Itinerary

TBM Earthrounders South America
Date:
February 19, 2020 - March 28, 2020
Meeting point:
Palm Beach, FL (KPBI)
Length:
39 days / 38 nights
Mileage:
10,850 NM
Day 1 - Wendesday, February 19: West Palm Beach, FL → Cartagena, Colombia (1,005nm)

Air Journey will greet you at Palm Beach International airport (KPBI) for a briefing before embarking on the first leg of our Journey.

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 - Thursday, February 20: Cartagena

Enjoy a half-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 3 - Friday, February 21: Cartagena → Iquitos, Peru (860nm)

Fly to Iquitos situated on the banks of the Amazon River in the heart of the northern Peruvian Amazon region. Transfer to Iquitos’ Main Wharf where the M/V Aria awaits you. Once onboard, you will appreciate the low-key luxury atmosphere of the M/V Aria. Enjoy the view from the Upper Deck as we leave Iquitos behind.

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 are embarking on a magnificent adventure to places visited by only a very few.

Amazon River Cruise

The 130-foot-long, M/V Aria  is the  ultimate luxury cruise ship on the northern Amazon River in Peru. Built in 2011 to the highest standards of modern small ship cruise lines, it is fully air conditioned throughout and all the suites on the Aria Amazon 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 Aria Amazon 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 4 - Saturday, February 22: 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 the private boats. 

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 the Amazonia neighbors who will be pleased to welcome you.

 

Hotel : M/V Aria
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 5 - Sunday, February 23: 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 Aria
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 6 - Monday, February 24: Disembark M/V Aria at Iquitos → Cusco, Peru (590nm)

This morning we will disembark the Aria Amazon early for a private transfer back to the Iquitos airport to retrieve our airplanes.

Fly to Cusco. Enjoy an afternoon city tour including the Santo Domingo Convent Monastery – the legendary Koricancha “Site of gold,” the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral.

 

Hotel : Hotel Monasterio
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 7 - Tuesday, February 25: 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 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 8 - Wednesday, February 26: Cusco

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

Hotel : Hotel Monasterio
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 9 - Thursday, February 27: Cusco → Juliaca, Peru (155nm)

Fly to Juliaca – our gateway to wondrous Lake Titicaca and its unique inhabited islands. The lake is South America’s largest and the world’s highest navigable body of water. 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.

 

Hotel : Titilaka
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 10 - Friday, February 28: Juliaca

Uncover the wealth of local culture, history, nature, and neighboring communities around the lake and lodge through an array of activities and outings (included). These excursions are designed to meet your interests and capabilities, and can range from short to full-day land or lake outings.

 

 

Hotel : Titilaka
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 11 - Saturday, February 29: Juliaca → Uyuni, Bolivia (355nm)

Fly to Uyuni. 

The Luna Salada Hotel is extraordinary because it is entirely made out of salt in 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 hotel offers sweeping panoramic views of Salar de Uyuni!

Hotel : Luna Salada Hotel (Salt Moon Hotel)
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 12 - Sunday, March 1: Uyuni

We’ll 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 : Luna Salada Hotel (Salt Moon Hotel)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 13 - Monday, March 2: Uyuni → Calama, Chile (170nm)

Fly to Calama, located 60 miles northwest of San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the desert. We have selected our hotel Tierra Atacama, a deluxe hotel near San Pedro de Atacama, to enjoy excursions which will capture profound landscapes, natural events and inhabited places that bear the ingredients and surprises that make the experience unforgettable. Select your tours with the hotel (included).

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 14 - Tuesday, March 3: 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 15 - Wednesday, March 4: 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 16 - Thursday, March 5: Calama → Santiago, Chile (660nm)

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, European city of Santiago. 

 

Hotel : Mandarin Oriental Santiago
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 17 - Friday, March 6: Santiago to Easter Island

Today we will take a commercial flight (5 hours of flight) to Easter Island (cost of round trip ticket not included). 

Two million years ago, deep geological changes and volcanic eruptions created the remote and isolated Easter Island. This perfect triangle-shaped piece of land at the center of the Pacific Ocean is a fascinating outdoor museum of a mysterious ancient people. Without a doubt, Easter Island is a “must” to any traveler who wants to know and explore the hidden secrets of this incredible civilization. Select your complimentary tours for the next 2 days.

 

Hotel : Explora En Rapa Nui
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 18 - Saturday, March 7: Easter Island

Today we will explore Easter Island. It is one of the most isolated islands in the world but 1,200 years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a distant culture landed upon its shores.

