Contiki Holidays Latin America eBrochure 2018/20 (RAND)

L AT I N A M E R I C A 2018 - 2020

TRAVEL WITH NO REGRETS

LATIN AMERICA 2018 - 20

6 NEW & IMPROVED TRIPS

TRAVEL CREATES

CHANGE LIFE’S GREATEST LESSONS ARE LEARNED THROUGH TRAVEL.

SUNSET SAILING BELIZE

H O W W I LL TR AVE L C H A N G E

you?

At Contiki, we live passionately by one philosophy - to travel with no regrets. We know you want immersion and authenticity. We know you want to feel a culture, not just pass it by. And we know it’s the experiences you have whilst travelling that make the difference between ordinary and extraordinary. Real, true experiences, that’s what we’ve spent our lifetimes seeking out. So ask yourself this - do you want to live life in the shadows, or do you want to live life with no regrets?

CONTENTS Travel Creates Change Contiki in Latin America What We Know Why Travel Contiki Ways to Save What's your Travel Style?

Peru 4 Ways Sleep in Comfort A Day in the Life of a Trip Manager Getting Around No Regrets Inclusions Free Time Munch Mix & Match Ecuador ME to WE The Travel Corporation Machu Picchu Inca Trail Q&A Booking Conditions How to book

DISCOVERER P. 3 2 F R O M R 2 1 1 1

p.2 p.4 p.6 p.8 p.9 p.10 p.12 p.14 p.16 p.17 p.18 p.20 p.22 p.24 p.26 p.28 p.30 p.78 p.79 p.80

MERIDA

GUANAJUATO

PUERTO VALLARTA GUADALAJARA

MEXICO CITY

MEXICO

20

TIKAL N.P.

LOCAL GUIDES Our Trip Managers know what you want, and our Local Guides know where to go to make sure you get it. The power duo of your dreams?

We think so.

GUATEMALA

@LANNGR

ANTIGUA / GUATEMALA CITY

P/D

Argentina & Brazil Experience Argentina/Brazil 9 days

p.33

Peru/Bolivia/Chile 15 days

p.34

Peru/Bolivia/Chile 13 days

(see web)

Peru/Bolivia/Chile 22 days

p.36

Peru/Argentina/Brazil 18 days

p.38

Peru/Argentina/Brazil 24 days

p.40

Ecuador/Peru/Argentina/Brazil 36 days

p.42

Mexico/Belize/Guatemala 19 days

p.44

Bolivian Magic Bella Bolivia

Andean Crossing The Explorer

The Adventurer

The Latin Quest Latin Legends

Coast to Canopies

Mexico/Belize/Guatemala/Costa Rica 28 days p.46

Playas of Paradise

Mexico/Belize/Guatemala/Costa Rica 22 days p.48

Tropical Trails

@TAMMIE_WAMMIE

Costa Rica

1

Special Stay Special for a reason. Wake up to the sounds of the Amazon in a jungle lodge in Peru, or nestled within Tikal National Park, Guatemala.

It may be one of the smaller Latin American countries, but it’s also one of the most varied and beautiful. There’s locally grown coffee to taste, white water rafting, surfing or zip lining to get your adrenaline pumping, and even a cheeky hot spring visit to hit peak zen levels. And as for the county’s biodiversity, don’t even get us started...

Mexico/Belize/Guatemala/Costa Rica 19 days p.50

Sol Seeker

Mexico/Belize/Guatemala 13 days

p.52

Mexico/Belize/Guatemala 10 days

p.54

Caribbean Encounter Galapagos & Andes Ecuador/Peru 26 days

(see web)

Ecuador/Peru 14 days

(see web)

Ecuador/Peru 14 days

(see web)

Latin Icons

Trails, Turtles & Treks

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER P. 5 6 F R O M R 1 4 9 7 P / D Inca Panorama Peru 11 days

p.57

Peru 14 days

p.58

Peru 8 days

p.60

Peru 8 days

p.62

Ecuador 12 days

p.64

Ecuador 7 days

p.66

Ecuador 6 days

p.67

Costa Rica 9 days

p.68

Costa Rica 14 days

p.70

Costa Rica 8 days

p.72

Costa Rica 9 days

p.73

Mexico 12 days

p.74

Mexico 8 days

p.76

Mexico 6 days

p.77

Peru Uncovered Ultimate Inca Trail Peruvian Highlights Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper The Lava Line Galapagos Island Hopper Viva Costa Rica Costa Rica Unplugged Canopies & Cabanas Pura Vida

Mexico Grande Mexican Fiesta Yucatán Highlights

04 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

wifi

CONT IK I

Available at most accommodation across Latin America.

IN

Latin America New & Improved Itinerary

●

BELIZE

Overnight stops

Contiki-only Special Stopovers

CANCUN PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Get Around in Comfort

@JHONOCONTIKI

CAYE CAULKER

We’ve nailed the sweet spot of transport; a mix of local experiences (like triciclos at Lake Titicaca), sleek air conditioned mini-coaches, included internal flights, and even 4x4s to speed you across the Bolivian desert.

@_NIKILEE

ZE

Trip registration You’ll need to register at MyContiki for your trip before you travel.

Check out contiki.com/registration for more information.

15

Trip Managers PLAYA TAMARINDO

Want to know the cultural quirks of each country/have someone look after you like family? Our Trip Managers will hands down be one of the best parts of your Contiki adventure in Latin America.

Stay Longer For exclusive hotel rates before and after your trip visit contiki.com/ staylonger

ARENAL MONTEVERDE

SAN JOSÉ MANUEL ANTONIO

COSTA RICA

EVERY ONE OF OUR TRIPS HAS A UNIQUE HASHTAG Check the hashtag on the trip page and let the alumni inspire your Latin American adventure.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

@SINGLEMALT WHISKEYBEEFJERKY

ECUADOR

QUITO GUAYAQUIL

TENA BAÑOS

PERU

@ALEXLEES88

AMAZON LODGE

AGUAS CALIENTES CUSCO LIMA COLCA CANYON AREQUIPA

PUERTO MALDONADO SACRED VALLEY PUNO BOLIVIA LA PAZ

BRAZIL

SUCRE POTOSI UYUNI AVAROA N.P. SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA IGUASSU FALLS

CHILE

Food Forget what you think you know about Latin American food and taste the real deal. Think Costa Rican chocolate and coffee, Argentinian empanadas and steaks, fresh seafood tacos in Mexico, and need we remind you of Brazil’s national cocktail, the Caipirinha?

RIO DE JANEIRO

ARGENTINA

Insurance

SANTIAGO DE CHILE

BUENOS AIRES

Travel Insurance is not only a good idea, it’s compulsory when you travel with us. Buy it online before you travel at contiki.com/insurance.

How to Read a Trip Page Visit p.78 for a full lowdown of our trip maps and itineraries.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

05

Everything from the Inca Trail to the Island of Taquile was amazing.

From day zero of the trip to the very last day we went on an adventure that we will never forget! We got to play soccer with the locals on the Taquile Island, salsa in Cusco during the Inti Raymi, zip line across the Colca Canyon, see the condors fly across that same caynon and make a lot of really amazing friends along the way.

ALESHIA, 2017 See contiki.com/feefo for all traveller reviews

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THE VALUE OF

CONTIKI KNOW-HOW You’ve saved hard for your trip, so damn right you want to know exactly where your money’s going.

The good news is, we care about value every bit as much as you do. With our Know-How, when you buy a trip with us, it isn’t just the nuts & bolts you get, it’s the experience of a lifetime.

You get the practical stuff Unique accommodation that you’ll be reminiscing over for years to come.

2 ways to travel, so you can see this area of the world your way.

No Regrets Inclusions built into every trip.

Our Munch food philosophy (obsession) that will have you coming home a size bigger. #sorrynotsorry

Transport to get you from A to B in style & comfort, including internal flights and awesome local experiences.

A Trip Manager who knows what you want before you do and Local Guides with infinite (you guessed it) local knowledge.

Cherry-picked Free Time Add-Ons guaranteed to amplify your adventure.

Breakfast included every day.

Free WiFi at most of our hotels to ensure you stay connected / keep the parents happy. Visit contiki.com/freewifi for more info.

Plus the cherries on top Bags of free time for solo wandering.

An army of new friends from all around the world (so future travel plans for the next 10 years = sorted).

An Instagram feed that will make you look like a legit travel blogger.

Countless ‘firsts’, from the first time you peep Machu Picchu, to the first time you lock eyes on Copacabana, or dive into a Mexican cenote.

The security of travelling with a family-run business who genuinely care about their travellers.

The knowledge that you’ll never be the same again.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

07

WHY TRAVEL

Contiki?

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 DESIGNED ED FOR 18 18-35 YEAR OLDS

Our trips are created ated exc exclus exclusively for 18-35 year olds.

No o younger, young no older.

TRAVEL VEL EXPERIENCES EXPERIENC ERIENC YOU WANT

Looking g for all the ma major ico icons but also the underthe-radar arr local favourites? N No problem, we do it all.

UNRIVALLED VALLED VALUE

Unique ue accommodation, a an A+ team, comfy transport, rt, tons of meals and No Regrets Inclusions on every trip. Now No tthat’s value.

MORE FR FREEDOM FREE

Hours urs rs of free time for solo wanderings, plus tasty asty Free Time Add-Ons Add-On to amp up your experience rience even e further.

AUTHENTIC FOOD EXPERIENCES

Locally sourced ingredients, region specific meals and foodie experiences to make your tummy smile.

MORE FUN FUN, LE LESS HASSLE

SUPPORT & FLE FLEXIBILITY FL

Thee flexibility to change yyo your mind and the wledge edge that from start tto finish, we’ve got knowledge your back ba back.

Enough gh said.. We’ll ttake ccare of the details, you focus cus on th the me memory making.

TAILORED LORED ORED TRAVEL S STYLES

2 incredible lee travel styles to suit eevery type of traveller, even you.

PEACE CE OF MIND

Wee are re a family-run busin business who care deeply aboutt the well-being of our ttravellers, and providing incredible edible dible experiences and vvalue. We’re financially secure re and put our all in into d delivering excellent trips each h and d every time.

THE ORIGINAL & THE BES BEST

Wee don’t imitate, we just do our thing bet be better than anyone yone else. That’s what 56 years as the t world’s leading youth travel company gets yyou.

08 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

&

BOOK EARLY

DON’T

Miss out

Save

If you’ve found your dream trip, don’t wait! Our trips do sell out, so book early to ensure you lock down your spot. Your holiday will be in the bag and you’ll save some sweet $$$ in the process.

If you’ve got your spirit of adventure and your R1000 deposit ready to go, then you’re ready to book! And if you change your mind? Don’t stress, we’ve got the world’s greatest change policy. Check out p.79, FlexDeposit, for all your options.

PAY

R8555

Pay in full by 20th Jun 2018 & save up to 10%

SAVE UP TO

R6415

Pay in full by 4th Sep 2018 & save up to 7.5%

5%

5%* off the less expensive trip when you book 2 trips together with us of 7+ days

LAST MINUTE DEALS

Who can say no to a little extra cash to splurge on their trip? We release special deals all through the year so be sure to check contiki.com/deals regularly to get the best possible deal on your Contiki trip.

GOLD SEAL

MORE

5%

Welcome to Contiki+, our program exclusive to past travellers AND a guaranteed way to save 5% off your next Contiki adventure.

BOOK TOGETHER

E A R LY S AV E

SAVE UP TO

10%

Everyone saves 10% when 10 or more book (or the 11th person goes free)

7.5%

Everyone saves 7.5% when 7 or more book together

5%

Everyone saves 5% when 4 or more book together

Our Gold Seal means that if you cancel your trip before you leave South Africa, we won’t charge you a cent. And if you’re ill or have to leave the trip early for personal reasons, Gold Seal will refund you R750 for each day that you miss & will cover your air ticket costs. Travel Agent fees may apply. See more on p.79.

The facts: All these discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only (this excludes taxes, included flight costs, extra accommodation, any applicable food funds, festival tickets, Inca trail permit & optional activities). Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights to/from Latin America that start or end your trip. Pay Early savings above only apply to departures on or after the 1st December, 2018. Pay Early savings do not apply to bookings made within 45 days of trip departure and are not combinable with Last Minute Deals. Pay Early savings of R8555 & R6415 based on the Coast to Canopies trip p.46. You can combine the Contiki+ discount (past traveller) and the multi trip discount (2nd trip discount) with group discounts (Book Together), & early payment (Pay Early) discounts on trips of 7 days or longer. Multiple discounts are added incrementally and not as a total amount off the gross price. It is possible to use a Contiki+ discount (past traveller) with a multi-trip discount on the same booking, however only one 5% discount will be applied per trip. Group discounts (‘Book Together’) are available on all trips & are based on the land portion of a twin-share trip .

Discounts are subject to availability & may be withdrawn at any point without notice. *The 5% multi trip discount will be applied to the lower priced of your two (or more) trips to Latin America, please contact Contiki or your travel agent to apply relevant discounts when booking your trip.

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS FOR MORE WAYS TO SAVE

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

09

WHAT’S YOUR TRAVEL

CAYE CAULKER BELIZE

10 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

@RAEGIRL88 #GALAPAGOSANDANDES

@ALEXLEES88 #ARGENTINABRAZIL

@LEAHASHLEY92 #MEXICOGRANDE @DYLAN.HARE #PURAVIDA

@REBECCAOFTHEWORLD #MEXICANFIESTA

They say there’s one person out there for all of us, and that’s kind of how we feel about our travel styles. Each one is uniquely special (and like children, we love them all equally), but some will be better suited to your travel needs than others. So which of our 2 is your special someone? Your perfect romance awaits.

• • • •

DI S C O VE R E R

I N- D E PTH E XPLORE R

GO EVERYWHERE

LIVE LOC AL

Hungry for new sites and one-of-akind experiences Keen and curious to see and do absolutely everything Foodie enthusiast who likes learning about new cultures A people person who also enjoys space to do their own thing Swipe through to p32 to see all Discoverer trips.

• • • •

A serious culture junkie who craves authenticity and unique experiences A food and coffee fiend with a nose for local hangouts Likes a take your time approach to exploring new places Loves to get to know new people Swipe through to p56 to see all In-Depth Explorer trips

ANTHEM

ANTHEM

Feel It Still Portugal. The Man

Finesse Bruno Mars feat Cardi B

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/LATIN-AMERICA TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR T RAVEL ST Y LES LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

11

Peru 4 ways So you know you want to go to Peru, but don’t know how you want to do it? Should you try and see a little bit of everything, or should you take your time in one spot and really get to know how local life ticks in those parts? However you want to do this diverse corner of the world, we can help...

12 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

SACRED VALLEY

MACHU PICCHU @NSTIRLING

BABY LLAMAS @NIACPR

AREQUIPA @CHANTALFORD

LAKE TITICACA @NSTIRLING

ULTIMATE INCA TRAIL

THE LATIN QUEST

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

DISCOVERER

4 countries in 36 days is going to let you experience so much of what Latin America has to offer. Go ancient ruin hunting or pisco sour tasting in Peru, Dance the tango in Argentina, cruise along Copacabana beach in Brazil and hang with the giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands.

If covering every corner of this colourful continent is your aim, get ready for the Latin Quest.

See p.42 for our The Latin Quest, Discoverer trip.

ANDEAN CROSSING DISCOVERER

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER Like the sound of sleeping in the lush Amazon Jungle in Peru or spotting a flamboyance of flamingos (actual terminology) in Bolivia, as well as crossing over into Chile? The Andean Crossing serves up a pretty delicious taste of Latin America.

Experience these 3 historical countries over 22 days.

See p.36 for our Andean Crossing, Discoverer trip.

For even more ways to experience Peru, see pages p.34, p.38, p.40, p.57, p.62.

PERU UNCOVERED

When a country is as culturally rich and natural beautiful as Peru, it deserves to be explored to the full. Peru Uncovered is a 14 day deep dive into the country’s history, culture, food and geography, and will leave you feeling like the country could be your native homeland.

From it’s vibey cities to it’s ancient ruins and lush jungles, Peru will leave its mark on you.

See p.58 for our Peru Uncovered, In-Depth Explorer trip.

Follow in the footsteps of the Incas on this trek up to Machu Picchu - the experience that is at the very top of pretty much any travellers wish list. Explore the mythical ruins and learn the legend of the Incas as you journey through rugged landscapes, cloud forests and thundering waterfalls, ending with that view as you reach the Sun Gate. This is a once in a lifetime, heart thumping headliner on the bucket-list, and we’re here to make sure you do it right.

See p.60 for our Ultimate Inca Trail, In-Depth Explorer trip.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

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COMFORT

SLEEP IN

Ever thought you’d drift off to sleep surrounded by new friends and serenaded by the sounds of the jungle in Guatemala? Just one of an incredible collection of memories our accommodation will help you create.

2 Hacienda Buenaventura

HOTEL PISONAY SACRED VALLEY, PERU

TRIBECA HOTEL BUENOS AIRES, AREGENTINA

2

1 Hotel Caribe TRIP LATIN LEGENDS WHERE MERIDA, MEXICO TRAVEL STYLE DISCOVERER Reflecting the colonial architecture you’ll spy everywhere in Merida, this gorgeous family-run mansion boasts rooms based around an insta-friendly courtyard and a tasty breakfast.

1

3 Mama Yacchi Lodge

4 Royal Reforma

5 Amazon Jungle Lodge

TRIP MEXICO GRANDE

TRIP INCA PANORAMA

TRIP COAST TO CANOPIES

WHERE PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

WHERE COLCA CANYON, PERU

WHERE MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

WHERE TAMBOPATA, PERU

STYLE IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

STYLE IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

TRAVEL STYLE DISCOVERER

STYLE IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

For those times when you really want to chill out properly, Puerto Vallarta has got you covered. Float in the pool or sun-bathe on the beach at this hotel that has both utterly sorted.

Rustic, charming, with hammocks and fire pits, this family-run lodge is a place to remember, but really all we need to say is this - THE VIEW. Looking out over Inca terraces and mountains.

The super cool vibes of the best district of Mexico City keep rolling inside this epic modern hotel. Chill after a day of exploring on the rooftop, at the pool or bar with serious views of the city.

Looking for an extra special nature experience? Our Peruvian jungle lodge Special Stay ticks all the boxes - remote, unique, and surrounded by nature and wildlife at every twist and turn.

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TRIP PERUVIAN HIGHLIGHTS

3

Value for money was excellent.

Hotels were great and well positioned. Everything I needed was included.

Mark Mexico Grande

Free WiFi in most Contiki accommodation

5 1

4

4

2 WAYS TO STAY HOTELS

SPE C I AL STAYS

Hotel-wise think centrally located digs with all the essential home comforts (and by centrally located, we mean 4 blocks from the beach in Rio). All rooms are twin share (except on the reserve in Bolivia where rooms are multishare), or for a little extra cash upgrade to a single room if extra privacy is what you’re after.

Pretty much where the magic happens. Our Special Stays give unique a whole new meaning, and are designed to get you experiencing a destination in a whole new way. Which is why we stay at the Amazon Jungle Lodge; so you can swing in a hammock to the breeze of the jungle, fall asleep to its sounds, and open your eyes to its lush greenery.

CONTIKI.COM/WAYSTOSTAY LA LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

15

DAY IN THE LIFE of a

A

Trip Manager

Our people are what make us, us. Highly trained, professional and always up for a good time, these guys do so much more than make sure you don’t miss the coach. Armed with their little black books of must sees, must dos and must eats, our crew, from Trip Managers, to our Local Guides will show you Latin America done right.

07:45

08:45 @EXPLOREISH

12:30

11:30 @EXPLOREISH

14:00

Visit youtube.com/ contiki to see our Trip Managers doing their thing on the road on their daily vlogs.

17:45

21:30

ISH TRIP MANAGER

@EXPLOREISH

N A M E IS MAE L I N S TA @ EXP L O R E I S H T I M E AT CO N TI K I 5 Y E A R S T R I P MEXICO G R A N DE 7.00 Wake up excited for a big day in one of Mexico’s biggest cities: Guadalajara.

7.45 Breakfast time! It’s the most important meal of the day, and I definitely won’t skip the buffet.

8.45 Pumped for today, we head off on our Downtown walking tour.

For the history buffs, I give a pretty good lesson as we make our way to Degollado’s theatre, the impressive Cathedral & Government Building, and tell them all about the story of Mexico’s independence.

12.30 At Tlaquepaque, we walk through the streets heading for “El Parian”, a food market where I recommend trying some delicious “Torta Ahogada”, it’s a baguette with pork, and sweet or chilli sauce (soo good). After lunch I buy a “Tejuino”, a local drink made of fermented corn to share with everyone.

16 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

14.00 We make a move to one of my favourite stops of the whole trip, Guanajuato a small mining city where the roads are mostly alleys with beautiful colourful houses all over the place. This drive is really cool, as we go past agricultural fields and cattle from the region.

17.45 At the hotel, we check in and everyone has some free time before dinner. I give some of the travellers recommendations for cute areas to check out, while the rest of the gang get ready for our included dinner and to check out some night-life later.

21.30 The city is so different at night, so we stroll through the main square (full from a delicious dinner) and I let everyone into a local secret, showing them a bar to have a few drinks and enjoy the view, before I head home to be fresh for tomorrow.

CONTIKI.COM/TEA M

G A

etting round

Say goodbye to your average commute and hello to Latin America, where getting around is half the fun. With sturdy 4x4s whisking you through the desert and colourful triciclos zipping you through the cities, you’ll wonder why you ever hated on commuting. And for the longer distances? We’re all about private air conditioned mini coaches and internal flights already included in the cost of your trip, to get you where you need to go as quickly as possible.

4X4 BOLIVIA

AIR CONDITIONED MINI COACH BRAZIL

INCLUDED FLIGHTS

TRICICLOS LAKE TITICACA

When you think of travelling in Latin America, we’re guessing long night buses and cramped train rides spring to mind? Well that ain’t how we do things.

Instead, we prefer comfort, style, and all the fun.

We don’t think you should spend half your holiday getting to your destination, so we include internal flights to get you around quickly and easily. And when you’re on the ground? We go for a mix of air conditioned mini-coaches and unique, totally local forms of transportation.

SO WHAT DO YOU GET? •

Carefully selected internal flights that save you precious travel time.

•

Private air-conditioned mini coaches.

•

Local forms of transport, think triciclos, canoes, bicycles and trains.

•

Powerful 4x4s to speed you across the Bolivian Desert.

•

Boat rides for exploring the gorgeous Galapagos Islands and the Caribbean colours of Belize.

TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU PERU

BOAT RIDES BELIZE

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

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NO REGRETS

INCLUSIONS

CENOTE SWIMS MEXICO

As important as the destination is, we know it’s the experiences you have there that really define your adventure. That’s why we build in a suite of No Regrets Inclusions into every single trip price, because going home feeling like you’ve missed opportunities just isn’t an option with us.

18 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

REFLECT

• RIDE ON THE TRAJINERAS (BOATS), MEXICO • VISIT THE TEOTIHUACAN RUINS, MEXICO • CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, ISABELLA ISLAND

FEEL

SEE

• THE VAST SPACE OF THE SALAR DE UYUNI SALT FLATS, BOLIVIA • TANGO SHOW, BUENOS AIRES

• CHICHEN ITZA RUINS, MEXICO

• SUNRISE AT TIKAL RUINS, GUATEMALA

• CHRIST THE REDEEMER, RIO DE JANIERO

@GIOVASAYORA

• IGUASSU FALLS, BRAZIL

@REBECCAOFTHEWORLD

@SARAHLOUISE_92X

EXPLORE

@TARADISE6

TASTE • COFFEE PLANTATION VISIT, COSTA RICA

• ARGENTINIAN FEAST, BUENOS AIRES • CHICHA DE JORA, PERU

@ERINKAIULANIPARKER

PLAY

• KICKER ROCK SNORKELING EXCURSION, GALAPAGOS • CENOTE SWIMS, MEXICO

Check out the trip pages and #CONTIKI for real life No Regrets moments from our travellers and follow @CONTIKI to feed your travel inspiration.

• COPACABANA BEACH, RIO

@FRANBRUCE93 • ENTRY AND LOCALLY GUIDED VISIT TO MACHU PICCHU, PERU • BOAT TRIP TO UROS FLOATING ISLANDS, PERU • WITCHES’ MARKET, LA PAZ

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

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FREE TIME IN MERIDA

FREE TIME IN MEXICO CITY

TIME

Don’t get us wrong, showing you Latin America is what we live for, but even we can’t do it quite like you.

YOUR TIME, YOUR CHOICE Latin America is one big old chunk of land mass, boasting everything from long stretches of golden beach to rugged mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, thundering waterfalls, arid deserts - basically all the geography terms under the sun. So naturally, we all want something slightly different from a travel experience here and that’s why we put free time front and centre of all our trips.

Free time is made up of two choices. You can explore independently, perhaps Insta snapping coloured doors in Merida (cos trust us, they are #doorgoals), browsing local craft markets or chilling on Copacabana beach in Rio. Or instead, you can take your pick from our Free Time Add-Ons - experiences we’ve cherrypicked to help take your trip to the next level. Like the sound of soaring over Teotihuacan in a hot air balloon, hiking up Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala or swimming with sharks and stingrays in the Galapagos Islands? Just some of the tasty Add-Ons we’ve got lined up to tempt you with.

ZIPLINE ADVENTURE CANCUN Important: Free Time Add-On activities are not included in the price of your trip. They are run by 3rd party operators and on occasions, for some of the activities, travellers may be required to sign a waiver to participate. Before you leave, it’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities and be aware that some of our add-ons can be physically demanding and may involve some risk.

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POLO EXPERIENCE ARGENTINA

HOT AIR BALLOONING TEOTIHUACAN

Caye Caulker Dreaming Janette Aracely is travel blogger that always finds her heart wandering back to LA becuase there's no place like home. Follow her journeys @janettearacely.

What was your favourite place to eat in Caye Caulker?

The fresh citrusy ceviche served in colourful seashells with a side of grilled shrimp and veggies!

What about your favourite place to grab a drink?

There's a restaurant near the main Caye Caulker dock. It had these beautiful wooden chair swings that you can sit in while sipping your drink and staring at the bright blue sky.

