|
23 Day Conducted Highlights of South America Tour, Featuring Galapagos Islands, The Amazon, Easter Island & Tahiti
|
|
Tour :
| 23 Day Conducted Highlights of South America Tour, Featuring Galapagos Islands, The Amazon, Easter Island & Tahiti |
|
| Tour Cost :
| $10,990 per person twin share |
|
| Tour Departs:
| 11 August 2007 |
|
| What's Included: |
| Return air fares from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne into Santiago, de Chile with Lan Chile and Qantas, plus six flights within South America.An eight day cruise of the Galapagos Islands, five days at Kapawi lodge in the Amazon Basin with day tours and river cruises and two days on mysterious Easter Island.A three day stopover in beautiful Tahiti on the way home.Good accommodation throughout, mainly 3 to 4 star.
Many meals.All entry fees, cruises and most national park fees.All transport and transfers.South American tour guides, and if there are 12 or more tour participants, there will be an Australian tour leader. |
|
| Notes: |
| If you don't have someone to twin share with, we will do our best to match you up, but this is not guaranteed. A single room is an extra cost of $2760.SPECIAL NOTE: As this is a special tour the numbers will be limited to 16 passengers |
|
| Tour Itinerary: |
Note: Meals are included in the itinerary as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
11.08.07 Sydney - Santiago
Melbourne passengers depart Melbourne Airport at 7:00am on Flight QF 408, arriving in Sydney at 8:20am.Brisbane passengers depart Brisbane International Airport at 9:00am on Qantas Flight QF 115, arriving in Auckland at 3:10pm.Brisbane passengers will meet up with the rest of the group in the departure lounge at Auckland International Airport.Depart Auckland at 5:25pm on Lan Chile Flight LA 800.Sydney & Melbourne passengers depart Sydney International Airport on Qantas Flight LA 800, arriving in Santiago de Chile at 12:45pm.
Chile's capital, Santiago, is located in the central valley, approximately 1800 feet above sea level, framed by the majestic Andean mountain range and only 120kms from the Pacific Ocean.
First settled in 1541 at the foot of the Santa Lucia Hill, it is now the fifth largest city in South America and it is set in one of the most beautiful locations. Although essentially a modern capital, it still has some beautiful historic colonial buildings dating from the 16th century.
Please note - Beginning in the month of March 2006, the "reciprocity visa fee" for Australian citizens has changed, and comes to US$56. This amount must be paid at the International Airport IN CASH or CREDIT CARD (traveller's cheques are not accepted). This is a one time fee for the lifetime of the traveller's passport.
Upon arrival in Santiago de Chile, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Diego de Velasquez or similar
12.08.07
( B ) Santiago de Chile
This morning after breakfast you have a half day city tour, visiting the Civic Centre, La Moneda Presidential Palace, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, main Post Office, pedestrian streets of Huerfanos and Ahumada, indisputably the busiest social, commercial and functional axis of Santiago. Then you will continue towards Bellavista district, Santiago's nightlife and artistic centre, lined with galleries, open air cafes and restaurants. Visit San Cristobal Hill, with the tallest peaks rising 880 metres above sea level. Before returning back to your hotel, you will be taken to the residential districts of Vitacura, Las Condes and Providencia.
In the afternoon you will be transferred to the Santiago Airport.
Depart on Lan Chile Flight LA556 at 3:10pm, arriving in Quito at 8:50pm.
Quito, capital of Ecuador and of Pichincha, the country's most populous Andean province, is situated 116 miles from the Pacific coast at an altitude of 9,350 feet, just south of the equator. It has a pleasant climate that can be described as 'permanent spring'. The city is one of the oldest in South America and is built in a small basin on the lower slopes of Cerro Pichincha, a volcano that last erupted in 1666.
Quito, more than any other South American capital, has preserved its colonial atmosphere, with squares, fountains, public buildings and houses built in the typical Spanish or Moorish style.
On arrival you will be met be our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Alameda Hotel
13.08.07 ( B, L, D )
Quito - Kapawi
Our guide will meet you at the hotel foyer and transfer you to the airport in Quito.
