Itinerary

Highlights of South America 2023
Date:
February 16, 2023 - March 23, 2023
Meeting point:
Stuart, FL (KSUA)
Length:
36 days / 35 nights
Mileage:
11,245 NM
Day 1 - Thursday, February 16: Stuart, FL (KSUA) → Cartagena, Colombia (SKGC) (1,005nm)

Air Journey will greet you at Witham Field (KSUA) for a briefing about the forthcoming flight.

Fly to Colombia – one of the most ethnically diverse nations in South America – for our visit to Cartagena, undeniably one of Latin America’s most beautiful cities lost somewhere in time between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, with the Caribbean sea as a sparkling backdrop. Sir Francis Drake laid siege to the city but the fortress walls and cannons remain, making the area within the old walled city a living museum.

Hotel : Sofitel Santa Clara
Welcome cocktail and Dinner included
Day 2 - Friday, February 17: Cartagena, Colombia

Enjoy a full day tour to experience Cartagena’s colonial charm with its tiled roofs, balconies and flower-filled courtyards. Relive history in the old walled city, the Ciudad Amurallada, where we’ll explore the four sectors, each one with a peculiar story to tell: San Diego, La Matuna, Getsemani and Santo Domingo. The tour will include a walking tour and a city tour to enjoy the highlights of this beautiful city.

Hotel : Sofitel Santa Clara
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 3 - Saturday, February 18: Cartagena, Colombia → Iquitos, Peru (860nm)

Fly to Iquitos situated on the banks of the Amazon River in the heart of the northern Peruvian Amazon region.

Upon arrival, transfer to Iquitos Main Wharf where the M/V Aqua Nera awaits you. Over the next three days, you will sail along some of the largest tributaries of the Amazon, as well as the mighty Amazon itself.

You will be embarking on a magnificent adventure to places visited by only a very few.

Aqua Nera Luxury Peruvian Cruise

The 205’ long M/V Aqua Nera is the ultimate luxury cruise ship on the northern Amazon River in Peru. Built in 2020 to the highest standards of modern small ship cruise lines, it is fully air conditioned throughout and all the suites on the Aqua Nera are comparable to a 5-star hotel with private baths, luxury toiletries and fine linen bedding to lull you to sleep under the stars of the Amazon. From the gourmet Peruvian cuisine to the crystal and china service at dinner, the amenities onboard the Aqua Nera will treat you to an intimate but luxurious Amazon River cruise.

Three highly trained interpreter Amazon River guides will take you on as many as three expeditions a day, aboard comfortable motorized skiffs. They will give you both the big picture of life on the Amazon, and will point out the multitude of small details that make the region special - a howler monkey hidden in a tree, a vivid butterfly resting on a leaf, a bird, such as the endangered harpy eagle, enjoying the tranquility of the Amazon basin.

Includes all meals while onboard, all excursions and all beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic except premium brands).

Hotel : M/V Aqua Nera
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 4 - Sunday, February 19: Amazon River

The locals call Yacapana Islands "The Islands of the Iguana" because of the large number of these reptiles - like tiny dinosaurs - which inhabit them. Amazon folklore says that if you touch an iguana, you will develop some of its characteristics and, as no one wants to look like them, these animals are well protected. We will also see the famous Amazon River dolphins, pink or gray, along our route. Amazonian people believe that these dolphins possess the power to turn into men and women of great beauty.

After breakfast you will board a comfortable skiff to sail from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. Life jackets, ponchos, rubber boots, and fresh water are always available in our private boats.

As you float down the Yarapa, past the occasional fishermen paddling in their canoes, keep your binoculars ready to spot wildlife: terns, tropical songbirds, black collared hawks and sloth share this wonderful world with us. Upon arrival at Lake Moringo, use your hooks to try to catch some of the ferocious piranhas and other fish species. As you fish, trained naturalist guides will tell the story of the lake and its inhabitants.

In the late afternoon we will sail on to Lake Clavero where villagers paddle in their traditional dugout canoes. You may wish to swim in the lake's calm waters and visit the community to interact with our Amazonia neighbors who will be pleased to welcome you.

Hotel : M/V Aqua Nera
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 5 - Monday, February 20: Amazon River

This morning board the skiffs to explore a fascinating black water stream, part of the vast Amazon flooded forest within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
 
Your guides will tell you about the jungle as you explore what scientists call a "gallery forest," because of its dense vegetation that creates a tunnel of leaves. As you explore this type of riparian vegetation, watch above for parrots, macaws and fluffy monk saki monkeys.
 
In the late afternoon you will take a magical journey through the "Jungle of the Mirrors," where towering trees are reflected in the dark river. Move on to Dorado River where you may observe enchanting parrots, macaws and a variety of primates unperturbed by our presence. As you make your way back to the Aria Amazon, you may see alligators, frogs and fishing bats.

