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o it all, experience everything & make the most of this unbelievable journey. From the bustling streets of Rio to quiet ancient temples, live volcanoes & beautiful beaches, you’ll find that paradise doesn’t exist in just one place.
s. america THE LATIN QUEST THE GALAPAGOS XXXXX XXX X XX XXX X
37 days
Itinerary & Sightseeing Day 1: Start Quito. Hola Quito! Meet your group before exploring. Your expert guide will teach you all about this city & its past, then check out the views at Panecillo. Later, visit the Equator line before dinner. Hotel (D) Locally guided city tour to see the Presidential Palace, Independence Square & Churches of San Francisco, La Compania & La Catedral Visit Panecillo lookout Visit the Inti Ñan Museum at the Equator Day 2: Quito to Tena. It’s out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views en route. A thermal pool swim & a rafting adventure are the perfect ways to spend the day. Hotel (B) Thermal springs swim M Rafting experience Day 3: Tena to Baños. Chill or opt to visit an indigenous community before it’s back on the road to Baños, nestled under the still active Tungurahua volcano. Tonight get local as you learn to salsa. Hotel (B,D) Salsa dancing lesson Day 4: Baños. With a free day, explore Baños your way! Hotel (B) Day 5: Baños to Guayaquil. Today we head to Guayaquil. A walk down the promenade is essential. Tonight, set sail on an evening river cruise with drinks. Hotel (B) Evening river cruise Day 6: Guayaquil to Isabela Island. Today we fly to Santa Cruz Island. Before arriving in Puerto Ayora we’ll check out the island’s old lava tunnels & see the giant tortoises. Later, get out on the water as we head off to Isabela Island. Hotel (B,D) See famous Galapagos’ giant tortoises Visit some lava tunnels Boat ride to Isabela Island Day 7: Isabela Island. This morning we’ll kayak with sea lions & snorkel with colourful fish. This afternoon we’ll visit the Wall of Tears – you might even see some baby tortoises along the way! Hotel (B,L) Wildlife kayaking adventure Visit the Wall of Tears Snorkelling experience Day 8: Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island. Relax this morning before we take off to Santa Cruz Island. This afternoon we’ll visit Tortuga Bay for a stroll along the beach & a swim. Hotel (B) Visit Tortuga Bay Day 9: Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Island. We’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station this morning & check out the tortoises & land iguanas before heading out to San Cristobal! This afternoon explore the island by bike before watching the sunset. Hotel (B) Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station See the island’s famous sea lions
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Day 10: San Cristobal Island. First up: a coastal cruise to spot native birds, before hitting the water in search of puffer fish & cute sea lion pups. We’ll snorkel around Kicker Rocks 143m tuff cone looking out for manta rays, starfish & maybe the Galapagos shark. Later, relax on the beach, before a BBQ feast. Hotel (B,L,D) Boat cruise & off shore bird spotting experience Explore Kicker Rock’s 143m cone Visit Puerto Grande beach Day 11: San Cristobal to Guayaquil. There’s time to relax this morning & soak up those last rays. Hotel (B) Day 12: Guayaquil to Lima. Today we fly to Lima where we relax before our next adventure. Hotel (B) Day 13: Lima. We’ll take a city tour to uncover the city sights. Hotel (B,D) See the Historic Centre, Barranco & Mira Flores Day 14: Lima to Arequipa. We fly to the “White City” of Arequipa. Delve into the city’s history with a walking tour. Hotel (B) City walking tour Visit the Santa Catalina Convent & the Plaza de Armas Day 15: Arequipa to Colca Canyon. We drive through Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve on our way to the Colca Canyon. We stop for a hot springs swim before a night at our rustic lodge. Contiki Special Stay (B,L,D) See wild vicuña See the Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve See El Misti, Chachani & Pichu Pichu volcanoes Indulge in a relaxing hot spring dip Day 16: Colca Canyon to Puno. First up we’ll try & spot the Andean condor. Later, experience the Andes along the way to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Hotel (B) See the massive Colca Canyon Visit Cruz del Condor Visit Yanque Day 17: Puno. Catch a lift on a triciclo before cruising Lake Titicaca to the island of Taquile & the floating Uros Islands. Meet locals & see their handmade crafts. Hotel (B,D) Ride on a triciclo! Island boat trip on Lake Titicaca Visit the Taquile & Uros island communities Day 18: Puno to Cusco. First up is Pukara & its ancient Inca ruins. See the Inca walls in Raqchi & then the ancient Incan empire, Cusco. Hotel (B) Visit Pukara, La Raya & Sicuani See the Temple of Wiracocha Day 19: Cusco. We head to Machu Picchu, then the afternoon’s yours. Explore Inca buildings, or try local food or adrenaline activities. Hotel (B,D)
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City walking tour Visit San Blas, La Catedral, Koricancha & San Pedro Market Day 20: Cusco to Sacred Valley. Today we explore the Sacred Valley. Take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins before a night in Ollantaytambo, one of Peru’s oldest towns. Hotel (B) Entry into the Sacred Valley & a guided tour of the Pisac & Ollantaytambo ruins Try some local Chicha de Jora Day 21: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Adventure & adrenaline await! From biking & hiking to rafting there’s loads on offer, before we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B)
