2013 - APT South America

(Red Beach) via Morro da Urca (Urca Hill) to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain. After time at the peak, head for Porcão Rio's to sample Brazil's national cocktail, the caipirinha, before a delicious and interactive Brazilian BBQ. Three Night Stay: Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, in an Ocean View Room. Day 7. Rio de Janeiro, Freedom of Choice Touring. This morning enjoy your selected activity. Perhaps take a jeep tour through two local favelas; enjoy a day excursion to Petrópolis, The Imperial City of Brazil; tour the Botanical Gardens and Tijuca National Park by jeep; or ride a ferry to Niterói for a visit to the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum. Day 8. Rio de Janeiro, Dine Around Dinner. Travel to Corcovado and its iconic statue, Christ the Redeemer. This evening, choose from four different restaurants. BD Day 9. Rio de Janeiro, Santiago (Chile). Departing Brazil today, fly to Chile's capital, Santiago, and check in to your five-star hotel. This evening is yours at leisure to settle in. Two Night Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Santiago. B Day 10. Santiago, Dine Around Dinner. Enjoy a tour of Santiago, then travel to the San Antonio Valley to taste Chilean Wine and enjoy a delicious lunch. Back in Santiago, perhaps dine at Coco Loco; Confiteria Torres; Due Torri; or Miguel Torres Wine Restaurant. BLD Day 11. Santiago, Lima (Peru). Fly to the Peruvian capital of Lima. On arrival, take a city tour of the Historic Centre of Lima, where you'll see the catacombs of the monastery of San Francisco that provide a link to the religious sites of Lima, the Archbishop Palace, the Basilica Cathedral of Lima and much more. Tonight dine at Brujas del Cachiche – a local restaurant set in an old mansion overlooking a lovely park. Stay: Lima, Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient-Express. Day 12. Lima, Cusco, Chincheros, BD Sacred Valley. Fly to Cusco then head for Chincheros, here see a weaving demonstration using brightly coloured materials. Later, in the Sacred Valley, visit the home of a local family for a typical Andean meal. Two Night Stay: Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka, part of the Luxury Collection by Starwood. Day 13. Sacred Valley. In Pisac today, visit the community of nearby Taray and see a special school project APT have organised. Here you can appreciate the donation that APT has contributed on your behalf. Later, enjoy a Brazilian BBQ lunch in Wayra. BL Day 14. Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu. Board PeruRail's Vistadome train and travel to Machu Picchu. Enjoy lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge then set off on a locally guided tour of the famous lost ruins. The site remained undiscovered in modern times until the American historian, Hiram Bingham, brought it to international attention in 1911. Stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. BLD BL Hike the Famous Inca Trail The more adventurous can replace Day 14 touring with a five-hour hike to Machu Picchu, before rejoining the group for dinner at your hotel. Revisit Machu Picchu the next morning for your guided tour and morning tea. $295* per person. Must be pre-booked. Day 15. Machu Picchu, Cusco. Awake today incredibly close to the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. You will have the opportunity to beat the morning rush, with a return visit to Machu Picchu to experience the site in true serenity at your own pace. Alternatively, relax and enjoy the comforts and facilities of your hotel. This afternoon, board Orient- Express' exclusive Hiram Bingham train for what is the most luxurious rail journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco. On board, savour a Pisco Sour, enjoy live Peruvian music and indulge in a four-course Andean-inspired dinner. On arrival back in Cusco check in to your hotel. Two Night Stay: Cusco, Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka. Pacific Ocean Santiago 2 ARGENTINA URUGUAY Atlantic Ocean 3 Buenos Aires Galâpagos Cruise 4 Otavalo BD GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Quito 3 ECUADOR PERU 1 Lima 2 Machu Picchu 2 Sacred Valley 2 2 B Cruise Flight (included) Rail No. of nights Lake Titicaca (Puno) CHILE PARAGUAY Rainforest Amazon Cusco 2 Amazon Lodge BOLIVIA BRAZIL Rio de Janeiro 3 2 Iguassu Falls BD Day 16. Cusco, Dine Around Dinner. A walking tour of Cusco this morning takes you to the Plaza de Armas, the square in the city's historic heart. You'll also visit the sacred sites of Koricancha and Santo Domingo. Later, choose from four restaurants for lunch or dinner. BD See some of the world's most colourful butterflies at the Inkaterra Butterfly House Venture into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest www.aptouring.com.au 57 SOUTH AMERICA

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