Over the centuries that followed a remarkable society developed in isolation on the island. For reasons still unknown they began carving giant statues out of volcanic rock. These monuments, known as “moai,” are some of the most incredible ancient relics ever discovered. The people of Easter Island called themselves the Rapa Nui. Where did they come from and why did they disappear? Science has learned much about the enigma of Easter Island but questions and controversies remain.

 

Hotel : Explora En Rapa Nui
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 19 - Sunday, March 8: Easter Island

Today you will enjoy your complimentary tours from the hotel.

Hotel : Explora En Rapa Nui
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 20 - Monday, March 9: Easter Island to Santiago

Today we will take a commercial flight back to Santiago (cost of round trip ticket not included).

 

Hotel : Mandarin Oriental Santiago
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 21 - Tuesday, March 10: Santiago → Puerto Montt → Puerto Natales, Chile to Torres Del Paine (495 + 615nm)

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’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 22 - Wednesday, March 11: 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 23 - Thursday, March 12: 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 24 - Friday, March 13: Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales → Punta Arenas, Chile → San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina (100 + 710nm)

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 ecological 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 25 - Saturday, March 14: 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, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 26 - Sunday, March 15: San Carlos de Bariloche → Buenos Aires, Argentina (710nm)

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 27 - Monday, March 16: 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’ll 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 28 - Tuesday, March 17: Buenos Aires

Today is free to explore this beautiful city on your own. Dinner is not included tonight so you may experience a typical local restaurant of your choice.

 

Hotel : Four Seasons Buenos Aires
Breakfast included
Day 29 - Wednesday, March 18: Buenos Aires→ Iguassu Falls, Brazil (590nm)

Fly to one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls: the Iguassu Falls. Situated within Brazil’s Iguassu National Park, the Hotel das Cataratas offers spectacular views of the Iguassu Falls.

A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and voted one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the Iguassu Falls and Iguassu National Park's natural splendor and lush vegetation are a must-see. The falls extend over 8,858’, with over 260 waterfalls reaching 230’ high. 

The forests host hundreds of wildlife species, however, wildlife sightings are limited for most because many of the creatures are nocturnal - and those that are not are easily hidden by the dense rainforest growth. Still, you will spot a number of interesting wildlife species including colorful birds (such as toucans and parrots) and striking butterflies.

Hotel : Hotel Das Cataratas
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 30 - Thursday, March 19: Iguassu Falls

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 : Hotel Das Cataratas
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 31 - Friday, March 20: Iguassu Falls → Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (640nm)

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 32 - Saturday, March 21: Rio de Janeiro

A full day tour will show us the highlights of the city 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, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 33 - Sunday, March 22: Rio de Janeiro → Salvador de Bahia, Brazil (660nm)

Fly to Salvador de Bahia, a beautiful historic town with a lot 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 : Convento do Carmo
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 34 - Monday, March 23: Salvador de Bahia

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 : Convento do Carmo
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 35 - Tuesday, March 24: Salvador de Bahia → Belem, Brazil (915nm)

Fly to Belem. Founded in 1616 on the spot where the Amazon River reaches the sea, the city of 1.5 million now survives as an export point for Amazon products. The Old Town (Cidade Velha) is characterized by colorful and gentile façades decorated with ceramic tile, true historical relics imported long ago from Europe, and narrow streets that give the impression that time has stopped there. With a mix of Amazon and seafood ingredients found nowhere else in Brazil, Belém's cuisine is remarkable

 

Hotel : Radisson Hotel Maiorana Belem
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 36 - Wednesday, March 25: Belem, Brazil → Grenada (1,125nm)

We will continue to the Grenadines where your destination is the island of Grenada - otherwise known as the “Spice Island” - a perfect stop for two nights to relax in a beautiful hotel. 

 

 

Hotel : Silversands
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 37 - Thursday, March 26: Grenada

Enjoy the beauty of the island as we explore some of its historical sights.

Hotel : Silversands
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 38 - Friday, March 27: Grenada

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

Hotel : Silversands
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 39 - Saturday, March 28: Grenada → Borinquen, Puerto Rico → West Palm Beach, FL (495 + nm)

As the end of the voyage is within reach, one must only look back thirty-eight 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 for, we will make our way back home. There will be a technical stop in Borinquen to refuel and clear US customs.

 

Breakfast included