Andes Overland

Day 1: Lima

Arrive Lima and transfer to our hotel in Miraflores

Day 2: Lima

A city tour of the Greater Colonial Lima this morning allows you to appreciate the wonderful colonial buildings in downtown Lima such as the Santo Domingo Convent and the Casa Aliaga, one of South America’s oldest Spanish homes. Drive by the elegant tree-lined avenues of San Isidro and Miraflores.

Afternoon at leisure, maybe a visit to the Gold Museum or Larco Museum

Day 3: Lima – Paracas

Travel south by bus along the Panamericana Highway through desert countryside alongside the Pacific Ocean. Visit the Paracas Nature Reserve, a marine sanctuary located at the shore of the Pacific Ocean

Day 4: Paracas – Nazca

Before departing to Nazca visit Ballestas Islands, known as Peru’s mini Galapagos. An opportunity to watch resident and migratory birds, including flamingos, red-legged cormorants, Inca terns, bobbies, as well as playful sea lions, amusing Humboldt penguins and, we are lucky, we might see marine otters. In the afternoon travel by bus to Nazca. This small oasis town is famous for the mysterious lines etched in the desert pampas.

Day 5: Nazca Flight then to Arequipa

Early in the morning get airborne and theorise on these mysterious lines etched in the desert - witness this gigantic sketching pad in the desert pampa. In the afternoon depart Nazca by super comfy bus , arriving Arequipa later this evening.

Day 6: Arequipa

Explore the city situated at the foot of El Misti Volcano, Arequipa is the ‘Ciudad Blanca’ – the white city. Must sees here are a visit to the peaceful Santa Catalina Convent, one of the most fascinating religious colonial buildings in Peru. Also here is “Juanita” the mummy of a young girl found in 1995 by an American mountain climber on Mt Ambato. She is encased in a freezing chamber inside the Museum and is on display.

Day 7: Arequipa – Colca Canyon

An early start through to the amazing Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons which is only accessible by a dirt road over the

Altiplano before dropping to the village of Chivay at 3600 metres above sea level. The landscape is remarkable for its Inca and pre-Inca terracing which goes on for many kilometres and is the most extensive in Peru. Visit the Canyon to the Cruz de las Condors. This is a remarkable highlight – you can watch the impressive condors rising with the thermals. Stay overnight in the small village of Chivay where you can relax in the hot thermal springs and dine at a local restaurant

lca Canyon – Cusco

Continue our journey taking in the stunning hinterland of the Andes travelling overland by bus to Cusco arriving early evening

Day 9: Cusco

Cusco, heart of the Inca Empire, known by the local Quechua Indians as 'Navel of the Universe'. Cusco is an amazing experience. Lying in an exceptionally beautiful countryside 3300 metres above sea level, here you will encounter a fine blend of Spanish and Inca cultures, colourful Quechua Indian markets, Inca temples and massive stone walls which form the foundations of Colonial Cusco, originally part of the impressive monument of Sacsayhuaman, situated above the town. Enjoy a tour around the sights of Cusco.

Day 10: Cusco – Sacred Valley

Drive through stunning scenery to Chinchero, the most colourful and authentic market in Peru. Continue on to Maras Salt Pans. Discover these amazing salt pans still mined as they were hundreds of years ago, also visit Moray – these unusual Inca ruins consist of several enormous terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is about 30m. deep which were used for agricultural experimentation. Continue through the Sacred Valley to our hotel - an old restored monastery

Day 11: Cusco – Sacred Valley (Trekkers can depart for Inca Trail Day 1)

Continue through the beautiful Sacred valley of the Incas.Visit Pisaq where you will enjoy a panoramic walk along the original Inca pathways and terracing to the ancient town below. Visit the markets then continue through this lush valley where the towering fortress of Ollantaytambo dominates the surrounding area.

Day 12: Train to Aguas Calientes (or Day 2 Inca Trail)

Early morning transfer to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a soak in the hot pools or explore the town.

Day 13: Machu Picchu – Cusco (or Day 3 Inca Trail)

It’s an early start today. This is the best time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity not to mention the magic of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu, known also as ‘Lost City of the Incas’. It is undoubtedly the best known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent. Enjoy a fully

guided tour of the ruins, some time to explore on your own, before returning down the mountainside. Board the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to our hotel in Cusco.

Day 14: Cusco (or Day 4 Inca Trail)

Free day to explore the city. The day is yours to enjoy, all the convents, churches, museums, alpaca and jewellery bargains.

Day 15: Cusco – Puno

Bus ride to Puno through the dramatic landscapes of the highland plateau, with occasional views of tiny Andean villages and herds of llamas and vicunas. We will stop at Andahuaylillas, where there is a beautiful baroque church built at the beginning of the XVIIth century. It is very well known thanks to its beautiful mural paintings. We will make a second stop at Raqchi, where there is an Inca temple built to worship Wiracocha, one of the most important Inca gods. Finally, we will stop at the archaeological museum of Pukara (200BC-AD300).

