RECOMMENDED
ITINERARY
Depart
the United States for arrival into the city of Manuas, Brazil, your
gateway to the Amazon. Begin your visit with a tour of the city, viewing
some of the mansions owed by rubber barons in the late 19th century
and the prestigious Teatro Amazonas. Next morning, board your private
vessel for your exploration of the nearby waterways of the Amazon. Cruise
to the site for the “Meeting of the Waters,” where you will
witness the struggle of the two titans: the Rio Negro and the Solimoes
flowing beside each other before blending to form the mighty Amazon.
Your
arrival in Rio de Janeiro provides a sense of the pulsating rhythms
that permeate the mood of those who live in this carnival city, located
nearby what has been described as the most spectacular harbor in the
world. While on your luxury custom tour, stroll along the cobblestone
streets of Paineiras en route to Mt. Corcovado, site of Rio’s
famous landmark, Christ the Redeemer. This evening, enjoy a dazzling
Samba performance at one of Rio’s favorite nightclubs where only
color and bravado take precedence on the dance floor.
Fly to unforgettable Iguacu Falls. More than 270 cascades form the strength
of this natural setting as millions of gallons per minute descend in
a truly thunderous display of sheer power and beauty. Soon thereafter,
board a zodiac for a thrilling ride to the base at Iguacu. A mid-day
departure takes you across the Parna River, used as the border between
Brazil and Argentina. Visit the Argentine side of the falls prior to
boarding your connecting flight to Buenos Aires. Next morning, begin
you city tour, viewing the glory of the splendid architecture of old
city hall, the financial district and the Teatro Colon. This evening,
you are the invited guests at one of Argentina’s steakhouses followed
by a lively performance of dancers and musicians as you experience the
“The Tango.”
Wing your way to the European-styled village town of San Carlos de Bariloche.
The small-town friendliness of its inhabitants adds to the natural beauty
of this winter and summer playground. In the morning, board a cruise
boat for a crossing of Lake Nahuel Haupaui. The grandeur of this wondrous
environs may leave you breathless while you continue your excursion
aboard three separate boats for an early evening arrival into charming
Puerto Varas. A morning tour of Puerto Montt precedes your flight to
the city of Santiago, Chile. Begin your city tour at the pre-Columbian
museum, displaying a most fascinating display of artifacts. Next day,
drive to Vina del Mar, Chile’s most popular sea resort. You will
savor the flavors of delicious food prepared at one of the most popular
beachfront restaurants and perhaps, while enjoying your meal, sample
a delectable Chilean wine.
A
morning flight takes you to Lima, Peru. Enjoy a walking tour of downtown
Lima with its Grand Square and beautiful architecture. One of the highlights
of your tour will be a visit to the famous gold museum. Excitement mounts
as you wing your way to visit the remnants of the Inca Empire in Cusco
and at Machu Picchu. The spectacular Pucara (fortress) of Sacsayhuaman
still dominates the landscape with its many tiered walls of sculpted
boulders. One of the greatest finds of this century was the “Lost
City” of Machu Picchu. A three hour ride aboard the renowned Hiram
Bingham Express through the sacred Urubamba Valley places you within
the last refuge of the Incas as they fled the conquistadors’ attack
upon the city of Cusco. Nestled at 8,000 feet, within nearly inaccessible
mountains and almost invisible from the valley floor, this magnificent
site comprised over 200 buildings of superbly cut stone. Nature’s
beauty blends with the vast remains of the temples, houses and terraces,
so well constructed and preserved in a setting so unreal. An overnight
at the Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu provides you with a superb opportunity
to walk the ruins, empty of other travelers, most of who have returned
the same afternoon to Cusco. Enjoy your morning at leisure or in further
exploration of the ruins and thereafter, return to Cusco for an evening
at rest and relaxation.
A drive across the glorious mountain passes and terraced plantations
brings you to the city of Puno, set in the highlands or “Altiplano”
on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The nearby “floating islands”
are home to the Uros Indians, who offer some of their finely embroidered
tapestries for sale at your hotel or nearby kiosks. Next morning, travel
along the shores of Lake Titicaca to Copacabana to visit one or two
of the colorful churches in the nearby city. After a leisurely lunch,
board your hydrofoil for a passage across Lake Titicaca, the highest
navigable lake in the world. At Huatajata, acquaint yourself with the
Kalawaya folkloric history and their fascination with herbal medicines
and black magic.
Visit Tiwanacu, the ancient capital of a former great civilization dating
back to 1580 B.C. to see the temples, grand aqueducts and the Sun Gate.
Continue on your journey to the fascinating city of La Paz. Enjoy a
tour of La Paz, known as the “City of Contrasts.” Highlights
include the Indian Market, the San Francisco Church and the Witch Doctor’s
Market. A visit to Moon Valley reveals a vast series of monoliths, jagged
hills and caves that depict a moon-like setting. All too soon it is
time to board your return flight homeward taking with you the many memories
of a fascinating adventure across South America.