Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
South American Adventure & Galapagos & Amazon Cruising
(33 days, Quito - Rio de Janeiro, 2012)
This tour combines two cruises to the remote Amazon Jungle & Galapagos Islands, with the highlights of the Andes in Peru, Iguazu Falls & the cities of Buenos Aires & Rio.
This 33 day grand journey crossing the remarkable continent of South America begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. You will take a guided tour of the old city centre, the Santo Domingo Convent and witness the incredible views from Cerro Panecillo. You will also visit ‘La Mitad del Mundo’ (Middle of the World), which marks the point of zero latitude.
You will then travel to the incredible Galapagos Islands where you will board the luxurious MV Galapagos Explorer II for a four night cruise through the Islands. This adventure will see you encounter incredible wildlife, including marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea birds, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks and sea lions. Disembarking in Guayaquil, you will travel to Lima where you will enjoy two days exploring the Peruvian capital city before travelling to the remote Amazon city of Iquitos to board your second ship, the MV Aria for an amazing three night cruise through the Amazon. This leg will explore the largest tributaries of the Amazon and you will enjoy a number of activities by launch and foot, including the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet grey and pink freshwater dolphins. You will also witness the bald uakari monkey, squirrel monkeys, saddleback tamarin monkeys, sloths and many other local species.
Your cruise disembarks in Lima before travelling to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. From here you will travel to Machu Picchu and learn about the mysteries of the ‘lost city’ before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Cuzco. Next is Lake Titicaca, where you will enjoy an excursion to the unique floating islands of Uros, including a visit to a school on one of the islands before journeying on to Iguazu Falls for a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brazilian site. The home of tango, the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires is your next incredible destination where you will soak up the atmosphere of the colourful districts of La Boca and San Telmo.
Your journey ends in Rio de Janeiro where you will visit Corcovado, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and see the famous ‘Christ’ statue before travelling via cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain.
35 Day Tour Option: 2 days touring in Santiago, Chile can be added to the beginning of this tour.
- All-Inclusive Touring
- “Must See” attractions
- Stay at Hilton Colon Quito
- More 2 and 3 night stays
- Cruise onboard MV Galapagos Explorer II in Premium Suites
- Exclusive Amazon cruise onboard MV Aria
- Exclusive stay at Swissotel Lima
- Stay at Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection, Sacred Valley
- Exclusive stay at Sumaq Machu Picchu
- Stay at Das Cataratas Hotel by Orient Express, Iguazu Falls
- Exclusive stay at Sofitel Buenos Aires
- Exclusive Stay in Deluxe Ocean View Rooms at the Sofitel Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
- Scenic FreeChoice Activities and Dining INCLUDED
- Fully Escorted by experienced Scenic Tours Tour Director
- Scenic Tours Medical Assist Service for Peruvian Highlands
- Personalised Airport Transfers
- All tipping and gratuities INCLUDED
- Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a private welcome briefing including drinks and canapés
- Sample traditional Ecuadorian cuisine at an elegant restaurant in Quito
- Take in the sights and sounds of wildlife on a three night cruise through the Amazon onboard the luxurious MV Aria
- All offshore excursions escorted by a naturalist on MV Galapagos Explorer II and MV Aria
- All offshore excursions escorted by naturalist guide onboard MV Aria
- Visit Hacienda Huayocarri and enjoy a typical Andean lunch prepared from the Hacienda’s own produce
- Meet and interact with the students and teachers at a local community school, supported by Scenic Tours
- Delight in a private performance of Andean music and dancing whilst enjoying canapés and drinks
- Travel to Lake Titicaca on a first class rail journey aboard the Andean Explorer, taking in the magnificent scenery from the open-air Observation Car
- Marvel at the majestic Brazilian Falls as you tour through the rainforest, onto the water and up close to see the ‘Devil’s Throat’ and base of the ‘Three Musketeers’
- Enjoy a private farewell dinner at the Horse Neck Bar overlooking Copacabana Beach
- In Quito, drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes to Antisana Ecological Reserve; or visit the town of Mundo and the cloud forest; or explore the colourful market town of Otavalo; or ride the telerifico (cable car) up the Pichincha volcano
