2013 - APT South America

Perhaps enjoy a kayaking adventure down the Amazon River Day 17. Cusco, Lake Titicaca. Today, board the Andean Explorer for a day-long rail journey into the highlands and on to Puno, almost 4,000 metres above sea level. Travelling in Andean Explorer Class (first class), the start of your trip is dominated by the Andean mountains, towering over the valleys below. On the way to the Andean Plains, enjoy the lounge car the open-air observation bar car, and enjoy a three-course lunch. Two Night Stay: Puno, The Libertador Lake Titicaca, in Lake View Rooms. Day 18. Lake Titicaca. Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the largest high-altitude lake in the world. This morning, cruise to the home of the Uros people, a group of more than 40 man-made islands created from floating reeds. Afterwards, you'll visit the isolated Capachica Peninsula, where you'll enjoy great views and a traditional BBQ lunch. Later, return to your hotel in Puno. species, more than 100 mammal species, nearly 70 species of reptiles, 58 species of amphibians and almost 270 fish species. After breakfast, drift along a stream in the reserve and watch for the local wildlife. Afterwards, cruise the El Dorado River. Here, you'll encounter grey and pink river dolphins, with which you're able to go swimming. As you drift along the river, keep an eye out for Snail Kites, Scarlet Macaws, Amazonian Parrotlet's, iguanas and fascinating squirrel monkeys. BL disembark after lunch, transfer to Iquitos. Here, you'll visit the Manatee Rescue Centre, where volunteers and biologists care for endangered manatees (dugongs). Later, board a flight to Lima. Tonight, dine at Huaca Pucllana in Lima, overlooking a 1500 year-old pyramid. Stay: Lima, Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient-Express. BLD BL Day 19. Lake Titicaca, Iquitos, Amazon Cruise. Today fly via Lima to Iquitos, located on the mighty Amazon River. From here, board your river ship for your Amazon River cruise, during which you'll enjoy the unique opportunity to go fishing for piranhas, among many other highlights. Tonight enjoy your first dinner of Amazonian-Peruvian cuisine on board. Four Night Stay: Delfin II, in a luxurious suite with large windows and private ensuites. Day 20. Amazon Cruise, Pacaya- Samiria National Reserve. Today, watch for the wildlife of the Amazon River in the Pacaya- Samiria National Reserve. The most extensive area of protected floodable forest in the Amazon Rainforest, the reserve is home to over 500 bird 50 Day 21. Amazon Cruise. Today starts with a hike among trees that stretch up to 55 metres high. Watch for birds such as the Bluish-fronted Jacamar and Red-capped Cardinals. Enjoy lunch on board then travel by skiff over the Pacaya River, watching for monkeys and admiring the reflection of the jungle in the river at sunset. Later, join a night safari in search of caiman, frogs, owls, pauraques and fish bats flying over the water. BD Day 22. Amazon Cruise. This morning you'll head off in skiffs in search of shore-birds such as Black Skimmers, sandpipers and kingfishers. After lunch, visit the Yanallpa community to interact with villagers and learn about their riverside way of life. This afternoon, keep an eye out for some of the Amazon's unique wildlife such as, Bald Uakari, squirrel and Saddleback Tamarin monkeys, sloths and many other species. Later enjoy a Farewell Dinner followed by live music. Day 23. Amazon Cruise, Iquitos, Lima. Board a skiff bound for Puerto Miguel to meet local villagers and learn about their culture, traditions and folklore. You may also like to visit one of the villager's homes, to see how they live. Returning to the ship, you'll BLD Day 24. Lima, Quito (Ecuador). 24 Day (ISD24) passengers depart after breakfast. Remaining passengers fly to Quito, capital city of Ecuador. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Two Night Stay: Hilton Colon Quito. Day 25. Quito, Otavalo. Today you'll enjoy a day trip to Otavalo, notable for its textiles. Enjoy a tour here, before continuing to Cotacachi, famous for its leatherworks. BLD B B Day 26. Galápagos Islands Cruise. Fly to San Cristóbal Island, the easternmost island in the Galápagos archipelago. This afternoon, set out to discover Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill), a collapsed volcano with a white fine-sand beach, home to a range of Galápagos wildlife. Three Night Stay: MV Galápagos Explorer II, in a guaranteed Deluxe Balcony Suite. BLD BLD Day 27. Galápagos Islands Cruise. Spend today exploring Española Island, an unforgettable island that plays host to an incredible number of different creatures. In the morning, you have a choice of three touring options. In Gardener's Bay, a wet landing will see you arrive on a long, white sandy beach, where colonies of sea lions and marine iguanas laze in the sun and sea turtles swim offshore. Watch for Finches and Hood Mockingbirds. You can also go snorkelling with the sea lions.

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