The Kapawi Project began in 1993. The goal was to commence a new trend in eco-tourism, in partnership with the OINAE, by providing a monthly means of economic support and jobs to the Achuar located in Kapawi as well as in other communities. In 15 years, all installations will belong entirely to the Achular Indians. The lodge accommodates up to 40 visitors and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept (not a single nail was used!)
Kapawi is a place of multiple choices and is characterised by its flexibility. We do not offer fixed programs, but you can design with your guide and your group the most suitable one to meet your interests and physical condition. You can share a day with the Achular families, hike in the rain forest, canoe in rivers and lakes, swim, pink dolphins, see caimans and other animals of the area, as well as bird watching, where there are 480 species.
Please note that there is a restriction on your luggage to 12Kg for Kapawi.
It is suggested that you take a soft bag, back pack or a small bag on wheels when you travel to Kapawi. You can leave your larger luggage at the hotel until your return from Kapawi.
14.08.07 ( B, L, D ) Kapawi
Selection of tours to be advised on the day.
15.08.07
( B, L, D ) Kapawi
Selection of tours to be advised on the day.
16.08.07 ( B, L, D ) Kapawi
Selection of tours to be advised on the day.
17.08.07
( B ) Kapawi
Return to Quito. Accommodation: Grand Mecure Hotel
18.08.07 ( B ) Quito
Today you will be visiting one of the most famous markets in South America; ponchos, wood goods, jewellery and Indians handicrafts are sold here. This market is centered around 'Poncho Plaza'. All day long, the whir of cotton candy machines, Andean Pipe music and Quichua, the native tounge derived from the Incan tounge, drift across the square. A blinding maze of coloured textiles spills from the square out across town. As you stroll the streets, you'll find everything from jumpers to armadillo shell guitars, wall hangings to ceramic fried eggs. Don't restrict yourself to Poncho Plaza, as you will probably get better bargains away from the main square.
Also you will visit en route the wood-carving centre of San Antonio de Ibarra. In the afternoon you will visit Cotacachi city, which is famous for leather goods. Then you will return to Quito.
Accommodation: Grand Mecure Alameda Hotel
19.08.07
( B, D ) Quito - Galapagos Islands
Our guide will meet you at the hotel foyer and transfer you to the airport in Quito. Air ticket from Quito to Baltra.
Please note that there is a restrction on your luggage to 20Kg.
A trip to Ecuador is not complete if a visit is not made to the Galapagos Archipelago, located almost 1,000 kilometres from the Ecuadorian continental coastline. It is made up of 13 large islands, 17 small ones and 47 rocky islets, which cover an area of 8,000 square kilometres.
The islands were discovered in 1535, by Brother Tomas de Berlanga. As of 1959 they were declared a National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation was organized. In 1973 a law was passed creating the Province of Galapagos. In 1979 UNESCO declared it a "Natural Heritage of Humanity".
Each year, tourists flock to the islands attracted by the natural surroundings, and the flora and fauna that are unique in the entire world. The environment is informal and itineraries are planned so that two or more visits may be made daily to the islands.
The Galapagos Islands is one of the most spectacular places to visit in the sub-continent of South America. It is a rare experience, a brief trip to a paradise that really exists. Its name is derived from the huge Galapagos tortoises inhabiting the islands. Isloated by 600 miles from the nearest land mass, indigenous flora and fauna had the uncommon opportunity to evolve without natural predators. Thus the response of fear to intruders is virtually non-existent. One can wander along island trails, often passing within inches of one particular species or another.
The islands consist of 13 major islands, dozens of small lava islets, and reefs dotting about some 3000 square miles of the Pacific. Today, the human population of approximately 12000 is confined to four major islands and engaged in farming, fishing, raising cattle, and tourism.
AIDA MARIA MOTOR YACHT CRUISE: Tourist Superior Class. 16 Passengers, 62 feet, 10 knots, 8 double cabins with private toilet and shower, air conditioning.
The crew on this boat will take care of your meals and a naturalist guide will show you the diversity of the islands and history of the Galapagos. Accommodations, all meals, islands sightseeing, guide and lecture services and transfers are included.