Favourite place to watch the sunset?

The most beautiful place to watch the sunset was by far on a boat in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. The weather was perfection,

SWIM WITH THE STINGRAYS CAYE CAULKER

and the views were magical.

Your favourite moment you had while you were here?

Jumping off a boat into crystal clear blue water filled with stingrays and sharks! The sensation of these animals swimming past you is the most fun adrenaline rush I’ve ever experienced. It was nerve-racking but so worth doing!

What might people not know about Caye Caulker?

Before this trip, I had no clue that the coral reef on this island is the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It was

LOOK OUT FOR THE FREE TIME ADD-ON SYMBOL ON THE TRIP PAGES

even cooler to find this out from the tour guide while I was actually snorkeling over it!

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

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1 22 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

It’s hard to think about Latin America without thinking (salivating) about the food. The Brazilian BBQ, the Argentinian steaks, the locally grown Costa Rican coffee and fresh Mexican seafood - all so good you can almost taste it.

But what does it mean?

• It’s breakfast included every day, as standard.

• It’s our included meals, think an Argentinian steak at a tango show, shrimp tostadas in Belize or tequila tasting in Tequila.

And that’s what travel is all about - immersing yourself in a new country and a new culture through food.

• It’s our Free Time Add-On foodie adventures, cook your own steak in Argentina, or a traditional Yucatecan meal and cooking demonstration.

Like you, we’re utterly obsessed with all things foodie, which is why we have Munch - our food philosophy that guarantees you won’t just be seeing a country, you’ll be tasting it too.

• And of course it’s our Trip Managers and their little black books of local foodie haunts, there to make sure you never a miss a trick (or the best pisco sours in town).

#MUNCH

Though earlier versions were around, the Pisco Sour is widely recognised as being born in Peru in the 1920s. It’s now a favourite across Peru and Chile.

Sweet, tangy and oh so fresh, this cocktail is perfect to have with some Peruvian ceviche.

Ingredients 2 Shots Pisco (a bit like tequila) 1 Shot Lime Juice 1/2 Shot of Simple Syrup 1 Egg White A Dash of Agnostura Bitters Method Add the pisco, lime juice, simple syrup & egg white to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice.

Shake well and strain into a glass.

Dash a few drops of Agnostura bitters on top of the foam.

And serve with a wedge of lime.

4

2

3

ALL ABOUT THE

Every bit as delicious as it sounds, Munch is our commitment to local, authentic, and utterly delectable food experiences.

pisco sour

DRINK

@CHANTALFORD

5

1 Freshly caught seafood, Caye Caulker

4 Seafood Dinners, Caye Caulker

2 Argentine Steak, Buenos Aires

5 Market Tacos, Mexico City

3 Peruvian Ceviche, Lima LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

23

& IX

ATCH WHY WE LOVE IT

ANDEAN CROSSING P36

+

ARGENTINA & BRAZIL

Andean Crossing will take you on a 22 day journey through Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. But why not crack on into Argentina and Brazil for 9 days?

P33

WHY WE LOVE IT Ahh the animals and amazing wildlife you’ll see in the Ecuador & the Galapagos (12 days). Then get ready to get under the surface of Peru and see all the colourful culture it has to offer (14 days)

ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPER

+

PERU UNCOVERED P58

P64

WHY WE LOVE IT

GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPER P67

24 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

+

PERUVIAN HIGHLIGHTS P62

Hop around the Galapagos Islands spotting seal pups and puffer fish for 6 days. Round out this delish experience with 8 days exploring some of Peru’s Ultimate spots.

Latin America is a BIG place, and to only see one little corner of it really is just scratching the surface of a magnificent continent.

5% OFF

Don’t want to feel like you’re missing out? We’ve pulled together some incredible savings that you can capitalise on if you book multiple trips together and, even better, we’ve already done all the hard work to make sure the dates match up perfectly. So sliding off one trip and straight onto another has never been simpler (or cheaper). Read on for all of our dream Latin American combos.

W H EN YOU BOOK A S EC ON D T RIP OF 7 D AYS OR L ON GER*

WHY WE LOVE IT

BOLIVIAN MAGIC P34

+

ARGENTINA & BRAZIL P33

Bolivian Magic will show off the Bolivan charm over 15 days, and then feel the pull of the tango and samba rhythms in Argentina & Brazil for 9 days.

WHY WE LOVE IT

ULTIMATE INCA TRAIL

After you dive deep into Peru over 8 days on Ultimate Inca Trail roll up for a 15 day taste of Bolivia on Bolivian Magic.

P60

+

BOLIVIAN MAGIC P34

WHY WE LOVE IT

GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPER P67

+

ULTIMATE INCA TRAIL P60

Experience the varied and amazing ecology of the Galapagos, and one of the wonders of the world in Peru 8 days

* The 5% discount will be applied to the lower priced of your two or more trips to Latin America. You can combine the Contiki+ discount (past traveller) and the multi trip discount (2nd trip discount) with group discounts (Book Together), & early payment (Pay Early) discounts on trips of 7 days or longer. Multiple discounts are added incrementally and not as a total amount off the gross price.

Please contact Contiki or your travel agent to apply this discount when booking your trip. This discount applies to the land portion of your trip price only. Both trips must be 7 days or longer.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

25

TRAVEL WITH

Me to We Keen to volunteer during your trip? Split off from your Lava Line or Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper routes and join ME to WE for a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience, venturing deep into Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest.

Visit a community that works with our partner, WE Charity, a TreadRight supported charity, connect with locals, and experience their culture firsthand by participating on a sustainable development project alongside local families.

26 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Itinerary 3 D AY S • 1 C O U N T R Y ECO-LODGE A C C O M M O D AT I O N DAY 1: See regular trip itinerary. On Day 2 you’ll separate to go on your Me to We adventure.

DAY 2: Quito to Minga Lodge.

We’ll be meeting up with the ME to WE team in Los Rios, before travelling by boat down the Napo River. Arriving at Minga Lodge, we’ll then take part in a trip orientation, and after dinner take a night walk through the Amazonian jungle. (B,D) DAY 3: Minga Lodge.

After meeting and getting to know the local community and their current priorities, we’ll spend most of our day volunteering on a build for a current local infrastructure project. Later on, we’ll experience a Shamanic Ceremony and learn the ins and outs of indigenous weapons from a local hunter. (B,L,D) DAY 4: Minga Lodge to Banos.

Waking up early, we’ll head out before breakfast to explore the rainforest by daylight, keeping our eyes peeled for toucans, long-tailed Potoos, as well as the myriad of flora and fauna. It’s then back onto the boat as we journey back to Los Rios, where you’ll continue on to Banos for the rest of your Contiki adventure.

ABOUT

The trip You’ll be staying in the ridiculously beautiful Minga Lodge, a 300 hectare private reserve on the edge of the Napo River. Think jungle cabins with added organic flair, including hot water and en suite washrooms. Oh, did we mention this place is only accessible by boat, specifically a motorised canoe ride down the Amazon river. Eco living goals or what?

(B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)

As well as spending time with local community members to learn more about life in the Amazon, you’ll spend part of the day volunteering for a sustainable infrastructure project. You’ll learn the traditional way to make chocolate, experience a traditional cleansing ceremony and receive a blessing from a local Shaman, and take part in morning and evening rainforest treks with an expert jungle guide.

See p.64 & p.66 for the Contiki trips you can add the Me to We experience to.

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/METOWE FOR MORE INFORMATI ON

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

27

We’re part of the

Family a f a m i ly of br a n d s

SACRED VALLEY PERU

here’s a lot that goes into making a Contiki Passion is the reason our Chairman, Mr Tollman, the absolute best it can be. There’s all the things you started The Travel Corporation over 60 years ago, and whilst we’ve grown over the can see, like our team, our coaches, years to become a family of over our properties, but there’s also a lot 30 award winning travel brands OUR FAMILY that you can’t see – the emotions, who collectively show over 2 million VALUES AND the decisions, and most of all, the travellers the world each year, FLEXIBLE passion behind ensuring that every passion is still why we do it today.

APPROACH ARE single traveller has the experience Being part of The Travel Corporation ALL GEARED of a lifetime. family of brands, and being a

UP TO GIVE YOU PIECE OF MIND

That passion, that unfaltering drive for complete customer satisfaction, is part of the Contiki DNA, passed down from our parents, The Travel Corporation, and most of all, passed down from our founders, the Tollman family.

28 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

family-owned business, means that we operate with a ‘family first’ mentality. Just as you would go above and beyond for your nearest and dearest, doing anything to ensure their safety and happiness, that’s how we feel about and what we do for our travellers.

Because of The Travel Corporation, we can…

LOCAL GUIDE PERU

IN TRANSIT BELIZE

Ensure your deposit is safe and sound

Give you the freedom to change your mind Sometimes plans change, meaning you can’t travel at a certain time, or to a certain place. But thanks to TTC’s Freedom Guarantee, you can swap onto a different departure or change your trip entirely, for zero cost. Just drop us a line, let us know which trip you want to swap to, and if there’s space, we’ll do the rest.

Visit contiki.com/freedomguarantee

SEA LIONS GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Give you (and your parents) peace of mind

Make sure you can get home, no matter what

Being a family run company means that we operate with family values; trust, honesty, loyalty. You’d move heaven and earth for your family to ensure their safety and happiness, right? Well we’ll do the same for you. Wherever you are in the world, you’re in good hands with us.

Visit TTC.com

Sometimes incidents occur that you can’t plan for. Occasionally in Latin America, various organisations will strike resulting in closures of airports, trains and roads.

Other companies have left their travellers stranded but we don’t work like that. At TTC, our travellers’ safety and happiness is our first and ultimate priority, we work around the clock, finding solutions that mean our travellers can get on their way with minimal disruption.

Say hello to FlexDeposit, another genius perk created by TTC. Our FlexDeposit guarantee is given for free once you’ve paid your deposit and works as credit towards your next adventure. So if you can’t travel, it means your deposit isn’t lost - it’s simply transferred. FlexDeposit is available until your 36th birthday (the maximum age you can travel on a Contiki), after which time you can use it with any of our sister TTC brands, or gift it to a friend.

Leave the world a better place The Travel Corporation and TreadRight, our older & wiser sister on all things sustainable, are firm advocates for change. That’s why they’ll never ask for donations from travellers, but rather choose to donate their own profits to the projects they support. Visit Treadright.org to read more on our 40 plus sustainable tourism projects worldwide.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

29

TWO WAYS TO

Machu Picchu You’ve seen it a million times on Instagram, TV and in magazines, but nothing can ever prepare you for the first time you lay eyes on Machu Picchu for real.

Are you ready for one of the world’s greatest travel experiences?

4

DAY TREK

Four days of our Ultimate Inca Trail trip will be spent hiking and camping in the footsteps of the ancient Incas, and the other four will be spent putting the mountains into context by exploring the Sacred Valley and ancient Incan capital of Cusco.

Note: the 4-day hike is not bookable on its own, only as part of the Ultimate Inca Trail trip. See p.60 for more info and visit contiki.com/ultimate-inca for full details on the experience.

DAY 1

9.6 mi.

Avg. hiking time: 6 hrs.

1

@AUGUSTOVEGAS

1ST NIGHT

Bus to CHECKPOINT “KM82”

Llactapata

1.6 mi.

4.8 mi.

Wayllabamba

DAY 2

6.4 mi.

Avg. hiking time: 7 hrs.

2ND NIGHT:

Dead Woman’s Pass

Pacamayo

4.8 mi.

1.6 mi.

3.2 mi.

ADD THIS TREK TO TRIPS THAT

visit Peru

DAY TREK

Whenever you visit Peru with us you can dial up your Peruvian experience with a 1-day Inca trek. We’ll take the train to KM104 before heading to the 2,700m high Sungate Viewpoint, then descending to the valley of Machu Picchu. Available on all trips that visit Peru except the Ultimate Inca Trail Trek. See p.34, p.36, p.38, p.40, p.42, p.57, p.58 and p.62 for trips where you can take the 1-day trek.

@KANDRUSI

DAY 1

6.1 mi.

Avg. hiking time: 6 hrs.

Train to CHECKPOINT “KM104”

Chachabamba 1.3 mi.

Hike through the cloud forest

Wiñay Wayna 1.6 mi.

Stop for your included lunch & soak up more incredible views

Sungate Viewpoint/ Intipunku 1.7 mi.

Get that first glimpse of Machu Picchu END

30 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

030 - 031 Machu Picchu Package V3.indd 1

19/03/2018 12:47

DO THIS TREK ON THE

Ultimate Inca Trail

@NSTIRLING

DAY 3

3RD NIGHT:

7.4 mi.

Avg. hiking time: 8 hrs.

Runkurakay Pass

Sayacmarca

Phuyupatamarca

Wiñay Wayna

1 mi.

1 mi.

3.2 mi.

3.2 mi.

3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1

When to go g

The Inca Trail is open all year, except for February, when it closes for maintenance.

The peak season is April to November when the weather and conditions are the best.

2

Fitness

Before you book make sure that you’re ready for the amount of hiking you’ve signed up for. Here’s a breakdown of distances.

4 DAY TREK 26.8 mi Day 1: 9.6 mi, Day 2: 6.4 mi, Day 3: 7.4 mi, Day 4: 3.4 mi

DAY 4

3.4 mi.

Avg. hiking time: 3.5 hrs.

2.4 mi.

3

Machu Picchu

Sun Gate

1 mi.

END

When to book

You’ve been dreaming of Machu Picchu, but so have a few other peeps. For the best chance to lock down your permit, we recommend booking at least 3 months before travelling between October & April, and 6 months before travelling in May to September. It may be possible to get permits outside these times, but it could be tricky.

1 DAY TREK 6.1 mi

Essential Booking Requirements: When you book your trip (as early in advance as possible) it’s essential that you let us know the following details: full name (as appears on passport), nationality, date of birth and gender.

What else? It’s also important that the passport information that you submit with your application is exactly the same as the passport you will use to travel to Latin America and it must have six months validity at time of travel.

You will also need your passport to enter onto the Trail. Note: If your information changes it can result in a penalty and cancellation of admission to the Trail. No refunds will be given. Book early! The Peruvian Government closely controls the number of travellers on the Trail, with only 500 permits available each day. Inca Trail permits are non-refundable and non-transferable so it’s essential that you let us know your correct passport details at the time of booking so we can process your application quickly. (Contiki will process your application on your behalf within three days of booking but we cannot guarantee permit availability.) Campsites are subject to change (on the 4 day treak) according to the designation of the governmental institution (Ministerio de Cultura) that regulates the use of the Inca Trail.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

030 - 031 Machu Picchu Package V3.indd 2

31

19/03/2018 12:47

Discoverer GO EVERYWHERE Want to see everything, do everything, and go home with a fully ticked bucket list? You have to go Discoverer. The perfect travel style for those looking for equal parts iconic sites and local experiences, expect to see beaches, rainforests, ancient ruins and city life, all with a crew of people who love doing everything you do.

ARE YOU A DISCOVERER TRAVELLER? •

•

Do you want to see as much of Latin America as you possibly can, no matter how long you’ve got?

Do you want to discover why we rave about our special stay accommodation?

•

•

Do you want to split your time between organised sightseeing and independent adventuring?

Do you have a nose for authentic experiences?

12 TRIPS FROM 9 - 36 DAYS FROM R2111P/D Head to contiki.com/deals for all out latest promotions CONTIKI.COM/DISCOVERER-LATIN-AMERICA

32 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

9 DAYS

|

2 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R18999 *

|

FROM

R2111*PP/PD

DISCOVERER

ARGENTINA & BRAZIL EXPERIENCE 2 COUNTRIES & 8 NIGHTS COMBINING ADVENTURES, ADRENALINE & SUN-SEEKING

RIO BRAZIL

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W 8

NIGHTS 8 nights twin-share hotel accommodation

11

INCLUDED MEALS 8 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)

DAY 4 - 5 Iguassu Falls Stepping onto Brazilian soil for the first time, a trip to Iguassu Falls will have us astounded by the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Listed national park. Those feeling brave can opt for a helicopter ride for the ultimate bird's eye view of this magnificent force of nature. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Helicopter flight over the Falls

DAY 6 - 8 Rio It's time to switch languages, we're in Brazil! We'll throw ourselves into the festivities with caipirinhas in hand, exploring the favelas, experiencing the city's culinary side & heading to the beach for some iconic Copacabana action. Hotel (B)(B)(B,D) F Hang gliding

11AM RIO

DAY 9 Rio This adventure has come to an end, but we'll be leaving with nothing but the very best of memories. (B)

6

ESSENTIALS 2 internal flights & transfers, See p.78 for more info on our essentials.

4

IGUASSU FALLS

9

RIO DE JANEIRO

RIO CARNIVAL!

(3 nights)

(2 nights)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Helicopter flight over Iguassu Falls F Hang Gliding, Rio NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Tango show & lesson in Buenos Aires • BBQ feast in Iguassu • City tour of Rio & Buenos Aires • Visit a Favela • Visit Christ the Redeemer statue

END

MAR 2ND - MAR 9TH 2019 Book this departure & take your trip to the next level. This departure spends 2 nights in Buenos Aires, 2 nights in Iguassu Falls & 4 nights Rio so you’ll be a part of what is considered the biggest carnival in the world! With over two million people per day celebrating on the streets of Rio, it’s like nothing you have ever seen. We take you to all the right places at the right times, so you see all the best performances & don’t miss a beat. Witness parades bursting with revellers, floats & adornments from numerous samba schools. Live for the moment, live with no regrets & don’t miss out on this indescribable experience!

END

BRAZIL

ARGENTINA

START

7AM BUENOS AIRES

DAY 1 - 3 Buenos Aires Hola Buenos Aires! You'll take the city by storm over the next few days with tantalising tangos, Argentinian cooking classes & a day experiencing the country's national sport, polo. All that sightseeing will be washed down with a glass of delicious Argentinian red wine, of course. Hotel (D)(B)(B)

1 BUENOS

START

AIRES (3 nights) 1

Itinerary day Plane

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

CODE: BARJ

End Sep 16 Sep 24 Oct 1 Oct 14 Oct 29 Nov 11

R18999

Mar 16 Mar 23

Mar 24 Mar 31

START BUENOS AIRES & FINISH RIO DE JANEIRO

Start Nov 11 Nov 18 Dec 1 Dec 9 Dec 29 ●

End Nov 19 Nov 26 Dec 9 Dec 17 Jan 6

R18999 Start 2019 Jan 6 Jan 13 Feb 2 Feb 10 Feb 16

End

Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb

14 21 10 18 24

R24829 Start End Feb 25 ■ Mar 5

R18999 Start Mar 3 Mar 11 Mar 18 Apr 1 Apr 8 May6

End Mar 11 Mar 19 Mar 26 Apr 9 Apr 16 May14

Start May13 Jun 3 Jun 10 Jun 24 Jul 1 Jul 8

End May21 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jul 2 Jul 9 Jul 16

Start Jul 29 Aug 5 Aug 26 Sep 2 Sep 23 Sep 30

End Aug 6 Aug 13 Sep 3 Sep 10 Oct 1 Oct 8

Start Oct 21 Oct 28 Nov 18 Nov 25 Dec 16

End Oct 29 Nov 5 Nov 26 Dec 3 Dec 24

Start 2020 Jan 6 Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Feb 10

End

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb

R24829 Start End Feb 17 ■ Feb 25

14 21 28 11 18

* Prices shown are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R5735. Start Buenos Aires 7:00am & end Rio 11:00am. ● This trip spends NYE in Buenos Aires. ■ These trips are in Rio during Carnival & will have a slightly modified itinerary, 2 nights in Buenos Aires, 4 nights in Rio & add a single room supplement of R11555. Visit contiki.com/southamexperience for full details. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Note: This trip is part of a bigger picture - our 24 day Adventurer & 18 day The Explorer trip. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a group of other travellers who have been travelling on these trips. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group.

CONTIKI.COM/SOUTHAM-EXPERIENCE

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

33

#ARGENTINABRAZIL

R23085 Start Sep 8 Sep 16 Sep 23 Oct 6 Oct 21 Nov 3

BOLIVIAN MAGIC 15 DAYS

|

3 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R34575 *

|

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

R2305 *PP/PD

CULTURE, HISTORY, CITIES, NATURE & DESERTS ROLLED INTO 15 JAM-PACKED DAYS

#BOLIVIANMAGIC

POTOSI BOLIVIA

BOLIVIA

34 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

LAKE TITICACA

CHILE WINERIE

CONTIKI.COM/BOLIVIAN-MAGIC

PERU

ARGENTINA

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 23

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

12 nights in twin-share hotels & 2 nights in multi-share hostels

14 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, 2 internal flighs & transfers

F Sandboarding in San Pedro de Atacama F White Water Rafting Adventure

DISCOVERER

14

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Locally guided walking tour of La Paz

• Visit the Great Train Graveyard • Visit to Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat

START

5PM CUSCO

ECUADOR

DAY 1 Cusco We start our trip exploring the ancient Andean culture in Cusco. Get to know your new friends as you see the temple of Temple of Wiracocha & explore Incan buildings on a guided tour. Hotel (D)

DAY 2 Copacabana Copacabana is calling. With an early start, we'll cross over the beautiful Bolivian border where the shores of Lake Titicaca await - the highest navigable body of water in the world, also known for being the birthplace of the sun. Hotel (B)

DAY 3 - 4 La Paz Another day, another unique destination, this time La Paz, the highest capital city in the world. Here we'll take in the Bolivian countryside before checking out the colonial sites & unique markets on a locally guided tour. Hotel (B,D)(B)

DAY 5 - 6 Sucre Catching our included flight to Sucre this morning we'll explore the city's historical streets & white stone buildings on a locally guided walking tour. The rest of the time here is yours! Shop, visit museums or opt for outdoor activities. Hotel (B,D)(B)

PERU BRAZIL

DAY 8 Uyuni The morning is all yours to uncover the last little secrets of Potosi, then we're off to Uyuni, the gateway to Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flats in the world (& the reason you've been prop planning for weeks!) First stop, the Great Train Graveyard. Hotel (B)

START

CUSCO 1 (1 night)

BOLIVIA

LA PAZ

COPACABANA 2

3 (2 nights)

(1 night)

POTOSI 7 5 SUCRE (2 nights) (1 night) PARAGUAY UYUNI 8 (2 nights) AVAROA NATIONAL 10 RESERVE SAN PEDRO 11 (1 night) DE ATACAMA END

DAY 7 Potosí The colonial architecture & hilly streets of Potosi are a must-see. We'll explore the National Mint of Bolivia & discover why this was once one of the richest cities in the world. Hotel (B)

DAY 9 Salar de Uyuni It's the day we've all been waiting for. Mile upon mile of salt flats, blue skies & Instagram opportunities will ensure this day goes down in the history books. Hostel (B,L,D)

(2 nights)

11AM SANTIAGO DE CHILE

CHILE

DAY 15 Santiago de Chile After 14 days of deserts, lakes & cities it's time to head our separate ways.

Or you could just join the Argentina & Brazil experience… (B)

ARGENTINA END

13 15

SANTIAGO DE CHILE

URUGUAY

(2 nights)

DAY 14 Santiago de Chile With another free day choose to visit the colourful, hillside city of Valparaiso or spend a day exploring Chile's wineries. Hotel (B,D)

1

DAY 13 Santiago de Chile This morning we leave the desert behind & jump on flight to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival we'll get acquainted with this bustling place on a city tour. The afternoon is yours to explore. Hotel (B)

Itinerary Day Coach, mini-coach or van Plane

DAY 11 - 12 San Pedro de Atacama After some serious nature time as we finish up our national reserve adventure, ultimate relaxation is in order, San Pedro style. Lay by the pool, go mountain biking or even sand boarding, but don't use up all your energy as come afternoon, we'll be visiting Valle de la Luna to watch the sunset amongst the colourful textured landscape. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Sandboarding

DAY 10 Avaroa National Reserve Hopping into 4x4s we'll begin the 2-day crossing of the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.

Expect volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, lakes, lagoons & flamingos as we venture towards the Chile & Atacama Desert. Hostel (B,L,D)

MIX & MATCH Extend your trip to include Brazil & Argentina & join onto the Argentina & Brazil Experience & save 5%.

See p.33 for more info, departure dates & prices.

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

CODE: CUSA

START CUSCO & FINISH SANTIAGO

TRAVELLING BETWEEN 31 AUG 2018 & 08 FEB 2019? THE BELOW TRIPS (CUSA 2018) FEATURE A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED ITINERARY. SEE BELOW FOR START & END TIMES & VISIT CONTIKI.COM/BOLIVIAN-MAGIC FOR FULL DETAILS.

R34575 Start End Aug 31 ✱ Sep 14 Sep 28 ✱ Oct 12 Oct 26 ✱ Nov 9

Start End Nov 23 ✱ Dec 7 Dec 21 ✱● Jan 4

Start End 2019 Jan 25 ✱ Feb 8 Feb 8 ✱ Feb 22

R35925 Start Mar 3 Mar 24 Apr 28

End Mar 17 Apr 7 May12

Start May26 Jun 23 Jul 21

End Jun 9 Jul 7 Aug 4

Start Aug 18 Sep 15 Oct 13

End Sep 1 Sep 29 Oct 27

Start Nov 10 Dec 8

End Nov 24 Dec 22

Start 2020 Jan 5 Feb 2

End

Start Mar 8

End Mar 22

Jan 19 Feb 16

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. ✱ Single room supplement add R8909. Single room supplement add R7905. Start Cusco 5:00pm & end Santiago de Chile 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Sucre & NYE in San Pedro de Atacama. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The National Reserve is remote & accommodation is limited. The 1 night spent on the reserve is multi-share, hostel style accommodation, with shared bathrooms. Singles upgrades are not available. Note: This trip is part of a bigger picture - our 22 day Andean Crossing trip. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a group of other travellers who have been travelling on this trip. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

35

ANDEAN CROSSING 22 DAYS

|

3 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R55755 *

|

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

R2535 *PP/PD

BUCKET LIST MUSTS: INCA TRAIL, AMAZON & SALAR DE UYUNI. TICK.

