South America Grand

Arrive in Quito and drive north to historic Hacienda Pinsaqui. The hacienda is nestled in the Otavalo valley in the shadow of Imbabura Volcano. From here we visit the white city of Ibarra, the leather shops of Cotacachi, or take horses around Cuicocha Lake. The 200-year old hacienda with its gardens and old textile shops is yours to explore.

Saturday is the largest market day in Otavalo, although it is offered every day of the week. Indigenous people from the mountains descend into the valley to sell their crafts, textiles, and livestock in the tiny town of Otavalo. This is the most famous Indian market on the continent, and the good-hearted Otavaleños are certain to win your heart. Plan for an early arrival to the animal market to view a riotous time of literal horse trading, then spend the day bargaining with the locals over fine sweaters, tapestries, and woodwork.

Transfer back to Quito to catch a flight on to Coca and transfer to Sacha Lodge. Settle in to your accommodations and explore the grounds.

Your days at Sacha Lodge are filled with discovery. During excursions, travelers are divided into small groups (max 6), each with its own native guide and bilingual naturalist. Native guides carry a lifetime of knowledge about the medicinal and functional uses of rainforest plants. They proudly display the wonders of their home environment, sometimes even offering a tasty treat like the strange lemon tasting ants that coexist in the stems of certain trees. Naturalists, educated in biology and ecology, translate for native guides and complement excursions with explanations of the scientific workings of the rainforest. Sacha Lodge has something for everyone. A favorite activity includes paddling dugout canoes along blackwater creeks and lakes past luxuriant lianas, bromeliads, and enormous palms. Swimming and piranha fishing are also popular (the piranha here are harmless, really!). And for the adventurous Ecuador traveler there are night walks and canoe trips in search of caiman and other nocturnal creatures. Sacha Lodge offers a number of very unique sites to its visitors.

A 130-foot observation tower and a 940-foot canopy walkway both give visitors a chance to get above the rainforest canopy for incredible views of the area. These areas are also great places to observe toucans and macaws and, with luck, spot noisy howler monkeys or a three-toed sloth. Another site is the butterfly house where over 40 local butterfly species are bred. Visitors can see the process of breeding and raising these colorful insects and wander through the "flying room." Finally, visit the Yasuni Parrot Lick. Just a short distance from Sacha Lodge is Ecuador's most famous parrot lick, where visitors can observe dozens of the magnificently colored birds feeding on the clay.

In the morning, leave Sacha Lodge and transfer to Quito. This afternoon spend touring the city. Drive north to visit "El mirador de Guápulo" (view point), and admire its church and Quito's nearby valleys. You'll visit Quito's colonial center - one of the world's cultural heritage sites, see many historical buildings; including churches, museums and monuments. Visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional or Iglesia de Compania cathedrals, or test your bargaining skills in the local artisan markets. Opt to take a drive north to get a great view of the city from above, or spend your time in Calle La Ronda. Customize your time to see the sites around that most interest you. Visit artisan markets, test your bargaining skills for local weavings See some of our best ideas below or add in an Aerial Tram tour or a visit to La Mitad del Mundo with more time.

Transfer from your hotel to the airport and fly from Quito to the Galapagos Islands. Board the Galapagos Legend and begin your cruise of the archipelago.

Your Galapagos cruise will explore the islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, Rabida, Isabela, and Fernandina. Explore the diverse landscape of this volcanic archipelago and visit with its famous natives: giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, pelicans, Flightless Cormorants, and more. Stop at Black Turtle Cove to snorkel and Sullivan Bay to explore the extensive lava flows which are present on the island. Wildlife is abundant, fascinating, and personal. The Galapagos islands are sure to delight and entrance its travelers.

Disembark the cruise in Baltra and return to Quito. Fly to Lima and after picking up your luggage and clearing customs, walk across the street to the comfortable and conveniently located Ramada Costa del Sol Hotel. Settle into your room and rest before your next flight.

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. Visit the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of pickup trucks). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife where live folk music and excellent food abounds!

In the morning, journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru: the Sacred Valley. Test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area, hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac, or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today. Visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. Make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo.

In the morning, visit the ruins and town of Ollantaytambo. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo served as a royal estate and later a refuge after the Spanish conquered Cuzco in 1537. The ruins feature expansive terraces and well-preserved architecture, and the town is still laid out as it was during the Incan empire, allowing its visitors to glimpse the history which still exists within its boundaries.

Board the train and follow the Urubamba River as it tumbles its way towards the Amazon and the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Tour the ancient canals which still bring water from the high mountains to the baths which were used by Inca priests. As visitors, you are welcomed to respectfully dip your hands in the cool water. After your guided tour of Machu Picchu, return to the village of Aguas Calientes (located at the base of Machu Picchu) and enjoy one of many excellent local restaurants. Alternatively, end your day with a soak in the hot springs after your day of exploring one of the most magical archaeological sites in the world.

