2013 - APT South America

Take in stunning views from atop Corcovado, a famous mountain in Rio de Janeiro Day 11. Iguassu Falls. This morning enjoy time in Brazil's World Heritage-listed Iguassu National Park. View the falls from close to the base of Devil's Throat then visit the Parque das Aves Bird Park. Walk through the aviaries and get up close to native South American birds including the iconic toucan. Day 12. Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). After flying to Rio today, check in to your hotel before spending time at leisure. At sunset, absorb one of the world's truly exquisite views as you ride a cable car from Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain. After time at the peak, head for Porcão Rio's to sample Brazil's national cocktail, before an interactive Brazilian BBQ. Three Night Stay: Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, in an Ocean View Room. Day 13. Rio de Janeiro, Freedom of Choice Touring. 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 14. Rio de Janeiro, Dine Around Dinner. Travel to Corcovado and its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. This evening, choose from four different restaurants. BD Day 15. 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 16. 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 17. Santiago, Lima (Peru). After a flight to Lima this morning, enjoy a city tour of the Historic Centre of Lima, where you'll see the 62 Day 21. Machu Picchu, Cusco. This morning, 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 a catacombs of the monastery of San Francisco that link 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. Stay: Lima, B Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient-Express. Day 18. Lima, Cusco, Chincheros, BD Sacred Valley. Fly to Cusco, then head for Chincheros where you'll see a weaving demonstration. Later, in the Sacred Valley, you'll 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. BD luxurious rail journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco. On board, savour a Pisco Sour, enjoy live music and a four-course Andean-inspired dinner. On arrival in Cusco check in to your hotel. Two Night Stay: Cusco, Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka. BD Day 22. 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 either lunch or dinner. BD Day 23. Cusco, Lake Titicaca. BL Day 19. Sacred Valley. In Pisac, you'll 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 B Day 20. 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. Stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. BLD Hike the Famous Inca Trail The more adventurous can replace Day 20 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. Today, board the Andean Explorer for a day-long rail journey into the highlands and on to Puno. Travelling in Andean Explorer Class (first class), the landscapes at the start of your trip is dominated by the Andean mountains. 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 24. 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 25. Lake Titicaca, Lima. After flying back to Lima, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Huaca Pucllana – set within the ruins of an archaeological compound built between 200 and 700 AD. Stay: Lima, Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient-Express. BD Day 26. Depart Lima. This morning after breakfast your South America holiday concludes with a transfer to the airport. B BL BL

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