#ANDEANCROSSING

UYUNI SALT FLATS BOLIVIA

CUSCO

36 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

MACHU PICCHU

SACRED VALLEY

CONTIKI.COM/ANDEAN-CROSSING

MACHU PICCHU

SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 36

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Unique Special Stays: 2 nights Jungle Lodge, 17 nights in twin-share hotels & 2 nights in multi-share hostels

21 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 11 dinners (D) Trekking option: 21 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 11 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, 4 internal flights & transfers

F Sandboarding in San Pedro de Atacama F White Water Rafting Adventure

DAY 2 - 3 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. With another day here keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the giant otter.

(B,L,D)(B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge F Canopy climbing experience F Kayaking trip on the Tambopata River

START

• Walking tour of Cusco • Locally guided walking tour of La Paz

• Visit the Great Train Graveyard • Visit Salar de Uyuni, the

DAY 5 Sacred Valley Today we'll venture into the Sacred Valley, the heart of the Inca Empire, where we'll take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins, try some local chicha de jora & spend the night in one of Peru's oldest towns, Ollantaytambo.

Hotel (B)

DAY 6 Aguas Calientes Opt to spend the day in Aguas Calientes, a town dwarfed by nature & ancient ruins at every turn, or take a 1 day trek along the Inca trail to the Sun Gate & experience the magnificence of Machu Picchu all for yourself - you won't regret it. Hotel (B)

ECUADOR PERU

AGUAS CALIENTES

8AM LIMA

AMAZON LODGE

(Machu Picchu) (1 night)

6

DAY 1 Lima Meet your fellow adventurers in Lima, the capital of Peru. Here we'll spend the morning uncovering the city's sights, & then the afternoon is all yours to explore the colonial centre, bustling metropolis & 43 diverse districts. Hotel (D)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

world’s largest salt flat

DAY 4 Cusco Spend today exploring the beautiful city of Cusco – wander the main plaza, see the Temple of Wiracocha & explore Incan buildings on a guided tour. Then get into Cusco's amazing nightlife until the sun comes up! Hotel (B)

START

1

BRAZIL

(2 nights)

2

INCA TRAIL

LIMA

Puerto Maldonado

Ollantaytambo

5 SACRED VALLEY

(1 night)

(1 night)

CUSCO 7 4

DAY 7 - 8 Cusco Ever dreamt of watching the first rays of the day creep over Machu Picchu, surrounded by a group of new friends? Today will make that dream a reality. Soak in the moment, then explore the Incan city, Temple of Three Windows, ceremonial baths & altar together with a Local Guide. The next day (and likely still buzzing) is free for you to explore Cusco your way. Hotel (B,D)(B,D) F Rafting

LA PAZ

COPACABANA 9

10 (2 nights)

(1 night)

PARAGUAY UYUNI 15 (2 nights) 17 AVAROA NATIONAL SAN PEDRO 18 RESERVE (1 night) DE ATACAMA

DAY 22 Santiago de Chile After 22 days of deserts, jungles, cities & mighty Machu Picchu, it's time to go our separate ways. Or you could just join the Argentina & Brazil experience… (B)

(2 nights) CHILE ARGENTINA

END

URUGUAY

20 22

DAY 20 - 21 Santiago de Chile This morning we leave the desert behind & jump on flight to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival we'll get acquainted with this bustling place on a city tour. The afternoon is yours to explore. With another free day choose to visit the colourful, hillside city of Valparaiso or spend a day exploring Chile's wineries. Hotel (B)(B,D)

1 1

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane, train or canoe

DAY 15 Uyuni The morning is all yours to uncover the last little secrets of Potosi, then we're off to Uyuni, the gateway to Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flats in the world (& the reason you've been prop planning for weeks! First stop, the Great Train Graveyard.

Hotel (B)

SANTIAGO DE CHILE (2 nights)

DAY 18 - 19 San Pedro de Atacama After some serious nature time as we finish up our national reserve adventure, ultimate relaxation is in order, San Pedro style. Lay by the pool, go mountain biking or even sand boarding, but don't use up all your energy as come afternoon, we'll be visiting Valle de la Luna to watch the sunset amongst the colourful textured landscape. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Sandboarding

DAY 9 Copacabana Copacabana is calling. With an early start, we'll cross over the beautiful Bolivian border where the shores of Lake Titicaca await - the highest navigable body of water in the world, also known for being the birthplace of the sun. Hotel (B)

DAY 10 - 11 La Paz Another day, another unique destination, this time La Paz, the highest capital city in the world. Here we'll take in the Bolivian countryside before checking out the colonial sites & unique markets on a locally guided tour. Hotel (B,D)(B)

POTOSI 14 12 SUCRE (2 nights)

11AM SANTIAGO DE CHILE

DAY 6 Inca Trail Trek Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the Trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to KM 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest to the Sun Gate & Guardian House before returning to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B,L) • Train ride to KM 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide See p.30-31 for more info.

Code: LISATHotel

BOLIVIA

(3 nights)

(1 night)

END

DISCOVERER

21

DAY 17 Avaroa National Reserve Hopping into 4x4s we'll begin the 2-day crossing of the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.

Expect volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, lakes, lagoons & flamingos as we venture towards the Chile & Atacama Desert. Hostel (B,L,D)

DAY 16 Salar de Uyuni It's the day we've all been waiting for. Mile upon mile of salt flats, blues skies & Instagram opportunities will ensure this day goes down in the history books. Hostel (B,L,D)

DAY 12 - 13 Sucre Catching our included flight to Sucre this morning we'll explore the city's historical streets & white stone buildings on a locally guided walking tour. The rest of the time here is yours! Shop, visit museums or opt for outdoor activities. Hotel (B,D)(B)

DAY 14 Potosí The colonial architecture & hilly streets of Potosi are a must-see. We'll explore the National Mint of Bolivia & discover why this was once one of the richest cities in the world. Hotel (B)

MIX & MATCH Extend your trip by continuing onto the Argentina & BrazilExperience & save 5%. See p.33 for more info, departure dates & prices.

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

CODE: LISA

START LIMA & FINISH SANTIAGO

A = TRIP ONLY B = TRIP PLUS INCA TRAIL

TRAVELLING BETWEEN 24 AUG 2018 & 01 FEB 2019? THE BELOW TRIPS (LISA 2018) FEATURE A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED ITINERARY. SEE BELOW FOR START & END TIMES & VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ANDEAN-CROSSING FOR FULL DETAILS.

R61515 A R64235 B Start End Aug 24 ✱ Sep 14 Sep 21 ✱ Oct 12 Oct 19 ✱ Nov 9

Start End Nov 16 ✱ Dec 7 Dec 14 ✱● Jan 4

Start End 2019 Jan 18 ✱ Feb 8 Feb 1 ✱■ Feb 22

R55755 A R58475 B Start End Feb 24 Mar 17 Mar 17 Apr 7 Apr 21 May12

Start May19 Jun 16 Jul 14

End Jun 9 Jul 7 Aug 4

Start Aug 11 Sep 8 Oct 6

End Sep 1 Sep 29 Oct 27

Start End Nov 3 Nov 24 Dec 1 Dec 22 Dec 29 ▲ Jan 19

Start 2020 Jan 26 Mar 1

End

Feb 16 Mar 22

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. ✱ Single room supplement add R13035. Single room supplement add R11565. Start Lima 8:00am & end Salta 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Sucre & NYE in San Pedro de Atacama. ■ Inca Trail Trek is not available on these departure dates. ▲ Trip spends NYE in the Amazon. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer.

Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The National Reserve is remote & accommodation is limited. The 1 night spent on the reserve is multi-share, hostel style accommodation, with shared bathrooms. Singles upgrades are not available.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

37

THE EXPLORER 18 DAYS

|

3 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R45939 *

|

FROM

R2553 *PP/PD

WANT TO SEE RIO, MACHU PICCHU, THE AMAZON & IGUASSU FALLS ALL IN ONE GO?

#THEEXPLORER

BUENOS AIRES ARGENTINA

We had an incredible Trip Manager who taught me so much. Every single day was the greatest adventure, I made so many new friends & experienced so many new things & I couldn’t be more grateful for every single second.

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @FRANKCONTIKI

38 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@JHONOCONTIKI

CONTIKI.COM/SOUTHAM-EXPLORER

@THETRAVELINGGINGER

Brodie Rodgers

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 25

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Unique Special Stay: 1 night Jungle Lodge & 16 nights in twin-share hotels

17 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D) Trekking option: 17 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, 1 international & 4 internal flights & transfers

F Kayaking trip on the Tambopata River F Polo match experience in Buenos Aires F Speedboat adventure in Iguassu Falls

• Walking tour of Cusco & entry

DAY 2 Sacred Valley Our private coach will whisk you away to the Sacred Valley, an iconic symbol of Peru that no doubt gives you the tingles just thinking about it. We'll stop off at a llama farm (major highlight) & learn the secrets of ancient Incan weaving before learning the rules of the traditional Peruvian game of ‘Sapo'. Hotel (B)

START

PERU

AGUAS CALIENTES

LIMA

8AM CUSCO

DAY 1 Cusco Welcome to Cusco! Today, you're in control. Shop for artisan jewellery & woodworks or roam the cobblestone streets. The next day you'll lift the lid on Cusco with a walking tour & a browse at San Pedro Market.

Hotel (D)

DAY 3 Aguas Calientes Hopping on a train to Aguas Calientes, we'll rest up before the main event - our 1 day trek to Machu Picchu. Here at one of the seven wonders of the world, we'll explore Wayana Picchu & the Temple of the Three Windows on a guided tour.

Hotel (B)

(Machu Picchu) (1 night)

3

AMAZON LODGE

(1 night) INCA TRAIL 8 Ollantaytambo

1

6

BRAZIL

(1 night)

7

PUERTO MALDONADO (1 night)

2 SACRED VALLEY (1 night)

4

CUSCO (3 nights)

START

BOLIVIA

PARAGUAY

11AM RIO

(2 nights)

1 1

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane, train, canoe or boat

DAY 6 Jungle Lodge Tonight you'll feel like jungle royalty as you'll be sleeping in our Special Stay rainforest eco lodge. You'll be spoilt for choice of activities with the lake teeming with life & a hike up to the Canopy Tower both on the agenda. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge F Canopy climbing experience F Kayaking trip on the Tambopata River

DAY 7 Puerto Maldonado Back in Puerto Maldonado, we'll set up camp tonight. With so many exciting times ahead, a good night's sleep & some group bonding activities are high on the agenda for our last day in Peru. Hotel (B,L,D)

URUGUAY

ARGENTINA

9

BUENOS AIRES (4 nights)

DAY 13 - 14 Iguassu Falls Stepping onto Brazilian soil for the first time, a trip to Iguassu Falls will have us astounded by the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Listed national park. Those feeling brave can opt for a helicopter ride for the ultimate bird's eye view of this magnificent force of nature. Hotel (B)(D)(B) F Helicopter flight over the falls

DAY 4 - 5 Machu Picchu to Cusco Back in Cusco you'll have time to relax, taking a stroll around the town & likely stocking up on alpaca sweaters & Peruvian treats before we jump on a flight to the jungle paradise of Puerto Maldonado. Hotel (B)(B)

15 18

RIO DE 13 IGUASSU JANEIRO (3 nights) FALLS

DAY 18 Rio This adventure of epic proportions has come to an end, but we'll be leaving with the very best of memories. (B)

DAY 15 - 17 Rio It's time to switch languages, we're in Brazil! We'll throw ourselves into the festivities with caipirinhas in hand, exploring the favelas, experiencing the city's culinary side & heading to the beach for some iconic Copacabana action. Hotel (B)(B,D)(B) F Hang gliding

to the Temple of Koricancha • Tango show & lesson in Buenos Aires • BBQ feast in Iguassu

END

CHILE

END

DAY 3 Inca Trail Trek Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the Trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to KM 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest 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 KM 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our Local Guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.30-31 for more info.

Code: CURJTHotel

DISCOVERER

17

DAY 10 - 12 Buenos Aires Hola Buenos Aires! You'll take the city by storm over the next few days with tantalising tangos, Argentinian cooking classes & a day experiencing the country's national sport, polo. All that sightseeing will be washed down with a glass of delicious Argentinian red wine, of course. Hotel (B,D)(B)(B) F Parrilla tour

DAY 9 Buenos Aires While we're sad to wave goodbye to Peru, we'll be up & at ‘em today as we take to the skies, bound for South America's most cosmopolitan city, Buenos Aires. Hotel (B)

DAY 8 Lima You're free as a bird to explore Lima your way today, & with the trendy district of Miraflores on your doorstep we doubt you'll be short of options.

An early night is advised as a new country awaits us in the morning.

Hotel (B)

EXPLORE MORE Have a few more days? Check out The Adventurer & start the trip in Lima & end in Rio.

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R54435 A R57155 B Start Aug 30 Sep 7 Sep 14 Sep 27 Oct 5 Oct 12 Oct 25

CODE: CURJ

End Sep 16 Sep 24 Oct 1 Oct 14 Oct 22 Oct 29 Nov 11

START CUSCO & FINISH RIO DE JANEIRO

Start Nov 2 Nov 9 Nov 22 Nov 30 Dec 20 ● Dec 28 ■

End Nov 19 Nov 26 Dec 9 Dec 17 Jan 6 Jan 14

R45939 A R48659 B Start 2019 Jan 24 Feb 1 ▲ Feb 7 ▲ Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 23

End

Feb 10 Feb 18 Feb 24 Mar 19 Mar 26 Apr 9

A = TRIP ONLY B = TRIP PLUS INCA TRAIL

Start Mar 30 Apr 27 May4 May25 Jun 1 Jun 15 Jun 22

End Apr 16 May14 May21 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jul 2 Jul 9

Start Jun 29 Jul 20 Jul 27 Aug 17 Aug 24 Sep 14 Sep 21

End Jul 16 Aug 6 Aug 13 Sep 3 Sep 10 Oct 1 Oct 8

Start Oct 12 Oct 19 Nov 9 Nov 16 Dec 7 Dec 28 ■

End Oct 29 Nov 5 Nov 26 Dec 3 Dec 24 Jan 14

Start 2020 Jan 4 Jan 11 Jan 25 Feb 1 ▲

End

Jan Jan Feb Feb

21 28 11 18

R51759 A R54479 B Start End Feb 8 ▲◆ Feb 25

R45939 A R48659 B Start End Mar 7 Mar 24 Mar 14 Mar 31

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R9215. Start Cusco 8:00am & end Rio 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in the Amazon & NYE in Buenos Aires. ■ Trip spends NYE in Cusco. ▲ Inca Trail Trek is not available on these departure dates. ◆ These trips are in Rio during Carnival & will have a slightly modified itinerary. 2 nights in Buenos Aires, 4 nights in Rio & add a single room supplement of R15035. Visit contiki.com/southam-explorer for full details. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February. Note: This trip is part of a bigger picture – The Adventurer our 24 day trip. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a group of other travellers who have been travelling on this trip. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

39

THE ADVENTURER 24 DAYS

|

3 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R57499 *

|

FROM

R2396 *PP/PD

EXPLORE BEACHES, BIG CITIES, JUNGLES, MOUNTAINS & WATERFALLS

#THEADVENTURER

BUENOS AIRES ARGENTINA

Contiki exceeded my expectations. The staff were amazing, they always go above & beyond to ensure that I’m having the time of my life. This is the best trip ever!

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @CARABOGDANSKI

40 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@CFTORRE1

CONTIKI.COM/SOUTHAM-ADVENTURER

@JHONOCONTIKI

Ha Huynh

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 34

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Unique Special Stays: 1 night Jungle Lodge & 22 nights in twin-share hotels

23 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D) Trekking option: 23 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, 1 international & 5 internal flights & transfers

F Rafting adventure F Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain F Polo experience

DAY 3 Colca Canyon After one of the most scenic journeys you'll likely ever take, we'll arrive at the world's deepest canyon, which is also the highest point of our trip.

Coca tea in hand, we'll take in the majestic view & attempt to spot the Andean Condor who call this region home. Hotel (B,L,D)

DAY 2 Arequipa Nicknamed the 'White City', you'll get an equal dose of beautiful culture & impressive aesthetics here in Arequipa. Mostly though, today is a day of eating: crayfish & stuffed hot peppers are a few of the fixtures on the menu tonight. Hotel (B)

START

8

END

11AM RIO

DAY 24 Rio This adventure of epic proportions has come to an end, but we'll be leaving with the very best of memories. (B)

Temple of Koricancha

• Tango show & lesson in

DAY 8 Sacred Valley Our private coach will whisk you away to the Sacred Valley, an iconic symbol of Peru that no doubt gives you the tingles just thinking about it. We'll stop off at a llama farm (major highlight) & learn the secrets of ancient Incan weaving before learning the rules of the traditional Peruvian game of ‘Sapo'. Hotel (B)

DAY 9 Aguas Calientes Hopping on a train to Aguas Calientes, we'll rest up before the main event - our 1 day trek to Machu Picchu. Here at one of the seven wonders of the world, we'll explore Wayana Picchu & the Temple of the Three Windows on a guided tour.

Hotel (B)

BRAZIL

DAY 9 Inca Trail Trek Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the Trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to KM 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest 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 KM 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our Local Guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.30-31 for more info.

Code: LIRJT Hotel

PUERTO

13 MALDONADO (1 night)

4 PUNO/ LAKE TITICACA 2 AREQUIPA (1 night)

(2 nights)

BOLIVIA

21 24

PARAGUAY

CHILE

RIO DE JANEIRO

19

IGUASSU FALLS

ARGENTINA

(2 nights)

DAY 21 - 23 Rio It's time to switch languages, we're in Brazil! We'll throw ourselves into the festivities with caipirinhas in hand, exploring the favelas, experiencing the city's culinary side & heading to the beach for some iconic Copacabana action. Hotel (B)(B)(B,D) F Hang gliding

of Wiracocha

• Walking tour of Cusco & the

(1 night)

Chivay

(1 night)

• Entry to the Temple

SACRED VALLEY

(4 nights)

COLCA 3 CANYON

(1 night)

12

CUSCO 6

DAY 1 Lima Welcome to Lima! Steeped in Spanish colonialism but paired with modern retro vibes, our city tour will have us covering the basics including decadent churches, catacombs & fresh ceviche - the Peruvian speciality food. Why not stroll over the Bridge of Sighs & catch the sunset, pisco sour in hand. Hotel (D)

DAY 6 - 7 Cusco We'll make our way to Cusco via Raqchi, where we'll explore ancient Incan ruins before arriving in Cusco for some after dark antics. The next day you'll lift the lid on Cusco with a walking tour & a browse at San Pedro Market. Hotel (B)(B,D)

AGUAS CALIENTES (Machu Picchu) AMAZON (1 night) LODGE PERU 9

(2 nights) INCA TRAIL 14 1 Ollantaytambo

START

8AM LIMA

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Buenos Aires

DAY 4 - 5 Puno Condor spotting will be our morning activity before pulling up to the shores of Lake Titicaca in Puno, which sits at an altitude of 3657 metres.

Here you'll get a taste of ancient Peruvian life, visit a fish farm & take a relaxing boat ride. Hotel (B)(B)

LIMA

DISCOVERER

23

DAY 19 - 20 Iguassu Falls Stepping onto Brazilian soil for the first time, a trip to Iguassu Falls will have us astounded by the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Listed national park. Those feeling brave can opt for a helicopter ride for the ultimate bird's eye view of this magnificent force of nature. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Helicopter flight over the falls

DAY 16 - 18 Buenos Aires Hola Buenos Aires! You'll take the city by storm over the next few days with tantalising tangos, Argentinian cooking classes & a day experiencing the country's national sport, polo. All that sightseeing will be washed down with a glass of delicious Argentinian red wine, of course. Hotel (B,D)(B)(B) F Parrilla tour

DAY 10 - 11 Cusco Back in Cusco you'll have time to relax, taking a stroll around the town & likely stocking up on alpaca sweaters & Peruvian treats before we jump on a flight to the jungle paradise of Puerto Maldonado. Hotel (B)(B)

(3 nights) END

URUGUAY

DAY 12 Jungle Lodge Tonight you'll feel like jungle royalty as you'll be sleeping in our Special Stay rainforest eco lodge. You'll be spoilt for choice of activities with the lake teeming with life & a hike up to the Canopy Tower both on the agenda. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge

BUENOS 15 AIRES (4 nights)

1 1

DAY 15 Buenos Aires While we're sad to wave goodbye to Peru, we'll be up and at ‘em today as we take to the skies, bound for South America's most cosmopolitan city, Buenos Aires. Hotel (B)

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane, train or canoe

DAY 13 Puerto Maldonado Back in Puerto Maldonado, we'll set up camp for the night. With so many exciting times ahead, a good night's sleep & some group bonding activities are high on the agenda for our last day in Peru. Hotel (B,L,D)

DAY 14 Lima You're free as a bird to explore Lima your way today, & with the trendy district of Miraflores on your doorstep we doubt you'll be short of options.

An early night is advised as a new country awaits us in the morning.

Hotel (B)

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R67269 A R69989 B Start Aug 24 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 21 Sep 29 Oct 6 Oct 19

CODE: LIRJ

End Sep 16 Sep 24 Oct 1 Oct 14 Oct 22 Oct 29 Nov 11

START LIMA & FINISH RIO DE JANEIRO

Start Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 16 Nov 24 Dec 14 ● Dec 22 ▲

End Nov 19 Nov 26 Dec 9 Dec 17 Jan 6 Jan 14

R57499 A R60219 B Start 2019 Jan 18 Jan 26 ■ Feb 1 ■ Feb 16 ■ Feb 24 Mar 3

A = TRIP ONLY B = TRIP PLUS INCA TRAIL

End

Feb 10 Feb 18 Feb 24 Mar 11 Mar 19 Mar 26

Start Mar 17 Mar 24 Apr 21 Apr 28 May19 May26 Jun 9

End Apr 9 Apr 16 May14 May21 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jul 2

Start Jun 16 Jun 23 Jul 14 Jul 21 Aug 11 Aug 18 Sep 8

End Jul 9 Jul 16 Aug 6 Aug 13 Sep 3 Sep 10 Oct 1

Start Sep 15 Oct 6 Oct 13 Nov 3 Nov 10 Dec 1 Dec 22 ▲

End Oct 8 Oct 29 Nov 5 Nov 26 Dec 3 Dec 24 Jan 14

Start Dec 29 ◆ 2020 Jan 5 Jan 19 Jan 26 ■

End Jan 21

R63319 A R66039 B Start End Feb 2 ■ ✱ Feb 25

R57499 A R60219 B Start End Mar 1 Mar 24 Mar 8 Mar 31

Jan 28 Feb 11 Feb 18

* Prices shown are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R12165. Start Lima 8:00am & end Rio 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in the Amazon & NYE in Buenos Aires. ■ Inca Trail Trek is not available on these departure dates. ▲ This trip spends Xmas in Puno & NYE in Cusco. ◆ This trip spend NYE in Colca Canyon. ✱ These trips are in Rio during Carnival & will have a slightly modified itinerary. 2 nights in Buenos Aires, 4 nights in Rio & add a single room supplement of R17985. Visit contiki.com/southam-adventurer for full details. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

41

THE LATIN QUEST 36 DAYS

|

4 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R97035 *

|

FROM

R2696 *PP/PD

EXPERIENCE ALL LATIN AMERICA HAS TO OFFER, CROSSING 4 COUNTRIES IN 36 DAYS

#LATINQUEST

SACRED VALLEY PERU

The Latin Quest went to all the countries on our bucket list. It was in depth & we felt we were fully immersed within the local cultures.

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @CHECA295

42 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@HENDOMOOSE

CONTIKI.COM/LATIN-QUEST

@JOJO_ONVACAY

Kavinda Widanapathirana

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 52

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Unique Special Stay: 1 night Jungle Lodge & 34 nights in twin-share hotels

35 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 13 dinners (D) Trekking option: 35 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 13 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, 2 international & 7 internal flights & transfers

F Hang gliding F Rappelling (abseiling) & canyoning day trip F Rafting

DAY 13 Lima Steeped in Spanish colonialism but paired with modern retro vibes, our city tour will have us covering decadent churches, catacombs & fresh ceviche - the Peruvian speciality food. Hotel (B,D)

START

PUERTO VILLAMIL (2 nights)

QUITO

PUERTO AYORA

(1 night)

ECUADOR

9 7

TENA

1

(1 night)

10

6

PUERTO BAQUERIZO MORENO

2 4

(2 nights)

BAÑOS (2 nights)

GUAYAQUIL (1 night)

AGUAS CALIENTES

(2 nights)

PERU

LIMA 26 12

(3 nights) START

7AM QUITO

SACRED

DAY 4 - 5 Baños The natural beauty of Baños isn't just to be admired from afar: you'll get back in touch with nature during your time here with the option to zip line through the trees or keep it close to the ground on horseback, passing waterfalls & volcanoes. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Adventure Zipline/Climb F Canyoneering F Horseback riding DAY 6 Guayaquil This is Ecuador's largest city, but we won't be stopping for long before we jet off, bound for the glorious Galapagos islands. Hotel (B)

1 1

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane, train, canoe or boat

AMAZON LODGE

(4 nights)Chivay

COLCA 15 CANYON (1 night)

BRAZIL

PUNO/

(1 night)

DAY 15 Colca Canyon After one of the most scenic journeys you'll likely ever take, we'll arrive at the world's deepest canyon. Coca tea in hand, we'll take in the majestic view. Hotel (B,L,D)

(2 nights)

BOLIVIA

31

DAY 10 - 11 San Cristobal Island Sea lions & volcanoes, boat cruises & a bird spotting experience will open our eyes to the island's glorious wildlife before we indulge in a traditional Galapagos meal. The pretty town of El Progreso will add a splash of colour to our trip. Hotel (B)(B,L,D) F Island biking adventure DAY 9 Santa Cruz Island We'll journey back to Santa Cruz Island for a day of beach side fun at Tortuga Bay, where iguanas & blue footed booby's will be your companions. Hotel (B) DAY 7 - 8 Isabela Island We make a quick stop on Santa Cruz Island, where giant tortoises roam free. After a boat ride to the famous lava tunnels, we'll move on to Isabela Island for the night. Hotel (B,D)(B)

IGUASSU FALLS

ARGENTINA

(2 nights)

RIO DE JANEIRO (3 nights) END

URUGUAY

27

BUENOS AIRES

END

11AM RIO

DAY 36 Rio This adventure of epic proportions has come to an end, but we'll be leaving with nothing but the very best of memories. (B)

DAY 21 Inca Trail Trek Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the Trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to KM 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest to the Sun Gate & Guardian House before returning to Aguas Calientes. Hotel (B,L) • Train ride to KM 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide See p.30-31 for more info.