Today is your chance to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu and to listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants before the hikers from the Inca Trail arrive. Later, you can climb the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu, hike to the Sun Gate which overlooks the ruins or take a walk through the lush cloudforest to the Temple of the Moon. In the late afternoon you'll return by train to Cusco with your guide.

Fly from Cusco to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's vibrant coastal city. Enjoy the afternoon on your own and soak up the city's atmosphere.

Meet your guide at the hotel for a half-day visit to Rio de Janeiro’s most popular attraction – the 125 foot statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain that stands over Rio de Janeiro. Begin the ascent of the mountain in a cogwheel train through the lush Tijuca Forest, a national park and the world's largest urban forest. Arrive to the base of the statue where you can truly appreciate the size of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The views from the observation platforms are spectacular and provide insight of how the city of Rio has grown around and up the seemingly inhospitable natural rock features along the coast. Rio spreads out below you, revealing Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, the famous Maracana Stadium, and the luxurious Botafoga Bay. It is impossible to ignore the favelas, Rio's hillside communities.

Return by train and explore the coast with your guide as you drive along Sao Conrado, Ipanema & Copacabana Beaches. Your afternoon is free to relax on the beach, shop in Copacabana's boutiques, or enjoy caipirinha, Brazil's national drink, at a beachfront cafe. Additional activities such as boat or helicopter tours, a visit to a favela, samba lessons, or a trip to the coastal hotspot of Buzios can be arranged.

Sugarloaf Mountain got its name from Portuguese sailors who felt the granite monolith's resembled a traditional block of sugar. Today's tour gives a different perspective of Rio, as you and your guide take a cable car that climbs to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. From the peak, the entire cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city), coastline, and Atlantic Ocean spread out below you. Descend by cable car and do a driving tour of Rio de Janeiro's city center to see the famous Sambadrome, the Teatro Municipal, and the modern-styled Cathedral. Please note that this half-day excursion can be arranged on any day and is a good option in the evenings to enjoy the sunset over Copacabana Beach. The remainder of your day is free to relax, take in the sights of Rio's beaches, or choose an optional excursion during this custom Brazil tour.

Leave Rio de Janeiro and fly to Foz do Iguacu, your starting point to explore the legendary Iguazu Falls.

Explore the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls and watch as the water cascades from the cliffs at various angles. Board a small train to Devil's Throat Station and walk across the suspended pathway which spans the area.

Later, explore the two walking circuits. Beginning with the upper walk, which is a quarter-mile long and takes approximately 45 minutes. From here you can see the Two Sisters, Bosseti, Adam and Eve, Bernabe Mendez, Mbiguá and San Martín Falls. The lower circuit has been described as the "most beautiful thousand meter walk in the world." Heading in a clockwise direction you get a very different perspective of the falls. Watch out when you get to the middle of the walkway - you might get wet!!

Spend the morning exploring independently, and transfer back to the airport for your afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. In the afternoon, explore Argentina's capital city and take in an evening dinner Tango show. At Esquina Carlos Gardel, experience this intimate dance that unifies the city and its people together in a passionate embrace. The tango expresses the heart and the spirit of Argentina.

This morning tour the exciting and seductive city of Buenos Aires! This tour includes a bilingual tour guide and visits to typical neighborhoods like La Boca, Palermo, Recoleta, and the Colon Theater, the National Congress and the Presidential Palace. Experience the highlights of Buenos Aires, and appreciate this great city.

Fly next to El Calafate. Overnight there and have the evening free. Let us know if you are interested in staying on a working sheep ranch to experience the gaucho lifestyle. 

Drive into Parque Nacional Los Glaciares for views of the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier is more than 3 miles wide at its front and stands over 20 stories high. Take a boat across Lago Argentino and pass the massive front wall of blue ice. After landing on a small beach, start to hike through the beech forest to the icepack of the glacier. Step foot on the glacier with crampons and explore the area. Please note that this Glacier trek has a minimum age of 10 and a maximum age of 65. Alternate excursions are available for those under 10 or over 65 years of age. Eat your lunch on the lateral moraine of the glacier and absorb the magnificence of the glacier's anatomy as you listen to its thunderous concerto of cracking ice as it drops into the lake below.

Contact us if you are interested in the Big Ice Adventure, a more active excursion that spends more time on the ice. Click here for more details. 