- In Lima, enjoy a walking tour of the city; or tour Pachacamac Ruins; or take a historical tour including Huaca Huallamarca Ruins, Larco Herrera Museum and the Monastery of San Francisco
- In the Sacred Valley, explore the Inca ruins and local markets of Pisac followed by lunch; or see the Inca salt mines at Maras and ruins of Moray followed by a picnic lunch; or visit Chinchero, a typical Andean village and learn about weaving techniques followed by a picnic lunch; or wander through the local produce markets and learn about Andean cooking as you assist the chef prepare lunch; or travel to a Peruvian Paso Horse Ranch followed by lunch
- In Buenos Aires, visit the Pampas to watch the Fiesta Gaucha horse show; or journey by rail on the Tren de la Costa followed by a cruise on the Tigre River and Delta; or take a Eva Peron walking tour; or a behind the scenes tour of the La Boca Soccer Stadium; or catch the subway to visit the El Zanjon underground tunnels
- In Rio de Janeiro, tour Petropolis, the mountain retreat of Brazil’s former emperors; or take a walking tour of Downtown Rio; or take an open Jeep tour of Tijuca Forest; or visit a community school in a local Favela (Shanty Town); or learn to dance the Samba at the Sambodrome
- 66 superb meals including 32 Full Breakfasts – hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 16 Lunches – buffet (L), 1 Highlight Lunches – three course buffet (HL), 6 Highlight Dinners – three or four course table d’hôte (HD) and 11 Dinners – buffet and three to four course table d’hôte (D)
- Wine with dinner onboard MV Galapagos Explorer II
- Wine with lunch and dinner onboard MV Aria
- In Cuzco, Iguazu, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro
- Hilton Colon, Guayaquil, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Swissotel Lima, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
- MV Aria, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Das Cataratas Hotel by Orient Express, Iguazu Falls
- Sofitel Buenos Aires, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Sofitel Hotel – Deluxe Ocean View Rooms, Rio de Janeiro, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Tour of the World Heritage listed city of Quito
- Galapagos Islands cruise aboard MV Galapagos Explorer II for four nights
- See the endangered Amazon manatees at the Manatee Rescue Centre
- Enjoy a walking tour of Ollantaytambo, the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the Americas
- Journey by rail to Machu Picchu for a full day visit to the ancient Inca site
- Embark on a rail journey onboard the Vistadome train with breathtaking views and afternoon tea
- Marvel at the mix of Incan, Spanish and modern architecture during a walking tour of Cuzco
- Learn of the lifestyle of the community within the unique floating islands of Uros
- Relaxing two night stay at Iguazu Falls
- View the Argentinian Falls onboard an ecological train
- Tour the sights of the city of Buenos Aires, famed as the “Paris of the Americas”
- Experience the highlights of Rio de Janeiro including the Corcovado Museum, ‘Christ’ Statue and ride the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain
Day 1: Quito
Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. On arrival at Quito International Airport you will be met by a Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your hotel. SCENIC ENRICH Tonight meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for an Included private welcome function and tour briefing.
Three Night Stay: Quito
Three Night Stay: Quito
Day 2: Quito
(FB,HD)
Today your Included tour of this Unesco World Heritage listed city, includes the old city centre, the Santo Domingo Convent and the Cerro Panecillo for fantastic views over the city. Included in the tour is your visit to the “La Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) which marks zero latitude. SCENIC ENRICH Tonight enjoy dinner in an elegant local restaurant sampling delicious Ecuadorian Cuisine.
Day 3: Quito
(FB,L)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes to the Antisana Ecological Reserve; or (2) visit the small town of Mindo and the cloud forest; or (3) visit the colourful market town of Otavalo; or (4) visit the Itchimbia Cultural Centre and the Guayasamin Foundation Galleries.
Day 4: Quito - Galapagos Islands
(FB,L,D)
Transfer to the airport this morning for your Included flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival at Baltra Island transfer to your luxurious all suite cruise ship, the MV Galapagos Explorer II, and settle into your Premium Suite. The sailing schedule is flexible in order to take advantage of the different conditions and to maximise your chances to encounter the bird and wildlife of this unique island complex. A daily itinerary is advised by your Cruise Director. This afternoon cruise to Santa Cruz Island and visit Bachas Beach. Encounter sea birds, marine iguanas and sea turtles.