 

Hotel : M/V Aqua Nera
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 6 - Tuesday, February 21: Disembark Aqua Nera Amazon Cruise → Iquitos, Peru (SPQT)

After breakfast, we will disembark the Aqua Nera Amazon Cruise and we will transfer to DoubleTree Hilton in Iquitos to get some rest and get ready for our flight on the next day.

Hotel : Doubletree Iquitos
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 7 - Wednesday, February 22: Cusco

Fly to Cusco where we will transfer to Belmond Hotel Monasterio.

Experience the thrill of staying in a protected national monument, while discover inspired restaurants and boutique rooms and suites, all clustered around a tranquil central courtyard.

This is the ideal hotel from which to discover the delights of the city, its doors open to a vibrant scene of old and modern architecture, markets, galleries and cafes serving exciting Andean cuisine.

Hotel : Hotel Monasterio
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 8 - Thursday, February 23: Cusco

There will be an early morning departure to board the Orient Express Luxury train “Hiram Bingham” for our visit to Machu Picchu.
 
View spectacular scenery while you enjoy a delicious Brunch onboard. You will arrive at the Lost Citadel of the Incas where you will be able to visit this stunning place.
 
Take a guided tour of the citadel, stroll by the archeological site before enjoying an afternoon tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.
 
As the sun goes down, you will return back to the station to board the train. Sit back and relax the VIP treatment followed by cocktails and live entertainment.
 
Afterwards, you will be escorted to the dining car for a four-course gourmet dinner making your trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable experience.

Hotel : Hotel Monasterio
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 9 - Friday, February 24: Cusco

Enjoy a morning city tour including the Santo Domingo Convent Monastery – the legendary Koricancha “Site of gold”, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. This afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Dinner tonight at the MAP Café - situated in the courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Hotel : Hotel Monasterio
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 10 - Saturday, February 25: Cusco, Peru (SPZO) → Uyuni, Peru (SLUY) (505 NM)

Fly to Uyuni.

The Palacio de Sal is extraordinary because it is entirely made out of salt from Bolivia offering guests the essence of the Andes, on the edge of the world’s largest salt flats. Step out onto the white salt pans to a vast expanse of white as far as the eye can see.

Hotel : Palacio De Sal
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 11 - Sunday, February 26: Uyuni, Bolivia

We will spend the day exploring the beautiful Salar de Uyuni (white desert) - the world's largest salt flat at 4,085 square miles.

It has been estimated to contain 10 billion tons of salt (less than 25,000 tons is extracted annually).

Hotel : Palacio De Sal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 12 - Monday, February 27: Uyuni, Bolivia (SLUY) → Santiago de Chile, Chile (SCEL) (800 NM)

Our flight will follow the rugged coast of Chile. Admire the peaks of the Andes and see the well-manicured slopes of Chile’s famous wine region and land in the sophisticated and very European city of Santiago.

Hotel : Mandarin Oriental Santiago
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 13 - Tuesday, February 28: Santiago de Chile, Chile

On our tour this morning we will discover the highlights of Chile’s capital. Visit landmarks such as Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Cerro Santa Lucia and La Moneda palace.

Absorb the bohemian charm of Bellavista neighborhood. The afternoon is free for shopping or to relax at the hotel.

Hotel : Mandarin Oriental Santiago
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 14 - Wednesday, March 1: Santiago de Chile, Chile (SCEL) → Puerto Montt, Chile (SCTE) → Puerto Natales, Chile (SCNT) → Torres del Paine (495 + 615 NM)

Fly to Puerto Natales. There will be a technical stop in Puerto Montt.

Enjoy beautiful sightseeing along the way while we transfer to the Tierra Patagonia. Located in the furthermost south of Chile, the hotel is surrounded by nature, in splendid isolation, overlooking Lake Sarmiento and the towering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park which was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978.

You will consult with the head guide at the beginning of your stay to select the best excursions for you, taking into account individual interests and fitness levels.

Hotel : Tierra Patagonia
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 15 - Thursday, March 2: Torres del Paine, Chile

Today a choice of selected tours will be available to either explore the lakes and glaciers, enjoy several waterfalls, or hike on one of the many tranquil trails. Excursion options include walks, treks, horseback rides, bicycle rides and scenic tours.

Hotel : Tierra Patagonia
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 16 - Friday, March 3: Torres Del Paine, Chile

Enjoy the day hiking or sign up with the hotel for a full day tour.

Hotel : Tierra Patagonia
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 17 - Saturday, March 4: Torres del Paine, Chile → Puerto Natales, Chile (SCNT) → Bariloche, Argentina (SAZS) (635 NM)

Fly to San Carlos de Bariloche, a city that stands out for its architectural features and for being located in a privileged region due to the beauty of its landscapes made up of mountains, woods, lakes, glaciers and an exuberant flora.

