enjoying a show or two, consider taking some lessons to really get the feel for this dance • In Argentina, sharing a traditional “asado” (barbecue) is the perfect excuse to meet and share good times with relatives and friends. If you can’t persuade some locals to take you in, hit the restaurants! • Football is the passion of Argentineans: lived with hot blood, euphoria and huge emotion. Enjoy watching a match and feeling this passion in a bar full of fans!
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• Argentina is renowned for its fantastic wines. Each winery has its own identity and profile. Some are family-owned whilst others are industrial, but you should check them both out as each offers its own distinct flavour experience and personality
Fast Facts Capital City: Population: Area: Government: Language: Local Time: Currency: Electricity: Plug type: Visa:
Buenos Aires 40,134,425 inhabitants 2,791,810km2 (1,072,163 sq. miles) Federal Republic Spanish GMT/UTC -3 hours Argentinean Pesos 220 V Type C, Type I (see: www.iec.ch/worldplugs/) No tourist visa required for Irish passport holders for a stay of up to 90 days
Best time to visit: The weather in Argentina varies widely from north to south, so deciding the best time to visit Argentina depends on where you’re going. The best time to visit Patagonia and the southern region is in summer (December to February) when temperatures are moderate; while the northern region and Iguazú Falls are best visited in winter (June to August) for the same reason. The best time to go to Buenos Aires is in the spring and autumn (September to November and March to May) to avoid extreme temperatures and large crowds. The ski season in Argentina runs from June to October.
The mighty waterfall Iguazu is, simply, one of the most inspiring displays of nature that you can experience
ARGENTINA
Highlights Buenos Aires Be swept away by the romance of tango, Argentina’s legendary dance, along the streets and mansions of the capital’s traditional neighbourhoods, full of art galleries, antiquarians and designer boutiques. Be dazzled by the food, amazed by the wine, impressed by the hotels and bowled over by the service in the dynamic and invigorating heart of this great country. There’s something for everyone: sights, museums, art, parks, shopping, music, literature, poetry... and of course, the people. Ushuaia The City at the End of the World: the southernmost city of all. Located on the rocky shores of the icy Beagle Channel near Tierra del Fuego National Park. Ushuaia is not only the starting point for trips to Antarctica, but also a destination in its own right. The city is breathtakingly scenic and popular for winter and outdoor sports, such as skiing, trekking and exploring the massive Martial Glacier. El Calafate Located in Argentinean Patagonia in the province of Santa Cruz, El Calafate is the springboard to one of Argentina’s most unforgettable sites: The Glacier National Park. You can take a boat to see the Perito Moreno Glacier, where huge icebergs are born into the frigid lake. Those adventurous enough can even trek on glacial ice which was formed ages ago high in the Andes. Nearby, you can visit stately estancias, or traditional ranch homes. Bariloche Hemmed by the majesty of the Andes Mountains, Bariloche makes a great base for exploring Nahuel Huapi National Park and is the gateway for the Andean Crossing to Chile.
The city itself is cosy, scenic, clean and safe, packed with good hotels and restaurants. It also produces the best chocolate in Latin America. In the summer, the lakes sparkle in the bright sunshine, while in the winter skiers flock near the Cathedral Hill and ski resort. Mendoza One of Argentina’s most charming cities, Mendoza, lies at the foot of the mighty Aconcagua Mountain, the highest peak found both in the Western and Southern hemispheres. Great mountaineering is not the only reason to visit scenic Mendoza: it’s Argentina’s wine capital, home to the finest wineries in the country. Iguazu The mightiest and most impressive waterfall in Latin America, Iguazu is quite simply, one of the most inspiring displays of nature that you can experience. As a bonus, it is situated in a national park which is home to many unusual and beautiful species of plants and animals. Iguazu is a must for anyone coming to Argentina.
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ARGENTINA
Highlights of Argentina Programme: 12 nights/13 days | Featuring: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Ushuaia, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier
A journey across the rich and varied landscapes and peoples of Argentina, including Buenos Aires, IguazĂş Falls and the wilds of Patagonia. Day by Day Itinerary Day 1: Buenos Aires arrival
Day 8: Half Day tour to the End of the World National Park
B
Day 2: Buenos Aires city tour
B
Day 9: Day at leisure in Ushuaia
B
Day 3: Free day in Buenos Aires
B
Day 10: Fly to El Calafate
B
Day 4: Fly to Iguazu
B
Day 11: Full day tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier
B
Day 5: Full day tour to Argentina Iguazu Falls
B Day 12: Day at leisure in El Calafate
B
Day 6: Free day in Iguazu
B B
Day 13: Fly to Buenos Aires and connect with international flight
B
Day 7: Fly to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires
Trip Planner
Salta
3
Iguazu
3
Legend:
Cordoba
3
Puerto Madryn
3
Mendoza
3
Ushuaia
3
Bariloche
3
El Calafate
3
Start/end point Main programme Must-see places to visit Pre & Post Tours Number of nights
18
Buenos Aires 4
ARGENTINA
Included
Not Included
• Transfers In / Out. • 03 lodging nights with breakfast in Buenos Aires. • HD City Tour Excursion. • 03 lodging nights with breakfast in Iguazu. • FD Iguazu Argentinean Falls Excursion. • 03 lodging nights with breakfast in Ushuaia. • HD End of the World National Park Excursion. • 03 lodging nights with breakfast in El Calafate. • Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion. • Permanent assistance in each city. • Shared services. • Entrance fees.