Code: QURJTHotel

DAY 22 - 23 Cusco Back in Cusco you'll have time to relax, taking a stroll around the town before we jump on a flight to Puerto Maldonado. Hotel (B)(B)

DAY 24 Jungle Lodge Tonight you'll feel like jungle royalty as you'll be sleeping in our Special Stay rainforest eco lodge. (B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge F Canopy climbing experience F Kayaking trip on the Tambopata River

DAY 25 Puerto Maldonado With so many exciting times ahead, a good night's sleep & some group bonding activities are high on the agenda for our last day in Peru. Hotel (B,L,D)

(4 nights)

DAY 33 - 35 Rio We'll throw ourselves into the festivities with caipirinhas in hand, exploring the favelas, experiencing the city's culinary side & heading to the beach for some iconic Copacabana action. Hotel (B)(B)(B,D) F Hang gliding

DAY 21 Aguas Calientes Hopping on a train to Aguas Calientes, we'll rest up before our 1 day trek to Machu Picchu. Here at one of the seven wonders of the world, we'll explore Wayana Picchu & the Temple of the Three Windows on a guided tour. Hotel (B)

33 36

PARAGUAY

DAY 12 Lima via Guayaquil We'll say our goodbyes to paradise before our flight lands us in the seaside Peruvian capital. We'll arrive late, with time to relax & get excited for what tomorrow will bring. Hotel (B)

Wiracocha

DAY 16 - 17 Puno Condor spotting will be our morning fun before pulling up to the shores of Lake Titicaca in Puno. Here you'll get a taste of ancient Peruvian life, visit a fish farm & take a relaxing boat ride. Hotel (B)(B)

16 LAKE TITICACA

14 AREQUIPA

• Go local at a salsa lesson • Tango show, lesson & dinner • Entry to the Temple of

DAY 18 - 19 Cusco We'll make our way to Cusco via Raqchi, where we'll explore ancient Incan ruins. The next day you'll lift the lid on Cusco with a walking tour & a browse at San Pedro Market. Hotel (B)(B,D)

(1 night) 21 INCA PUERTO 24 TRAIL MALDONADO Ollantaytambo (1 night) 25 VALLEY (1 night) 20

CUSCO 18

DAY 1 Quito Take it all in, you're in Quito! A locally guided tour will get you clued up with the city, including a visit to a handicraft market & skipping between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Hotel (D) DAY 2 - 3 Tena Here in Tena, the city is yours to roam. A meeting with a shaman & a local soccer match will have you delving deep into the heart of the community before winding down with some sugarcane & cinnamon drinks. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Community visit F Rafting experience

(Machu Picchu) (1 night)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

DAY 20 Sacred Valley Our private coach will whisk you away to the Sacred Valley. We'll stop off at a llama farm & learn the secrets of ancient Incan weaving before learning the rules of the traditional Peruvian game of ‘Sapo'. Hotel (B)

DAY 14 Arequipa Nicknamed the 'White City', you'll get a dose of beautiful culture but mostly, today is a day of eating: crayfish & stuffed hot peppers are a few of the fixtures on the menu. Hotel (B)

DISCOVERER

35

DAY 31 - 32 Iguassu Falls Stepping onto Brazilian soil for the first time, a trip to Iguassu Falls will have us astounded by it's beauty.

Those feeling brave can opt for a helicopter ride. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Helicopter flight over the falls

DAY 28 - 30 Buenos Aires You'll take the city by storm over the next few days with tangos, Argentinian cooking classes & a day experiencing the country's national sport, polo.

Hotel (B,D)(B)(B) F Parrilla Tour

DAY 26 Lima You're free to explore Lima today, & with the trendy district of Miraflores on your doorstep we doubt you'll be short of options.

Hotel (B)

DAY 27 Buenos Aires While we're sad to wave goodbye to Peru, we'll be up & at ‘em today as we take to the skies, bound for South America's most cosmopolitan city, Buenos Aires.

Hotel (B)

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

CODE: QURJ

R110435 A R113155 B Start End Aug 12 Sep 16 Sep 9 Oct 14 Oct 7 Nov 11

START QUITO & FINISH RIO DE JANEIRO

Start End Nov 4 Dec 9 Dec 2 ● Jan 6

A = TRIP ONLY B = TRIP PLUS INCA TRAIL

R97035 A R99755 B Start End 2019 Jan 6 Feb 10 Jan 20 ▲ Feb 24

Start Feb 12 Mar 5 Apr 9

End Mar 19 Apr 9 May14

Start May7 Jun 4 Jul 2

End Jun 11 Jul 9 Aug 6

Start Jul 30 Aug 27 Sep 24

End Sep 3 Oct 1 Oct 29

Start End Oct 22 Nov 26 Nov 19 Dec 24 Dec 17 ■ Jan 21

Start End 2020 Jan 14 ▲ Feb 18 Feb 18 Mar 24

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R19339. Start Quito 7:00am & end Rio 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in the Amazon & NYE in Buenos Aires. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Santa Cruz & NYE in Colca Canyon. ▲ Inca Trail Trek is not available on these departure dates. 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$20 INGALA fee & a US$10 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. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

43

LATIN LEGENDS 19 DAYS

|

3 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R50919 *

|

FROM

R2680 *PP/PD

THE HOTTEST SPOTS IN MEXICO, BELIZE & GUATEMALA. LEGENDARY FOR A REASON.

#LATINLEGENDS

MEXICO CITY MEXICO

Absolutely incredible trip, amazing Trip Manager, amazing people who are now amazing friends, & amazing sights.

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @ASH.BENTLEE

44 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@ECURBEOZ

CONTIKI.COM/LATIN-LEGENDS

@M.GEORGE15

Mia-Jade Thornton

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 26

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

18 nights in twin-share hotels

18 breakfasts (B), 8 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations, 2 internal flights & transfers

F Mayan culture adventure complete with ziplining, rappelling, canoeing & lunch!

F Kayak the crystalline Caribbean F Hike a volcano (availability subject to lava flow)

START

DAY 3 Guadalajara Exciting times lie ahead in Guadalajara, where the architecture is perfectly complemented by the cheery sounds of the city's Mariachi bands. An inactive volcano will offer you a panoramic view before a day trip to the colonial town of Guanajuato. Hotel (B)

7AM PUERTO VALLARTA

DAY 1 - 2 Puerto Vallarta Welcome to Puerto Vallarta. As one of the most popular beach towns in the Mexican Riviera, you'll have the option of chilling poolside as well as getting to know the electric downtown bar scene. Hotel (D)(B) F Extreme Zipline adventure F Pirate of the bay

DAY 4 Guanajuato Spend this afternoon exploring the winding streets & subterranean passageways of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Later, see the cast iron & glass Hidalgo Market where you'll have a chance to shop for local sweet treats. Hotel (B,D)

GUANAJUATO (1 night)

4 3

1

Tequila

PUERTO VALLARTA

DAY 5 - 7 Mexico City The next few days will see you marvel at floating gardens & kick back on a Trajinera boat, with a visit to 'The City of Palaces' also added into the mix. Want to do something seriously special? Our early morning hot air ballooning Add-On over Teotihuacan is one of those pinch yourself experiences you'll never forget.

Hotel (B)(B)(B,D) F Hot air ballooning

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Tour the pyramids of Teotihuacan

• Visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza

• Visit the Mayan ruins of Tikal

DAY 8 Merida Slowing it down after the thrill of Mexico City, you'll have a walking tour of Merida's sights, fuelled by the delicacies of the local Yucatecan cuisine. A meander through the markets will give you an opportunity to stock up on souvenirs. Hotel (B)

(3 nights)

9

8 12

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

MEXICO CITY 5

CANCUN

(1 night)

GUADALAJARA

(2 nights)

DAY 9 - 11 Cancun Feeling refreshed from a dip in the cenotes, you'll arrive in Cancun.

Partying, snorkelling & beach fun are all on the cards during your time in this thrill seekers paradise. A day trip to see Mayan ruins & island hopping will take you further afield.

Hotel (B)(B,D)(B) F Snorkelling & zipline adventure

MERIDA

San Miguel de Allende (1 night)

DISCOVERER

18

(2 nights)

(3 nights)

START

Belize City

TIKAL NATIONAL PARK 16

MEXICO

BELIZE

(1 night)

14

CAYE CAULKER (2 nights)

Santa Elena

GUATEMALA

END

END

ANTIGUA/ 17 19 GUATEMALA CITY

11AM ANTIGUA

(2 nights)

DAY 19 Antigua Wrapping up our trip today, we'll be leaving with nothing but happy memories & killer tans. (B)

1 1

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane

DAY 17 - 18 Antigua Known for its Spanish colonial architecture, Antigua is a pastel coloured diamond in the rough living in the shadows of three sizeable volcanoes. We'll get our first taste of the city on a guided tour then it's over to you with a free day to hike a volcano, ride mountain bikes or shop for local textiles. Hotel (B)(B,D)

DAY 16 Tikal National Park Oh hello Guatemalan jungle lodge, we could just spend our time here enjoying the sounds of the jungle, but we won't. Why? Cos' we've got a whole load of adventures to get through, rainforest ziplining, ruin exploring & a sunrise tour of the Mayan ruin Templo IV all included.

(B,D)

DAY 12 - 13 Playa del Carmen Fully loving life on the Mayan Riviera, Playa Del Carmen will steal our hearts with her golden sands & chic atmosphere. Wanna see even more whilst you're here? Jump on board our day trip to the island of Cozumel.

Hotel (B)(B,D) F Day trip to Cozumel F Snorkelling

DAY 14 - 15 Caye Caulker Belize, we're already in love. From one paradise to another, Caye Caulker's soft sands & soft reggae sounds can only be topped by its outstanding World Heritage Barrier Reef & mangrove kayaking opportunities. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Sunset sailing

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R55669 Start Aug 20 Sep 17 Oct 15

CODE: MXMC

End Sep 7 Oct 5 Nov 2

START PUERTO VALLARTA & FINISH ANTIGUA

Start End Nov 12 Nov 30 Dec 3 Dec 21 Dec 17 ● Jan 4

R50919 Start 2019 Jan 14 Feb 11

End

Feb 1 Mar 1

Start Mar 11 Apr 15 May20

End Mar 29 May3 Jun 7

Start Jun 24 Jul 29 Aug 19

End Jul 12 Aug 16 Sep 6

Start Sep 16 Oct 14 Nov 11

End Oct 4 Nov 1 Nov 29

Start End Dec 2 Dec 20 Dec 16 ■ Jan 3

Start 2020 Jan 13 Feb 10

End

Jan 31 Feb 28

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R18035. Start Puerto Vallarta 7:00am & end Antigua approx. 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Cancun & NYE in Caye Caulker. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Cancun & NYE in Tikal. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer. Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): departing Mexico US$26, Port Fee San Pedro US$1.25, departure tax Belize: US$20.00, Entry fee Guatemala: US$3.00.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

45

COAST TO CANOPIES 28 DAYS

|

4 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R76425 *

|

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

R2730 *PP/PD

THE DREAM COMBO OF BEACHES, ANCIENT CITIES & ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

#COASTCANOPIES

MERIDA MEXICO

MEXICO CITY

46 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

TORTILLA WRAP

MEXICO CITY

CONTIKI.COM/COAST-CANOPIES

GUATEMALA

MEXICO CITY

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 39

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

27 nights in twin-share hotels

27 breakfasts (B), 12 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations, 3 internal flights & transfers

F Chocolate workshop in Antigua F Kayak the crystalline Caribbean F Selvatura Park Zipline

DISCOVERER

27

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza

• Trajinera cruise

• Locally guided tour of Tikal National Park

START

DAY 5 - 7 Mexico City The next few days will see you marvel at floating gardens & kick back on a Trajinera boat, with a visit to 'The City of Palaces' also added into the mix. Want to do something seriously special? Our early morning hot air ballooning Add-On over Teotihuacan is one of those pinch yourself experiences you'll never forget. Hotel (B)(B)(B,D) F Hot air ballooning

7AM PUERTO VALLARTA

DAY 1 - 2 Puerto Vallarta Welcome to Puerto Vallarta. As one of the most popular beach towns in the Mexican Riviera, you'll have the option of chilling poolside as well as getting to know the electric downtown bar scene. Hotel (D)(B) F Extreme Zipline adventure F Pirate of the bay

DAY 4 Guanajuato Spend this afternoon exploring the winding streets & subterranean passageways of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Later, see the cast iron & glass Hidalgo Market where you'll have a chance to shop for local sweet treats. Hotel (B,D)

DAY 3 Guadalajara Exciting times lie ahead in Guadalajara, where the architecture is perfectly complemented by the cheery sounds of the city's Mariachi bands. An inactive volcano will offer you a panoramic view before a day trip to the colonial town of Guanajuato. Hotel (B)

DAY 8 Merida Slowing it down after the thrill of Mexico City, you'll have a walking tour of Merida's sights, fuelled by the delicacies of the local Yucatan cuisine. A meander through the markets will give you an opportunity to stock up on souvenirs. Hotel (B)

DAY 9 - 11 Cancun Feeling refreshed from a dip in the cenotes, you'll arrive in Cancun.

Partying, snorkelling & beach fun are all on the cards during your time in this thrill seekers paradise. A day trip to see Mayan ruins & island hopping will take you further afield. Hotel (B)(B,D)(B) F Snorkelling & zipline adventure

PUERTO GUANAJUATO (1 night) VALLARTA

1

MERIDA

Tequila

3

DAY 12 - 13 Playa del Carmen Fully loving life on the Mayan Riviera, Playa Del Carmen will steal our hearts with her golden sands & chic atmosphere. Wanna see even more whilst you're here? Jump on board our day trip to the island of Cozumel.

Hotel (B)(B,D) F Day trip to Cozumel F Snorkelling

9 12 PLAYA DEL (2 nights)

5 MEXICO CITY (3 nights)

MEXICO

END

DAY 19 Antigua to San José Goodbye Guatemala & hello Costa Rica, our next latin conquest. Our included flight will zip us to the land of coffees, sloths & biodiversity.

Hotel (B,D)

CARMEN

GUADALAJARA

START

Belize City

TIKAL NATIONAL PARK 16

14 CAYE

CAULKER

BELIZE

(1 night)

(2 nights)

Santa Elena

4PM SAN JOSE GUATEMALA

ANTIGUA/ GUATEMALA CITY 17

DAY 28 San José After a final adventure op in Manuel Antonio (ATV riding what's up!), we'll make our way back to San Jose where our trip will come to a close.

And jeez, what an adventure it's been, right? (B) F ATV riding

HONDURAS

(2 nights) EL SALVADOR NICARAGUA

ARENAL PLAYA TAMARINDO (2 nights) COSTA RICA

(2 nights)

20

22

MONTEVERDE (2 nights)

DAY 26 - 27 Manuel Antonio Oceanside Manuel Antonio is a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, crisp sandy beaches & coral reefs.

Hike through the mountains with an expert spotting macaws, toucans & sloths, or jump on horseback for a ride to the Tacori Waterfalls during your time here. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Horseback riding

DAY 24 - 25 Monteverde Goodbye beach life & hello misty cloud forest. Monteverde is a wildlife hotspot known for its coffee plantations, countless monkey species & gorgeous vegetation. Here, we'll get schooled in coffee, you can also opt to visit a butterfly sanctuary, walk the hanging bridges of Selvatura Park & maybe even brave the 1km long zipline. Hotel (B)(B) F Ziplining F Selvatura Park

DAY 17 - 18 Antigua Known for its Spanish colonial architecture, Antigua is a pastel coloured diamond in the rough living in the shadows of three sizeable volcanoes. We'll get our first taste of the city on a guided tour then it's over to you with a free day to hike a volcano, ride mountain bikes or shop for local textiles. Hotel (B)(B,D)

(3 nights)

8

San Miguel de Allende (1 night)

DAY 16 Tikal National Park Oh hello Guatemalan jungle lodge, we could just spend our time here enjoying the sounds of the jungle, but we won't. Why? Cos' we've got a whole load of adventures to get through, rainforest ziplining, ruin exploring & a sunrise tour of the Mayan ruin Templo IV all included.

(B,D)

CANCUN

(1 night)

4

(2 nights)

DAY 14 - 15 Caye Caulker Belize, we're already in love. From one paradise to another, Caye Caulker's soft sands & soft reggae sounds can only be topped by its outstanding World Heritage Barrier Reef & mangrove kayaking opportunities. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Sunset sailing

SAN JOSÉ (1 night)

25

Quepos

19 28

DAY 20 - 21 Arenal Rappelling through a rainforest canyon is the perfect way to experience this impressive Costa Rican region. Not keen? How about taking advantage of the Arenal's geothermal properties with a visit to the hot springs? This afternoon we'll learn the A-Z of chocolate making, an export Costa Rica is famous for. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Hot springs visit F Canyoneering (waterfall rappelling)

26

DAY 22 - 23 Playa Tamarindo MANUEL ANTONIO (2 nights) Manuel Antonio N.P. Leaving Arenal towering behind us we'll move on to sandy pastures, namely Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica's prime surfing & party hub.

With two days here we've got plenty to keep you entertained (like the sound of surfing or a catamaran cruise?), or you could do you own Places visited thing in this ocean paradise, well 1 Itinerary Day known for it's awesome restaurants 1 Special Stopover & underwater worlds. Hotel (B,D)(B) Coach, mini-coach or van F Surfing F Catamaran cruise Plane

END

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

CODE: PVSJ

START PUERTO VALLARTA & FINISH SAN JOSE

TRAVELLING BETWEEN 17 SEP 2018 & 11 FEB 2019? THE BELOW TRIPS (PVSJ 2018) FEATURE A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED ITINERARY. SEE BELOW FOR START & END TIMES & VISIT CONTIKI.COM/COAST-CANOPIES FOR FULL DETAILS.

R91079 Start End Sep 17 ✱ Oct 18 Oct 15 ✱ Nov 15 Nov 12 ✱ Dec 13

Start End Dec 3 ✱● Jan 3 Dec 17 ✱■ Jan 17

R81059 Start 2019 Jan 14 Feb 11

End

Feb 14 Mar 14

R76425 Start Mar 11 Apr 15 May20

End Apr 7 May12 Jun 16

Start Jun 24 Jul 29 Sep 16

End Jul 21 Aug 25 Oct 13

Start End Oct 14 Nov 10 Dec 2 ▲ Dec 29 Dec 16 ◆ Jan 12

Start 2020 Jan 13 Feb 10

End

Feb 9 Mar 8

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same-sex roommate at no extra charge. ✱ Single room supplement add R30889. Single room supplement add R22355. Start Puerto Vallarta 7:00am & end San Jose 4:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in Arenal & NYE in Manuel Antonio. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Cancun & NYE in Caye Caulker. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Monteverde. ◆ Trip spends Xmas in Cancun & NYE Flores. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer. Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): Departure fee Mexico: US$ 26.00, Port Fee San Pedro US$ 1.25, Departure tax Belize: US$ 20.00, Entry Fee Guatemala:US$ 3.00.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

47

PLAYAS OF PARADISE 22 DAYS

|

4 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R61999 *

|

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

R2819 *PP/PD

COSTA RICAN RAINFOREST, BELIZE'S REEF & MEXICO CITY = PARADISE.

#PLAYASPARADISE

MEXICO CITY MEXICO

MACAQUE MEXICO

48 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

CACAO BEANS COSTA RICA

SRFING PLAYA TAMARINDO

CONTIKI.COM/PLAYAS-PARADISE

COFFEE COSTA RICA

PLAYA DEL CARMEN MEXICO

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 31

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

21 nights in twin-share hotels

21 breakfasts (B), 10 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations, 3 internal flights & transfers

F Day trip to Cozumel F Catamaran trip in Tamarindo F Cayoneering (waterfall rappelling)

DISCOVERER

21

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Experience the Belize Barrier Reef

• See the incredible Arenal volcano

• Costa Rican coffee making tour DAY 2 Merida Slowing it down after the thrill of Mexico City, you'll have a walking tour of Merida's sights, fuelled by the delicacies of the local Yucatan cuisine. A meander through the markets will give you an opportunity to stock up on souvenirs. Hotel (B)

START

DAY 3 - 5 Cancun Feeling refreshed from a dip in the cenotes, you'll arrive in Cancun.

Partying, snorkelling & beach fun are all on the cards during your time in this thrill seekers paradise. A day trip to see Mayan ruins & island hopping will take you further afield. Hotel (B)(B,D)(B) F Snorkelling & zipline adventure

DAY 6 - 7 Playa del Carmen Fully loving life on the Mayan Riviera, Playa Del Carmen will steal our hearts with her golden sands & chic atmosphere. Wanna see even more whilst you're here? Jump on board our day trip to the island of Cozumel.

Hotel (B,D)(B) F Day trip to Cozumel F Snorkelling

DAY 8 - 9 Caye Caulker Belize, we're already in love. From one paradise to another, Caye Caulker's soft sands & soft reggae sounds can only be topped by its outstanding World Heritage Barrier Reef & mangrove kayaking opportunities. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Sunset sailing

DAY 10 Tikal National Park Oh hello Guatemalan jungle lodge, we could just spend our time here enjoying the sounds of the jungle, but we won't. Why? Cos' we've got a whole load of adventures to get through, rainforest ziplining, ruin exploring & a sunrise tour of the Mayan ruin Templo IV all included.

(B,D)

7AM MEXICO CITY

DAY 1 Mexico City Welcome to Mexico City! Aztec temples, the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, tacos, & a local guide awaits. Later, it’s back to Mexico City for some down time before heading out for a night on the town. Hotel (D)

MERIDA

3 CANCUN (3 nights)

(1 night) 2

6 PLAYA DEL

CARMEN (2 nights)

START

MEXICO CITY 1

DAY 11 - 12 Antigua Known for its Spanish colonial architecture, Antigua is a pastel coloured diamond in the rough living in the shadows of three sizeable volcanoes. We'll get our first taste of the city on a guided tour then it's over to you with a free day to hike a volcano, ride mountain bikes or shop for local textiles. Hotel (B)(B,D)

(1 night)

8 CAYE

TIKAL NATIONAL PARK 10

MEXICO

CAULKER

Belize City

(1 night)

(2 nights)

DAY 13 Antigua to San José Goodbye Guatemala & hello Costa Rica, our next latin conquest. Our included flight will zip us to the land of coffees, sloths & biodiversity. Hotel (B,D)

BELIZE Santa Elena

END

4PM SAN JOSE

DAY 20 - 21 Manuel Antonio Oceanside Manuel Antonio is a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, crisp sandy beaches & coral reefs.

Hike through the mountains with an expert spotting macaws, toucans & sloths, or jump on horseback for a ride to the Tacori Waterfalls during your time here. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Horseback riding

DAY 22 San José After a final adventure op in Manuel GUATEMALA Antonio (ATV riding what's up!), we'll make our way back to San Jose 11 ANTIGUA/ where our trip will come to a close. GUATEMALA CITY And jeez, what an adventure it's (2 nights) been, right? (B) F ATV riding

DAY 18 - 19 Monteverde Goodbye beach life & hello misty cloud forest. Monteverde is a wildlife hotspot known for its coffee plantations, countless monkey species & gorgeous vegetation. Here, we'll get schooled in coffee, visit a butterfly sanctuary, walk the hanging bridges of Selvatura Park & maybe even brave the 1km long zipline.

Hotel (B)(B) F Ziplining F Selvatura Park

DAY 16 - 17 Playa Tamarindo Leaving Arenal towering behind us we'll move on to sandy pastures, namely Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica's prime surfing & party hub.

With two days here we've got plenty to keep you entertained (like the sound of surfing or a catamaran cruise?), or you could do you own thing in this ocean paradise, well known for it's awesome restaurants & underwater worlds. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Surfing F Catamaran cruise

HONDURAS

NICARAGUA

DAY 14 - 15 Arenal Rappelling through a rainforest canyon is the perfect way to experience this impressive Costa Rican region. Not keen? How about taking advantage of the Arenal's geothermal properties with a visit to the hot springs? This afternoon we'll learn the A-Z of chocolate making, an export Costa Rica is famous for. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Hot springs visit F Canyoneering (waterfall rappelling)

FLIGHT TO

ARENAL (2 nights) PLAYA TAMARINDO 14

SAN JOSÉ

(2 nights) 16

MONTEVERDE (2 nights)

1 1

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane

18

Quepos

SAN JOSÉ

(1 night) 13 22

END

20 COSTA RICA

MANUEL ANTONIO

Manuel Antonio N.P.

(2 nights)

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

CODE: PLAY

START MEXICO CITY & FINISH SAN JOSE

TRAVELLING BETWEEN 23 SEP 2018 & 17 FEB 2019? THE BELOW TRIPS (PLAY 2018) FEATURE A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED ITINERARY. SEE BELOW FOR START & END TIMES & VISIT CONTIKI.COM/PLAYAS-PARADISE FOR FULL DETAILS.

R75389 Start End Sep 23 ✱ Oct 18 Oct 21 ✱ Nov 15 Nov 18 ✱ Dec 13

Start End Dec 9 ✱● Jan 3 Dec 23 ✱■ Jan 17

R67095 Start End 2019 Jan 20 ✱ Feb 14 Feb 17 ✱ Mar 14

R61999 Start Mar 17 Apr 21 May26

End Apr 7 May12 Jun 16

Start Jun 30 Aug 4 Sep 22

End Jul 21 Aug 25 Oct 13

Start End Oct 20 Nov 10 Dec 8 ▲ Dec 29 Dec 22 ◆ Jan 12

Start 2020 Jan 19 Feb 16

End

Feb 9 Mar 8

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. ✱ Single room supplement add R25435. Single room supplement add R17295. Start Mexico City 7:00am & end San José approx. 4:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in Arenal & NYE in Manuel Antonio. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Cancun & NYE in Caye Caulker. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Monteverde. ◆ Trip spends Xmas in Cancun & NYE in Tikal. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer. Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): Departure fee Mexico: US$ 26.00, Port Fee San Pedro US$ 1.25, Departure tax Belize: US$ 20.00, Entry Fee Guatemala: US$ 3.00.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

49

TROPICAL TRAILS 19 DAYS

|

4 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R49825 *

|

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

FROM

R2623 *PP/PD

THINK WILDLIFE, JUNGLES, RAINFOREST & 19 DAYS OF ADVENTURE. YOU IN?