Down a winding alpine road, perched on a precipice overlooking the iridescent waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake, you’ll find Villa Beluno. Caught somewhere between escapism and immersion, between harsh jagged peaks and soft morning light, this intimate 13-suite hotel has perfected a delicate interplay of the senses. There is a lightness of touch to the all-encompassing luxury here – and as you gaze in wonder over the landscapes of Bariloche from your private balcony, you’ll realize you’re exactly where you need to be.

Hotel : Villa Beluno Hotel & Spa
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 18 - Sunday, March 5: Bariloche, Argentina

Enjoy magnificent scenery on a half-day city scenic overview tour in the morning. Along the way we’ll pause at several scenic lookout points including López Bay and "Punto Panorámico" (panoramic lookout).

At Cerro Campanario, enjoy a chairlift ride offering a panorama of green and white mountain peaks permeated by clusters of blue lakes. We’ll arrive back at the hotel in time for lunch.

The afternoon is at leisure.

Hotel : Villa Beluno Hotel & Spa
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 19 - Monday, March 6: Bariloche, Argentina (SAZS) → Mendoza, Argentina (SAME) (510 NM)

Fly to Mendoza – the center of Argentina’s wine country. Nestled in a 35-acre vineyard, Cavas Wine Lodge offers stunning views of the Mendoza vineyards and the majestic Andes mountain range.

Hotel : Cavas Wine Lodge
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 20 - Tuesday, March 7: Mendoza, Argentina

We will visit some of the local wineries as we learn about tasting, harvesting, the winemaking process and the history of the viticulture in Mendoza while sampling excellent wines.

Hotel : Cavas Wine Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 21 - Wednesday, March 8: Mendoza, Argentina (SAME) → Buenos Aires, Argentina (SAEZ) (525 NM)

Fly to the beautiful city of Buenos Aires - capital of Argentina. Transfer to the Four Seasons hotel for our three nights stay. This is an ideal location to relax and enjoy great shopping.

Hotel : Four Seasons Buenos Aires
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 22 - Thursday, March 9: Buenos Aires, Argentina

We will take a morning tour to discover the elegant and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires including the Recoleta Cemetery (where Eva Peron rests), Plaza 5 de Mayo and the large Parisian type avenues that testify the city’s incredible past wealth.

Afterwards, we will stop for lunch at one of the charming bistros around the Recoleta area. The remainder of the day will be free to explore on your own and if you wish, indulge in some great shopping.

This evening we will enjoy dinner and a Tango performance - a delight not to be missed!

Hotel : Four Seasons Buenos Aires
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 23 - Friday, March 10: Buenos Aries, Argentina

Today is free to explore this beautiful city on your own.

The hotel is located in the distinguished neighborhood of Recoletta, just minutes from the thriving city center and home to some of Buenos Aires most beautiful European-style architecture.

Hotel : Four Seasons Buenos Aires
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 24 - Saturday, March 11: Buenos Aires, Argentina (SAEZ) → Punta del Este, Uruguay (SULS) (170 NM)

Fly to Punta del Este – known as “the Pearl of Uruguay”.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to Hotel Estancia Vik. Situated on 4,000 acres, the Estancia is a classic Spanish colonial structure featuring white adobe walls and a red tin roof. Within the walls of the 50,000 square foot Estancia structure, more than half is made up of interior patios of outdoor space – courtyards, gardens, covered walkways and an herb garden.

Hotel : Hotel Estancia Vik
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 25 - Sunday, March 12: Punta del Este, Uruguay

We will depart for a half day city tour of Punta del Este.

Today we will visit Casapueblo, The Museum-Studio is in the middle of the large building and exhibits works by the man who built it, Uruguayan genius Carlos Páez Vilaró, a multifaceted artist and muralist par excellence.

The rooms are replete with paintings, pottery, and sculptures from different stages in the artist’s life. Casapueblo is, without a doubt, Uruguay’s cultural and architectural pride and joy.

We will then continue our tour to Punta del Este town and see the most important places and beaches.

Hotel : Hotel Estancia Vik
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 26 - Monday, March 13: Punta del Este, Uruguay

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Enjoy activities provided by the resort.

Hotel : Hotel Estancia Vik
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 27 - Tuesday, March 14: Punta del Este, Uruguay (SULS) → Iguazu Falls, Argentina (SARI) (545 NM)

Fly to Puerto Iguazu. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Awasi, located just 20 minutes from the world’s largest waterfalls.

Awasi is situated on the banks of the River Iguazu, surrounded by
the Atlantic Rainforest. Enjoy your next two days of stay with a private guide and 4WD, exploring the beauty of the Iguazu National Park and the waterfalls at your own pace and at your own time. You can chose one full-day excursion or a two-half day excursions - a delight not to be missed!