• Domestic air fares: Buenos Aires- Iguazu / Buenos Aires -Ushuaia / El Calafate - Buenos Aires – $ 1,350 NET per person approx. • Early check-in, late check-out and hotel extras. • Personal expenses. • Tips for guides and hotel staff.
Hotels Buenos Aires Iguazu Ushuaia El Calafate
Monserrat Jardín del Iguazu Altos de Ushuaia Sierra Nevada
Deluxe Standard Standard Standard
Rates $1,711 per person (based on double occupancy) Single supplement: $806 per person
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BRAZIL
Brazil If Brazil were a song, it would enchant, it would captivate, it would stick with you for days and days, months and months. Brazil It would have moments of excitement and frenzy – think of drums beating way into the night or the beads of sweat flying from a Carnival dancer’s back – moments of melody and harmony – palm fronds swaying, flocks of birds returning to their perches at dusk, a canoe paddled along a river gently parting the waters – and moments of sublime serenity – the pendulum swing of a hammock, water droplets in the calm after a tropical storm, a fresh fruit juice accompanied by a perfect sunset, the note of a saxophone held, held, held.
Did you know? • 201 million Brazilians all speak the same language, Portuguese, and they have the most diverse mix of races and cultures in the world. • Iguazu Falls, in the southern state of Parana, is bigger than both Niagara and Victoria Falls combined! • Brazil has the highest number of species of primates, amphibians and plants in the world, and is in the top five in the world for numbers of birds and reptile species. • As well as being expert dancers in samba, zouk, pagoda, chorinho, bossa nova and forro, Brazil is also home to capoeira, a unique blend of dancing, martial arts and traditional music. • Every year Brazil hosts the biggest party in the world: Carnaval! Come and join Brazilians in February, every year, or for New Year’s Eve for the world’s second biggest party!
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Fast Facts Capital City: Population: Area: Government: Language: Local Time: Currency: Electricity: Plug type: Visa:
Brasilia 201,032,714 inhabitants 8,514,877km2 (3,287,612 sq. miles) Federal Republic Portuguese GMT/UTC -2 to -5 hours Real 220 V Type C, Type N (see: www.iec.ch/worldplugs) No tourist visa required for Irish passport holders for a stay of up to 90 days
BRAZIL
Best Time to visit: The weather in Brazil varies greatly from city to city because of the country’s huge size. The best time to visit Brazil is in August and September, when temperatures are moderate and relatively dry in most of the country.
Highlights Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro has a majestic beauty, its built-up areas nestled between a magnificent bay with dazzling beaches on one side and a dramatic mountain range, covered by a luxuriant tropical forest, on the other. This unique setting makes Rio one of the most beautiful cities in the world, known as the “Cidade Maravilhosa” or “Marvellous City”, Home to a melting pot of cultures, races, creeds and beliefs, and of course, to Carnaval. Iguazu Falls The Iguazu Falls form a giant arc nearly three kilometres wide on the Brazilian side of the border with Argentina. The cataracts — the largest in the world — cascade down their rocky staircase, roaring with all their tropical intensity. An added attraction of the Brazilian side of the falls is the Iguazu National Park, which shelters an impressive variety of wildlife. Rainbows and rainforest: the perfect combination. Without a doubt, one of Brazil’s top five sights. Salvador Few cities in the world exude the sensuality and beauty of Salvador, the country’s first capital, nestled into the great,
luxuriant Brazilian bulge that pushes out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rivalling Rio for its spectacular natural setting, the city is a captivating mix of Indian, Portuguese, African and Brazilian culture, famed for its colonial heart of churches and cobbled streets, Capoeira and Candomblé. Gorgeous, historic, delicious and divine, Salvador is hard to resist. Amazonia As many myths and legends surround the Amazon rainforest as there are bird species to spot – or so it seems. Accessible from the city of Manaos (Manaus), the Brazilian Amazon remains one of the world’s last great frontiers, a region of vast river systems, endless undulating forest canopy and mind-boggling biological diversity. Discover this precious resource by land or by boat. Pantanal At the very heart of the South American continent, south of the Amazon basin and east of the Andes, lies an immense landlocked river delta where annual floodwaters regularly rise several meters and then recede: the Pantanal is one of our planet’s most spectacular wetland systems, boasting the greatest concentration of fauna in the Americas. Moro de Sao Paulo Diving, swimming, horseback riding, taking a bath in salt water pools or in fresh water springs… the “Moro” is one of Brazil’s most feted coastal destinations. It’s a wonderful blend of sophisticated pousadas (boutique hotels) with excellent dining options, lovely small bays, colonial architecture, native forest and coral reefs.