#TROPICALTRAILS

CAYE CAULKER BELIZE

PLAYA DEL CARMEN MEXICO

50 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

BELIZE

PLAYA TAMARINDO COSTA RICA

CONTIKI.COM/TROPICAL-TRAILS

TIKAL NATIONAL PARK

COSTA RICA RAINFOREST

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 27

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

18 nights in twin-share hotels

18 breakfasts (B), 9 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations, 2 internal flights & transfers

F Kayak the crystalline Caribbean F Hot springs dip F Selvatura Park ziplining

START

DISCOVERER

18

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• See the Belize Barrier Reef • Locally guided tour of a cacao plantation

• Coffee estate tour

8AM CANCUN

DAY 1 - 2 Cancun Meet your Contiki Team, then make this city your playground & start out with a day free to explore everything from swimming the clear blue waters to sitting back with a beer or shopping, the choices to take in this beach haven are endless.

Hotel (D)(B) F Snorkelling & zipline adventure

DAY 3 - 4 Playa del Carmen Fully loving life on the Mayan Riviera, Playa Del Carmen will steal our hearts with her golden sands & chic atmosphere. Wanna see even more whilst you're here? Jump on board our day trip to the island of Cozumel.

Hotel (B)(B,D) F Day trip to Cozumel F Snorkelling

TIKAL NATIONAL PARK

1 CANCUN (2 nights) 3 PLAYA DEL

CARMEN (2 nights)

Belize City

7

(1 night)

MEXICO

START

5

DAY 7 Tikal National Park Oh hello Guatemalan jungle lodge, we could just spend our time here enjoying the sounds of the jungle, but we won't. Why? Cos' we've got a whole load of adventures to get through, rainforest ziplining, ruin exploring & a sunrise tour of the Mayan ruin Templo IV all included.

(B,D)

CAYE CAULKER (2 nights)

BELIZE

DAY 5 - 6 Caye Caulker Belize, we're already in love. From one paradise to another, Caye Caulker's soft sands & soft reggae sounds can only be topped by its outstanding World Heritage Barrier Reef & mangrove kayaking opportunities. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Sunset sailing

Santa Elena

DAY 8 - 9 Antigua Known for its Spanish colonial architecture, Antigua is a pastel coloured diamond in the rough living in the shadows of three sizeable volcanoes. We'll get our first taste of the city on a guided tour then it's over to you with a free day to hike a volcano, ride mountain bikes or shop for local textiles. Hotel (B)(B,D)

GUATEMALA

ANTIGUA/ GUATEMALA CITY 8

HONDURAS

(2 nights)

END DAY 17 - 18 Manuel Antonio Oceanside Manuel Antonio is a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, crisp sandy beaches & coral reefs.

Hike through the mountains with an expert spotting macaws, toucans & sloths, or jump on horseback for a ride to the Tacori Waterfalls during your time here. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Horse riding

4PM SAN JOSE

DAY 19 San José After a final adventure op in Manuel Antonio (ATV riding what's up!), we'll make our way back to San Jose where our trip will come to a close. And jeez, what an adventure it's been, right? (B) F ATV riding

NICARAGUA

PLAYA TAMARINDO

FLIGHT TO SAN JOSE

ARENAL (2 nights) 11

(2 nights) 13

15

SAN JOSÉ

(1 night) 10 19

DAY 11 - 12 Arenal Rappelling through a rainforest canyon will be the perfect wake up (2 nights) Quepos 17 call this morning. Not keen? How MANUEL Manuel Antonio N.P. about taking advantage of the ANTONIO COSTA RICA regions geothermal properties with a (2 nights) visit to the hot springs? This afternoon we'll learn the A-Z of chocolate making, an export Costa Rica is famous for. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Canyoneering (waterfall rappelling) Places visited F Hot springs visit 1 Itinerary Day

MONTEVERDE

DAY 15 - 16 Monteverde Goodbye beach life & hello misty cloud forest. Monteverde is a wildlife hotspot known for its coffee plantations, countless monkey species & gorgeous vegetation. Here, we'll get schooled in coffee, opt to visit a butterfly sanctuary, walk the hanging bridges of Selvatura Park & maybe even brave the 1km long zipline. Hotel (B)(B) F Ziplining F Selvatura Park

DAY 10 Antigua to San José Goodbye Guatemala & hello Costa Rica, our next latin conquest. Our included flight will zip us to the land of coffees, sloths & biodiversity, & we'll jump straight into the swing of Costa Rican life with a visit to San Jose's Mercado Central. Hotel (B,D)

EL SALVADOR

DAY 13 - 14 Playa Tamarindo Today we head to the Pacific coast to spend a couple of days in Playa Tamarindo, known for its great surfing beaches & party feel. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Surfing F Catamaran trip

1

END

Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

CODE: CASJ

START CANCUN & FINISH SAN JOSE

TRAVELLING BETWEEN 26 SEP 2018 & 20 FEB 2019? THE BELOW TRIPS (CASJ 2018) FEATURE A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED ITINERARY. SEE BELOW FOR START & END TIMES & VISIT CONTIKI.COM/TROPICAL-TRAILS FOR FULL DETAILS.

R61359 Start End Sep 26 ✱ Oct 18 Oct 24 ✱ Nov 15 Nov 21 ✱ Dec 13

Start End Dec 12 ✱● Jan 3 Dec 26 ✱■ Jan 17

R54610 Start End 2019 Jan 23 ✱ Feb 14 Feb 20 ✱ Mar 14

R49825 Start Mar 20 Apr 24 May29

End Apr 7 May12 Jun 16

Start Jul 3 Aug 7 Sep 25

End Jul 21 Aug 25 Oct 13

Start End Oct 23 Nov 10 Dec 11 ▲ Dec 29 Dec 25 ◆ Jan 12

Start 2020 Jan 22 Feb 19

End

Feb 9 Mar 8

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. ✱ Single room supplement add R20475. Single room supplement add R12689. Start Cancun 8:00am & end San Jose 4:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in Arenal & NYE in Manuel Antonio. ■ Trip spends NYE in Caye Caulker. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Monteverde. ◆ Trip spends Xmas in Cancun & NYE in Tikal. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer. Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): Departure fee Mexico: US$ 26.00, Port Fee San Pedro US$ 1.25, Departure tax Belize: US$ 20.00, Entry Fee Guatemala:US$ 3.00. Note: This trip is part of a bigger picture - our 28 days coast to Canopies trip. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a group of other travellers who have been travelling on this trip. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

51

SOL SEEKER 13 DAYS

|

3 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R35149 *

|

FROM

R2704 *PP/PD

3 BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES, BRIMMING WITH WHITE SAND, RAINFORESTS & CULTURE.

#SOLSEEKER

CHICHEN ITZA MEXICO

A really awesome taste of 3 countries, fit into a decent time frame. Interesting experiences & definitely worth it for a once in a lifetime trip.

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @KATE_E_G89

52 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@I_AM_SICKERS

CONTIKI.COM/SOL-SEEKER

@KATE_E_G89

Rachel Soysa

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 18

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

12 nights in twin-share hotels

12 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations, 2 internal flights & transfers

F Kayak the crystalline Caribbean

DISCOVERER

12

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Teotihuacan pyramids tour • Visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza

• Visit Tikal National Park

START

7AM MEXICO CITY

DAY 1 Mexico City Welcome to Mexico City! Aztec temples, the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, tacos, & a local guide awaits. Later, it’s back to Mexico City for some down time before heading out for a night on the town. Hotel (D)

DAY 2 Merida Slowing it down after the thrill of Mexico City, you'll have a walking tour of Merida's sights, fuelled by the delicacies of the local Yucatan cuisine. A meander through the markets will give you an opportunity to stock up on souvenirs. Hotel (B)

DAY 3 - 5 Cancun Feeling refreshed from a dip in the cenotes, you'll arrive in Cancun.

Partying, snorkelling & beach fun are all on the cards during your time in this thrill seekers paradise. A day trip to see Mayan ruins & island hopping will take you further afield. Hotel (B)(B,D)(B) F Snorkelling & zipline adventure

CANCUN

MERIDA

(3 nights)

(1 night)

3

2

PLAYA DEL 6 CARMEN (2 nights)

MEXICO CITY 1

(1 night)

Belize City

START

MEXICO

TIKAL NATIONAL PARK 10 (1 night)

BELIZE

8 CAYE

CAULKER (2 nights)

DAY 6 - 7 Playa del Carmen Fully loving life on the Mayan Riviera, Playa Del Carmen will steal our hearts with her golden sands & chic atmosphere. Wanna see even more whilst you're here? Jump on board our day trip to the island of Cozumel.

Hotel (B)(B,D) F Day trip to Cozumel F Snorkelling

Santa Elena

END

END

DAY 8 - 9 Caye Caulker Belize, we're already in love. From one paradise to another, Caye Caulker's soft sands & soft reggae sounds can only be topped by its outstanding World Heritage Barrier Reef & mangrove kayaking opportunities. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Sunset sailing

GUATEMALA

ANTIGUA/ GUATEMALA CITY 11 13 (2 nights)

11AM ANTIGUA

DAY 13 Antigua Wrapping up our trip today, we'll be leaving with nothing but happy memories & killer tans. (B)

DAY 11 - 12 Antigua Known for its Spanish colonial architecture, Antigua is a pastel coloured diamond in the rough living in the shadows of three sizeable volcanoes. We'll get our first taste of the city on a guided tour then it's over to you with a free day to hike a volcano, ride mountain bikes or shop for local textiles. Hotel (B)(B,D)

DAY 10 Tikal National Park Oh hello Guatemalan jungle lodge, we could just spend our time here enjoying the sounds of the jungle, but we won't. Why? Cos' we've got a whole load of adventures to get through, rainforest ziplining, ruin exploring & a sunrise tour of the Mayan ruin Templo IV all included.

(B,D)

1 1

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R38119 Start Sep 23 Oct 21 Nov 18

CODE: MCAN

End Oct 5 Nov 2 Nov 30

START MEXICO CITY & FINISH ANTIGUA

Start End Dec 9 Dec 21 Dec 23 ● Jan 4

R35149 Start 2019 Jan 20 Feb 17

End

Feb 1 Mar 1

Start Mar 17 Apr 21 May26

End Mar 29 May3 Jun 7

Start Jun 30 Aug 4 Aug 25

End Jul 12 Aug 16 Sep 6

Start Sep 22 Oct 20 Nov 17

End Oct 4 Nov 1 Nov 29

Start End Dec 8 Dec 20 Dec 22 ■ Jan 3

Start 2020 Jan 19 Feb 16

End

Jan 31 Feb 28

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R12655. Start Mexico City 7:00am & end Antigua 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Cancun & NYE in Caye Caulker. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Cancun & NYE in Tikal. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): Departure fee Mexico: US$ 26.00, Port Fee San Pedro US$ 1.25, Departure tax Belize: US$ 20.00, Entry Fee Guatemala: US$ 3.00. Note: This trip is part of a bigger picture - our 19 day Latin Legends trip. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a group of other travellers who have been travelling on this trip. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

53

CARIBBEAN ENCOUNTER 10 DAYS

|

3 COUNTRIES

|

FROM

R24929 *

|

FROM

R2493 *PP/PD

10 DAYS OF SUN, SIGHTS & A WHOLE LOAD OF CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE

#CARIBBEANENCOUNTER

CAYE CAULKER BELIZE

I loved all of the destinations we travelled to. DeямБnitely try the snorkeling in Belize, ziplining in Guatemala, & chocolate making class. I would recommend this to someone on a budget but who wanted to see a ton!

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @ERINKAIULANIPARKER

54 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@TPERSAUD91

CONTIKI.COM/CARIBBEAN-ENCOUNTER

@ERINKAIULANIPARKER

Kaitlin Krueger

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 14

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

9 nights in twin-share hotels

9 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations, 1 internal flight & transfer

F Kayak the crystalline Caribbean

START

DISCOVERER

9

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• See the Belize Barrier Reef • Locally guided tour of Tikal National Park

8AM CANCUN

DAY 1 - 2 Cancun Meet your Contiki Team, then make this city your playground & start out with a day free to explore everything from swimming the clear blue waters to sitting back with a beer or shopping, the choices to take in this beach haven are endless. Hotel (D)(B) F Snorkelling & zipline adventure

CANCUN (2 nights)

DAY 3 - 4 Playa del Carmen Fully loving life on the Mayan Riviera, Playa Del Carmen will steal our hearts with her golden sands & chic atmosphere. Wanna see even more whilst you're here? Jump on board our day trip to the island of Cozumel.

Hotel (B)(B,D) F Day trip to Cozumel F Snorkelling

START

1 3 PLAYA DEL

CARMEN (2 nights)

GULF OF MEXICO DAY 5 - 6 Caye Caulker Belize, we're already in love. From one paradise to another, Caye Caulker's soft sands & soft reggae sounds can only be topped by its outstanding World Heritage Barrier Reef & mangrove kayaking opportunities. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Sunset sailing

MEXICO

Belize City

TIKAL NATIONAL PARK 7 END

(1 night) Santa Elena

11AM ANTIGUA

DAY 10 Antigua Wrapping up our trip today, we'll be leaving with nothing but happy memories & killer tans. (B)

BELIZE

CAYE

5 CAULKER (2 nights)

GUATEMALA END

10 8 ANTIGUA/

GUATEMALA CITY (2 nights)

DAY 8 - 9 Antigua Known for its Spanish colonial architecture, Antigua is a pastel coloured diamond in the rough living in the shadows of three sizeable volcanoes. We'll get our first taste of the city on a guided tour then it's over to you with a free day to hike a volcano, ride mountain bikes or shop for local textiles. Hotel (B)(B,D)

1 1

DAY 7 Tikal National Park Oh hello Guatemalan jungle lodge, we could just spend our time here enjoying the sounds of the jungle, but we won't. Why? Cos' we've got a whole load of adventures to get through, rainforest ziplining, ruin exploring & a sunrise tour of the Mayan ruin Templo IV all included.

(B,D)

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R27289 Start Aug 29 Sep 26 Oct 24

CODE: CAAN

End Sep 7 Oct 5 Nov 2

START CANCUN & FINISH ANTIGUA

Start End Nov 21 Nov 30 Dec 12 Dec 21 Dec 26 ● Jan 4

R24929 Start 2019 Jan 23 Feb 20

End

Feb 1 Mar 1

Start Mar 20 Apr 24 May29

End Mar 29 May3 Jun 7

Start Jul 3 Aug 7 Aug 28

End Jul 12 Aug 16 Sep 6

Start Sep 25 Oct 23 Nov 20

End Oct 4 Nov 1 Nov 29

Start End Dec 11 Dec 20 Dec 25 ■ Jan 3

Start 2020 Jan 22 Feb 19

End

Jan 31 Feb 28

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R8395. Start Cancun 8:00am & end Antigua approx. 11:00am. ● Trip spends NYE in Caye Caulker. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Cancun & NYE in Tikal. Important: the following border crossing fees are not included in the trip price. You will need to pay them locally (approx.): departing Mexico US$26.00, Port fee San Pedro US$1.25, departure tax Belize (by ferry) US$20.00, Entry fee Guatemala US$3.00. Note: This trip is part of a bigger picture - our 22 day Playas of Paradise trip. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a group of other travellers who have been travelling on this trip. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

55

In-Depth Explorer LIVE LOCAL

Latin America’s a whole lotta continent. It’s so big in fact that sometimes in fact you just want to take your time getting to know one particular region or country - maybe you just want to explore the jungles and beaches of Costa Rica, or take your time trekking in Peru. So that’s exactly what In-Depth Explorer offers; the chance to take your time, spend longer in certain places, and really get a feel for what it means to live like a local in a part of Latin America.

ARE YOU AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORER TRAVELLER? • •

Do you want to get to know a part of Latin America in detail?

Do you consider yourself part foodie, part historian, part culture aficionado and all parts explorer?

• •

Are you keen to take your time to explore?

Are you ready to learn from our seriously clued up Trip Managers and Local Guides?

14 TRIPS FROM 6 - 14 DAYS FROM R1497P/D Head to contiki.com/deals for all out latest promotions CONTIKI.COM/IN-DEPTH-EXPLORER-LATIN-AMERICA

56 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

11 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R20789 *

|

FROM

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

INCA PANORAMA R1890 *PP/PD

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE INCAS WITH A TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

SACRED VALLEY PERU

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W 10

14

NIGHTS 10 nights in twin-share hotels INCLUDED MEALS 10 breakfasts (B), 1 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D) Trekking option: 10 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)

DAY 10 Cusco Ever dreamt of watching the first rays of the day creep over Machu Picchu, surrounded by a group of new friends? Today will make that dream a reality. Soak in the moment, then explore the Incan city, Temple of Three Windows, ceremonial baths & alter together with a Local Guide. The next day (and likely still buzzing) is free for you to explore Cusco your way. Hotel (B) F Rafting

LIMA END

ESSENTIALS 1 internal flight & transfers See p.78 for more info on our essentials.

FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Look for the F symbol in the itinerary & visit contiki.com NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Entry to the Temple of Wiracocha • Walking tour of Cusco

DAY 9 Inca Trail Trek DAY 9 Aguas Calientes Take a train to KM 104 & trek amongst Opt to spend the day in Aguas the cloud forest to the Sun Gate & Calientes, a town dwarfed by nature Guardian House where you'll find & ancient ruins at every turn, or take incredible views of this magnificent a 1 day trek along the Inca trail to the ancient site before returning to Aguas Sun Gate & experience the Calientes. Hotel (B,L) magnificence of Machu Picchu all for • Train ride to KM 104 yourself - you won't regret it.

• Tour Machu Picchu with our Hotel (B) Local Guide AGUAS CALIENTES • Return train ride from Machu Picchu (1 night) 9 See p.30-31 for more info.

Code: LICUTHotel INCA TRAIL (1 night)

11AM CUSCO

Ollantaytambo

8 SACRED VALLEY

PERU

1 START

DAY 11 Cusco It's time to say farewell to your new buddies & life in the Incan Empire as your trip ends after breakfast. (B)

(2 nights)

CUSCO 6 10 11 (2 nights)

Chivay

COLCA CANYON 3 START

(1 night)

8AM LIMA

END

PUNO/ 4 LAKE TITICACA (2 nights)

DAY 1 Lima Meet your fellow adventures in Lima, the capital of Peru. Here we'll spend the morning uncovering the city's sights, & then the afternoon is all yours to explore the colonial center, bustling metropolis & 43 diverse districts. Hotel (D)

DAY 2 Arequipa This morning we'll jump on a plane bound for the white city of Arequipa, excited to uncover the city's UNESCO World Heritage listed architecture, grand cathedrals & baroque buildings, all framed by 3 magnificent volcanoes. Hotel (B)

2 AREQUIPA (1 night)

1

Places visited Itinerary Day Coach, mini-coach or van Plane

DAY 8 Sacred Valley Today we'll venture into the Sacred Valley, the heart of the Inca Empire, where we'll take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins, try some local chicha de jora & spend the night in one of Peru's oldest towns, Ollantaytambo. Hotel (B) DAY 6 - 7 Cusco Ending the Puno passage, we'll visit Pukara & its ancient ruins before heading on to Cusco, to see the Temple of Wiracocha & explore Incan buildings & local foods on a guided tour. Hotel (B)(B,D) DAY 4 - 5 Puno Keeping an eye to the skies will be our #1 priority this morning as we try to catch a glimpse of the mighty Andean condor, who calls Colca Canyon home. Rolling on over the Andes, we'll make our way to Puno & the shores of Lake Titicaca, where we'll hop straight onto a cruise bound for the island of Taquile & the floating Uros Islands. Hotel (B)(B) DAY 3 Colca Canyon Today we'll take a scenic drive through some jaw-dropping destinations as we make our way to Colca Canyon. See the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, El Misti, Chachani y Pichu Pichu volcanoes & some very cute wild vicuñas. Hotel (B,L,D)

HOW MUCH & WHEN

R23945 A R26665 B Start Aug 24 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 21

CODE: LICU

End Sep 3 Sep 11 Sep 18 Oct 1

START LIMA & FINISH CUSCO

Start Oct 6 Oct 19 Oct 27 Nov 3

End Oct 16 Oct 29 Nov 6 Nov 13

Start Nov 16 Nov 24 Dec 14 Dec 22 ●

A = TRIP ONLY B = TRIP PLUS INCA TRAIL

End Nov 26 Dec 4 Dec 24 Jan 1

R20789 A R23509 B Start End 2019 Jan 18 Jan 28 Jan 26 ■ Feb 5 Feb 1 ■ Feb 11

Start Feb 16 ■ Apr 17 May15 Jun 12

End Feb 26 Apr 27 May25 Jun 22

Start Jul 10 Aug 7 Sep 4 Oct 2

End Jul 20 Aug 17 Sep 14 Oct 12

Start Nov 27 2020 Jan 15 Feb 26

End Dec 7

Jan 25 Mar 7

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R4870. Start Lima 8:00am & end Cusco 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Puno & NYE in Cusco.

■ Inca Trail Trek is not available on these departure dates. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance.

CONTIKI.COM/INCA-PANORAMA

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

57

#INCAPANORAMA

2018/19/20

PERU UNCOVERED 14 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R31275 *

|

FROM

R2234 *PP/PD

A PISCO SOUR INFUSED OVERVIEW OF PERU, FEATURING JUNGLES & FLOATING ISLANDS

#PERUUNCOVERED

LAKE TITICACA PERU

An excellent dive into the Peruvian culture & the many subcultures this wondrous country has to offer. Each city you visit becomes a unique experience as you travel from the mountains to the jungles.

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @NSTIRLING

58 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@MAYRITAEC

CONTIKI.COM/PERU-UNCOVERED

@KANDRUSI

Roberto Amaya

TOP EXPERIENCES

13

21

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

13 nights in twin-share hotels

13 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) Trekking option: 13 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, 3 internal flights & transfers

F Whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River F Rainbow Mountain hike

DAY 2 Arequipa This morning we'll jump on a plane bound for the white city of Arequipa, excited to uncover the city's UNESCO World Heritage listed architecture, grand cathedrals & baroque buildings, all framed by 3 magnificent volcanoes. Hotel (B)

DAY 3 Colca Canyon Today we'll take a scenic drive through some jaw-dropping destinations as we make our way to Colca Canyon. See the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, El Misti, Chachani y Pichu Pichu volcanoes & some very cute wild vicuñas. Hotel (B,L,D)

START

8AM LIMA

DAY 1 Lima Meet your fellow adventures in Lima, the capital of Peru. Here we'll spend the morning uncovering the city's sights, & then the afternoon is all yours to explore the colonial centre, bustling metropolis & 43 diverse districts. Hotel (D)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Entry to the Temple of Wiracocha

• Walking tour of Cusco & entry to the Temple of Koricancha

DAY 4 - 5 Puno Keeping an eye to the skies will be our #1 priority this morning as we try to catch a glimpse of the mighty Andean condor, who calls Colca Canyon home. Rolling on over the Andes, we'll make our way to Puno & the shores of Lake Titicaca, where we'll hop straight onto a cruise bound for the island of Taquile & the floating Uros Islands. Hotel (B)(B)

(Machu Picchu) (1 night) 9 INCA TRAIL Ollantaytambo

12

AMAZON LODGE (1 night)

13 PUERTO MALDONADO

SACRED VALLEY 8

DAY 9 Aguas Calientes Opt to spend the day in Aguas Calientes, a town dwarfed by nature & ancient ruins at every turn, or take a 1 day trek along the Inca trail to the Sun Gate & experience the magnificence of Machu Picchu all for yourself - you won't regret it.

Hotel (B)

(1 night)

(1 night)

6 10 CUSCO

PERU

START END

(4 nights)

DAY 6 - 7 Cusco Ending the Puno passage, we'll visit Pukara & its ancient ruins before heading on to Cusco, to see the Temple of Wiracocha & explore Incan buildings & local foods on a guided tour. Hotel (B)(B,D)

DAY 8 Sacred Valley Today we'll venture into the Sacred Valley, the heart of the Inca Empire, where we'll take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins, try some local chicha de jora & spend the night in one of Peru's oldest towns, Ollantaytambo.

Hotel (B)

AGUAS CALIENTES

LIMA 14 1 (1 night)

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Chivay

COLCA CANYON 3 (1 night)

4 PUNO/ LAKE TITICACA (2 nights)

2 AREQUIPA (1 night)

END

5PM LIMA

DAY 14 Lima After 14 days, it's time to say farewell to your new Contiki family & two weeks full of history, adventures & adrenaline filled activities. Adios amigos! (B) Please note: Do not book flights before 9:00pm.

1 1

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane, train or canoe

DAY 13 Puerto Maldonado Despite our fast acclimatisation to jungle living we'll head back to Puerto Maldonado today, making base for the night before heading back to Lima. Hotel (B,L,D)

DAY 12 Jungle Lodge It's “adios” to the Andes & onto jungle life. We'll take a flight from Cusco, excited for the colourful local markets of Puerto Maldonado that await us. Shopping & street food tasting done, it's off to our jungle lodge Special Stay for some serious wildlife immersion, not to mention a jungle catamaran cruise.

(B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge F Canopy climbing experience F Kayaking trip on the Tambopata River

DAY 10 - 11 Cusco Ever dreamt of watching the first rays of the day creep over Machu Picchu, surrounded by a group of new friends? Today will make that dream a reality. Soak in the moment, then explore the Incan city, Temple of Three Windows, ceremonial baths & alter together with a Local Guide. The next day (and likely still buzzing) is free for you to explore Cusco your way. Hotel (B)(B) F Rafting

Start May19 May26 Jun 9 Jun 16 Jun 23 Jul 14

Start Oct 13 Nov 3 Nov 10 Dec 1 Dec 22 ▲ Dec 29 ◆

DAY 9 Inca Trail Trek Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the Trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to KM 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest 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 KM 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our Local Guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.30-31 for more info.

