Itinerary

Highlights of South America III
Date:
February 05, 2022 - March 09, 2022
Meeting point:
Palm Beach, FL (KPBI)
Length:
33 days / 32 nights
Mileage:
11,008 NM
Day 1 - Saturday, February 5: West Palm Beach → Liberia, Costa Rica 1,035nm

Air Journey will greet you at Signature Flight Support FBO at West Palm Beach airport as we take off  to Liberia.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the Peninsula Papagayo for our stay at the magnificent Four Seasons. Located on a hillside, it is perched overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The resort is a center point for endless adventures and a place where you will most certainly find your “Pura Vida”.

 

We will meet in the evening for a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Hotel : Four Seasons Papagayo Costa Rica
Welcome cocktail and Dinner included
Day 2 - Sunday, February 6: Liberia

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 Papagayo Costa Rica
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 3 - Monday, February 7: Liberia → Guayaquil → Pisco, Peru 835 + 725nm

Fly to Pisco. There will be a technical stop in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Upon arrival we will transfer to the hotel Paracas.

Hotel : Hotel Paracas
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 4 - Tuesday, February 8: Pisco

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 5 - Wednesday, February 9: Pisco → Atacama, Chile 1,045nm

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 the 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 6 - Thursday, February 10: Calama

Your tour guide will be available to help you select from numerous tours available including walking, 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, volcanoes, 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, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 7 - Friday, February 11: Calama

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 Pukará (fortress), constructed by the atacameños 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 8 - Saturday, February 12: Atacama → Buenos Aires, Argentina 917nm

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 9 - Sunday, February 13: Buenos Aires

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 10 - Monday, February 14: Buenos Aires

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 11 - Tuesday, February 15: Buenos Aires → Punta del Este, Uruguay 170nm

Fly to Punta del Este – known as “the Pearl of Uruguay.”
Upon arrival, we will transfer to Hotel Fasano which effortlessly interacts with the breathtaking natural landscape, overlooking the  Maldonado  River.  The property occupies  a  preserved  area  of  490 hectares in the heart of La Barra.
 

Hotel : Fasano Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 12 - Wednesday, February 16: Punta del Este

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 : Fasano Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 13 - Thursday, February 17: Punta del Este

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

Hotel : Fasano Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 14 - Friday, February 18: Punta del Este → Mendoza, Argentina 695nm

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 15 - Saturday, February 19: Mendoza

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 16 - Sunday, February 20: Mendoza → San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina 511nm

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 17 - Monday, February 21: San Carlos de Bariloche

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 and Dinner included
Day 18 - Tuesday, February 22: Bariloche → Puerto Natales to Torres Del Paine 635nm

Fly to Puerto Natales. 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’ll 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 19 - Wednesday, February 23: Torres del Paine

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 20 - Thursday, February 24: Torres del Paine

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

Hotel : Tierra Patagonia
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 21 - Friday, February 25: Puerto Natales, Chile→ Puerto Montt→ Santiago, Chile

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

Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel the Mandarin Oriental. Set within Santiago’s affluent Las Condes neighborhood, the hotel is ideally located for experiencing Chile's diverse landscape. Beautiful beaches, hiking in the Andes and the Maipo Valley wine region are all easily accessible, while the hotel's immediate area is filled with luxury shopping and fine dining restaurants. 
 

Hotel : Mandarin Oriental Santiago
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 22 - Saturday, February 26: Santiago

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 and Dinner included
Day 23 - Sunday, February 27: Santiago, Chile → Uyuni, Bolivia 800nm

Fly to Uyuni. The Palacio de Sal hotel is extraordinary because it is entirely made out of salt from the Uyuni salt flats 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. The hotel offers sweeping panoramic views of Salar de Uyuni!

 

Hotel : Palacio De Sal
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 24 - Monday, February 28: Uyuni

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’s estimated to contain 10 billion tons of salt (less than 25,000 tons are extracted annually).

 

Hotel : Palacio De Sal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 25 - Tuesday, March 1: Uyuni, Bolivia → Cusco, Peru 505nm

After breakfast, transfer back to the airport. Fly to Cusco where we will stay at the Monasterio hotel - one of the most unique hotels in Cusco and a protected national monument.

Hotel : Hotel Monasterio
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 26 - Wednesday, March 02: 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 and stroll by the archeological site before enjoying an afternoon tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.
 
As the sun goes down, you will return to the station for departure aboard the Vista Dome train. Back on board, you will be accorded VIP treatment with a cocktail accompanied with 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 27 - Thursday, March 3: 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, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 28 - Friday, March 4: Cusco → Iquitos, Peru 590nm

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 Amazon Aria 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.
 
Amazon River Cruise
 
The 205’ long M/V Amazon Aria 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 Aria
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 29 - Saturday, March 5: 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.

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 Aria
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 30 - Sunday, March 6: 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, you may see alligators, frogs and fishing bats.

 

Hotel : M/V Aria
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 31 - Monday, March 7: Disembark M/V Aria → Iquitos, Peru → Cartagena 860nm

Today, early morning, we will visit the local fresh market with our guide who can identify the day's catch by the fisherman of Amazonia and the region's exotic fruits. 
 
At the end of the tour, we will return back to the Aria for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. We will also visit San Juan craft market en route to Iquitos.
 
Fly to Columbia (there will be an optional technical stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica) one of the most ethnically diverse nations in South America.
Cartagena, undeniably one of the Latin America's most beautiful cities lost somewhere in time between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, with the Caribbean sea 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
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 32 - Tuesday, March 8: Cartagena

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 Amarullada, 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 33 - Wednesday, March 9: Cartagena → Miami, FL 950nm

As the end of the voyage is within reach, one must only look back thirty-one days to understand an accomplishment of a life time. Not only will you have circumnavigated an entire continent, but more importantly, you will have experienced all three of the ancient cultures, seen countless world wonders and enjoyed great accommodations, all while being escorted through bureaucratic troubles which would plague such an attempt without Air Journey’s assistance.
 
After a most extraordinary and unique lifetime adventure one could ever hope, we will make our way back home. 

 

Breakfast included