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BRAZIL
Highlights of Brazil Programme: 12 ngts/13 days | Featuring: Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu, Cuiaba, Manaus, Salvador de Bahia
Brazil is one of the last places on earth where no one is a foreigner; where one can change ones’ destiny without losing one’s identity and where each and every Brazilian has a little of the entire world in their blood. The mix of races here has made Brazil a culturally rich and at the same time, unique country Day by Day Itinerary Day 1: Rio de Janeiro arrival Day 2: Half day tour to the Sugar Loaf
B
Day 3: AM: Fly to Iguazu PM: Half day tour to Brazil Iguazu Falls
B
Day 4: Day at leisure in Iguazu
B
Day 5: AM: Fly to Cuiaba PM: Land transfer to lodge, check in and ecological trek
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BD
Day 6: AM: horseback riding PM: Boat tour and piranha fishing
BLD
Day 7: AM: Boat trip or Horse riding PM: Tour by car along Transpantaneira road and alligator Spotting Tour
BLD
Day 8: AM: transfer to Cuiaba BD and fly to Manaus – PM: transfer to hotel via the Meeting of Waters Evening: tour by canoe for Alligator spotting. Day 9: AM: walking or in motorised BLD canoe tour inside the jungle PM: tour to the flooded amazon rain forest. Day 10: AM: Transfer to Manaus and fly to Salvador de Bahia
B
Day 11: Half day city tour in Salvador de Bahia
B
Day 12: Day at leisure in Salvador de Bahia
B
Day 13: Transfer for international flight back home
B
BRAZIL
Includes
Hotels
• Transfers In / Out. • 02 lodging nights with breakfast in Rio de Janeiro. • HD Sugar Loaf Excursion. • 02 lodging nights with breakfast in Iguazu. • HD Iguazu Brazilian Falls Excursion. • 03 lodging nights with full board in Pantanal. • Ecological treks; Piranha fishing; Horseback riding; Fauna and Flora observations; alligator spotting tour. • 02 lodging nights with full board in Manaus. • Meeting of Waters tour; Alligator spotting tour; jungle trek tour. • 03 lodging nights with breakfast in Salvador de Bahia. • HD City tour in Salvador de Bahia. • Permanent assistance in each city. • Entrance fees. • Shared services.
Rio de Janeiro Iguazu Pantanal Manaus Salvador de Bahia
Windsor Martinique Carima Foz do Iguazu Pousada do Rio Mutum Amazon Village Jungle Lodge Colonial Chile Hotel
Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard
Not Included • Domestic air fares: Rio de Janeiro- Iguazu – Cuiaba- Manaus- Salvador -Rio de Janeiro : $ 1,200 NET per person approx. • Early check-in, late check-out and hotel extras. • Personal expenses. • Tips for guides and hotel staff.
Rates $3,500 per person (based on double occupancy) Single supplement: $1,650 per person
Amazonia
2
Rio de Janeiro 2
Iguazu Falls
2
Trip Planner Legend:
Bonito
4
Salvador
2
Morro de Sao Paulo
Start/end point
3
Main programme Must-see places to visit Pre & Post Tours
Pantanal
3
Number of nights 23
Some amazing facts about South America that you may not know: 1.
More than one million Argentineans claim Irish ancestry 2. The Atacama Desert in Chile is the driest place on earth 3. 20% of plants found to have anti-cancer properties are found only in the rain forests of South America 4. The top two coffee-producing countries in the world are both located in South America 5. The highest commercially-navigable lake in the world is located in Peru 6. The founder of Chile was Bernardo O’Higgins whose father was born in County Sligo 7. Foxford, Co. Mayo-born Admiral William Brown, founder of the Argentinean Navy has over 1,200 streets named after him and is regarded as a national hero 8. South America accounts for more than 40% of the world’s animal and plant species making it a veritable ‘Garden of Eden’ 9. Chile has more newspaper journalists per head of population than any other country on earth 10. The largest remaining ‘natural resource’ in the world is the Amazonian Rainforest
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