Four Night Cruise: MV Galapagos Explorer II
Four Night Cruise: MV Galapagos Explorer II
Day 5: Bartoleme Island - Santiago Island
(FB,L,D)
This morning your first stop is at Bartoleme Island where you will see volcanic formations like lava bombs and cinder cones. During a moderate walk to the summit you may see colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards and various cacti. Then cruise to Santiago Island where your Naturalist will educate you about the inactive lava terrain you are crossing. Observe hunting herons, great blue herons, lava herons, yellow crowned night herons and oyster catchers. See marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside red sally light-foot crabs.
Day 6: Fernandina Island - Isabela Island
(FB,L,D)
Sail to unique Fernandina Island. No foreign species has ever invaded the island and therefore it is one of the world’s most pristine island ecosystems. See the biggest marine iguanas mingling with light-foot crabs, as well as flightless cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Then cruise to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archIpêlago. At Urbina Bay, after a wet landing, visit the fossil beach. Depending on the season you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants.
Day 7: North Seymour Island - Santa Cruz Island
(FB,L,D)
Arrive today at North Seymour Island and take a walk along the visitor trail spotting Galapagos Sea Lions, Blue-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Continue to Santa Cruz Island and walk through the amazing lava landscape including tubes measuring up to 800 metres in length. Keep your eyes peeled for the natives of the island including the endangered Galapagos giant tortoises.
Day 8: San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil
(FB,D)
This morning visit La Loberia or Isla Lobos and the Interpretation Centre in San Cristobal. Transfer to the airport for your Included flight to Guayaquil, the main port for the country of Ecuador. This afternoon enjoy an Included city tour before transferring to your luxurious hotel.
Overnight Stay: Guayaquil
Overnight Stay: Guayaquil
Day 9: Guayaquil - Lima, Peru
(FB)
Transfer to the International airport this morning for your Included flight to Lima, the capital of Peru. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Two Night Special Stay: Lima
Two Night Special Stay: Lima
Day 10: Lima
(FB,L)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) walking tour of the Colonial historic centre of the city, a former capital of the Conquistadors and a World Heritage site; or (2) tour Pachacamac Ruins and see the Temple of the Sun God; or (3) take a historical journey through Lima’s past visiting the Huaca Huallamarca ruins, the amazing Larco Herrera Museum and the Monastery of San Francisco.
Day 11: Lima - Iquitos
(FB,D)
Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your Included flight to the remote Amazon city of Iquitos. On arrival transfer to the Iquitos main wharf and board the luxurious all suite MV Aria, your home for the next three nights. As you settle into your handsomely appointed, over-sized suite, you will feel the vessel begin to move - the beginning of one of the great adventures of your life. Stand on the Upper Deck to take in the view as the MV Aria leaves Iquitos behind. Enjoy a welcome briefing by your expert Naturalists. Then sit down, relax, sample some fine South American wine, and enjoy the truly world-class cuisine, created with the imaginative use of the freshest local products.
Three Night Cruise: MV Aria
Three Night Cruise: MV Aria
Day 12: Amazon Cruise
(FB,L,D)
This part of the Peruvian Amazon is an amazing area of biodiversity. The sailing schedule is flexible in order to take advantage of the different conditions of the seasons of low and high water. Over the coming days you will sail along the largest tributaries of the Amazon, and embark on a number of different activities by launch and foot. You are embarking on a spectacular adventure, to a place visited by only a few of even the most experienced world travellers. You will visit places like the Yacapana Isles, the “Isle of the Iguana” thanks to the great number of these reptiles, which inhabit them. You will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and photograph both gray and pink freshwater dolphins (weather dependent). At night time, once the sun sets and the jungle becomes dark, begin your search for caiman, frogs, and different kinds of nightlife. During the day you will search for wildlife such as the bald uakari monkey, squirrel monkeys, saddleback tamarin monkeys, sloths and many other species. A highlight of the trip is the viewing of one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere: the sun rising over the birthplace of the Amazon River. Here - where the union of two major tributaries, the Ucayali and the Marañon, form the world’s greatest waterway - nature is at its most dramatic. You will also have the opportunity to visit native villages, where the local people will extend you a very warm welcome and you will gain insight into how the traditional Amazonian Indians live. Many of the villages were untouched by civilisation until recently and they are delighted to share their culture, traditions, and folklore with you. Each day on board the cuisine is a highlight. Each meal is carefully prepared and showcases regional specialities prepared with the freshest produce.