Code: LILIT Hotel

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R35775 A R38495 B Start Aug 24 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 21 Oct 6 Oct 19

CODE: LILI

End Sep 6 Sep 14 Sep 21 Oct 4 Oct 19 Nov 1

START LIMA & FINISH LIMA

Start Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 16 Nov 24 Dec 14 ● Dec 22 ▲

End Nov 9 Nov 16 Nov 29 Dec 7 Dec 27 Jan 4

A = TRIP ONLY B = TRIP PLUS INCA TRAIL

R31275 A R33995 B Start 2019 Jan 18 Jan 26 ■ Feb 1 ■ Feb 16 ■

End

Jan 31 Feb 8 Feb 14 Mar 1

Start Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 17 Mar 24 Apr 21 Apr 28

End Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 30 Apr 6 May4 May11

End Jun 1 Jun 8 Jun 22 Jun 29 Jul 6 Jul 27

Start Jul 21 Aug 11 Aug 18 Sep 8 Sep 15 Oct 6

End Aug 3 Aug 24 Aug 31 Sep 21 Sep 28 Oct 19

End Oct 26 Nov 16 Nov 23 Dec 14 Jan 4 Jan 11

Start 2020 Jan 5 Jan 19 Jan 26 ■ Feb 2 ■ Mar 1

End

Start Mar 8

End Mar 21

Jan 18 Feb 1 Feb 8 Feb 15 Mar 14

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R5279. Start Lima 8:00am & end Lima approx. 5:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in the Amazon.

■ Inca Trail Trek is not available on these departure dates. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Puno & NYE in Cusco. ◆ Trip spends NYE in Colca Canyon. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

59

ULTIMATE INCA TRAIL 8 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R19065 *

|

FROM

R2384 *PP/PD

AN EPIC EXPEDITION OF BREATHTAKING VIEWS & UNBELIEVABLE SCENERY

#ULTIMATEINCA

SACRED VALLEY PERU

This trip was literally the best experience of my life.

Challenging, beautiful, intense, soul redeямБning.

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @KRISTYNPRATT

60 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@PAISLEY_MARK

CONTIKI.COM/ULTIMATE-INCA

@TANIA3263

Michelle Riccetto

TOP EXPERIENCES

7

14

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

4 nights in twin-share hotels & 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail

7 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major areas, Local taxes & service charges

F Whitewater Rafting

START

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Walking tour of Cusco & entry to Koricancha & San Pedro market • Entry into the Sacred Valley & a guided tour of the Pisac ruins & Ollantaytambo

1PM CUSCO

END DAY 1 Cusco Meet your fellow Inca Trail hikers in the ancient city of Cusco. We'll spend the afternoon on a city walking tour followed by a free time to explore Cusco your way. With artisan shops, colonial architecture, delicious local cuisine & adrenaline filled activities all at your fingertips, you'll be spoilt for choice. Hotel (D)

1PM CUSCO

DAY 8 Cusco It's time to say adios to your travel buddies as your trips ends after breakfast. Haven't seen enough?

Why not jump on our Bolivian Magic trip? (B) Machu Picchu

PERU

INCA 3 TRAIL

DAY 2 Sacred Valley Today we'll venture into the Sacred Valley, the heart of the Incan Empire, where we'll take a guided tour around the Spanish colonial villages of Pisac & Ollantaytambo, each one boasting Incan ruins that will give you a taste of what's to come in the days ahead. Rest up tonight, as tomorrow the adventure really begins. Hotel (B)

Ollantaytambo

(3 nights)

2 SACRED VALLEY

CUSCO 1 7 8 (3 nights) START END

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

DAY 3 - 6 Inca Trail Grab your backpacks & get ready to commence your climb & 3-night camping expedition along the ancient trail of the Incas. Passing thick forests, waterfalls & wildlife on route, we'll spend our first night at Wayllabamba (9,500ft), our second at Pacamayo (11,800ft) & our third at Wiñay Wayna (9,100ft). Will it be tough going at times? A little. Will it be worth it when you finally reach the Sun Gate & clap eyes on Machu Picchu for the very first time?

Absolutely. Campsite-Hotel (B,L,D)(B,L,D)(B,L,D)(B)

1

(1 night)

DAY 7 Cusco How good does that bed feel right now? Heading back to Cusco for some much-needed R&R, we'll stop by the weaving community of Chinchero on route, a local artisan project supported by the TreadRight Foundation. Once in Cusco you'll have a free afternoon to wander the city before our final farewell dinner tonight. Hotel (B) F Rafting

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Space to trek the iconic Inca Trail is in high demand, with a limited number of spaces each day. In order to maximize the opportunity for our travellers to take the trek as a group, we have created a flexible itinerary, where the days that we take the trek may vary from the itinerary. If we need to alternate the itinerary to accommodate, rest assured that all destinations as specified in the itinerary will be visited as part of the 8-day Ultimate Inca trip, but the 4-day hike may be on different days.

Visit contiki.com/ultimate-inca for details.

MIX & MATCH

Places visited Itinerary Day Coach, mini-coach or van Train

Extend your trip to include Bolivia & Chile & join onto the Bolivian Magic & save 5%. See p.34-35 for more info, departure dates & prices.

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R20665 Start Sep 21 Oct 19 Nov 16

CODE: INCAT

End Sep 28 Oct 26 Nov 23

START CUSCO & FINISH CUSCO

Start Dec 14

End Dec 21

R19065 Start 2019 Jan 18 Mar 17

End

Jan 25 Mar 24

Start Apr 21 May19 Jun 16

End Apr 28 May26 Jun 23

Start Jul 14 Aug 11 Sep 8

End Jul 21 Aug 18 Sep 15

Start Oct 6 Nov 3 Dec 1

End Oct 13 Nov 10 Dec 8

Start End Dec 29 ● Jan 5 2020 Jan 26 Feb 2

Start Mar 1

End Mar 8

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R1705 Single accommodation is not available during camping days on the Inca Trail. Start Cusco 1:00pm & end Cusco approx. 1:00pm. ● Trip spends NYE on the Inca Trail. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

61

PERUVIAN HIGHLIGHTS 8 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R21169 *

|

FROM

R2647*PP/PD

EVER FANCIED YOURSELF AS AN AMAZONIAN EXPLORER? NOW'S YOUR CHANCE.

#PERUVIANHIGHLIGHTS

MACHU PICCHU PERU

My expectations were exceeded. My Trip Manager was amazing - she made the trip exponentially better. I would deямБnitely do another Contiki trip.

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @CRAIGHOWES

62 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@CRAIGHOWES

CONTIKI.COM/PERUVIAN-HIGHLIGHTS

@KITTERS3

Lauren Villalva

TOP EXPERIENCES

7

13

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

7 nights in twin-share hotels

7 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D) Trekking option: 7 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, 2 internal flights & transfers

START

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Walking tour of Cusco & entry

F Look for the F symbol in the itinerary & visit contiki.com for more

to the Temple of Koricancha

8AM LIMA

AMAZON

DAY 1 Lima Meet your fellow adventures in Lima, the capital of Peru. Here we'll spend the morning uncovering the city's sights, & then the afternoon is all yours to explore the colonial centre, bustling metropolis & 43 diverse districts. Hotel (D)

DAY 2 - 3 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. With another day here keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the giant otter.

(B,L,D)(B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge F Canopy climbing experience F Kayaking trip on the Tambopata River

DAY 4 Cusco Spend today exploring the beautiful city of Cusco – wander the main plaza, see the Temple of Wiracocha & explore Incan buildings on a guided tour. Then get into Cusco's amazing nightlife until the sun comes up! Hotel (B)

DAY 5 Sacred Valley Today we'll venture into the Sacred Valley, the heart of the Inca Empire, where we'll take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins, try some local chicha de jora & spend the night in one of Peru's oldest towns, Ollantaytambo.

Hotel (B)

DAY 6 Inca Trail Trek Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the Trail to our highlight Machu Picchu! Take a train to Km 104 & trek amongst the cloud forest 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 KM 104 • Tour Machu Picchu with our local guide • Return train ride from Machu Picchu See p.30-31 for more info.

Code: LICZT.Hotel

PERU Andes Coast

1 LIMA (1 night)

(Machu Picchu) (1 night) INCA TRAIL

(1 night)

11AM CUSCO

(2 nights)

6

2 Ollantaytambo

SACRED VALLEY

START

END

AGUAS CALIENTES

AMAZON LODGE

Rainforest

DAY 6 Aguas Calientes Opt to spend the day in Aguas Calientes, a town dwarfed by nature & ancient ruins at every turn, or take a 1 day trek along the Inca trail to the Sun Gate & experience the magnificence of Machu Picchu all for yourself - you won't regret it.

Hotel (B)

5

7 8 4 CUSCO (2 nights)

DAY 8 Cusco It's time to say adios to your travel buddies as your trips ends after breakfast. Craving more? Why not jump on our Bolivian Magic trip? (B)

END

DAY 7 Cusco Ever dreamt of watching the first rays of the day creep over Machu Picchu, surrounded by a group of new friends? Today will make that dream a reality. Soak in the moment, then explore the Incan city, Temple of Three Windows, ceremonial baths & altar together with a Local Guide.

Hotel (B,D) F Rafting

1 1

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover Coach, mini-coach or van Plane or train

MORE TIME? Have more time? Check out our improved trip! Andean Crossing & head into Bolivia & Chile

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

CODE: LICZ

R28215 A R30935 B Start End Aug 24 Aug 31 Sep 21 Sep 28 Oct 19 Oct 26

START LIMA & FINISH CUSCO

Start Nov 16 Dec 14

End Nov 23 Dec 21

A = TRIP ONLY B = TRIP PLUS INCA TRAIL

R21169 A R23889 B Start End 2019 Jan 18 Jan 25 Feb 1 ● Feb 8

Start Feb 24 Mar 17 Apr 21

End Mar 3 Mar 24 Apr 28

Start May19 Jun 16 Jul 14

End May26 Jun 23 Jul 21

Start Aug 11 Sep 8 Oct 6

End Aug 18 Sep 15 Oct 13

Start End Nov 3 Nov 10 Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 29 ■ Jan 5

Start 2020 Jan 26 Mar 1

End

Feb 2 Mar 8

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R4329. Start Lima 8:00am & end Cusco at 11:00am. ● Inca Trail Trek is not available on these departure dates. ■ Spends NYE in the Amazon. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Note: Included flight times are subject to alteration. Note: The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

63

ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPER 12 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R36089 *

|

FROM

R3008 *PP/PD

SUNBATHE ALONGSIDE IGUANAS IN THIS ASTONISHINGLY BIO-DIVERSE REGION

#ECUADORANDGALAPAGOS

SAN CRISTOBAL GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

I booked this holiday mainly for the Galapagos, but fell in love with Ecuador. This trip was timed perfectly, neither too long or too short of a stay in any one place. There really is something for everyone on this trip, from water sports to horse-riding, salsa dancing to sightseeing.

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @AMBERSTORIE

64 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@JEFFACROSSTHEWORLD

CONTIKI.COM/ECUADOR-GALAPAGOS-HOPPER

@SARAHLOUISE_92X

Laura Cahill

TOP EXPERIENCES

11

17

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

11 breakfasts (B), 1 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, 2 internal flights & transfers

F Rappelling (abseiling) & canyoneering day trip F Ziplining F San Cristobal Island guided biking adventure

• City tour of Quito • Snorkelling at Kicker Rock

11 nights twin-share hotel accommodation

END DAY 9 Santa Cruz Island Bidding goodbye to Isabela Island this morning, we'll journey back to Santa Cruz Island for a day of beach side fun at pristine Tortuga Bay, where iguanas & blue footed booby's will be your sunbathing companions.

Hotel (B)

DAY 10 - 11 San Cristobal Island On the island of sea lions & volcanoes, a boat cruise & a bird spotting experience will open our eyes to the island's glorious wildlife before we indulge in a traditional Galapagos meal. The pretty town of El Progreso will add a splash of colour to our trip. Hotel (B)(B,L,D) F Island biking adventure

START

4PM QUAYAQUIL

DAY 2 - 3 Tena Here in Tena, the city is yours to roam. A meeting with a shaman & a local soccer match will have you delving deep into the heart of the community before winding down with some sugarcane & cinnamon drinks. Itching for an adrenaline rush?

There's always our rafting experience Add-On… Hotel (B)(B,D) F Community visit F Rafting experience

QUITO 1

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

(1 night)

SANTA CRUZ

END

PUERTO AYORA

7 PUERTO VILLAMIL (2 nights)

2 TENA

DAY 2 Quito to Minga Lodge We'll be meeting up with the ME to WE team in Los Rios, before travelling be boat down the Napo River.

Arriving at Minga Lodge we'll then take part in a trip orientation, & after dinner take an Amazonian night walk through the jungle.Hotel (B,D)

(2 nights)

ECUADOR

4 BAÑOS (2 nights)

12

9 (1 night) ISABELA

6 GUAYAQUIL

10 SAN CRISTOBAL PUERTO BAQUERIZO MORENO

(1 night)

DAY 3 Minga Lodge After meeting & getting to know the local community & their current priorities, we'll spend most our day volunteering on a build for a current local infrastructure project. Later on, we'll experience a Shamanic Ceremony & learn the in's & out's of indigenous weapons from a local hunter.Hotel (B,L,D)

(2 nights)

1

DAY 7 - 8 Isabela Island Settling into island life, our wildlife kayaking adventure will see us taking to the seas with beady eyes on the lookout for green sea turtles.

Snorkelling & seal pup spotting will get you up close & personal to wildlife completely native to this little corner of the world. Hotel (B,D)(B)

7AM QUITO

DAY 1 Quito Take it all in, you're in Quito! A locally guided tour will get you clued up with the city, including a visit to a handicraft market & skipping between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Hotel (D)

DAY 12 Guayaquil There's time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival. Not done yet? Why not fly to Peru & join our Peru Uncovered trip? (B)

START

Baltra

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Places visited Itinerary Day Coach, mini-coach or van Plane or boat

DAY 6 Guayaquil This is Ecuador's largest city, & you'll get acquainted with its urban side at the city's riverfront, Malecón. Ceviche will keep your hunger at bay as you peruse the historic neighbourhood of Las Peñas. Hotel (B)

DAY 4 - 5 Tena to Baños The natural beauty of Baños isn't just to be admired from afar: you'll get back in touch with nature during your time here with the option to zip line through the trees or keep it close to the ground on horseback, passing waterfalls & volcanoes.

Hotel (B)(B,D) F Canyoneering F Adventure Zipline/Climb F Horseback riding

DAY 4 Minga Lodge to Baños Waking up early, we'll head out before breakfast to explore the rainforest by daylight, keeping our eyes peeled for toucans, long-tailed Potoos, as well as the myriad of flora & fauna. It's then back onto the boat as we journey back to Los Rios, where you'll continue to Baños.Hotel (B)

MIX & MATCH Extend your trip to include Peru & join onto the Peru Uncovered & save 5%. See p.58-59 for more info, departure dates & prices.

Choose a Me to We voluntary experience on this trip.

Available on all departures.

See p.26-27 for more details.

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

CODE: QUGU

R38795 A R44475 B Start End Aug 12 ● Aug 23 Sep 9 ● Sep 20 Oct 7 ● Oct 18

START QUITO & FINISH GUAYAQUIL

Start End Nov 4 ● Nov 15 Dec 2 ● Dec 13

R36089 A R41769 B Start End 2019 Jan 6 ● Jan 17 Jan 20 ● Jan 31

A = TRIP ONLY B = TRIP PLUS ME TO WE

Start End Feb 12 ● Feb 23 Mar 5 ● Mar 16 Apr 9 ● Apr 20

Start End May7 ● May18 Jun 4 ● Jun 15 Jul 2 ● Jul 13

Start End Jul 30 ● Aug 10 Aug 27 ● Sep 7 Sep 24 ● Oct 5

Start End Oct 22 ● Nov 2 Nov 19 ● Nov 30 Dec 17 ●■ Dec 28

Start End 2020 Jan 14 ● Jan 25 Feb 18 ● Feb 29

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R8839. Start Quito 7:00am & end Guayaquil approx. 4:00pm. ● These trips have the option to book the Me to We package & skip the2 nights in Tena. Please use code QGMW. See days 2-4 in the itinerary & add a single room supplement of R11839. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Santa Cruz. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Note: The Galapagos Islands have a compulsory US$100 entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park, a US$20 INGALA fee & a US$10 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.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

65

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

THE LAVA LINE 7 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R10475 *

|

FROM

R1497 *PP/PD

WITH ONE FOOT IN EACH HEMISPHERE, DELVE INTO THE HEART OF ECUADORIAN LIFE

BAÑOS ECUADOR

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W 6

NIGHTS 6 nights twin-share hotel accommodation

9

INCLUDED MEALS 6 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)

START

DAY 2 - 3 Tena Here in Tena, the city is yours to roam. A meeting with a shaman & a local soccer match will have you delving deep into the heart of the community before winding down with some sugarcane & cinnamon drinks. Itching for an adrenaline rush?

There's always our rafting experience Add-On… Hotel (B)(B,D) F Community visit F Rafting experience

7AM QUITO

DAY 1 Quito Take it all in, you're in Quito! A locally guided tour will get you clued up with the city, including a visit to a handicraft market & skipping between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Hotel (D)

START

QUITO 1 (1 night)

2 TENA

(2 nights)

ECUADOR

4 BAÑOS

ESSENTIALS See p.78 for more info on our essentials.

(2 nights)

7 6 GUAYAQUIL (1 night)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Rappelling (abseiling) & canyoneering day trip

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Go local at a salsa lesson • Visit Intiñan Museum

END 1

END

11AM QUAYAQUIL

DAY 7 Guayaquil After breakfast it will be time to say 'Adios' to your new friends. (B)

Itinerary day

DAY 6 Guayaquil This is Ecuador's largest city, & you'll get acquainted with its urban side at the city's riverfront, Malecón. Ceviche will keep you hunger at bay as you peruse the historic neighbourhood of Las Peñas. Hotel (B)

DAY 4 - 5 Baños The natural beauty of Baños isn't just to be admired from afar: you'll get back in touch with nature during your time here with the option to zip line through the trees or keep it close to the ground on horseback, passing waterfalls & volcanoes.

Hotel (B)(B,D) F Adventure Zipline/Climb F Canyoneering F Horseback riding

DAY 2 Quito to Minga Lodge We'll be meeting up with the ME to WE team in Los Rios, before travelling be boat down the Napo River.

Arriving at Minga Lodge we'll then take part in a trip orientation, & after dinner take an Amazonian night walk through the jungle. Hotel (B,D) DAY 3 Minga Lodge After meeting & getting to know the local community & their current priorities, we'll spend most our day volunteering on a build for a current local infrastructure project. Later on, we'll experience a Shamanic Ceremony & learn the in's & out's of indigenous weapons from a local hunter. Hotel (B,L,D) DAY 4 Minga Lodge to Baños Waking up early, we'll head out before breakfast to explore the rainforest by daylight, keeping our eyes peeled for toucans, long-tailed Potoos, as well as the myriad of flora & fauna. It's then back onto the boat as we journey back to Los Rios, where you'll continue to Baños. Hotel (B)

Choose a Me to We voluntary experience on this trip.

Available on all departures.

See p.26-27 for more details.

HOW MUCH & WHEN

#LAVALINE

2018/19/20

CODE: QUGY

R11485 A R17165 B Start End Aug 12 ● Aug 18 Sep 9 ● Sep 15 Oct 7 ● Oct 13

START QUITO & FINISH GUAYAQUIL

Start End Nov 4 ● Nov 10 Dec 2 ● Dec 8

R10475 A R16155 B Start End 2019 Jan 6 ● Jan 12 Jan 20 ● Jan 26

A = TRIP ONLY B = TRIP PLUS ME TO WE

Start End Feb 12 ● Feb 18 Mar 5 ● Mar 11 Apr 9 ● Apr 15

Start End May7 ● May13 Jun 4 ● Jun 10 Jul 2 ● Jul 8

Start End Jul 30 ● Aug 5 Aug 27 ● Sep 2 Sep 24 ● Sep 30

Start End Oct 22 ● Oct 28 Nov 19 ● Nov 25 Dec 17 ● Dec 23

Start End 2020 Jan 14 ● Jan 20 Feb 18 ● Feb 24

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R2549. Start Quito 7:00am & end Guayaquil approx. 11:00am. ● These trips have the option to book the Me to We package & skip the 2 nights in Tena. Please use code QGMW. See days 2-4 in the itinerary & add a single room supplement of R5549. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.

66 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

CONTIKI.COM/LAVA-LINE

6 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R27385 *

|

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPER R4565 *PP/PD

FROM

LIFT THE LID ON THE MYSTERIES OF THE GLORIOUS GALAPAGOS

SAN CRISTOBAL GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W 5

8

NIGHTS 5 nights twin-share hotel accommodation

DAY 3 Santa Cruz Island Bidding goodbye to Isabela Island this morning, we'll journey back to Santa Cruz Island for a day of beach side fun at pristine Tortuga Bay, where iguanas & blue footed booby's will be your sunbathing companions.

Hotel (B)

INCLUDED MEALS 5 breakfasts (B), 1 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)

SANTA CRUZ

ISABELA ESSENTIALS 2 internal flights & transfers See p.78 for more info on our essentials.

1

4PM QUAYAQUIL

DAY 6 Guayaquil There's time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival. Not done yet? Why not fly to Peru & join our Andes & Amazon Highlights trip? (B)

ECUADOR

PUERTO AYORA

START END

SAN CRISTOBAL

(1 night)

3 4

PUERTO VILLAMIL

Guayaquil

SAN CRISTOBAL

(2 nights)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Snorkel & kayak adventure

END

Please note: Do not book flights before 6:00pm.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Baltra

FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Look for the F symbol in the itinerary & visit contiki.com

DAY 4 - 5 San Cristobal Island On the island of sea lions & volcanoes, a boat cruise & a bird spotting experience will open our eyes to the island's glorious wildlife before we indulge in a traditional Galapagos meal. The pretty town of El Progreso will add a splash of colour to our trip. Hotel (B)(B,L,D) F Island biking adventure

START

(2 nights)

DAY 2 Isabela Island Settling into island life, our wildlife kayaking adventure will see us taking to the seas with beady eyes on the lookout for green sea turtles.

Snorkelling & seal pup spotting will get you up close & personal to wildlife completely native to this little corner of the world. Hotel (B)

1

6AM GUAYAQUIL

DAY 1 Guayaquil to Isabela Island This is Ecuador's largest city, but we won't be stopping for long before we jet off, bound for the glorious Galapagos islands. Before reaching our destination, we'll make a quick stop on Santa Cruz Island, where giant tortoises roam free. After a glorious boat ride to the famous lava tunnels, we'll move on to Isabela Island where we'll stay for the night.

Hotel (D)

Places visited Itinerary Day Plane or boat

2018/19/20

R29445 Start Aug 18 Sep 15 Oct 13

CODE: GUGU

End Aug 23 Sep 20 Oct 18

START GUAYAQUIL & FINISH GUAYAQUIL

Start Nov 10 Dec 8

End Nov 15 Dec 13

R27385 Start 2019 Jan 12 Jan 26

End

Jan 17 Jan 31

Start Feb 18 Mar 11 Apr 15

End Feb 23 Mar 16 Apr 20

Start May13 Jun 10 Jul 8

End May18 Jun 15 Jul 13

Start Aug 5 Sep 2 Sep 30

End Aug 10 Sep 7 Oct 5

Start End Oct 28 Nov 2 Nov 25 Nov 30 Dec 23 ● Dec 28

Start 2020 Jan 20 Feb 24

End

Jan 25 Feb 29

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R6455. Start Guayaquil 6:00am & end Guayaquil approx.4:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in Santa Cruz For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Note: This trip is part of a bigger picture - our 12 day Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a group of other travellers who have been travelling on this trip. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group.

CONTIKI.COM/GALAPAGOS-HOPPER

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

67

#GALAPAGOSHOPPER

HOW MUCH & WHEN

VIVA COSTA RICA 9 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R16499 *

|

FROM

NE W

R1834 *PP/PD

WHAT STARTS WITH A VOLCANO & ENDS WITH A HORSEBACK RIDE TO A WATERFALL?

#VIVACOSTARICA

COSTA RICAN RAINFOREST COSTA RICA

ARENAL VOLCANO

68 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

SLOTH

COCOA SEEDS

CONTIKI.COM/VIVA-COSTA-RICA

KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN

SARAPIQUI RIVER

TOP EXPERIENCES

8

12

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

8 nights in twin-share hotels

8 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Transport in a private airconditioned coach, mini-coach or van

F Hot springs dip F Catamaran Cruise F Selvatura Park ziplining

START

DAY 3 - 4 Playa Tamarindo Leaving Arenal towering behind us we'll move on to sandy pastures, namely Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica's prime surfing & party hub.

With two days here we've got plenty to keep you entertained (like the sound of surfing or a catamaran cruise?), or you could do you own thing in this ocean paradise, well known for it's awesome restaurants & underwater worlds. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Surfing F Catamaran trip

DAY 2 Arenal Rappelling through a rainforest canyon will be the perfect wake up call this morning. Not keen? How about taking advantage of the regions geothermal properties with a visit to the hot springs? This afternoon we'll learn the A-Z of chocolate making, an export Costa Rica is famous for. Hotel (B) F Canyoneering (waterfall rappelling) F Hot Springs visit

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Locally guided tour of a cacao plantation

• Coffee estate tour

8AM SAN JOSE

DAY 1 San José to Arenal Joining forces in San José, we'll get straight on the road with our first stop, Sarapiqui, firmly in our sights.

Known for its fertile lands and gorgeous scenery we'll take advantage of our natural surroundings with a white water rafting Add-On up for grabs. How to round off a killer first day? With THAT view - one of Costa Rica's most impressive volcanoes, Arenal.