***Please note that the admission fee to the Galapagos National Park is not included. It is currently $100 USD per person and payable in cash. The airport exit tax from Galapagos is also not included. This is $25 USD.***
The naturalist guide from your yacht or ship who will guide you on your journey meets you at the Galapagos airport A short bus ride takes you from the airport to the dock where your boat and crew await you for the trip of a lifetime. From the dock, you get a glimpse of what your trip will be like. Frigate birds soar high above the azure blue bay while blue-footed boobies dive like shooting arrows from the heights and submerge after fish below.
After arriving aboard your yacht or ship you receive a warm welcome from the crew and a brief introduction to safety and etiquette aboard and while ashore on the islands. Don't forget your hat and sunscreen.
This afternoon we set sail for a small cove not far from here... to Caleta Tortuga Negra.
*Please note that the itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to unforeseen weather conditions, permits etc.
20.08.07 ( B, L, D ) Galapagos Islands - Plaza Islands - Santa Fe
Located on the east of Santa Cruz, the main characteristics on the small island South Plaza are the Opuntia cacti and the carpets of red sesuvium, a succulent plant that turns green in the rainy season. This cactus is the main food of land iguanas, which are usually found resting in the cacti shade. The island contains one of the largest sea lion colonies of Galapagos, swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds nesting, and boobies roosting on the south cliff of the island. Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful coves of all the visitor sites in the Archipelago. A turquoise lagoon with two small white sand beaches are protected by a peninsular where sea lions rest. A trail runs alongside the coast and then crosses through an Opuntia Forest. These prickly pear cacti are the largest ones in the Galapagos. The Santa Fe species of land iguanas are larger of of a paler yellow than on the other islands. After the hike you can swim or snorkel in the bay in the company of sea lions.
21.08.07 ( B, L, D ) Galapagos Islands - Espanola Island
Espanola is the southernmost island of the archipelago, and being so isolated, a high percentage of its fauna is endemic.
Punta Suarez, on the western coast of the island, is one of the most popular and attractive places in the Galapagos. Sea lions, the picturesque marine iguana, blue-footed and masked boobies nesting next to the trail are found there. This is also the only place in the world where the waved albatross nests. Along the cliffs there are spectacular views of a fantastic blowhole. Gardiner Bay has a beautiful white sand beach to be shared with sea lions and curious mocking birds.
22.08.07 ( B, L, D ) Galapagos Islands - Floreana Island
Floreana Island is perceived as one of the most exotic islands of the Archipelago. At Punta Cormorant you land on a green olivine sand beach. Following a 100m long path you will soon reach a lagoon with flamingos, white-checked pintail ducks and other shorebirds. The trail goes onto a white beach made of ground coral, so it looks like fur. This is a green sea turtle's nesting place. North of Punta Cormorant an eroded volcano, Devil's Crown, is a snorkelers delight. To the west, Post Office Bay keeps the legendary post barrel that whalers used, to send their mail.
23.08.07
( B, L, D ) Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz / Estacion Charles Darwin - Highlands
Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, with the largest population of the four inhabited islands (approx 10,000). Santa Cruz is also the only island where six different zones of vegetation can be seen; Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia, Miconia and Pampa zones. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park are based here. We will have an opportunity to visit some of the best scientists of their kind. The station is also a tortoise breeding and rearing centre. The most popular inhabitant of this island will probably be Lonesome George. He is the only survivor of the specific turtle species.
Points of interest in the Santa Cruz highlands are the famed lava tunnels, a fun and geologically informative visit. The trip to the highlands ends with a visit to the Twin Craters. The vegetation around these is very special and renowned for it's about 300 fern species and the many sunflowers.
24.08.07
( B, L, D ) Galapagos Islands - James Bay - Rabida
From the visitor centre at James Bay on the island of Santiago, a small path leads you in a southern direction along the coast. Passing by the ruins of a former salt mine company and the many inhabitants of the bank area, like sea lions, lizards, herons and crabs, you arrive at the famous fur seal grotto, the best place in Galapagos in order to observe these elegant animals. In the afternoon you'll do a trip to the beach of the small volcanic island of Rabida. A small path leads to a small lagoon very popular with flamingos. On the way there you pass many pelicans nesting. The beach is also considered as one of the most beautiful snorkel places in Galapagos, and also frequently visited by many sea lions due to its fish wealth.