Day 16: Uros Islands – Copacabana

By boat visit the curious floating reed islands and the Uros Indians who live there. Everything is made of the reeds, houses, schools, boats and churches. Once you reach the reed islands, you can experience gliding across Lake Titicaca in an authentic reed boat. In the afternoon continue through lovely scenery, which follows this mighty lake to the Bolivian border. After border formalities continue to the sleepy town of Copacabana.

Day 17: Copacabana – La Paz

Explore around Copacabana or take an optional boat trip out on the lake to tranquil Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) where legend has it that the first Inca King rose out of the lake. On this legendary island, visit the Pilkokaina Inca Palace and enjoy a short walk to the Gardens, Sacred Stairs and Fountain of the Inca. As we ascend to Yumani village, we have a magnificent view of the lake set to the backdrop of Mount Illampu.

Depart Copacabana and continue through even more stunning scenery, with snow-capped peaks and the blue lake, to La Paz, capital of Bolivia and highest capital in the world.

Day 18: La Paz

A tour takes you down to where the air is thicker and the elite live. Visit the witches markets, Calle Jaen with its museums, San Francisco Church, Plaza Murillo, National Congress, Cathedral, Presidential Palace. See local neighborhoods as you take public transportation high in the sky using the gondala network up the hill to reach a spectacular

viewpoint. The afternoon is free to enjoy the uniqueness of this colourful bustling city and shop for bargains and gifts.

Day 19: La Paz

Optional tour to Tiwanaku (Pre-Columbian) ruins outside the city or a hike into the Palca Canyon or a Mountain Bike down the world’s most spectacular road or spend the day with a little more shopping and people watching.

*Optional tour to the Bolivian Salt Flats (Uyuni) departs.

*Option to depart home from La Paz to NZ.

Day 20: La Paz – Rio de Janeiro

An early start as we say ‘adios’ to the Andes and transfer to the airport for our flight to Sao Paulo with a connection to Rio. Our hotel is only one block back from the famous Copacabana Beach.

Day 21: Rio de Janeiro

Travel on the Cosme Velho Train on Corcovado Mountain to the 38m tall Christ the Redeemer Statue. You will enjoy the spectacular views of Rio and the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon tour the sights of downtown Rio before finishing by travelling up Sugar Loaf mountain in a cable car. Capture unparalleled panoramic views of the city, forest and beaches.

Day 22: Rio de Janeiro

Day at leisure.

Day 23: Rio – Iguacu

Flight from Rio to Foz do Iguacu.

Day 24: Iguacu

Take a tour to the Brazilian side of the falls followed by a visit to the Bird Park, an opportunity to enter the huge 8-meter high forest aviaries to study and photograph birds in their natural habitat without the restrictions of netting and cages. There are over 160 species, both indigenous and from other continents.

Day 25: Iguacu Falls – Buenos Aires

Travel to the Argentine side of the falls which defy description! Set in pristine rainforest with countless birds and butterflies, situated on the borders of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil, they plunge in a series of gigantic waterfalls over 3kms long and more than 80 metres high. It is undoubtedly one of the world's most impressive sights. Later see the mighty Devils Throat Cataract. After we transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 26: Buenos Aires

A morning tour will allow us to discover the city of Buenos Aires. We will visit its Civic Centre, the impressive National Congress and May Square (Plaza de Mayo) surrounded by Government House (Casa Rosada), the Metropolitan Cathedral and City Hall from colonial days (Cabildo). We will visit the Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón), one of the world’s best known opera houses. We will tour the traditional barrio of San Telmo where the magical atmosphere of the district will take you back in time. We will then stop at La Boca, home of the first Italian immigrants and you will observe its picturesque and colourful architecture. We will then continue to the residential neighbourhood of Palermo and many parks. Finally, we will go to Recoleta, the city’s most exclusive district, with its famous cemetery where Evita Peron is buried, elegant boutiques, gourmet restaurants and side walk cafés under ficus trees. In the evening we enjoy a juicy steak and Tango show.

Day 27: Buenos Aires

Free day to explore the city or take an optional trip to Colonia de Sacremento in Uruguay.

Day 28: Buenos Aires

Transfer to the airport for the flight home.

From NZ$11,795 per person, twin share.

Shorter option finishing in La Paz (20 days) from NZ$7,275 per person, twin share.

Optional Inca Trail Trek, and/or Bolivian Salt Flats additional

Single supplement applies

Cost Includes:

· All flights and accommodation within South America

· All breakfasts, two dinners, two lunches

· All transport (boats, buses, taxis, trains etc). We generally use public transport.

· All entrance fees as per itinerary

· All camping fees, tents, sleeping mats/bag/sheet, meals, and national park entrance fees for optional Inca Trail trek as well as service of porters to carry gear (limit 4.5kg)

. Breakfasts on all days, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

· All sightseeing as per itinerary

· All transfers as per itinerary

· Services of experienced local guides

· Inca Trail Farewell dinner & Tango show in Buenos Aires

· Services of experienced Tour Leader Services of English speaking local guides

Does not include:

Tips - allow USD250 per person

Meals not specified above.

International flights to / from South America.

Insurance - Laundry - Personal Spending - Medical Expenses