SOUTH AMERICA: The Best of South America 15 Day Tour (Standard - 3 & 4 Star)

Experience the essence of South America with remarkable journeys into ancient Incan ruins, wild jungle landscapes and colourful locales filled with fascinating folklore. 14 Nights of Accommodation – Choose from Standard and Premium Hotel Packages 5 Internal Flights and All On-ground Transport Diverse Touring Experiences in Lima, Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro and More INCLUSIONS 14 Nights of Accommodation – Choose from Standard and Premium Hotel Packages Internal Flights from Lima to Cusco, Puno to Lima, Lima to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro All On-ground Transport Return Airport Transfers Incredible Touring Experiences with Knowledgable Guides Sightseeing and Entrance Fees as per the Itinerary Heaps of Delicious Meals as per the Itinerary CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE When you’re ready to purchase, simply select your preferred accommodation option from the Package Options section at the top of the page. Standard Hotels – 3 and 4 Star Hotel La Hacienda Miraflores or similar Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay or similar Hotel Eco Inn or similar Hotel Jose Antonio Puno or similar Hotel Recanto Park or similar Hotel Broadway Suites or similar Hotel Windsor Plaza Copacabana or similar Premium Hotels – 4 and 5 Star Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores or similar Hotel Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness or similar Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar Hotel Libertador Lago Titicaca or similar Hotel Mabu Foz or similar Hotel 725 Continental or similar Hotel Windsor Excelsior Copacabana or similar TRAVEL DATES Available for one of the following tour start dates in 2017: 18 March 13 and 27 May 17 June 15 July 19 August 16 September 7 and 21 October 25 November Book early to secure your preferred dates! HOW TO BOOK Once you have selected your favourite option, click on Add to Cart and follow the payment prompts Once you complete your purchase, you will be emailed a confirmation and unique booking code Please follow the instructions on your email to redeem your voucher For any other assistance or enquiries please contact support@kogantravel.com or call us on 1300 517 210. HIGHLIGHTS Explore the Inca city of Machu Picchu, one of the most remarkable ancient sites in the world. Admire the Peruvian highlands en route to Puno, home to snow-covered peaks and captivating landscapes. Take a boat trip on the famed Lake Titicaca and visit some of its floating islands where locals have maintained their traditions, culture, clothes and cuisine. Follow the cascading waterfalls of Iguassu National Park and take the Jungle Train to the top of ‘Devil’s Throat’ for a view like no other. Board a cog train to the top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro where you will stand before the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer. ITINERARY Day 1: Lima Arrive in Lima where you will be welcomed by your tour guide. Transfer to your hotel and check-in. Lima was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro as “The City of the Kings” and became the capital and most important city of the Spanish Viceroyalty. Today it is still Peru’s most important city as it gives home to about 9 million people, almost 30% of the national population. The historical city centre comes with splendid colonial style architecture and grand churches which yielded it UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status. Day 2: Lima – Cusco – Yucay (B, L) Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you will start the tour with a visit to Chinchero community located 28km away from Cusco. Here are the remains of what was the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, as well as beautiful colonial temples built on Inca foundations. Its main attraction, however, is its Sunday market originally dedicated to the people of the valley to barter their products. This colourful and lively market still fascinates people with its variety of handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbian style. Later, travel to “El Mirador de Racchi” where you will have a splendid view of the Sacred Valley. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local house before returning to your hotel. Day 3: Yucay (B) Enjoy a day of leisure or take part in one of the day’s optional activities. Optional Activity: Moray and Maras Visit Moray, a little Andean community which is famous for its embedded amphitheater, formed by four circular terraces which seem to disappear into the interior of the puna, like an artificial crater. Optional Activity: Urubamba River Rafting Head to Pachar in the Sacred Valley of the Incas for an incredible rafting journey on easy waters while admiring the spectacular views of the mountains and archaeological remains. Optional Activity: Biking at the Sacred Valley Drive to Paucarbamba bridge and ride through a trail following the Urubamba River, the sacred river of the Incas, until you reach the town of Pachar. From here you will take the easy descent through an ancient Inca trail that passes through farming fields and Inca terraces until you get to the Inca bridge. Optional Activity: Hiking, Ollantaytambo – Cachicata Your hike will begin at the Inca Bridge over the Vilcanota River. You’ll hike up an Inca trail through terraces and tombs before reaching the base of one of the most important mountains of the area, the Apu Buena Negra (a granite geological formation). In the afternoon, a visit to Ollantaytambo, a typical Inca community, is included. Day 4: Yucay – Machu Picchu – Cusco (B) Transfer by bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo where the tour starts by train, passing through the fertile plains of the Urubamba valley and onto Aguas Calientes. From there, small busses drive up the steep mountain to the ruin town Machu Picchu. Often referred to as the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu is beautifully constructed with a technique incredible for its era and even for present times. It features stone upon stone, fitted together perfectly without any cement, with impressive delicacy and exquisite detail. There are many theories about Machu Picchu, but one thing is for sure – it is one of the most impressive sites in the world. Take an extended tour of the ruins before returning by bus and train to Ollantaytambo station. Transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Day 5: Lima (B) Tour the Plaza de Armas where one can find the cathedral built on the ruins of the ancient Inca Palace. The cathedral borders on other churches on both sides. Next stop will be the old town with its magnificently renovated colonial buildings. Then proceed to Sacsayhuaman for fabulous view of the city. The rest of your afternoon is free at leisure. Day 6: Cusco – Puno (B, L) A full day bus journey from Cusco to Puno passes through the Peruvian highland along snow-covered peaks. You’ll drive up to 4,300m above sea level and then goes down to Puno, which is right on Lake Titicaca. On route you will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi, and the small town of Pucara. The main attraction of Puno is