Transfer back to El Calafate for the 6 hour bus ride to the Chile border. Here meet with your 4x4 transfer the rest of the way into Torres del Paine National Park and arrive at the Ecocamp, a deluxe tent camp of large igloo-shaped tents which were built to minimize environmental impact while providing a comfortable setting. The EcoCamp provides candlelight, feather comforters, composting toilets, and plenty of quiet to enjoy your spectacular surroundings.

Your time at the EcoCamp is flexible and includes a menu of guided excursions. Choose your day's activities from a daily menu based on your interests and energy level for the day, options ranging from easy-paced to strenuous hikes or even cycling tours. Click here for the weekly excursion schedule.

Hikers can venture to the foot of the gigantic spires of El Paine (8 hours roundtrip). Weather permitting, you'll witness the most famous sight of the Torres del Paine - the three granite monoliths reaching 9,400 feet- a testament to the massive glacial forces that carved them out of the earth.

Some travelers prefer to relax and stay at the EcoCamp to enjoy the vistas and tranquility or take a walk apart from the guided group. Horseback riding and spa services can be arranged at the nearby Hosteria Las Torres during any free time or as an optional activity.

Leave the Ecocamp and travel 7 hours to Punta Arenas. Enjoy an evening in the city and overnight.

Fly to Santiago and explore the beautiful city of Santiago this afternoon. Visit historic downtown, including La Moneda, and the main square. The tour also includes famous Cerro Stana Lucia; make your way through the web of pathways and lush landscaped plazas. Finish your Santiago tour exploring the residential areas of Bellavista, Providencia and Las Condes.

A representative pick you up at your hotel and head south to the wine country. Once in the wine country, offload the bikes and ride through three vineyards and the small towns supported by the wineries. Ride for a few hours at an easy pace while exploring the three varying vineyards. Visit a rustic family-owned estate producing a wide variety of wine including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere (thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in Chile in 1995). See also a contemporary vineyard, started by a wealthy Santiago family to produce high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah and Cot (Chile's version of the famous Argentine Malbec); and finally finish in a 100% organic vineyard where travelers will taste wine directly from the tanks. After the final vineyard enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before biking and then driving back to Santiago.

After the flight from Santiago to Easter Island, met at the airport by the friendly local guide and taken to the main town and capital of Easter Island, Hanga Roa, where almost 90% of Easter Island's inhabitants (the Rapa Nui) live.

Check into your hotel and your guide tells us about the upcoming itinerary. Then enjoy a good night´s rest, ready for tomorrow's adventure.

**Please note that the order of tours for the next three days is subject to change.**

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, drive along a coastal road to Hanga Te’e stopping at the ancient temple of Vahiu and visiting Ahu Akahanga and Ahu Tongariki (both alter sites - Ahu means sacred place and refers to the rectangular stone platform on which the Moai statues were erected). These sites were recently restored following damage caused by the tidal wave from the Great Chilean Earthquake in 1960 which washed the statues meters away from their original settings.

Afterwards, continue to Ahu Te Pito Te Kura, an incredible perfectly round stone used for ceremonial purposes. If you put a compass on the stone it would start spinning crazily and finally show a wrong direction! Continue your exploration at Ahu Nau Nau and Rano Raraku, the border of which is ringed with Moais leading towards the quarry inside the crater rim. Here the Moai were cut from Volcanic tuff and some 150 unfinished figures were mysteriously left there.

Finally head down to Anakena Beach, the legendary landing place of Hota Matua (founder of the island) before journeying back to your hotel in Hanga Roa.

After breakfast, start driving towards Rano Kao volcano, the biggest on the island, whose enormous crater is now a freshwater lake with floating green fields of totora reeds. This site offers an exceptional view of three craggy islands where the bizarre "bird-man" ritual took place. Nearby, find the ruined village of Orongo where almost 50 stone buildings, the “bird-man” petroglyphs and Ahu Tahai ceremonial center are located. Afterwards, drive back to your hotel.

After lunch, you will have a free afternoon. A possible suggestion for your afternoon would be visiting the archaeological site Tahai with its 3 restored Ahus and Moais. and then watching the spectacular sight of the sun setting behind the Moai.

We start the day by visiting Ahu Akivi. Unlike other Rapa Nui ceremonial sites, Akivi is not located on the coast and the moai are facing the ocean rather than with their backs to it - very enigmatic for researchers. According to the legend, these 7 Moai statues represent the first explorers who arrived on Easter Island, including supreme chief and king Hotu Matu'a. Then visit Hanga Poukura, an unrestored Ahu (stone platform) located on the island's southern coast. Finally, head to the Puna Pau quarry, the place where the Moai hats were made.

After a morning spent packing, relaxing and soaking up final views, you are driven back to the airport in time for the flight back to Santiago...Adios Isla de Pascua!