Day 13: Amazon Cruise
(FB,L,D)
Cruising the Amazon.
Day 14: Amazon - Lima
(FB,L)
After a morning excursion, enjoy lunch and then disembark for an Included visit to the Manatee Rescue Centre. Here biologists and volunteers care for the endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have rescued. Transfer to the airport for your Included flight to Lima.
Two Night Special Stay: Lima
Two Night Special Stay: Lima
Day 15: Lima
(FB,L)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) walking tour of the Colonial historic centre of the city, a former capital of the Conquistadors and a World Heritage site; or (2) tour Pachacamac Ruins and see the Temple of the Sun God; or (3) take a historical journey through Lima’s past visiting the Huaca Huallamarca ruins, the amazing Larco Herrera Museum and the Monastery of San Francisco.
Day 16: Lima - Sacred Valley
(FB,HL)
This morning transfer to the airport for your Included flight to Cuzco. On arrival you will receive your personal oxygen cylinder then you will transfer to the breath-taking Sacred Valley of the Incas. SCENIC ENRICH Included highlight is a visit to Hacienda Huayocarri set in a spectacular location overlooking the valley. The owners have a history spanning over three centuries. Enjoy a typical Andean lunch, prepared from the Hacienda’s own produce. Transfer to your hotel, a member of the Starwood Luxury Collection, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Three Night Special Stay: Sacred Valley
Three Night Special Stay: Sacred Valley
Day 17: Sacred Valley
(FB,D)
This morning your expert local guide will take you on an Included walking tour of the town of Ollantaytambo, the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the Americas. Your tour includes a visit to the imposing Incan fortress overlooking the town. SCENIC ENRICH Visit the community supported by Scenic Tours. Meet the students and teachers at the local school and learn about their lifestyle. Return to your luxurious hotel for some time at leisure. Tonight enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Day 18: Sacred Valley
(FB,L)
Today is an Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE day choose from (1) visit the town of Pisac and tour the Inca ruins; or (2) see the Inca salt mines then visit the ruins of Moray; or (3) visit Chinchero Village and enter a local’s house to learn about the weaving techniques; or (4) learn some of the Andean cooking techniques as you help the chef prepare lunch; or (5) visit a local Peruvian Paso Horse Ranch. SCENIC ENRICH Tonight enjoy a private performance of Andean music along with canapés and drinks.
Day 19: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
(FB,L,D)
This morning walk to the train station located at the hotel for your Included rail journey to Machu Picchu. A highlight of your tour is your Included full day visit to the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu. Your expert local guide will share the mysteries of this “lost city of the Incas” before Included lunch at Sanctuary Lodge. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the ruins.
Overnight Special Stay: Machu Picchu
Overnight Special Stay: Machu Picchu
Day 20: Machu Picchu - Cuzco
(FB)
You have the morning to explore the area at leisure. This afternoon take an Included rail journey to the Sacred Valley with afternoon tea served onboard the Vistadome train. Take in the breath taking views of the surrounding Andes mountains from glass ceilinged carriages. Continue to Cuzco and your luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city centre.
Three Night Stay: Cuzco
Three Night Stay: Cuzco
Day 21: Cuzco
(FB,HD)
The charming city of Cuzco is a World Heritage listed site that was a former capital of the Incas. Included on your tour this morning is a walking tour of the city centre where you will marvel at the mix of Incan, Spanish and modern architecture. Then Included visit the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Tonight enjoy your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE dinner choose from: (1) local Restaurant and Folklore Show; or (2) fine à la carte dining at the Inka Grill; or (3) delicious Andean fusion dinner at the Inti Raymi Restaurant; or (4) gourmet dinner at the MAP Café.
