South American Encounters 19 Day Tour

Welcome to ” The South American Encounters Tour”, once you arrive to Quito – Ecuador, our guide will be at the Airport to meet you and take you to the hotel for overnight.

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Quito city is located at 9000 ft. above sea level, so it is important to take easy and try to rest as much you can on this way you will avoid  ” Soroche ” or the altitude sickness.

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Another advise is to drink a lot of water following those simple recomendations the first few days, you have a pleasant stay at the Andes, It will really be for you nice to admire the mountanis every day while you enjoy the tour in Ecuador.

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Overnight: Hotel Ibis 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: N/A

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Note: It’s a tour you can join on the date that best suits you, allowing you to travel at your ideal time. Since some services are mixed, there may be moments during the itinerary where you meet other travelers, while other parts will be entirely private. This combination makes each stage of the journey different, authentic, and truly unique

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This program can also be arranged for solo travelers, simply let us know, and we’ll provide the rate for single participation.

If your group has 3, 5, or 7 travelers, we can offer different room arrangements, such as triple rooms, family rooms or double and single combinations, depending on your preference and availability. Please feel free to contact us, and we’ll gladly help you with all the details and pricing.

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Early in the morning we will start our city tour at Panecillo viewpoint to admire the Quito´s wonders from above, then we will walk around two hours visiting the highlights of the old city such as; San Francisco Church, Compañía de Jesús Church and Sagrario Church located on “Calle de la Siete Cruces” or Garcia Moreno Street. 

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Then we will visit the Presidential Palace lobby at Quito´s main Square. Finally we will visit the first Gothic Church of Ecuador, considered the highest one in the city. 

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This is another beautiful viewpoint to observe “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Then we will drive towards to the Equator Site to visit the famous Inti Ñan Museum ( The trail of the Sun ) where we can learn more about the line and step right on the middle of the world. 

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After we will go for lunch in a Typical Restaurant (extra cost). Finally we will return to the Hotel for overnight. 

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­Overnight: Hotel Ibis 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

After breakfast we will drive towards Cotopaxi National Park, which consists of 99,000 acres, and has a large variety of trails, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and, of course, it’s Volcano, which will captivate you with its majesty and beauty. In the area of the lagoon, Limpiopungo, at 12,700 feet, you will find an enormous diversity of flora and fauna – it is also possible to hike around the lagoon´s shore, where native birds of the Andes are plentiful. 

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Then we will drive higher up to Cotopaxi Staging Area, at 14,850 feet. In the Staging Area, it is often possible to admire a condor in flight. From this point it is possible to climb to the basecamp. Finally we will drive to Riobamba city for overnight.

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­Overnight:  Hotel Wanderlot 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

Morning 2 hours transportation to Ingapirca Archeological Complex, the most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador. (1-hour walk) through the site to get to know more about the Pre-Incas & Incas history.

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Then Drive to Cuenca City, upon arrival we will visit the famous HAT MUSEUM (Panama hat Factory). Finally, we will get to the hotel for overnight.

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­Overnight: Victoria Hotel 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

In the morning, we will visit Cuenca City (declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1999 by UNESCO).The most representative sites in Cuenca are: Calderon Park (Central Square), the Modern and Old Cathedrals, the Flower Market, and Largo Street with its colonial houses, all of which are unforgettable.

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We will also visit the Tomebamba River and the Broken Bridge, since they are famous landmarks. Of course an attraction impossible to skip is the Ethnographic Museum (Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes). The Ethnographic Museum is a must-see because of its unique art collection from across the country.

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­Overnight: Victoria Hotel 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

Early in the morning we will start our journey towards to Guayaquil city. On the way we will stop in some beautiful views to admire the Andes and the Coastal regions. Then we will pass by Cajas National Park (Highest bus Crossing in Ecuador 4167 meters above sea level).

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Only 30 minutes from Cuenca, Cajas National Park will be one of the highlights of your travel in Ecuador and is a paradise for both birdwatchers and hikers alike. The hikes and walking time will depend on your particular interest and skills.

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­Finally we will get to Guayaquil city for overnight prior your journey to Peru next day.

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Overnight:  Grand Hotel Guayaquil 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

Transfer out to Guayaquil´s Airport for your International flight to Lima , the capital of Peru.