Hotel : Awasi Iguazu
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 28 - Wednesday, March 15: Iguazu Falls, Argentina

We’ll take a boat tour up-river through the canyon to the base of the falls to see the great horseshoe known as “Devil’s Throat”.

Rainbows, blue sky, mist and profuse water punctuate this natural spectacle. View “The Three Musketeers” – the three main streams of the lower falls. You’ll get close enough for a quick and refreshing shower!

The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own

Hotel : Awasi Iguazu
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 29 - Thursday, March 16: Iguazu Falls, Argentina (SBFI) → Atacama, Chile (SCCF) (815 NM)

Fly to Calama, located 60 miles northwest of San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the desert, Valley of the Moon.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to Tierra Atacama, a deluxe hotel near San Pedro de Atacama, to enjoy excursions which will capture profound landscapes, natural events and inhabited places that bare the ingredients and surprises that make the experience unforgettable.

Enjoy a casual and friendly ambiance at the hotel such as a seat in a private corner by one of the terrace fire pits, lounge next to the pool or relax on one of the shady outdoor decks. When night falls, take in the brilliant stars, bask in the peace and wonder that is the Atacama Desert.

Hotel : Tierra Atacama
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 30 - Friday, March 17: Atacama, Chile

Your tour guide will be available to help you select from numerous tours available including walking and hiking, biking, volcano climbing, horseback riding, bird watching, as well as excursions by vehicle to the more remote areas.

Excursions include visits to remote lagoons, red rock formations, salt flats, volcanos, geysers, Moon Valley, petroglyphs, and small villages where you’ll meet local families.

In the evening, experience Astronomy in the starry desert! Tierra Atacama together with the Ahlarkapin Observatory offers an astronomy excursion that gives guests a unique chance to discover the southern skies while learning about its scientific and ancestral significance.

First guests will observe the sky with the naked eye and later discover amazing visualizations through one of the largest private telescopes in the area to observe planets like Mars and Saturn.

Hotel : Tierra Atacama
Breakfast, Dinner and Lunch included
Day 31 - Saturday, March 18: Pisco

Your tour guide will be available to help you select from numerous tours available including hiking, trekking or biking. Over the Quitor hill, a short distance from San Pedro are the ruins of the Pukar (fortress), constructed by the atacameos to defend themselves from other inhabitants of South America.

Built on the summit of a hill overlooking the San Pedro River, Pukara de Quitor is an ancient Indian fortress whose construction dates back to the XII century. It was declared a national monument in 1982.

Hotel : Tierra Atacama
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 32 - Sunday, March 19: Atacama, Chile (SCCF) → Pisco, Peru (SPSO) (670 NM)

Fly to Pisco. Upon arrival we will transfer to the Paracas hotel.

Hotel : Hotel Paracas
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 33 - Monday, March 20: Pisco, Peru

We will board a private yacht as we begin our adventure to the stunning Ballestas Island.

We will stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the enigmatic figure of the Candelabro - a stunning design drawn on the side of a hill in the Peninsula. Nobody knows for sure who did it or why but there are many hypotheses regarding its origin.

Some believe it is related to the Nazca Lines but still found no proof or evidence that can define its creation. Afterwards head to Ballestas Island where you will enjoy a stunning world filled with birds and sea lions. Visit the three islands at an allowed distance, navigating in some caves (depending on sea conditions).

Hotel : Hotel Paracas
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 34 - Tuesday, March 21: Pisco, Peru (SPSO) → Manta, Ecuador (SEMT) → Liberia, Costa Rica (MRLB) (810 + 750 NM)

After breakfast, we will transfer back to the airport for our flight to Liberia, Costa Rica, our next destination.

Situated along a coastal hillside to an isthmus of golden sand, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo provides an ambience of simple luxury in a pristine natural setting. Enjoy two unspoiled beaches, an indigenous spa, championship golf and the magic of the tropical dry forest.
Kasiiya features two unique beaches and a total of seven handcrafted tented suites. SItuated amid 123 acres of forest, each suite connects you with nature, whether you want to relax beachside amid tropical forests or watch the fading rays of the sunset through the treetops from the comfort of your king-size bed. The area is home to whales, dolphins, rare birds, monkeys and thousands of other species.

The rest of the day is at leisure to settle into our new oasis.

Hotel : Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Breakfast included
Day 35 - Wednesday, March 22: Liberia, Costa Rica

Today we will board our private catamaran and explore the beauty that surrounds this part of Costa Rica.

There will be opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. After lunch, we will head back to our hillside-nestled paradise. The remainder of the day is on your own.

Hotel : Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 36 - Day 36: Thursday, March 23: Liberia, Costa Rica (MRLB) → Miami, Florida (KTMB) → Home (945 NM)

Today, we will transfer to the airport and fly back to Miami to clear US customs, then we will go our separate ways as our Journey culminates and we head home.

Breakfast included