Hotel (D) F White water rafting

END

4:30PM SAN JOSE

DAY 9 San José After a final adventure op in Manuel Antonio (ATV riding what's up!), we'll make our way back to San José where our trip will come to a close.

And jeez, what an adventure it's been, right? (B) Please note: Do not book flights before 8:00pm.

ARENAL (2 nights)

1 PLAYA 3 TAMARINDO

COSTA RICA

5 MONTEVERDE

9 SAN JOSÉ

(2 nights)

(2 nights)

START END

Quepos

ANTONIO 7 MANUEL (2 nights)

Manuel Antonio N.P.

DAY 5 - 6 Monteverde Goodbye beach life & hello misty cloud forest. Monteverde is a wildlife hotspot known for its coffee plantations, countless monkey species & gorgeous vegetation. Here, we'll get schooled in coffee & maybe even brave the 1km long zipline.

Hotel (B)(B,D)

1

PACIFIC OCEAN

DAY 7 - 8 Manuel Antonio Oceanside Manuel Antonio is a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, crisp sandy beaches & coral reefs.

Hike through the mountains with an expert spotting macaws, toucans & sloths, or jump on horseback for a ride to the Tacori Waterfalls during your time here. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Horse riding

Places visited Itinerary Day

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R16499 Start 2019 Mar 30

CODE: SJSJ

End

Apr 07

START SAN JOSE & FINISH SAN JOSE

Start May04 Jun 08

End May12 Jun 16

Start Jul 13 Aug 17

End Jul 21 Aug 25

Start Oct 05 Nov 02

End Oct 13 Nov 10

Start End Dec 21 ■ Dec 29

Start 2020 Jan 04

End

Jan 12

Start Feb 01 Feb 29

End Feb 09 Mar 08

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R5085. Start San Jose 8:00am & end San Jose approx. 4:30pm. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Monteverde. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

69

COSTA RICA UNPLUGGED 14 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R34599 *

|

FROM

R2472*PP/PD

THE LAND OF COFFEE PLANTATIONS, CRAZY WILDLIFE & HAPPY HUMANS

#COSTARICAUNPLUGGED

ARENAL VOLCANO COSTA RICA

Really well organised trip, with great Free Time Add Ons & good fun. Excellent Trip Manager who was fun, understanding & had great knowledge. I have already recommended this trip to friends.

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @DAVID_FLINT

70 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@FORBESY720

CONTIKI.COM/UNPLUGGED

@WILLWKS

Robyn Harding

TOP EXPERIENCES

13

23

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Special Stay experiences: 1 night Rainforest Eco tents, 2 nights Jungle Lodge & 10 nights in twin-share hotels

13 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Transport in a private airconditioned coach, mini-coach or van

F Hot springs dip F Visit a country estate for dinner & a look at the Tico way of life F Selvatura Park ziplining

DAY 5 - 6 Arenal Rappelling through a rainforest canyon will be the perfect wake up call this morning. Not keen? How about taking advantage of the regions geothermal properties with a visit to the hot springs? This afternoon we'll learn the A-Z of chocolate making, an export Costa Rica is famous for. Hotel (B)(B) F Canyoneering F Hot springs visit

DAY 4 Sarapiqui From one Special Stay to another, this time an eco camp in Sarapiqui, another fertile & beautiful nature hotspot. Here we'll visit the Tirimbina Reserve & get schooled on where chocolate comes from before a tasty BBQ feast this evening.

(B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Rainforest Eco Tents

ARENAL (2 nights)

DAY 7 - 8 Playa Tamarindo Leaving Arenal towering behind us we'll move on to sandy pastures, namely Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica's prime surfing & party hub.

With two days here we've got plenty to keep you entertained (like the sound of surfing or a catamaran cruise?), or you could do you own thing in this ocean paradise, well known for it's awesome restaurants & underwater worlds. Hotel (B)(B,D) F Surfing F Catamaran trip

DAY 2 - 3 Tortuguero Goodbye big city & hello Tortuguero, a region only accessible by boat or small aircraft & hands down one of Costa Rica's best ecotourism spots.

Our Special Stay jungle lodge will ensure we get even closer to the animal action with howler monkeys, sloths & reptiles all in close vicinity (it is a national park after all).

(B,L,D)(B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge

4

• Locally guided tour of a cacao plantation

• Coffee estate tour

• Visit Selvatura Park & visit the hanging bridges, butterfly & hummingbird gardens

START

3PM SAN JOSE

DAY 1 San José Meeting up in the land of coffees, sloths & biodiversity, we'll jump straight into the swing of Costa Rican life with a visit to San Jose's Mercado Central. Hotel (D)

(1 night)

2

COSTA RICA

MONTEVERDE 9

(2 nights)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

SARAPIQUI

5

PLAYA TAMARINDO 7

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(2 nights)

TORTUGUERO (2 nights)

1 14 SAN JOSÉ (1 night)

START END

Quepos

MANUEL ANTONIO 11 (3 nights)

DAY 9 - 10 Monteverde Goodbye beach life & hello misty cloud forest. Monteverde is a wildlife hotspot known for its coffee plantations, countless monkey species & gorgeous vegetation. Here, we'll get schooled in coffee, visit a butterfly sanctuary, walk the hanging bridges of Selvatura Park & maybe even brave the 1km long zipline.

Hotel (B)(B) F Ziplining F Selvatura Park

Manuel Antonio N.P.

END DAY 11 - 13 Manuel Antonio Oceanside Manuel Antonio is a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, crisp sandy beaches & coral reefs.

Hike through the mountains with an expert spotting macaws, toucans & sloths, or jump on horseback for a ride to the Tacori Waterfalls during your time here. Hotel (B,D)(B)(B,D) F Horseback riding

1 1

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stopover

4PM SAN JOSE

DAY 14 San José After a final adventure op in Manuel Antonio (ATV riding what's up!), we'll make our way back to San José where our trip will come to a close.

And jeez, what an adventure it's been, right? (B) F ATV riding Please note: Do not book flights before 8:00pm.

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R34599 Start Aug 17 Oct 5

CODE: COSTA

End Aug 30 Oct 18

START SAN JOSE & FINISH SAN JOSE

Start Nov 2 Nov 30

End Nov 15 Dec 13

Start End Dec 21 ● Jan 3

Start 2019 Jan 4

End

Jan 17

Start Feb 1 Mar 1

End Feb 14 Mar 14

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R12079. Start San Jose 3:00pm & end San Jose approx. 4:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in Arenal & NYE in Manuel Antonio. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

71

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

CANOPIES & CABANAS 8 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R18539 *

|

FROM

R2318 *PP/PD

COSTA RICA = ZIPLINING, CLOUD FORESTS, SLOTHS & A HEALTHY DOSE OF COFFEE

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK COSTA RICA

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W 7

NIGHTS 7 nights in twin-share hotels

END

START

10

MONTEVERDE

INCLUDED MEALS 7 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)

PLAYA TAMARINDO 1

END

(2 nights)

3 8 SAN JOSE

(2 nights)

4PM SAN JOSE

DAY 8 San José After a final adventure op in Manuel Antonio (ATV riding what's up!), we'll make our way back to San José where our trip will come to a close.

And jeez, what an adventure it's been, right? (B) F ATV riding

COSTA RICA

ESSENTIALS See p.78 for more info on our essentials.

#CANOPIESCABANAS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Surfing (Tamarindo) F Catamaran cruise (Tamarindo) F Ziplining (Monte Verde)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Coffee estate tour • Visit Selvatura Park • Visit Manual Antonio National Park

Quepos START

MANUEL ANTONIO 5

6PM TAMARINDO

(3 nights)

DAY 1 - 2 Playa Tamarindo Welcome to Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica's prime surfing & party hub.

With two days here we've got plenty to keep you entertained (like the sound of surfing or a catamaran cruise?), or you could do you own thing in this ocean paradise, well known for it's awesome restaurants & underwater worlds. Hotel (B)(D) F Surfing F Catamaran trip

1

Places visited Itinerary Day

DAY 3 - 4 Monteverde Goodbye beach life & hello misty cloud forest. Monteverde is a wildlife hotspot known for its coffee plantations, countless monkey species & gorgeous vegetation. Here, we'll get schooled in coffee, visit a butterfly sanctuary, walk the hanging bridges of Selvatura Park & maybe even brave the 1km long zipline.

Hotel (B)(B) F Ziplining F Selvatura Park

Manuel Antonio N.P.

DAY 5 - 7 Manuel Antonio Oceanside Manuel Antonio is a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, crisp sandy beaches & coral reefs.

Hike through the mountains with an expert spotting macaws, toucans & sloths, or jump on horseback for a ride to the Tacori Waterfalls during your time here. Hotel (B,D)(B)(B,D) F Horseback riding

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R18539 Start Aug 23 Oct 11

CODE: PTSJ

End Aug 30 Oct 18

START PLAYA TAMARINDO & FINISH SAN JOSE

Start Nov 8 Dec 6

End Nov 15 Dec 13

Start End Dec 27 ● Jan 3

Start 2019 Jan 10

End

Jan 17

Start Feb 7 Mar 7

End Feb 14 Mar 14

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R9375. Start Tamarindo 6:00pm & end San José approx. 4:00pm. ● Trip spends NYE in Manuel Antonio. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer.

72 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

CONTIKI.COM/CANOPIES-CABANAS

9 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R20719 *

|

FROM

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

PURA VIDA R2303 *PP/PD

MUD BATHS, ZIPLINING & FRESH JUICE ARE ALL YOURS FOR THE TAKING

TROPICAL RAINFOREST COSTA RICA

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W 8

16

NIGHTS Special Stay experiences: 1 night Rainforest Eco tents, 2 nights Jungle Lodge & 5 nights in twin-share hotels

INCLUDED MEALS 8 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)

DAY 5 - 6 Arenal Rappelling through a rainforest canyon will be the perfect wake up call this morning. Not keen? How about taking advantage of the regions geothermal properties with a visit to the hot springs? This afternoon we'll learn the A-Z of chocolate making, an export Costa Rica is famous for. Hotel (B)(B) F Canyoneering F Hot springs visit

DAY 4 Sarapiqui From one Special Stay to another, this time an eco camp in Sarapiqui, another fertile & beautiful nature hotspot. Here we'll visit the Tirimbina Reserve & get schooled on where chocolate comes from before a tasty BBQ feast this evening.

(B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Rainforest Eco Tents

ARENAL (2 nights)

SARAPIQUI (1 night)

5

END

DAY 2 - 3 Tortuguero Goodbye big city & hello Tortuguero, a region only accessible by boat or small aircraft & hands down one of Costa Rica's best ecotourism spots.

Our Special Stay jungle lodge will ensure we get even closer to the animal action with howler monkeys, sloths & reptiles all in close vicinity (it is a national park after all).

(B,L,D)(B,L,D) Contiki Special Stay Jungle Lodge

4 2

9

ESSENTIALS See p.78 for more info on our essentials.

FREE TIME ADD-ONS See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Locally guided tour of a cacao plantation

7

COSTA RICA

PLAYA TAMARINDO DAY 7 - 8 Playa Tamarindo Leaving Arenal towering behind us we'll move on to sandy pastures, namely Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica's prime surfing & party hub.

With two days here we've got plenty to keep you entertained (like the sound of surfing or a catamaran cruise?), or you could do you own thing in this ocean paradise, well known for it's awesome restaurants & underwater worlds. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Surfing F Catamaran trip

(2 nights)

TORTUGUERO (2 nights)

SAN JOSÉ (1 night)

START

END

11AM TAMARINDO

START

1

3PM SAN JOSE

DAY 1 San José Meeting up in the land of coffees, sloths & biodiversity, we'll jump straight into the swing of Costa Rican life with a visit to San Jose's Mercado Central. Hotel (D)

DAY 9 Playa Tamarindo Wrapping up our trip today, we’ll be leaving with nothing but happy memories + killer tans. (B) 1 1

Itinerary Day Special Stopover

2018/19/20

R20719 Start Aug 17 Oct 5

CODE: SJPT

End Aug 25 Oct 13

#CONTIKIVIDA

HOW MUCH & WHEN START SAN JOSE & FINISH PLAYA TAMARINDO

Start Nov 2 Nov 30

End Nov 10 Dec 8

Start End Dec 21 ● Dec 29

Start 2019 Jan 4

End

Jan 12

Start Feb 1 Mar 1

End Feb 9 Mar 9

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R6065. Start San Jose 3:00pm & end Tamarindo approx. 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Arenal. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer.

CONTIKI.COM/PURA-VIDA

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

73

MEXICO GRANDE 12 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R25995 *

|

FROM

R2167 *PP/PD

MAYAN HERITAGE & MARGARITAS, THIS TRIP WILL SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

#MEXICOGRANDE

TEOTIHUACAN PYRAMIDS MEXICO

Our Trip Manager was the best!

They took us to places I never would have visited on my own.

The group were awesome, we all got along so well. It was the best way to see Mexico!

AS REVIEWED BY RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @SHANBAULCH

74 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@MOLLIE___

CONTIKI.COM/MEXICO-GRANDE

@SHANBAULCH

Johanna Cabout

TOP EXPERIENCES

11

15

NIGHTS

INCLUDED MEALS

ESSENTIALS

11 nights twin-share hotel accommodation

11 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)

An experienced Trip Manager & Driver team, Modern, air-conditioned coach, 1 internal flight & transfer

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

START

• Visit a Tequila factory • Visit the ancient site – Teotihuacan

• Trajinera cruise

11AM CANCUN

DAY 12 Cancun It's been a wild ride in paradise, but all good things must come to an end as our trip wraps up this morning. (B)

7AM PUERTO VALLARTA

DAY 1 - 2 Puerto Vallarta Welcome to Puerto Vallarta. As one of the more popular beach towns in the Mexican Riviera, you'll have the option of chilling poolside as well as getting to know the electric downtown bar scene. Hotel (D)(B) F Jungle Ziplining F Pirate show & dinner cruise

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

F Day trip to Sayulita F Pirate of the Bay F Mayan culture adventure complete with ziplining, rappelling, canoeing & lunch!

END

DAY 3 Guadalajara Exciting times lie ahead in Guadalajara, where the architecture is perfectly complemented by the cheery sounds of the city's Mariachi bands. An inactive volcano will offer you a panoramic view before a day trip to the colonial town of Guanajuato. Hotel (B)

(1 night)

4 3 GUADALAJARA

DAY 9 - 11 Cancun Feeling refreshed from a dip in the cenotes, you'll arrive in Cancun.

Partying, snorkelling & beach fun are all on the cards during your time in this thrill seekers paradise. A day trip to see Mayan ruins & island hopping will take you further afield.

Hotel (B)(B,D)(B) F Snorkelling & zipline adventure

9 12 8 CANCUN (3 nights) MERIDA

GUANAJUATO Tequila

1 PUERTO VALLARTA

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(1 night)

San Miguel de Allende

END

(1 night)

5

(2 nights)

MEXICO CITY (3 nights)

START

MEXICO

DAY 4 Guanajuato Spend this afternoon exploring the winding streets & subterranean passageways of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Later, see the cast iron & glass Hidalgo Market where you'll have a chance to shop for local sweet treats. Hotel (B,D)

1

Places visited Itinerary Day Coach, mini-coach or van Plane

DAY 5 - 7 Mexico City The next few days will see you marvel at floating gardens & kick back on a Trajinera boat, with a visit to 'The City of Palaces' also added into the mix. Want to do something seriously special? Our early morning hot air ballooning Add-On over Teotihuacan is one of those pinch yourself experiences you'll never forget.

Hotel (B)(B)(B,D) F Hot Air Ballooning

DAY 8 Merida Slowing it down after the thrill of Mexico City, you'll have a walking tour of Merida's sights, fuelled by the delicacies of the local Yucatan cuisine. A meander through the markets will give you an opportunity to stock up on souvenirs. Hotel (B)

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R28495 Start Aug 20 Sep 17 Oct 15

CODE: MEXG

End Aug 31 Sep 28 Oct 26

START PUERTO VALLARTA & FINISH CANCUN

Start End Nov 12 Nov 23 Dec 3 Dec 14 Dec 17 ● Dec 28

R25995 Start 2019 Jan 14 Feb 11

End

Jan 25 Feb 22

Start Mar 11 Apr 15 May20

End Mar 22 Apr 26 May31

Start Jun 24 Jul 29 Aug 19

End Jul 5 Aug 9 Aug 30

Start Sep 16 Oct 14 Nov 11

End Sep 27 Oct 25 Nov 22

Start End Dec 2 Dec 13 Dec 16 ● Dec 27

Start 2020 Jan 13 Feb 10

End

Jan 24 Feb 21

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R9705. Start Puerto Vallarta 7:00am & end Cancun approx. 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Cancun. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

75

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

MEXICAN FIESTA 8 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R16305 *

|

FROM

R2039 *PP/PD

CULTURAL SITES, STUNNING VIEWS & WATER SPORTS ALL ON THE MENU

MEXICO CITY MEXICO

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W 7

10

NIGHTS 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation

INCLUDED MEALS 7 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)

START

DAY 3 Guadalajara Exciting times lie ahead in Guadalajara, where the architecture is perfectly complemented by the cheery sounds of the city's Mariachi bands. A cruise up to an inactive volcano will offer you a panoramic view before a day trip to the colonial town of Guanajuato. Hotel (B)

7AM PUERTO VALLARTA

DAY 1 - 2 Puerto Vallarta Welcome to Puerto Vallarta. As one of the more popular beach towns in the Mexican Riviera, you'll have the option of chilling poolside as well as getting to know the electric downtown bar scene. Hotel (D)(B) F Jungle Ziplining F Pirate show & dinner cruise

MEXICO

GUANAJUATO (1 night)

Tequila

PUERTO 1 VALLARTA

ESSENTIALS See p.78 for more info on our essentials.

4 3

GUADALAJARA

(2 nights)

San Miguel de Allende

END

(1 night)

5 8

MEXICO CITY

START

FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Jungle Ziplining F Pirate Show & Dinner Cruise F Hot Air Ballooning

#MEXICANFIESTA

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Visit a Tequila factory • Cruise on a ‘trajinera’ & discover Xochimilco • Tour the pyramids of Teotihuacan

(3 nights)

END

1

11AM MEXICO CITY

DAY 8 Mexico City It's been a wild ride in paradise, but all good things must come to an end as our trip draws to a close this morning. (B)

Places visited Itinerary Day

DAY 4 Guanajuato Spend this afternoon exploring the winding streets & subterranean passageways of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Later, see the cast iron & glass Hidalgo Market where you'll have a chance to shop for local sweet treats. Hotel (B,D)

DAY 5 - 7 Mexico City The next few days will see you marvel at floating gardens & kick back on a Trajinera boat, with a visit to 'The City of Palaces' also added into the mix. Want to do something seriously special? Our early morning hot air ballooning Add-On over Teotihuacan is one of those pinch yourself experiences you'll never forget.

Hotel (B)(B)(B,D) F Hot Air Ballooning

HOW MUCH & WHEN 2018/19/20

R17855 Start Aug 20 Sep 17 Oct 15

CODE: MEXF

End Aug 27 Sep 24 Oct 22

START PUERTO VALLARTA & FINISH MEXICO CITY

Start Nov 12 Dec 3 Dec 17

End Nov 19 Dec 10 Dec 24

R16305 Start 2019 Jan 14 Feb 11

End

Jan 21 Feb 18

Start Mar 11 Apr 15 May20

End Mar 18 Apr 22 May27

Start Jun 24 Jul 29 Aug 19

End Jul 1 Aug 5 Aug 26

Start Sep 16 Oct 14 Nov 11

End Sep 23 Oct 21 Nov 18

Start Dec 2 Dec 16

End Dec 9 Dec 23

Start 2020 Jan 13 Feb 10

End

Jan 20 Feb 17

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R5759. Start Puerto Vallarta 7:00am & end Mexico City approx. 11:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer.

76 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/MEXICAN-FIESTA

6 DAYS

|

1 COUNTRY

|

FROM

R13215 *

|

FROM

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

YUCATÁN HIGHLIGHTS R2203 *PP/PD

SIZZLING NIGHTLIFE, CULTURAL SITES & CLEAR TURQUOISE WATERS

MERIDA MEXICO

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W 5

7

NIGHTS 5 nights twin-share hotel accommodation

INCLUDED MEALS 5 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

START

7AM MEXICO CITY

DAY 1 Mexico City Welcome to Mexico City! Aztec temples, the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, tacos, & a local guide awaits. Later, it’s back to Mexico City for some down time before heading out for a night on the town. Hotel (D)

MERIDA

MEXICO

(1 night)

2

START

1

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Tour the pyramids of Teotihuacan • Turn back the clock at the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza

DAY 2 Merida Slowing it down after the thrill of Mexico City, you'll have a walking tour of Merida's sights, fuelled by the delicacies of the local Yucatan cuisine. A meander through the markets will give you an opportunity to stock up on souvenirs. Hotel (B) 1

3

6

(1 night)

END

FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Cenote snorkelling & off-track adventure

(3 nights)

END

MEXICO CITY ESSENTIALS 1 internal flight & transfer See p.78 for more info on our essentials.

CANCUN

DAY 3 - 5 Cancun Feeling refreshed from a dip in the cenotes, you'll arrive in Cancun.

Partying, snorkelling & beach fun are all on the cards during your time in this thrill seekers paradise. A day trip to see Mayan ruins & island hopping will take you further afield. Hotel (B)(B,D)(B) F Snorkelling and zipline adventure

Itinerary Day Coach, mini-coach or van Plane

11AM CANCUN

DAY 6 Cancun It's been a wild ride in paradise, but all good things must come to an end as our trip draws to a close this morning. (B)

EXPLORE MORE Have a few more days? Check out the Mexico Grande & see the Pacific Ocean.

2018/19/20

R14505 Start Sep 23 Oct 21 Nov 18

CODE: MEXH

End Sep 28 Oct 26 Nov 23

START MEXICO CITY & FINISH CANCUN

Start End Dec 9 Dec 14 Dec 23 ● Dec 28

R13215 Start 2019 Jan 20 Feb 17

End

Jan 25 Feb 22

Start Mar 17 Apr 21 May26

End Mar 22 Apr 26 May31

Start Jun 30 Aug 4 Aug 25

End Jul 5 Aug 9 Aug 30

Start Sep 22 Oct 20 Nov 17

End Sep 27 Oct 25 Nov 22

Start End Dec 8 Dec 13 Dec 22 ● Dec 27

Start 2020 Jan 19 Feb 16

End

Jan 24 Feb 21

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement add R5319. Start Mexico City 7:00am & end Cancun approx. 11:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Cancun. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/stay longer. Note: This trip is part of a bigger picture - our 12 day Mexico Grande trip. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a group of other travellers who have been travelling on this trip. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group.

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/YUCATAN

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

77

#YUCATANHIGHLIGHTS

HOW MUCH & WHEN

BEFORE YOU BOOK WHAT’S INCLUDED (ESSENTIALS) All accommodation, transport, and a good handful of meals, are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (we offer breakfast every day, plus a cherry-picked selection of local, fresh and tasty meals). We also include our No Regrets Inclusions, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. And then of course you also get our expert and highly trained dream-team of Contiki staff; our Trip Managers and Drivers, and Local Guides in Latin America.

NOT INCLUDED

Flights, airport transfers or ferries to and from your start and end destination are not included in the cost of your trip. We also keep a number of meal times free for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for non-catered meals is important. In terms of activities, we also offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are not included in the overall price. Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and need to be booked separately.

Payment of the Reciprocity Tax in Argentina, Chile & Bolivia for some nationalities – check with your embassy for more information. Departure Tax at airports & border crossing fees in some destinations – see price panels for applicable trips. Galapagos National Park Fee of US$100 (must be paid in cash).

Ecuador INGALA Fee of US$20. Ecuador Isabela Island Fee of US$10.

AIRFARES

Flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the price. As detailed within our Booking Conditions (p.79) under ‘General’ we rely on international conventions regarding air travel & other transportation as specified. Through enrolment & payment for your trip you acknowledge & accept such. Individual electronic tickets may not be issued to you prior to travel due to the group nature of the air/flight booking. In such circumstances you acknowledge that by receipt of any applicable boarding pass &/or by boarding the aircraft you have accepted the airline’s terms & conditions of travel & the application of all relevant International Conventions & applicable national & international law governing air transportation.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Visas are super important and depending on your nationality you may require a visa to enter countries in Latin America.

You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Contact your travel agent (if applicable) to determine if you require a visa and how to get it. Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months after your arrival.

Without enough validity, authorities may deny your entry into a country, even if you’re only staying for a short while.

IMPORTANT 1. Visas can take up to six weeks & a fee is normally charged.

2. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could cause you to miss part of your trip & will result in you incurring considerable expense & inconvenience.

(Contiki is not legally permitted to allow anybody who does not have a valid visa to join a trip.)

3. You must apply for all visas through your travel agent or local embassy before you leave home.

4. It is very important that the entry & exit dates are correct on the visa. Your travel agent will contact Contiki for full details.

Please note: Regular passport checks are common throughout Latin America. It’s essential that when you book your trip that you provide the passport details for the passport you will be travelling with.

PACKING HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING? For our Latin America trips, luggage is restricted to one decent sized, non-expanding suitcase, approximately 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” × 20” × 10” ) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag that can be used as an overnight bag (see below).

Important: Every Contiki trip to Peru includes a train journey round-trip to Machu Picchu Pueblo where we overnight. The train operators, have strict baggage allowances. You are allowed to carry as hand luggage a day pack/backpack with a weight of no more than 5kg/11lb & with a maximum size of 62 linear inches/157cm (length + height + width). Perurail will charge for excess baggage. A daypack/backpack of approx 26L capacity is suggested. Contiki will

78 LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

store your main luggage at our Cusco hotel during this time.

For the Ultimate Inca Trail 4 day trek, a small day bag is recommended for the day hikes, with travellers being provided with an additional duffle bag for overnight essentials. This duffel will be carried by our porters. Contiki will store your main luggage at the Cusco hotel during this time. Visit contiki.com/ ultimate-inca for a full packing list. Note: Travellers can rent sleeping bags for the 4 day trek in Cusco.

Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on a trip.

Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk & baggage insurance is strongly recommended. Remember, if your trip includes a flight you are also subject to airline baggage restrictions.

Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred for overweight or additional luggage .

TRAVEL INSURANCE DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? A simple one - yes. It’s essential that you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses before you travel with Contiki. Visit p.79 or contiki.com/insurance for more information on this, and for a quote on what Contiki can offer.

SLEEPING WHERE WILL I STAY? Our hotel accommodation is always twin-share (except in some Unique Special Stays, jungle lodges, tents, hostels & overnight trains), staying in superior tourist class hotels, many of which are centrally located, with great facilities. Twin-share is 2 people sharing, either travelling together or as a same-sex room match. We also offer upgrades to single rooms for a supplement. Please note that on rare occasions the availability of single rooms at some hotels can be limited. There is WiFi at most hotel accommodation so you can gram/snap/chat to your heart’s content.

Note: On occasion, due to reasons outside our control, alternative hotels may be used. Whilst it is always our intention to use hotels of a similar standard & location, no liability can be accepted for any variation of either. WiFi is not available at remote Special Stays.

TRIPS WITHIN TRIPS You may notice on some of our trips that some groups join and leave at different stages. That’s because we offer shorter trips within a larger itinerary, giving greater choice & flexibility so our travellers can choose when they start their trip and how long they travel for. Life’s an adventure and one that’s best spent sharing new experiences with new friends. So, if you have the time don’t take a mini break, instead, choose to see as much of Latin America as possible with us.

CONTIKI GLOSSARY

VISIT Your trip includes a stop and you’ll get the opportunity to visit a specific site.

SEE/VIEW You will drive/pass by the site so that you can see it.

SIGHTSEEING TOUR A guided tour of a city or site.

ORIENTATION TOUR Places of interest are pointed out, allowing you to go and explore them in your own time.

MAKING YOUR BOOKING WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY? We get that sometimes plans change unexpectedly, so our cancellation policy offers you absolute flexibility and comes in two parts:

FREEDOM GUARANTEE The Freedom Guarantee policy ensures that even if your travel plans change, you’ll never miss out or be charged fees for changing your booking. If you want to change the dates of your trip, swap onto another trip or even change your trip for a different region entirely, that’s all possible, without incurring fees*.

FLEXDEPOSIT FlexDeposit is a policy you automatically get once you’ve paid a deposit on any Contiki trip, and works as credit towards a future Contiki adventure, ensuring your deposit money isn’t lost if you can’t travel on your original trip as intended. Flex Deposit can be used up until your 36th birthday, after which time it can then be transferred for use with any other travel brand within The Travel Corporation family of brands. It can also be gifted to a friend within 5 years of the original booking date. * You can find out more about both policies in the T&C's on p.79 & on the following websites: www.contiki.com/freedomguarantee www.contiki.com/flexdeposit

NOW THAT YOU’VE BOOKED REGISTERING AT MYCONTIKI Just like you, we want your trip to run as smoothly as possible, so before you travel, make sure you register your details online at My Contiki. This only takes a few minutes, and means we’ll have info on: • Your personal details, including your email address and phone number. Your emergency contact info, just in case we need it.

• Any dietary requirements you may have.

• You’ll also need to make sure your trip is paid in full 45 days prior to departure.

You’ll also find out where your Contiki Trip will start & exactly what accommodation you’ll be staying in.

Visit contiki.com/mycontiki

FREE TIME ADD-ONS HOW DO I KNOW WHAT FREE TIME ADD-ONS ARE ON MY TRIP? Look out for the F symbol on our trip pages for the Add-Ons available on each trip. A full list of Add-Ons and approximate costs will also be sent to you with your travel documents, around 21 days before your trip departs.

HOW DO I PAY FOR FREE TIME ADD-ONS? Payment for your Free Time Add-Ons is made direct to your Trip Manager on your trip. You can choose to pay in cash only in local currency or USD. Note: It’s a good idea to let your bank know you’re travelling & check if there is a daily transaction limit, so you always have access to money when you need it.

MONEY WHAT WILL I NEED MONEY FOR ON THE TRIP? In terms of spending money, you’ll need to budget for the following: • Any meals (normally lunches and dinners) that are not included. The trip page lists included meals look out for these: (B,L,D) • Any Free Time Add-Ons you would like to do on your trip.

• Any additional sightseeing you plan on doing in your Free Time, that is not covered either by our No Regrets Inclusions or Free Time Add-Ons. • Any additional personal expenses. This includes alcohol, shopping, and any evening entertainment not included.

CONTIKI+ We're massive fans of our Contiki Travellers, particularly those that love us so much they come back for more. That’s why when you travel with us; we’ll offer you a 5% discount on the land portion of your trips from then on. And we’ve even wrestled our TTC sister brands (found here - ttc.com) into offering the same.

NO COMPULSORY TIPPING - REWARD ONLY

EXCELLENCE!

Within Latin America, in service industries tipping is common practice, although entirely optional, and not an expectation. If you feel your Contiki Team has delivered an outstanding level of service throughout your trip you may wish to tip them, but this is at your discretion, no one else’s.

HEALTH DO I NEED VACCINATIONS? At the time this brochure went to press (March, 2018) the following immunisations are recommended for travellers in Latin America by the CDC (The Centre for Disease Control): Travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccinations: Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT), Poliovirus etc.

Recommended for Argentina, Bolivia, Belize, Brazil, Guatemala & Peru: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid & Rabies. Malaria & Yellow Fever are also an issue in Puerto Maldonado, Rio de Janeiro, Tena ,Napo, and Iguassu Falls. You should consult your local doctor or travel agent on what vaccinations &/or preventative medicines would be required. Many countries such as Costa Rica and Bolivia require a yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling from a country where yellow fever exists. Please be sure to check the requirements for each country Don’t forget to bring with you any medication that you may require en route such as antihistamines, antibiotics, etc

SAFETY INFORMATION Security is a major concern to all of us and the situation globally is constantly changing. Events around the world, coupled with the “Travel Advisories” put out by various governments, may at times necessitate changes to the accommodations and itinerary or even trip c ancellation. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information in this regard. You must accept these risks involved in travel to any country that may experience security difficulties and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions.

ACCEPTANCE OF RISK It’s important that you acknowledge that at times travelling on a Contiki Latin America trip may be more adventurous & presents greater challenges than your normal daily life.

The civil infrastructure, medical facilities, transportation, telecommunications & accommodation standards may not be what you are used to. Cleanliness & hygiene standards also vary. As such there is some degree of personal risk inherent in travelling Latin America & as a Contiki traveller you accept this.

BOOKING SECURITY Contiki has been running trips for young people since 1962 & in all countries we fully comply with local industry laws. In South Africa, Contiki is a member of the Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA).

BROCHURE AUTHENTICITY We have put a great deal of effort into producing this brochure. The information given & literature produced by Contiki has been compiled with care & is published in good faith (this includes Contiki. com & our ebrochures). Sometimes, because of circumstances outside our control, we have to alter some activities due to seasonal closing or repairs to buildings, etc., especially early or late in the season.

If this happens, alternatives will be arranged.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Photos courtesy of © Mama Yacchi Lodge p.1415 Lodge Exterior. Photos courtesy of © Hotel Hacienda Buenaventura p.14 Hotel Pool.

HOW TO READ A TRIP PAGE ARENAL (1 night)

PLAYA TAMARINDO (2 nights) 3

KEY

2 COSTA RICA START END

5 MONTEVERDE

1 9 SAN JOSÉ

(2 nights)

(1 night)

Quepos

(B,L,D) MEALS: Included

7

MANUEL ANTONIO (2 nights)

Manuel Antonio N.P.

meals. B=Breakfast, PACIFIC L=Lunch, OCEAN D=Dinner

START

START ICON: Shows the city where you will start your trip.

END ICON: Shows the city where you wil finish your trip.

VISIT: Shows places you’ll visit but not stay the night ITINERARY DAY: Shows which day of 1 the trip you will arrive in a city.

11 9 ITINERARY END DAY: These icons show the day of the trip you arrive, in the end city and the day the trip finishes.

SPECIAL STAY: Nights spent at unique, 3 special accommodation.

END

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW PANEL ACCOMMODATION: Shows you how many nights & what style of accommodation you’ll be sleeping in.

MEALS: Shows the number of meals included in each trip.

ESSENTIALS: All of the things included on a Contiki trip as standard.

FREE TIME ADD-ONS: Some of the top experiences you can do, that aren’t included in the price of your trip.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS: Some of the top experiences you will have included in the price of your trip.

PRICE PANEL LATIN 2018/20 CODE: SJSJ

START SAN JOSE & FINISH SAN JOSE

The price panels sit beneath each trip map and itinerary. It indicates departures, trip R16499 code, any included taxes, and Start and Start End location. Departures are listed under a Mar 30 price bracket in chronological order.

May4 Jun 8

End

Apr 7 May12 Jun 16

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & conditions set out below. the time of payment of the deposit and will, in certain circumstances, 2.4 In the case of Late Bookings made within 45 days of your departure etc are closed. Hotel facilities may vary from place to place. Meals OUR RESPONSIBILITIES may vary in style. from your home country, the full cost of the holiday will be payable cover you against loss of deposit or cancellation fees from the date of 1. YOUR HOLIDAY RESERVATION On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability and at our discretion, Contiki will reserve your place on your selected holiday. A contract is only made between you and us upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us and our communication thereof to either you or your travel agent.

2. PRICE GUARANTEE Prices in this brochure are based on costs and exchange rates as at 15th February, 2018. Should these costs change, it may be necessary to add a surcharge to the price of your holiday. If a booking is made and confirmed at a price which is erroneous we may correct our error by notifying you. Unless we agree to honour the erroneous price, you will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification without penalty. Should the total trip price increase by more than 10% you will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification without penalty.

No surcharge in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment of the deposit for your land trip has been received. This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any governments or their agencies. In exchange for these guarantees, no refund will be made if costs are reduced.

3. IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY 3.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control.

3.2 Should change or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, and where available, offer you a comparable alternative.

3.3 If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another Contiki holiday without payment of any transfer fee.

3.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Contiki’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking.

3.5 Contiki is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any trip departure.

4. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 4.1 The information in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print (March, 2018) but we cannot guarantee that any item or amenity mentioned will be available especially where we have no direct control over it.

4.2 With respect to our touring programme Contiki will do their best, at their discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing trips and transportation to give you good value for money.

4.3 Contiki constantly strives to improve trip itineraries and features.

If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.

4.4 We reserve the right to alter or substitute the type, size of vehicle and/or the style of transport mentioned in the brochure, resulting in occasionally having to utilise transport without some of the features promoted including WiFi & power outlets.

5. LIABILITY 5.1 Your travel agent shall, on the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for you until the booking is confirmed at which time those monies shall be remitted promptly by your travel agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law.

5.2 We will be entitled to keep for our account any interest earned on such monies.

5.3 All monies paid by you to us through your travel agent or otherwise, whether in respect of the deposit or full payment, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit, in respect of the services to be provided and/or fees payable under your selected holiday. The payment of a deposit or any other monies in respect of your holiday shall be deemed to be an authorisation for disbursement thereof as aforesaid.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY 1.1 In order to reserve your holiday, a deposit of R1,000, per person per trip, or the full amount payable if booking is made within 45 days of departure from your home country, must be submitted to Contiki within 7 days in respect of that holiday. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first installment of the holiday price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent.

1.2 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a nonrefundable deposit of R1,000 per person, per trip which must be within 7 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled.

1.3 Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Contiki cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients’ special meal requirements are not fulfilled.

1.4 Inca Trail Trek. If you wish to book a trip including the Inca Trail Trek you will be required to make an additional non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. Your Reservations Agent will advise you of the additional amount required. Should Contiki be unable to obtain a trail pass for the date requested your additional deposit will be refunded in full.

You will need to provide your passport details at the time of booking & you will need your passport to enter the trail. It is important that the passport information you submit with your application is exactly the same as the passport you will use to travel to Latin America & it must have 6 months validity at the time of travel. If your information changes it can result in a penalty & cancellation of your admission to the trail. No refunds will be given.

1.5 Rio Carnival Sambadrome Ticket if you wish to book the Rio Carnival trip you will be required to make an additional non-refundable deposit at time of booking. Your reservations agent will advise you of the additional amount required.

2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 The balance of the holiday price must be paid by no later than 45 days before the scheduled holiday departure date from your home country which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki. When making multi-trip bookings, full payment is due no later than 45 days before scheduled departure date of the first departing trip.

2.2 If payment isn’t made by the due date, Contiki may assume that you have cancelled and cancellation charges in accordance with clause 3 below will be levied by Contiki.

2.3 Tickets and other documents won’t be forwarded until full payment has been received by us. Documents are issued maximum of 6 weeks in advance.

immediately on booking. We reserve the right to provide all travel documents at the holiday departure point.

2.5 Contiki reserves the right to cancel the booking and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods.

3. IF YOU CANCEL 3.1 Freedom Guarantee/FlexDeposit: We know that travel plans can change. If you need to cancel for any reason, your deposit will remain secure until you’re ready to use it. Or if you can’t go, your deposit value is also transferable, so you can gift your deposit at no extra cost.

The value of the original deposit can be used as credit towards booking a new trip. The original deposit refers to the trip deposit only and excludes any additional deposits such as Inca Trail, or flights. Any monies already refunded are not applicable. The FlexDeposit will be applied as a discount on the final payment of your new trip. The amount allowed to be redeemed is equal to the original deposit amount paid. In the case of multiple deposits due to back to back trips, only one deposit amount can be credited per trip, they cannot be combined.

However multiple trips can be booked using multiple FlexDeposits.

Valid on all Contiki trips 7 days or longer. Credit is valid until the client turns 36. i.e fitting within Contiki’s age limit as per Contiki’s booking conditions. After turning 36 years of age, the FlexDeposit can be used with one of our sister brands, get inspired here www.ttc.com/brands/.

Credit can also be gifted to family or friends. To gift to family or friend the customer must email confirmation to Contiki stating the nominated name. Gifting only valid within 5 calendar years of the original booking. (eg cancelled in 2018, valid on trips up to end of 2023). FlexDeposit is not valid on existing bookings. FlexDeposit has no cash value and is non-refundable. FlexDeposit is not combinable with Early Payment Discounts or Last Minute Deals within 120 days of original travel date.

3.2 Your deposit is non-refundable upon cancellation by you.

3.3 Upon cancellation you will be liable to pay a fee to cover the estimate of cost and expenses incurred by us in the terms of the schedule set out hereunder. This is expressed as a percentage of the holiday price and is calculated as follows: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE Over 45 days notice: ............................................... Deposit is forfeited 45-22 days:..................................................................25% of trip fare 21-8 days: ....................................................................50% of trip fare 7-1 days: ......................................................................75% of trip fare Day of departure: .......................................................100% of trip fare NB: Please note, Contiki’s cancellation policy is different in Latin America due to internal flight ticketing timeframes & ground transportation confirmations. These must be booked well in advance in order to secure high quality services that adhere to our strict safety standards. Where the percentage cancellation fee is less than the trip deposit, the cancellation fee will equal loss of deposit. If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges may, subject to the terms of your insurance policy, be refunded to you by the insurance company.

If you have booked a trip including the Inca Trail Trek or Rio Carnival Sambadrome ticket the additional deposit you paid at the time of booking is non-refundable. All Cancellation policies valid as at 15th March, 2018, and are subject to change. Final policy will be confirmed at time of booking.

3.4 Any cancellation of additional services booked prior to and after your trip or resort booking, such as pre and post accommodation and transfers, that are cancelled within 14 days of the trip departure incur a 100% cancellation fee.

3.5 These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent.

3.6 If flight changes are requested after the deposit has been received, or if flights are cancelled after tickets are issued, revision fees, change fees or Airline cancellation fees will be applicable and maybe in addition to the above cancellation charges. All Cancellation policies valid as at 15th March, 2018 and are subject to change. Final policy will be confirmed at time of booking.

3.7 GOLD SEAL PROTECTION Gold Seal Protection Contiki’s Gold Seal Additional Protection plan costs only R590 per person (payable with your deposit only) and includes: On Your Holiday – Should you, or your travel companion, leave at any time during the trip for personal sickness reasons or be required to return to South Africa due to injury, illness or death, you and your companion will be refunded up to R750 per person per day for the unused portion of the holiday (note that in some cases hotels require a one night cancellation fee). A doctor’s certificate is required.

Return Flight Security – If you or a member of your direct family in South Africa should fall sick* while you are on your Contiki we will take care of the additional cost of tickets for your earlier or later return home in the same class of air travel on the first available flight, provided you hold round-trip tickets on Contiki’s recommended airline(s) booked through Contiki from South Africa. *Medical certificates as proof of all illness claims must be supplied Pre-Paid Cancellation Option – Your deposit and/or payment to Contiki will be refunded in full or you will have the option to carry it over to another Contiki or TTC holiday should you cancel your holiday for any reason prior your departure from South Africa. This cancellation option covers land arrangements made by Contiki or any other TTC holiday.

Prior to departure from South Africa, your airfares are not covered

by Gold Seal. We recommend you take out TIC Travel Insurance specifically covering the value of your airfares should you cancel your holiday (Please review TIC’s Travel Insurance terms and conditions around cancellation cover). We are happy to assist you with arranging this travel insurance. Any rebooking costs of airfares prior to departure are not covered by Gold Seal.

4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to change to an alternate departure date of any available trip, you may do so subject to availability.

4.2 If the change is requested 45 days before the original trip departure no fee will be charged.

4.3 A change of booking within 45 days of original trip departure will be treated as a cancellation and normal cancellation fees will apply (as detailed in section 3). However trip deposits can be used as credit to a new trip, see FlexDeposit.

4.4 The new departure price would not be eligible for early payment discounts (EPD) if within 45 days before departure 4.5 A name change to a different person will be treated as a cancellation.

4.6 A fee will be charged for any alteration to airline arrangements made by Contiki as per clause 3.

5. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 Please read the brochure carefully for those items included in the price. No allowance or refund can be made for meals, accommodation, excursions, etc. that you elect not to take, or when museums, shops,

5.2 Clients must be aged between 18 & 35 inclusive to travel on Contiki trips. Contiki’s holidays are specifically planned for those in the 18 through 35 age group. Consequently the facilities and activities on a Contiki holiday are not appropriate to persons outside this age bracket.

If you have a question regarding the age groups, you are welcome to discuss this with a Contiki staff member.

5.3 The Company strives to provide a safe, enjoyable and memorable travel experience for all passengers. The Company welcomes passengers with special needs or disabilities. However, please note the following: • Passengers are required to advise the Company, in advance, of any physical, medical or other special needs that require accommodation.

• All guests must ensure they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Company may impose safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the trip. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a trip or an activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety.

• The Company does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature.

• The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on trip, or for the quality of the care or services received.

• Passengers should be aware some trips include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, steps and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the trip, the Company may make arrangements with carriers, hotels and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which the Company has no control. Accommodations on international trips may differ from those in South Africa. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers travelling on international trips.

• The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with the Company’s terms and conditions. The Company is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a passenger is removed from a trip. Passengers agree not to hold the Company or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions.

5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the holiday.

5.5 There may be times when the Contiki Representative has to make a decision in your best interests or the best interests of their group.

You agree to comply with the authority and decisions of the appointed Contiki Representative and the laws of the country in which you are travelling. If you do not so comply or if, in the Contiki Representative’s opinion, you are not compatible with the general enjoyment and well being of other members on the holiday or smooth operation of the holiday itself, we reserve the right to refuse to let you continue with the holiday. We do not tolerate the possession or carriage of illegal or restricted substances (drugs). Furthermore, you agree that your fellow travellers and any Contiki Representative has the right to travel/ work in a safe environment. Any threats to their safety, well being or inappropriate behaviour by you, whether verbal or physical, will be taken extremely seriously and may result in the immediate termination of your holiday. In either event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation and related costs and have no claims against us.

5.5.1 You are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of damage or excess cleaning fees related to your accommodation. You are advised to immediately report any pre-existing damage in your room to hotel staff and/or a Contiki Trip Manager as soon as it is discovered.

5.6 Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or co-operating organisations shall be liable for any illness, injury or death or any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of the accident or incident.

5.7 It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for your selected holiday before your departure as well as any necessary vaccinations and to comply with all applicable laws. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of failing to obtain necessary visas. Any costs whatsoever regarding obtaining, replacing or changing visas whilst on the trip (including accommodation, meals, flights and transfers incurred due to associated delays) are at your own expense.

5.8 You agree that our Contiki Trip Managers or Representatives may take photographs and films of you while you are on holiday and that these may be used in our Group brochures and/or advertising or publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of such photographs and/or films.

5.9 Should you have a complaint in respect of the holiday, you should inform the Contiki Trip Manager or Contiki Representative during the course of the holiday and if the matter cannot be resolved after the representative’s best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to Contiki as soon as is reasonably possible after the holiday but within 42 days thereof so that your complaint can be investigated. Any claims made after the 42 day period will not be considered by Contiki. If you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, please provide your home address so that we are able to reply to you in writing.

5.10.1 The contract and all matters arising in respect hereof shall be subject to English Law, unless we agree otherwise in writing.

5.10.2 If any provision of this contract is held invalid or unenforcable by any court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed to be re-written to give effect to the same purpose within the permitted limits of the law. The validity and enforcability of the other provisions shall not be affected.

5.10.3 If you are unsuccessful in any legal action instituted against us, you agree to pay all our costs, including but not limited to, attorney/ client costs.

6. COMPULSORY INSURANCE Travel insurance is compulsory on our trips, and we have some of the best deals on rates. Visit contiki.com/insurance. It is compulsory that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and evacuation expenses before you travel on a Contiki holiday. We strongly recommend your insurance also covers cancellation, personal liability and loss of personal property. Please check that the insurance covers all of the activities that you are going to be participating in. Some policies exclude certain adventure activities. This should be arranged at

confirmation of your booking, as shown in the insurance policy. Contiki cannot be held responsible for your failure to take out appropriate insurance and we recommend you purchase your insurance at or soon after booking your trip. You also agree to indemnify us against all thirdparty claims, actions, damages and remedies which may be brought against us in respect of your participation in the holiday.

7. ILLNESS OR ABSENTEEISM In the event of your withdrawal from a holiday after the commencement as a result of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. Unfortunately no refunds can be made for absences from a trip, including but not limited to missed meals or sightseeing.

8. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE Airfares to and from your holiday destination, airport taxes, passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to Trip Managers, representatives, drivers and local guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, Free Time Add-Ons options.

9. WEATHER CONDITIONS Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for snow or weather conditions, nor can any holiday be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of snow or weather conditions.

GENERAL

1. CONTRACTING PARTIES 1.1 The Booking Conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you and Contiki. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation. This contract may only be varied in writing by a duly authorised officer or director of Contiki.

1.2 Your contract is with us as the trip operating company. At any time and at our complete discretion we may nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of those provisions of this contract, which we may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions concerned directly with that company or person in the first place as well as agreeing them with us. We may at our complete discretion assign all or any rights and liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with you.

1.3 Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international conventions, national and international law, which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol & Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road & the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage & delay to passengers & luggage. Enrolment in & payment for a trip shall constitute agreement & acceptance by the passenger of the terms & conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.

1.4 Contiki is not a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches. All bookings with carriers, hoteliers and other service providers are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by those carriers, hoteliers, and other service providers. Please note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. Whilst we cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such thirdparties, we will give every reasonable assistance in helping to resolve any reasonable dispute.Please also note that Contiki cannot be held responsible for the failure of any of these parties to provide facilities or services for handicapped clients (see also 5.3 under Holiday Details & Conditions).

1.5 Please note that no airline or carrier depicted or recommended in this brochure by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser of a holiday from Contiki or as having any other legal relationship with any such purchaser.

1.6 Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to print, however Contiki cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.

2. VALIDITY The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from August 2018 to March 2020.

3. OPERATING COMPANIES The programmes advertised in this brochure are owned and operated by: Contiki Holidays Latin America, Travel House, Rue Du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH Channel Islands. Please note that Contiki utilises ground handlers to assist with the operation of our products.

These ground handlers include: Journey Mexico (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala), Galakiwi (Ecuador & Galapagos Islands), Costa Rican Trails (Costa Rica), & Altura Travel (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil & Peru).

Adsmundo (Chile).

4. CONTIKI IS REPRESENTED IN: Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and USA. Contiki is a registered trademark of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Guernsey.

DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. We will only pass your information on to persons responsible for your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. (If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers we will be unable to provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.). Where the data might be passed on for marketing purposes, you have the right to opt out of future marketing. You also have a right of access to data held which can be obtained by writing to Contiki Holidays Ltd, Travel House, Rue du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY1 2JH. This brochure was published in March 2018 and supersedes any other current brochure in the market.

LATIN AMERICA 2018-20

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TO BOOK

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VISIT CONTIKI.COM

CALL US ON 011 280 8481 OR CALL OUR TRAVEL TRADE RESERVATIONS CALL CENTRE ON 011 280 8400 Up late? Us too! Call us when it suits you with our extended customer service hours.

Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8.30am-2am Wed-Fri: 9am-2am Sat: 9am-1pm

Or visit your local travel agent reservations.sa@contiki.com

SOUTH AFRICA CONTIKI HOLIDAYS 6 Hood Avenue, Rosebank, 2196

POSTAL ADDRESSS PO Box 413786, Craighall, 2024

FAX NUMBER Fax: (+27) 11 280 8460

SEE MORE OF THE WORLD WITH CONTIKI AUS & NZ 2018 / 2019

TRAVEL WITH NO REGRETS

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 18 / 19

ASIA & INDIA

EUROPE SUMMER

USA & CANADA

3 NEW & IMPROVED TRIPS

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

EUROPE WINTER

Contiki is a member of the family-owned The Travel Corporation (TTC) and is renowned and trusted for its outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability.

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Contiki is proud to be using 100% recycled LEIPA paper for the body of our brochures. It is just part of The Travel Corporation way.

YO UR CO N T I KI T R A VE L E X P E R T I S :

1st Edition

© Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in South Africa.

Contiki provides you with holidays & experiences of a lifetime.

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