Itinerary

Exotic South America 2023
Date:
February 12, 2023 - March 23, 2023
Meeting point:
Palm Beach, FL (KPBI)
Length:
40 days / 39 nights
Mileage:
12,260 NM
Day 1 - Sunday, February 12: West Palm Beach, Florida (KPBI) → Borinquen, Puerto Rico (TJBQ) → Canouan, The Grenadines (TVSC) (870 + 480 NM)

Air Journey, along with your Journey Director will greet you in West Palm Beach, Fl. for our departure to the island paradise of Canouan. Located in The Grenadines, Canouan Island is a remote island hideaway that is fast becoming one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the world.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to Mandarin Oriental Canouan. Boasting a dreamy setting of glass-clear seas, powdery sand beaches and vibrant greenery, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan is an island gem with elegant colonial-style suites, with picturesque views.

Hotel : Sofitel Casco Viejo
Welcome cocktail and Dinner included
Day 2 - Monday, February 13: Canouan, The Grenadines

Canouan is part of the Grenadines archipelago, which is made up of 32 islands and cays.

Today we will explore this fascinating area by sea. Spot sea turtles, see where scenes of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ were filmed, and snorkel this gorgeous area on our full day boat outing.

Afterward, we will visit the Fort Ozama, which played an integral role in the colonization of the Caribbean and Latin America. We will wander the well-kept grounds, learn about the history behind the fort and climb its five-story tower for views out over the Ozama River.

Hotel : Mandarin Oriental, Canouan
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 3 - Tuesday, February 14: Canouan, The Grenadines

Today is at leisure to relax on the beach or hop into a golf buggy or on a bicycle (available for rent) - navigate around the native tortoise species and see if you can find the old Anglican Church that was transported to the island centuries ago.

We will gather this evening for our pilot briefing followed by dinner on property.

Hotel : Mandarin Oriental, Canouan
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 4 - Wednesday, February 15: Canouan, The Grenadines (TVSC) → Cayenne, French Guiana (SOCA) → Fortaleza, Brazil (SBFZ) (710 + 975 NM)

Our Journey continues to Fortaleza, Brazil. Upon arrival we will transfer to Carmel Taiba Exclusive Resort. Located in Taíba, a few steps from the Beach, this property is the right destination for those seeking privacy, comfort and stunning nature. It offers exclusive service, cearense haute cuisine and refinement in every detail.

Hotel : Carmel Taiba Exclusive Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 5 - Thursday, February 16: Fortaleza, Brazil

Today we will explore the untouched, landscapes between Fortaleza and Natal with a buggy ride tour. We will drive through some superb desert sand dunes, along the immense deserted beaches worthy of the prettiest picture postcards, and follow impressive red cliffs along the turquoise blue of the Atlantic Ocean.

Hotel : Carmel Taiba Exclusive Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 6 - Friday, February 17: Fortaleza, Brazil

Today we will discover the history and uniqueness of the beautiful city of Fortaleza, from colonial sights to the modern architecture of the fifth largest city in Brazil.

On this city tour, we will discover the unique history of the area, which grew from a small Portuguese colonial village. Today, the city is the 5th largest in the country. We will see parts of the city both young and old, as well as its most important buildings and areas: the Metropolitan Cathedral, Central Market, the President Castelo Branco Mausoleum, Martyr's Square, the Center of Tourism, the Statue of Iracema and the crafts fair on Meireles Beach, the Raft Harbor of Mucuripe Beach, and the famous Praia do Futuro.

Hotel : Carmel Taiba Exclusive Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 7 - Saturday, February 18: Fortaleza, Brazil

Today is at your leisure to explore or relax on your own.

Hotel : Carmel Taiba Exclusive Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 8 - Sunday, February 19: Fortaleza, Brazil (SBFZ) → Salvador de Bahia, Brazil (SBSV) (545 NM)

We will leave Fortaleza behind, as we will fly to Salvador de Bahia, a beautiful historic town with tons of character.

This charming city will give you a great understanding of the Brazilian culture. Your hotel, in the middle of the old city, is a perfect setting to enjoy your stay.

Hotel : Hotel Fasano Salvador Da Bahia
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 9 - Monday, February 20: Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Today we will venture out a city tour to discover the highlights of this beautiful city!

The town’s historical Pelourinho district has UNESCO Cultural Heritage status and is a fascinating mix of colonial grandeur and African vibrancy.

Hotel : Hotel Fasano Salvador Da Bahia
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 10 - Tuesday, February 21: Salvador de Bahia, Brazil (SBSV) → Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (SBGL) (655 NM)

Fly to the exciting coastal city of Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, transfer to the Copacabana Palace – situated in the heart of captivating Rio de Janeiro, an incomparable city in an equally unforgettable setting.

Hotel : Copacabana Palace
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 11 - Wednesday, February 22: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Today we set out on a tour, highlighting all thia bustling city has to offer; including a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf, a climb to the foot of the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) and to Ipanema, Copacabana and many other historical sights.

Hotel : Copacabana Palace
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 12 - Thursday, February 23: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Today is at leisure to relax or to discover Rio on your own. This is a great day to explore Rio’s shopping scene!

Hotel : Copacabana Palace
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 13 - Friday, February 24: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (SBGL) → Iguazu Falls, Argentina (SARI) (640 NM)

Fly to Puerto Iguazu. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Awasi Iguazu, 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. Our time in this part of the world will be spent exploring the beauty of the Iguazu National Park and the waterfalls.

