2013 - APT South America

See the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro 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 access to the lounge car, the open-air observation bar car and be treated to 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. This afternoon, return to your hotel. Day 19. Lake Titicaca, Luxury Amazon Lodge. Today, fly to Puerto Maldonado, nestled in the Amazon forest. On arrival, visit the butterfly gardens at the Inkaterra Butterfly House then board a motorised canoe and cruise to your lodge. Check in, then meet with an interpreter to discuss your touring options for your stay, based on your interests, fitness level and the forecast weather conditions. There are multiple activities available – all of which are escorted by an English-speaking guide. Two Night Stay: Amazon Rainforest, Inkaterra Reserva Amazònica. Maybe join a tour to a local village and learn about the way of life in this remote and extreme environment. By evening, a Rainforest by Night tour is available, introducing you to the animal activity that awakens after dark. With these and so many other options available, this is a truly personal manner in which to explore. BL Day 21. Luxury Amazon Lodge, Lima. Today you will return to the airport in Puerto Maldonado and fly to Lima. Spend the rest of the day further exploring or relaxing at your hotel. Tonight, dine at Huaca Pucllana in Lima, overlooking a 1500 year-old pyramid. Stay: Lima, Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient-Express. Day 22. Lima, Quito (Ecuador). Fly to Quito, capital of Ecuador. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Two Night Stay: Hilton Colon Quito. BL Day 23. 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 leather works. BD this being at the colony nesting in the Galápagos for pelagic birds. The Royal Frigate is abundant on this island and constitutes one of the main attractions here. BLD BLD Day 26. Galápagos Islands Cruise. Spend time this morning at North Seymour island, home to a large population of Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls. It hosts one of the largest populations of frigate birds, known for their red pouches. Later, cruise to the northern coast of Isla Santa Cruz. Day 27. Galápagos Islands Cruise. B B Day 24. Galápagos Islands Cruise. Fly to Baltra Island today to board your ship, the MV Galápagos Explorer II, for your four-night cruise. Later, set sail for Cerro Dragon, which is known for its flamingo lagoon. You may see one of many land iguanas foraging along the trail. Four Night Stay: MV Galápagos Explorer II, in a guaranteed Deluxe Balcony Suite. BLD Day 20. Luxury Amazon Lodge. Set next to the Tambopata National Reserve where the Madre de Dios River flows through the Southern Peru rainforest region, the Inkaterra Reserva Amazònica is the perfect base from which to explore the Amazon Rainforest. Perhaps go walking along the rainforest tree-top canopy to observe the jungle from a unique perspective. You may like to cruise the Madre de Dios River to Lake Sandoval or Gamitana Creek, where you will have the chance to see a wide array of wildlife. 58 This morning, visit Punta Pitt which is located at the eastern edge of San Cristóbal Island. This is the only site in the Galápagos Islands where you can see the three species of boobies and two species of frigates nesting in the same area. This afternoon, visit El Junco lagoon and La Loberia on San Cristóbal Island. This piece of coastline has been named after the large number of sea lions resting on the rocks and sand. In addition to the sea lions, birds such as the Canary Mary, frigates and several species of finches, can be spotted. Down by the rocks, you will find large Galápagos marine iguanas, one of the most unique species in the world. BLD BLD Day 25. Galápagos Islands Cruise. This morning, visit El Baranco on Isla Genovesa, located on the southern side of Darwin Bay. The cliffs located in the south are formed by highly fluid lava flowing from what was once a shield volcano. Also present on this island is the unique Masked Booby seabird. During a boat ride around the cliffs, fur seals can be seen, as well as several other species of seabirds. This afternoon visit Darwin Bay, also on Isla Genovesa, which is home to colonies of nesting Common Frigate, Nazca Booby and the Swallow-tailed gull. Here, you may also see the Red-footed Booby nests, Day 28. Galápagos Islands Cruise, Quito. This morning, visit the new Interpretation Educational Center of the Galápagos, which will lead you through the natural and human history of the islands. The Hall of Natural History explains a series of natural events that led to the creation of the Galápagos Archipelago, such as the volcanic origin of the islands, their remoteness from the mainland, currents, climate and the arrival of different species. Afterwards, fly back to Quito before enjoying a Farewell Dinner at Theatrum Restaurante & Wine Bar, one of the finest restaurants in all of Ecuador. Stay: Hilton Colon Quito. Day 29. Depart Quito. Enjoy a guided tour of Quito's World Heritage-listed Old Town, then travel to the site of the 'Middle of the World' – where the southern and northern hemispheres meet. Later, transfer to the airport. BLD BD B

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