Day 22: Cuzco
(FB)
Enjoy a free day to explore this charming city at your leisure.
Day 23: Cuzco - Lake Titicaca
(FB,L)
SCENIC ENRICH Board the Andean Explorer this morning for your Included first class rail journey to Puno. The open-air Observation Car provides the opportunity to take photographs of the magnificent scenery. On arrival transfer to your hotel located on an island in Lake Titicaca.
Overnight Stay: Lake Titicaca
Overnight Stay: Lake Titicaca
Day 24: Lake Titicaca - Lima
(FB,L)
Lake Titicaca is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world and today enjoy an Included excursion to the unique floating islands of Uros. Your guide will show you the lifestyle of the Uros communities including a visit to a school on one of the islands. Transfer to the airport for your Included flight to Lima.
Overnight Stay: Lima
Overnight Stay: Lima
Day 25: Lima - Iguazu Falls
(FB,D)
Transfer to Lima airport for your Included flight to Iguazu Falls and on arrival transfer to your luxurious hotel. Enjoy dinner on arrival at the hotel.
Two Night Special Stay: Iguazu Falls
Two Night Special Stay: Iguazu Falls
Day 26: Iguazu Falls
(FB,HD)
This morning Included is your tour of the majestic Brazilian Falls. SCENIC ENRICH your Included exciting adventure takes you through the rainforest and onto the water for a thrill you won’t forget. See the ‘Devil’s Throat’ and come close to the base of the ‘Three Musketeers’. Tonight enjoy your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE dinner choose from: (1) delicious BBQ buffet at Ipê Poolside Grill; or (2) fine dining in Restaurant Itaipu.
Day 27: Iguazu Falls - Buenos Aires
(FB)
This morning cross the border for your Included tour of the Argentinean Falls. Board the ecological train and ride to the ‘Devil’s Throat’ viewpoint. The view from the top of the falls is spectacular. Transfer to the airport this afternoon for your Included flight to Buenos Aires.
Three Night Special Stay: Buenos Aires
Three Night Special Stay: Buenos Aires
Day 28: Buenos Aires
(FB,HD)
This morning on your Included tour visit the colourful districts of La Boca and San Telmo. Tonight enjoy your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE dinner choose from: (1) 'Parrilla' (Steakhouse); or (2) dinner and spectacular Tango Show; or (3) the elegant Le Sud Restaurant.
Day 29: Buenos Aires
(FB,L)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) the Fiesta Gaucha horse show; or (2) cruise on the Tigre River and Delta; or (3) walking tour to discover Eva Peron; or (4) tour of the La Boca Soccer Stadium; or (5) visit the El Zanjon underground tunnels.
Day 30: Buenos Aires - Rio de Janeiro
(B,HD)
This morning take an Included flight to the vibrant and colourful city of Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, transfer to your hotel located on famous Copacabana Beach. Tonight enjoy your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE dinner choose from: (1) typical Brazilian Churrascaria; or (2) visit a live Samba Music venue.
Three Night Special Stay: Rio de Janeiro
Three Night Special Stay: Rio de Janeiro
Day 31: Rio de Janeiro
(FB,L)
Today your Included tour covers all the highlights of this vibrant city! First ride the cogwheel railway to visit Corcovado Mountain and see the famous ‘Christ’ Statue. Enjoy an Included lunch in a local restaurant before riding the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Day 32: Rio de Janeiro
(FB,HD)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) take a tour to Petropolis; or (2) walking tour of downtown Rio; or (3) Jeep tour of the Tijuca Forest; or (4) tour the Favela’s (Shanty Town); or (5) Schooner Cruise on Guanabara Bay. SCENIC ENRICH Tonight enjoy your private farewell dinner.
Day 33: Rio de Janeiro
(FB)
Your tour ends after breakfast and you will be transferred* to the airport. (flight not included).
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
At a glance
Duration
33 Days
From
$20,495
per person twin share
Dates
28 Aug 2012
Fully Booked
09 Oct 2012
Fully Booked
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