Itinerary

Sometimes the best way to see the forest is from above and that's what we'll do on the Witch's Rock Canopy Tour. We'll harness up and slide along a series of zip lines suspended above valleys and amid treetops for an exhilarating experience. Wildlife along the route includes tree frogs, vine snakes, howler monkeys and hundreds of bird species.

We'll visit the Golf Museum to view it's extraordinary selection of pre-Hispanic gold work collection (the largest in the world), the main square "Plaza de Bolivar" to see the Prime Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the National Capitol, the Mayor's Office and the Justice Palace and enjoy a walk through the well-preserved historical colonial quarter of La Candelaria to appreciate the colonial architecture and the district's varied attractions such as the Colon Theater, the Chorro de Quevedo and the Eje Ambiental. A visit to Monserrate Top (10,341' above sea level and accessible by cable car or funicular) provides a breathtaking view of the city below.

This morning we will explore the Yacapana Isles ("the Isle of the Iguana") to view these reptiles that inhabit the area. You'll have an opportunity to join your Naturalist for some piranha fishing.
Later in the afternoon an excursion down the Yarapa River offers an opportunity to view and photograph the gray and pink freshwater dolphins found in the Amazon. After the sun sets and the jungle becomes dark, caiman, frogs and other jungle nightlife begin to appear.

Rise early to view one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere: the sun rise over the birthplace of the Amazon River (where the union of the Ucayali and the Maranon form the world's greatest waterway).
After lunch (onboard), we will disembark and visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have seized from local people, including fisherman. Biologists will give a presentation about the project and its efforts to help these helpless mammals. You will also see how the manatees are cared for and are prepared for re-introduction into their natural habitat.

Long considered a sacred place among indigenous Andean peoples, those who live on and around the lake believe that powerful spirits live in the lake's depths.
 
We'll visit the archaeological center of Sillustani to observe impressive funeral tombs belonging to the Kolla culture (1200 - 1450 AD). Their noble class (Caciques, priests) was buried in funeral towers called chullpas. Their corpses were previously mummified and placed in fetus position together with some of their belongings, such as gold and silver objects, jewelry, ceramics, and food.

Fly to Uyuni. The Luna Salada Hotel is extraordinary because it is constructed of salt blocks in the Uyuni salt flats.

Today we will fly to Asuncion. The Granados Park Hotel is ideally situated in the Old Town of Asuncion City close to the Government Palace, the Independence House, The Cathedral Chapter, The Heroe's Burial Plot, and The Cathedral while offering a magnificent view from its terrace of the Asuncion Bay and the Paraguay River.

Fly to Mendoza - the center of Argentina's wine country. The Park Hyatt offers stunning views of the Mendoza vineyards, the Andes mountain range and the renowned Aconcagua Mountain.

Today is at leisure to relax and explore the surrounding area on your own.

Take a half-day tour to explore the local area and learn more about the history and culture.

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

Late in the afternoon we will board a speedboat for a visit to Ganchos Bay – known for its calm and clean waters. Legend has it that Captain Hook frequented the bay (Ganchos means hooks in Portuguese) but it is much more likely that the name alludes to the fact that the bay itself is hook-shaped. The tour will take us by beaches of Canto dos Ganchos, Calheiros, Ganchos do Meio and Ganchos de Fora. You’ll be in the bay when the sun sets, providing a spectacle of rare beauty.

Today we will fly to Petropolis. Known as Cidade Imperial (the Imperial City), Petropolis is a premier mountain resort city offering lovely tree-lined streets, palaces, mansions, and museums that can be comfortably explored on foot or by horse and buggy. 

Today we will fly to Sao Luis, where we will stay at the Pestana Sao Luis Resort Hotel located at “Calhau” beach. There will be a technical stop in Salvador de Bahia.

Today we will visit Devil’s Island - perhaps the most infamous prison in human history and the most dreaded prison in the world. Located about seven miles off the coast of French Guiana, it on is the smallest of the Three Isles of Salvation. Explore the island with its prison cells, barracks, and beaches, and view the sharks in the waters surrounding Devil's Island.

After lunch, we’ll head to the Salvation Islands, used by Guiana Space Center for studying space launches, for a visit to the Space Center. On October 21, 2011 two Galileo IOV-1 & IOV-2 satellites were launched using a Soyuz-ST rocket, in the "first Russian Soyuz vehicle ever launched from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana”.

Today is at your leisure to relax on the spectacular white sand beach or to explore on your own.

Optional activities include golf, kayaking, banana boat rides, and deep sea fishing. All non-motorized water sports are complimentary.