25.08.07 ( B, L, D )
Galapagos Islands - Bartolome - Sullivan
Today you will visit the island of Bartolome and climb the lookout. From there you can admire the spectacular panorama of Sullivan Bay and the famous needle shaped rock, the so called Pinnacle Rock. The beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock boast some fine snorkeling spots from which you can discover the marvelous underwater world with a good chance to encounter penguins or the softly gliding turtles. Later on you will anchor at Santaigo Island's wonderful Sullivan Bay. Upon your arrival sea lions will stick their heads out of the water to welcome you and in season the beaches are covered with little turtles. The main attraction of the bay is the broad, about 100 years old stream of lava and it's bizarre surface.
28.08.07
( B ) Galapagos Islands - Quito
You will visit the island of North Seymour, which is most of all renown for its frigatebirds and their intensive courting rituals. The island is also inhabited by other frigate birds and blue-footed boobies, as well as endemic black lizards and sea lions. After that we will have a short stop at the harbour of Baltra (formerly known as South Seymour). You will cross the Itabaca Channel to Baltra, to take your flight back to the mainland.
***Please note that there is a restriction on your luggage to 20Kg only***
On arrival you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Mecure Alameda Hotel
27.08.07
( B ) Quito - Santiago
Our guide will meet you at the hotel foyer and transfer you to the airport in Quito. Depart Quito at 9:45pm on Lan Chile Flight LA557, arriving in Santiago de Chile at 5:00am (28.08.07)
28.08.07 Santiago de Chile - Easter Island
Depart Santiago on Lan Chile Flight LA 841, arriving in Easter Island at 11:50am.
Easter Island is one of the most isolated islands in the world. 1200 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 call themselves Rapa Nui. Where did they come from and why did they disappear? Science has learnt much about the enigma of Easter Island and has put to rest some of the more bizarre theories, but questions and controversies remain.
Easter Island is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 3760 kilometres from the West Coast of Mainland Chile. Its area is about 189 square kilometres, being about 24km long by 12 kms wide.
Upon arrival to the Mataveri airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. At 3pm n the afternoon you will do a half-day tour visiting the north coast, the Te pora and Kakenga caves, Ahu Tepe'u and Terevaka volcano. Return to the hotel at 6:30pm.
29.08.07 ( B ) Easter Island - Papeete
This morning you will be met at your hotel at 9:30am, for a full day tour to visit the south coast of the Island Vaihu, Ankahanga, Tongariki temples, Rano Raraku quarry, Te Pity Kura, Nau Nau temples and Anekena beach. Return to the hotel at 5pm. Transfer from the hotel to Mataveri airport for your flight onwards.
Depart Easter Island at 9:25pm on Lan Chile Flight LA 833, arriving in Papeete at 11:20pm.
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Accommodation: Mandarin Hotel or similar.
30.08.07
( B ) Papeete
Day at leisure.
Accommodation: Mandarin Hotel or similar
31.08.07 ( B ) Papeete
Day at leisure.
Accommodation: Mandarin Hotel or similar
01.09.07 ( B ) Papeete - Sydney
You will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Depart Papeete at 2:15am on Air Tahiti Nui Flight TN 003, arriving in Sydney at 7:45am. (02.09.07)
02.09.07 Sydney
Melbourne passengers depart Sydney at 9:30am on Qantas Flight QF 421, arriving in Melbourne at 11:00am.Brisbane passengers depart Sydney at 10:05am on Qantas Flight QF 516, arriving in Brisbane at 11:35am.
Note:
Australian airport taxes and levies at present total an additional amount of $660. This price is subject to change. |
|
| 
|
Travel Insurance in Australia:
| Tourist Australia highly recommends that travellers intending to travel overseas for their holidays should have travel insurance.
Underwritten by Allianz, World Nomads offers low cost travel insurance in over 44 countries. With genuine 24/7 assistance anywhere on the planet provided by Mondial Assistance,
the world's largest travel insurance and assistance company, and online claims and extensions from anywhere in the world while you are still away,
World Nomads offers some of the best travel insurance in the world today. Your can purchase your travel insurance online by selecting the travel insurance option below.
|
|
Contact Information:
|
Contact Person: Reservations
Contact Phone: 1800 170 100 (Australia Free Call) or +61 2 9505 8555 (International)
|
|
|
|
Press Ctrl+D to bookmark this page
| |