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Once you arrive to Lima, our representative will meet you after you clear customs and pick you bags to conduct you to the hotel in downtown. This is free time to relax at the hotel or discover the city on your own.  

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As part of Lima city attractions is Miraflores neighborhood , where you can visit parks museums and enjoy delicious Peruvian gastronomy. 

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­Overnight:  Hotel Dazzler 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

The city tour begins with the visit to the Plaza the Armas, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Running along two sides are arcades with shops: Portal de Escribanos and Portal de Botoneros.

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In the centre of the Plaza is a bronze fountain dating from 1560. Located in the Plaza is the Cathedral, note the splendidly carved stalls, the silver covered altars surrounded by fine woodwork, mosaic covered walls bearing the coats of arms of Lima and Pizarro. Next to the Cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace.

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­Then you’ll visit the XVII century Monastery of San Francisco, this is famous for the Sevillian tile work and paneled ceiling in the cloisters, the catacombs under the church and part of the monastery are well worth seeing, You’ll visit the old colonial streets in the centre of the city, and the modern Lima with the district of San Isidro and Miraflores. 

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We will also visit the Peruvian Gold Museum, this excellent collection includes pre-Columbian gold, silver and bronze, ceramics, weavings, mummies, etc. Upstairs is a remarkable arms collections with an impressive exhibition from Spanish colonial times. Finally back to your hotel.

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Overnight: Hotel Dazzler 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

Transfer out  to Lima´s International Airport  to take a local flight to Cusco city. Upon your arrival, one of our tour representatives will meet you at the Airport to take you to the hotel in downtown Cusco. 

In the afternoon, you will go on a tour around the City well known as the Capital of INCAS and for all its treasures. 

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You will visit the centric part of Cusco and also several Inca Temples such as: Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo and Tambomachay. Finally, back to the Hotel for overnight. 

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­Overnight: Casona Corrales 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

Early, at the pre-arranged time, our guide will collect you from your Cusco hotel to head out to Collasuyo, found in a Southern direction from the ancient Inca capital, Cusco. This formed part of the important “tawantinsuyo” (the 4 ancient regions of the Incas). Our first stop will be 2 hours out of Cusco, 78 km away, at the Paucarpata (CUSIPATA) community, where we will have a short rest to buy water, snacks, etc, and enjoy a buffet breakfast. After which, we will continue for another hour along the highway until we arrive at our base camp of PHULAWASIPATA. 

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Here we will get ready for our hike to the Rainbow Mountain, which is a gradual 2 hour, uphill hike (3.5km). Along the way, we will have the opportunity to see the impressive Hatun Ritti Glacier, standing at a whopping 4925m. The distinctive varieties of South American camelids and the stunning reflection of the Puka Qocha y Qomer Qocha lagoons, will accompany us along the way. 

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On arrival at the magnificent Rainbow Mountain, you will have plenty of time to take photos and videos of this enigmatic, colored mountain as well as the impressive surrounding countryside. We will then begin our descent back towards the base camp for approximately 1h 30m (3.5km). Where our transport will be waiting to take us to the town of Paucarpata, where we will enjoy a well-deserved delicious lunch (not included). 

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After lunch we will begin our journey back to Cusco City, arriving at 18:00 pm approximately, where we will drop you off at your hotel.

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Overnight: Casona Corrales 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

At the coordinated time, the tourist transport will pick you up at your the hotel in Cusco, from there, you will travel a two-hour journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to the Ollantaytambo train station. 

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Upon arrival, you will board the train (according to the category chosen) and you will undertake the hour and a half journey into the Andes mountain range and through a landscape that will be difficult to forget. Mountains that seem to touch the sky, rivers that merge with the green of the hills. Simply amazing!

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­Upon arrival at the town of Aguas Calientes, the staff will be waiting for you, to welcome you and take you to the hotel (according to the chosen category), after the briefing, you will have free time to enjoy the hot springs that are in the town Or, you can walk through this hidden place.

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Overnight: Vista Macchu Picchu 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

After breakfast at the hotel, the guide will pick you up to take you to line up for the bus that will take you to the entrance to the most important citadel of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu. Who has not ever dreamed of admiring the ancient Inca citadel?