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Day 21: Inca Trail Trek. Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to Kilometre 104 & trek amongst the cloudforest to the Sun Gate & Guardian House where your hard work is rewarded with incredible views of this magnificent ancient site before returning to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B,L) • Train ride to Kilometre 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.42-43 for more info. Code: QORJT Day 22: Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Wake early & enter Machu Picchu for sunrise. Learn more about Machu Picchu on a tour, then explore. Hotel (B) Tour the Temple of Three Windows, the ceremonial baths & altar Day 23: Cusco. Why not start the day mountain biking & rafting? Then get into Cusco’s amazing nightlife & join our Illary (Sunrise) Club! Hotel (B) Day 24: Cusco to Jungle Lodge. Fly over the Andes to Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s southern jungle. You could hike through the jungle for a canopy climb, then chill to the sound of the jungle. Contiki Special Stay, Jungle Lodge (B,L,D) Visit the Infierno community Puerto Maldonado city tour Jungle canopy hike Day 25: Jungle Lodge to Puerto Maldonado. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the giant otter, before it’s back to the city. Hotel (B,L,D) Locally guided jungle catamaran boat trip Day 26: Puerto Maldonado to Lima. Today it’s back to Lima for our last day in Peru. Next up: red wine, steak & tango in Argentina! Hotel (B) Day 27: Lima to Buenos Aires. Today we board our flight to Argentina - it’s hola Buenos Aires! Hotel (B)
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Day 28: Buenos Aires. Today you’ll experience the iconic city spots like La Boca. Tonight, get ready to tango at a lesson & show. Hotel (B,D) See the neighbourhoods of San Telmo, La Boca, Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Palermo Chio & Palermo Soho Tango lesson, show & dinner Day 29: Buenos Aires. First we see the other half of the city on our coach tour, then the day is yours to explore. Tonight, head out to experience BA by night! Hotel (B) M Argentinian culinary experience Day 30: Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls. Today we fly to Puerto Iguassu to see the 275 individual waterfalls. Tonight, sample the national drink, a caipirinha. Hotel (B) Visit Iguassu Falls Day 31: Iguassu Falls. We’ll cross back into Argentina & visit their side of the falls with a walk to see Devil’s Throat. The day is all yours & tonight we have tasty BBQ. Hotel (B,D) Visit Iguassu Falls Try a tasty BBQ See Devil’s Throat
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Day 32: Iguassu Falls to Buzios. We head to Buzios with its white sand & endless beaches. Hotel (B) Day 33: Buzios. You could rise early for the amazing sunrises. There are heaps of activities to do throughout the day. Hotel (B) M Learn to surf lesson Day 34: Buzios to Rio de Janeiro. Home to the world’s largest carnival celebration, Copacabana Beach & the Brazilian bikini, get ready for good times in Rio. Hotel (B,D) Day 35: Rio de Janeiro. This morning we’ll visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, then get a unique insiders-only favela experience. Hotel (B) Entry to Christ the Redeemer for amazing city views Locally guided favela tour M Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain Day 36: Rio de Janeiro. It’s free time to see this amazing city. Tonight, end the trip as we head out for a meal. Hotel (B,D) M Hang gliding Day 37: Depart Rio de Janeiro. Your adventure ends & it’s time to say ‘Tchau’ (goodbye) to your group after breakfast. (B)
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How much & when Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip Trip plus Only Inca Trail A$ pp* A$ pp*
Oct Nov Dec Jan
21 18 18 13
12465 12465 12465 12465
12615 12615 12615 12615
Feb 13 Mar 10 Apr 7 May 5 Jun 2 Jun 30
12465 12465 12465 12465 12465 12465
12615 N/A 12615 12615 12615 12615
2014 Sep Oct Nov Dec
15 13 10 8 ●
2015 Jan 8 Feb 2 Mar 2 Mar 30 Apr 27 May 25
Start Quito
Finish Rio de Janeiro
Trip Trip plus Only Inca Trail A$ pp* A$ pp*
2015 Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
22 20 17 14 12 9 7 ◆
2016 Jan 4 Feb 1
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
28 25 22 20 17 15 12
Feb 9 Mar 8
12465 12465 12465 12465 12465 12465 12465
12615 12615 12615 12615 12615 12615 12615
12835 12985 12835 N/A
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re
Incuded in your trip price: 36 AMAZING OVERNIGHTS
Unique Special Stays: 1 night Colca Canyon Lodge, 1 night Amazon Jungle Lodge & 34 nights in twin-share hotels 55 meals: 36 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 14 dinners (D) Trekking option - 56 meals: 36 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 14 dinners (D) An experienced & professional Tour Manager & English speaking local guides 2 international & 7 internal flights & transfers Transport in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van Sightseeing tours of all major areas Local taxes & service charges
Exclusive inclusions • Go local at a salsa lesson • Evening river cruise & drinks
Code: QURJ/QURJT 2014/15/16 Start Quito
backstage pass
travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement (trip only) add A$2649. Single room supplement (trip + Inca Trail) add A$2649. Start Quito 7:00am & end Rio 11:00am. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February. Note: The Galapagos Islands have a compulsory US$100 entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park, a US$10 INGALA fee & a US$5 Isabela Island tax that are only payable in cash on arrival (subject to increase). Please ensure you have this money ready to ensure entry to these locations. ● Trip spends Xmas in Cusco & NYE in Jungle Lodge. ◆ Trip spends Xmas in Cusco & NYE in Puerto Maldonado.
• Galapagos BBQ feast at our favourite local spot • City tour of Arequipa visiting the Santa Catalina Convent • Hot spring swim in Chivay • Entry to the Temple of Wiracocha • Walking tour of Cusco & entry to La Catedral & the Temple of Koricancha • Tango show & lesson in Buenos Aires • BBQ feast in Iguassu • Guided favela tour & city tour in Rio • Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with
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ME TIME optionals M Rappelling (abseiling) & canyoning day trip M Rafting See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
14/04/2014 10:49