Itinerary

Highlights of South America November 2023
Date:
November 03, 2023 - December 08, 2023
Meeting point:
Stuart, FL (KSUA)
Length:
36 days / 35 nights
Mileage:
10,576 NM
Day 1 - Friday, November 03: Stuart, FL (KSUA) → Kingston, Jamaica (MKJP) → Cartagena, Colombia (SKGC) (585 + 455 nm)

Air Journey will greet you at Witham Field for a briefing before embarking on the first leg of our Journey.

Fly to Colombia (there will be an optional technical stop in Kingston, Jamaica) one of the most ethnically diverse nations in South America.

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 - Saturday, November 04: 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 Amarullada, where we will 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 - Sunday, November 05: Cartagena, Colombia (SKGC) → Bogota, Colombia (SKBO) (350 NM)

Fly to Bogota. Known for its rich culture and magnificent location within the Andes, Bogota is a city with many different personalities. Visitors will find a very distinctive experience with combinations of new and old, calm and vibrant. Encounter both plazas and churches centuries old, surrounded by a modern towering metropolis bringing the two worlds together.

Hotel : Four Seasons Casa Medina
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 4 - Monday, November 06: Bogota, Colombia

Today’s tour starts with a panoramic drive to Zipaquirá,Colombia’s salt mining capital at just under 50km north of Bogotá. Zipaquirá is famous for its Salt Cathedral, which was carved inside an active salt mine formed 250 million years ago, and is home to the largest ever underground cross. This is a popular tourist destination as well as a place of pilgrimage for the local community. After visiting the Salt Cathedral, take a quick view of Zipaquirá’s colonial old town and its main square and return to Bogotá.

We will have lunch at Andrés Carné de Rés in the town of Chía. Afterwards we will visit Bogotá’s Gold Museum, world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian gold, and a must-see when traveling to Colombia. Later, we will visit to the historical heart of Bogotá, La Candelaria, and its splendid colonial architecture. Enjoy a stroll around Plaza de Bolivar, Bogotá’s main square, flanked by prominent colonial and Republican-era landmarks like the Cathedral, the Congress Palace, the Cardinal’s Palace, the colonial churches of El Sagrario and San Agustin, the Independence House, the Palace of Justice and the City Hall.

Hotel : Four Seasons Casa Medina
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 5 - Tuesday, November 07: Bogota, Colombia

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

Hotel : Four Seasons Casa Medina
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 6 - Wednesday, November 08: Bogota, Colombia (SKBO) → Quito, Ecuador (SEQM) (350 NM)

Our Journey continues to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival we will transfer to Mashpi Lodge.

Nestled in the heart of Ecuador's cloud forest just two and a half hours from Quito, is an enchanting retreat for nature lovers and adventurers alike. With its contemporary design and luxurious amenities, this eco-friendly lodge offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity of the region in comfort and style.
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 : Mashpi Lodge
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 7 - Thursday, November 09: Quito, Ecuador

We will be embark on an unforgettable adventure with a Dragonfly tour. During this tour, we will get to experience the amazing biodiversity of the Mashpi Rainforest Reserve from a unique perspective. The Dragonfly cable car system will take us through the lush forest canopy, allowing us to observe the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit this unique ecosystem from the forest floor to the treetops. With each gondola accommodating up to four people, we will be able to enjoy this incredible experience together as a group.

Hotel : Mashpi Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 8 - Friday, November 10: Quito, Ecuador

Today, you have the freedom to explore and relax at your own pace. Your package includes one daily activity, which you can schedule at your convenience. If you need assistance planning your day, your Journey Director is always available to offer recommendations tailored to your interests.

Hotel : Mashpi Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 9 - Saturday, November 11: Quito, Ecuador (SEQM) → Cusco, Peru (SPZO) (885 NM)

Fly to Cusco where we will transfer to 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 10 - Sunday, November 12: 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 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, relax and 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 11 - Monday, November 13: 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 and Dinner included
Day 12 - Tuesday, November 14: Cusco, Peru (SPZO) → Uyuni, Bolivia (SLUY) (510 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

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 13 - Wednesday, November 15: 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 are extracted annually).

Hotel : Palacio De Sal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 14 - Thursday, November 16: Uyuni, Bolivia (SLUY) → Puerto Iguazu, Argentina (SARI) (750 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 two-half day excursions - a delight not to be missed!

Hotel : Awasi Iguazu
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 15 - Friday, November 17: Puerto Iguazu, Argentina

We will 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 16 - Saturday, November 18: Puerto Iguazu, Argentina

Today, you're free to take it easy and explore at your own pace. Your package includes one fun activity per day, and you can pick the time that works best for you. And if you need help figuring out what to do, the hotel’s concierge is there to give you personalized recommendations based on your interests.