Hotel : Awasi Iguazu
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 14 - Saturday, February 25: Iguazu, 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 and 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 and Dinner included
Day 15 - Sunday, February 26: Iguazu Falls, Argentina (SARI) → Punta Del Este, Uruguay (SULS) (555 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 : Estancia Vik
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 16 - Monday, February 27: Punta Del Este, Uruguay

We will depart for a 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.

Hotel : Estancia Vik
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 17 - Tuesday, February 28: Punta del Este, Uruguay

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : Hotel Estancia Vik
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 18 - Wednesday, March 01: Punta Del Este, Uruguay (SULS) → Buenos Aires, Argentina (SAEZ) (170 NM)

Fly to the beautiful city of Buenos Aires - capital of Argentina. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the Four Seasons hotel for our three nights stay. Centrally located, the Four Seasons is ideally located within the action of this bustling city.

Hotel : Four Seasons Buenos Aires
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 19 - Thursday, March 02: 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, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 20 - Friday, March 03: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Today is free to explore this beautiful city on your own. The hotel is located in the distinguished neighborhood of Recoleta, 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 21 - Saturday, March 04: Buenos Aires, Argentina (SAEZ) → Bariloche, Argentina (SAZS) (710 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.

An ecologic paradise, the Llao Llao Hotel and Resort is situated on a small hill within the National Park Nahuel Huapi. Enjoy exquisite panoramic views of the wonderful Patagonia landscape – limpid lakes, majestic Andean peaks, and colorful larch and cypress forests.

Hotel : Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 22 - Sunday, March 05: 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 : Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 23 - Monday, March 06: Bariloche, Argentina

Today is at leisure to relax or to explore on your own.

Hotel : Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 24 - Tuesday, March 07: Bariloche, Argentina (SAZS) → Puerto Natales, Chile (SCNT) (635 NM)

Our Journey continues to Puerto Natales, Chile. After our landing, we will transfer to the hotel The Singular Patagonia, where we will enjoy an overnight stay to prepare ourselves for our following day’s transfer to Torres del Paine.

Hotel : The Singular Patagonia
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 25 - Wednesday, March 08: Puerto Natales, Chile → Torres del Paine, Chile

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 26 - Wednesday, March 08: 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 27 - Thursday, March 09: Torres del Paine, Chile

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

Hotel : Tierra Patagonia
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 28 - Saturday, March 11: Torres del Paine, Chile → Puerto Natales, Chile (SCNT) → Santiago de Chile, Chile (SCEL) (1,100 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 before landing in the sophisticated and very European city of Santiago.

Hotel : Mandarin Oriental Santiago
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 29 - Sunday, March 12: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 to explore at your leisure.

Hotel : Mandarin Oriental Santiago
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 30 - Monday, March 13: Santiago de Chile, Chile

South of Santiago, there is a narrow valley between high cliffs, at the foothills of the Andes, where lies the most important and productive vineyards of Chile for red grapes. The natural conditions of the Maipo Alto Valley are excellent for the production of premium wines. During our visit of one of these vineyards, you will have the opportunity to see the whole process of wine making, while also enjoying a wine tasting.

Hotel : Mandarin Oriental Santiago
Breakfast, Dinner and Lunch included
Day 31 - Tuesday, March 14: Santiago de Chile, Chile (SCEL) → Calama, Chile (SCCF) → Atacama Desert, Chile (660 NM)

Fly to Calama, located 60 miles northwest of San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the desert, and home to the Valley of the Moon. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Awasi 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.

Hotel : Awasi Atacama
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 32 - Wednesday, March 15: Atacama Desert, 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 of this region.

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

Hotel : Awasi Atacama
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 33 - Wednesday, March 15: Atacama Desert, Chile

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 atacamenos 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 : Awasi Atacama
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 34 - Friday, March 17: Atacama Desert, Chile → Calama, Chile (SCCF) → Cusco, Peru (SPZO) (565 NM)

Fly to Cusco where we will transfer to the Belmond Hotel Monasterio. Experience the thrill of staying in a protected national monument, while discovering 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 35 - Saturday, March 18: Cusco, Peru

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 we will commence our discovery of this stunning place.

As the sun goes down, you will return back to the station to board the train. Sit back and relax to enjoy 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 36 - Sunday, March 19: Cusco, Peru

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, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 37 - Monday, March 20: Cusco, Peru

Today is at your leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : Hotel Monasterio
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 38 - Tuesday, March 21: Cusco, Peru (SPZO) → Guayaquil, Ecuador (SEGU) → Liberia, Costa Rica (MRLB) (825 + 835 NM)

After breakfast, we will transfer back to the airport for our flight to Liberia, Costa Rica, our next destination. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Casa Chameleon. Located on Costa Rica’s pristine and exotic Guanacaste peninsula, Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas is perched high on the hill-top above the new walkable town of Las Catalinas.

If you look to the sea from Las Catalinas, the Pacific stretches in every direction and beckons with countless activities. Beaches, swells, and warm waters make for great swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Turning your gaze toward land, you’ll find over 1,000 acres of tropical forest, hills, and valleys. Experience the landscape on foot, on bike, or on horseback.

Hotel : Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 39 - Wednesday, March 22: Liberia, Costa Rica

Today we will set out for a day of new sights as you enjoy a completely private boat tour of the Guanacaste Coast,
experiencing the beaches of Portero, Prieta, Sugar Beach and Catalinas. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Hotel : Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 40 - Thursday, March 23: Liberia, Costa Rica (MRLB) → Belize City, Belize (MZBZ) → Brownsville, Texas (KBRO) (445 + 715 NM)

Today, we will transfer to the airport and fly back to Texas to clear US customs. From there, we will go our separate ways as we head home, culminating our Journey around South America.

Breakfast included