the Lake Titicaca, a must for any visitor. The Sacred Lake of the Incas is one of the most enigmatic places in the world. It is the highest navigable lake and combines beautiful sights, culture and history. Day 7: Puno – Lima (B, L) In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Puno’s dock where you will depart towards the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca. The Uros are 40 small floating islands made of packed totora (reed), located within the Titicaca National Reserve. Here the inhabitants of the lake, the Uros, live just as their ancestors did, maintaining their customs and idiosyncrasies. Continue by boat to Taquile Island. There are no roads or electricity in Taquile and the locals have maintained their traditions and culture. Many still wear traditional dresses. A typical lunch at Taquile Island is included. Later in the day, transfer from the hotel to Juliaca airport for your flight to Lima. Day 8: Lima (B) Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour of Lima. See the Plaza de Armas, the Palace of the archbishop and the cathedral before visiting the beautiful San Francisco monastery which displays the largest collection of religious art in America. Proceed through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and to the coastline, enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of one of the Lima’s most noted museums, the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum which houses the world’s largest private collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian Art. Day 9: Lima – Iguassu (B) Transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Iguassu. Iguassu is home to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in South America. It’s located amidst a subtropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Day 10: Iguassu (B) Cross the Iguassu National Park towards the Brazilian Falls. You’ll walk along the paths following the cascades and then along the catwalk which leads you close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat. Afterwards, on the Argentinian side of the falls the Ecological Jungle Train will lead you to the observation point at the Devil’s Throat. After taking in the spectacular views, transfer back to your hotel. Day 11: Iguassu – Buenos Aires (B) Transfer to the Argentinean side for your flight to Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and the political, economic and intellectual epicentre of the country. This cosmopolitan city – with great European cultural influence – displays a refined taste in its cooking, boutiques and in the elegance of its residents. You’ll fall in love with its tango bars, restaurants, architecture and superb art galleries, and make sure you experience the flair and atmosphere of the Italian old quarter. Day 12: Buenos Aires (B) Enjoy a city tour, stopping at Plaza de Mayo, the San Telmo district, La Boca, Avenida 9 de Julio, the largest avenue in the world, and more. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure, or you may wish to take part in one of the exciting optional activities. Optional Activity: Half Day Tigre Tour Tigre is a charming area near Buenos Aires city with a great number of summer residences, yacht clubs and rowing clubs. The Tigre Delta’s rivers, streams and stunning green islands make it one of the most attractive areas for visitors. Optional Activity: Tango Show Including dinner at the Restaurant Viejo Almacen. Day 13: Buenos Aires – Rio de Janeiro (B) Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Rio is situated in a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Day 14: Rio de Janeiro (B) Head to Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train for the ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain (748m high). The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity to get a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation. Disembark at the top of Corcovado then proceed up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. The tour continues past Rio’s world-famous beaches en route to the Urca District to board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up Sugar Loaf Mountain. When you hop off the cable car you’ll proceed along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park. Explore the downtown area, passing by the financial and business centre and other attractions including Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theatre, the National Library, Fine Arts Museum and Sambadrome, the home of Rio’s famous Carnival parade. Optional Activity: Rio by Night Witness a Carnival show featuring skilled dancers, entertainers, samba bands and wonderful costumes in a spectacular display of Brazilian culture. Day 15: Rio de Janeiro (B) Your magical tour comes to an end. If you’re scheduled to fly home today, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Australia. B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner I/F = In Flight FINE PRINT Buying and Booking: Buy now – limited time offer! Top Tip: Book early to secure your preferred dates! 14 day booking guarantee – if you can’t book your preferred dates within 14 days we will refund you in full. See T&Cs here Bookings are non refundable once your travel dates are confirmed Surcharges: A single supplement surcharge applies for those wishing to travel alone – contact Kogan Travel on 1300 517 210 for more information General: All transfers and excursions include a local English-speaking guide (changing in each area), except the following non-SAT-exclusive services: transfer from Cusco to Puno (Day 6), Uros and Taquile excursion (Day 7) Only one 5kg piece of hand luggage is allowed on the train ride to/from Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes Plastic bottles and food is not permitted in the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Large backpacks (more than 20 litres) have to be stored near the entrance at an extra cost of USD 1 The visit to Huayna Picchu cannot be guaranteed due to the limited number of visitors allowed (400 per day) When early morning transfers take place, breakfast in your hotel cannot be guaranteed. Dinner cannot be guaranteed in the case of unforeseen late arrivals Immigration Advice: Due to the new electronic processing of immigration in Peru, immigration officers will issue an electronic TAM (Tarjeta Andina de Migraciones) Immigration Card, and will only print this upon passenger request As your TAM Immigration Slip is required to check into hotels, please ensure to request a printed copy of your electronic Immigration Card from the immigration officers to avoid lengthy delays when checking in. Package Excludes: Airfares Travel insurance – strongly recommended Airport taxes Personal expenses Optional activities Tips Travel Advice: For the latest travel advice for your holiday please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip overseas A visa may be required for your destination or any countries you are transiting. It is your responsibility to ensure you obtain a valid visa. Please visit http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ to assist you with any requirements. For information about how we calculate the savings and values of our deals, click here Click here for Kogan Travel FAQs