Hotel : Awasi Iguazu
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 17 - Sunday, November 19: Puerto Iguazu, Argentina (SARI) → Puerto Natales, Chile (SCNT) → Buenos Aires, Argentina (SAEZ) (585 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 18 - Monday, November 20: 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 19 - Tuesday, November 21: Buenos Aires, 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 20 - Wednesday, November 22: Buenos Aires, Argentina (SAEZ) → Trelew, Argentina (SAVT) → Puerto Natales, Chile (SCNT) → Patagonia, Chile (595 + 585 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 southern most part 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 21 - Thursday, November 23: Patagonia, 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 22 - Friday, November 24: Patagonia, 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 23 - Saturday, November 25: Patagonia, Chile → Puerto Montt, Chile (SCNT) → Mendoza, Argentina (SAME) (707 + 639 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 24 - Sunday, November 26: Mendoza, Argentina

On our tour of Mendoza's local wineries, we will have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating process of winemaking, from grape harvesting to the final bottling. As we explore some of the region's most renowned wineries, we'll also discover the rich history of viticulture in Mendoza and sample some of the area's most exquisite wines. Whether we're wine enthusiasts or simply looking to deepen our appreciation for this timeless beverage, this tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for all of us.

Hotel : Cavas Wine Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 25 - Monday, November 27: Mendoza, Argentina

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

Cavas Wine Lodge, located in Mendoza, Argentina, offers guests a variety of optional activities to enhance their experience in the region. These activities include wine tastings and tours, horseback riding through the vineyards, mountain biking, hot air balloon rides, and cooking classes with local chefs. Guests can also indulge in the lodge's spa services, which include massages, facials, and other treatments using local grape-based products. With stunning views of the Andes mountains and access to some of the best wineries in the area, Cavas Wine Lodge provides a luxurious and immersive experience for wine and nature enthusiasts alike.

Hotel : Cavas Wine Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 26 - Tuesday, November 28: Mendoza, Argentina (SAME) → Atacama, Chile (SCCF) (620 NM)

Our Journey continues 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, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 27 - Wednesday, November 29: 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 and Dinner included
Day 28 - Thursday, November 30: Atacama, 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 : Tierra Atacama
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 29 - Friday, December 01: Atacama, Chile (SCCF) → Arequipa, Peru (SPQT) (400 NM)

Fly to Arequipa (its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) - known as the White City (Ciudad Blanca) due to its many colonial-era buildings made from sillar - a white volcanic rock. Its religious, colonial, and republican architectural styles blend European and native characteristics into a unique style called "Escuela Arequipeña".

Hotel : Cirqa
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 30 - Saturday, December 02: Arequipa, Peru

Discover colonial Arequipa with our local guide who will introduce us to some of the city’s most important historical sites.

Visit several districts including Cayma and Vallecito, and explore landmarks like the 17th century Recoleta Convent, the colonial-era Casa del Moral and the stunning Santa Catalina monastery. Enjoy fabulous views of Arequipa and its spectacular scenery from the Carmen Alto viewpoint.

Hotel : Cirqa
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 31 - Sunday, December 03: Arequipa, Peru (SPQU) → Iquitos, Peru (SPQT) (871 NM)

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 Aria Amazon Cruise 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.

Hotel : M/V Aqua Nera
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 32 - Monday, December 04: Peruvian Amazon Cruise

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 River, past the occasional fishermen paddling in their canoes, you will 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 33 - Tuesday, December 05: Peruvian Amazon Cruise

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 guide 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 Aqua Nera, you may see alligators, frogs and fishing bats.

Hotel : M/V Aqua Nera
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 34 - Wednesday, December 06: Iquitos, Peru (SPQT) → Cartagena, Colombia (SKCG) (860 NM)

Our Journey continues to Cartagena, where we will transfer to Sofitel Baru Calablanca. This property is a luxurious beachfront resort located in the picturesque town of Baru, just a short drive from Cartagena, Colombia. With its stunning colonial architecture, lush tropical gardens, and pristine white sand beaches, this exquisite hotel offers an oasis of tranquility and refinement for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable escape.

Hotel : Sofitel Baru Calablanca
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 35 - Thursday, Decemnber 07: Cartagena, Colombia

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

Sofitel Baru Calablanca offers an impressive range of activities for its guests to enjoy. Those seeking water sports will find a range of options such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The hotel's private beach offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation or beach activities like volleyball, soccer, and frisbee. The spa and wellness center features state-of-the-art treatments and massages to help guests relax and rejuvenate. For fitness enthusiasts, the hotel has a fully equipped gym with modern equipment. Golf lovers can play at one of the nearby golf courses. The hotel can also arrange tours and excursions to nearby attractions such as the historic walled city of Cartagena, Rosario Islands, and the Mangrove Forest.

Hotel : Sofitel Baru Calablanca
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 36 - Friday, December 08: Cartagena, Colombia (SKCG) → Key West, Florida, USA (KEYW) (915 NM)

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our flight home, as our journey comes to an end today.

Breakfast included