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­Once there, you can make the trek through the HuaynaPicchu mountain or MachuPicchu mountain (remember that to carry out these treks, you must confirm your income at the time of booking, since spaces are limited), you will take a guided tour of two and a half hours approximately through the alleys and passageways of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, accompanied by a local guide who is an expert of the ancient Inca culture, the energy that emanates from the place will envelop you, mysticism and magic will be a key piece for this great experience marked your life completely.

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­At the end, the guide will say goodbye and give you all the instructions to return to the town of Aguas Calientes, you will have time to eat on your own, in one of the typical restaurants and continue exploring the small Andean town. At the indicated time, you must be at the Aguas Calientes train station to board the train and make the journey to Ollantaytambo, upon arrival, the transport will be waiting for you to return to the hotel in Cusco.

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Overnight: Casona Corrales 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

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After breakfast you will be transfer to Cusco´s Airport for the return flight to Lima city.

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Free afternoon to enjoy the surroundings in Lima City . Do not miss to try and experience Peruvian Seafood Cuisine in one the Lima s restaurants at Miraflores area.

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Overnight:  Casa Andina Standard Benavides 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

Transfer out to Lima´s Airport

A representative will meet you at the airport in Buenos Aires and transfer you to your hotel.

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You will have the rest of the day free to explore or relax. It is time for a good steak with a tasty glass of wine in a centrally located restaurant at Buenos Aires downtown.

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­Overnight:  Up Viamonte 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

We will transfer you to the airport of Buenos Aires and you will begin your tour to Iguazú taking off from Bs As airport. Once you land in Iguazu a tourist guide will be waiting for you with a sign with your last name to transfer you to your Hotel. 

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Around 2 pm our guide will pick you up in your hotel in order to take the Iguazú Forest Tour.

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­This is a half day tour that takes place in a jungle near the Argentine National Park and includes activities such as Trekking, Wet Rappelling, Outdoor Wall Climbing, etc. Every one of these activities is oriented for Adventure Tourism and Eco-tourism, including people of different ages and physiques conditions.

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­This tour is also very useful because it avoids getting a visa to enter Brazil since you are taking both tours on the Argentine side.

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Overnight:  Hotel Saint George 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will leave for a full day excursion to the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls. You will be guided around several paths inside the National Park to witness the incredible view of the more than 200 falls, visiting the Green Way, the Upper and Lower Catwalk and the Devil’s throat paths using the forest train.

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­The Great Adventure boat ride is an optional tour inside the Iguazu falls National Park which takes you for a ride around the falls; the boat even remains underneath an Iguazu fall. Around 5 pm you will return to the Hotel in Puerto Iguazú.

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Overnight: Hotel Saint George 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon. Return to Buenos Aires in 1hs 45min flight. Then transfer to the Hotel.

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Optional Tour: The Bird Park is an essential ride for anyone visiting Iguassu Falls , located near the Iguaçu Falls in Iguaçu National Park. At the Bird Park you will experience a direct contact with more than 800 birds , including 200 different species. Are 16.5 acres of lush Atlantic Forest kept to form the best habitat for our animals.

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This is not a walk like any other, is a unique and unforgettable experience where you’ll witness exotic birds from all corners of Brazil and various parts of the world, many of them endangered. Step into our nurseries immersion to feel the beating of the wings of macaws and vibrant look into the eyes of a toucan.

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This extra option is not part of the tour, if you prefer to add it , please let us know in advance to provide you the total price

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Overnight:   Up Viamonte 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

You will take the Half Day City Tour through Buenos Aires in the morning, a time that will allow you to discover a city with strong cultural contrasts exemplified by the varied architecture present in historical buildings, monuments, museums, theatres and open areas.

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In the afternoon you will board on a cruise to view the riverfront homes and admire the scenery on the Tigre Delta of Paraná: An exotic subtropical forest formed by thousands of small islands that can only be reached by water. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner (not included) and tango show in Esquina Carlos Gardel the best tango house in town.

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­Here you will be permitted to witness the magic of a place where singing, dancing and a spectacular meal mix within the walls of the classy, seductively beautiful lounge.

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Overnight:  Up Viamonte 3* or Similar (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEED IT)

Meals: B

Our guide will drive you back to Buenos Aires international Airport, for your flight home…

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­END OF THE SERVICES!

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(We hope to see you soon in one of our other Destinations)

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Overnight: N/A

Meals: B