Welcome to Santiago. We’ll meet and transfer you to your hotel. Tonight, join a welcome dinner.
Itinerary
Dive into the heart of Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru. Explore the Peruvian Amazon rainforest and be awestruck by Iguazú Falls, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Plus, enjoy stays in Santiago, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Cusco and Lima.
Tour program
Arrive Santiago
Santiago
This morning, you’ll set off on a guided discovery of the bustling Chilean capital, which is wedged between the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before choosing where to dine this evening.
Freedom of Choice Dining – Liguria Lastarria
Dive into rich Chilean flavours at Liguria Lastarria. Experience tantalising flavours with a wide array of dishes on the menu, including traditional empanadas, tuna tartar and Chilean-style pichanga, accompanied by cocktails, wine and beer.
Freedom of Choice Dining – Ambrosia
Chef Carolina Bazán brings dishes to life with a menu that combines the delectable flavours of Chilean and French cuisine, including a sumptuous ceviche. Enjoy the perfect fusion of elegant comfort food and a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Santiago, Valparaíso
Travel to the coastal city of Valparaíso, where you’ll find colourful cliffside houses sloping down to the sea. Known to Chileans as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’, the city offers an eclectic mix of art, culture and commerce. Embark on a Signature Experience before relaxing over lunch at a local vineyard. Afterwards, return to Santiago.
Signature Experience – Valparaíso Funicular Ride
Explore this World Heritage-listed city’s historic quarter, then enjoy a funicular ride and take in brilliant views of Valparaíso’s vibrant buildings and port.
Santiago, Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in the city’s prominent Recoleta district. Home to some of Argentina’s wealthiest families, Recoleta is a leafy neighbourhood dotted with beautiful parks and grand mansions, located just north of the city centre. Later, immerse yourself in the local culture with a Signature Experience.
Signature Experience – Tango Demonstration and Tapas
Delve into the heart of Argentinean tradition and local culture as you enjoy a vivacious tango demonstration accompanied with a selection of authentic tapas.
Buenos Aires
This morning join a guided discovery of the city, which includes the Italian-influenced barrio La Boca, a neighbourhood known for its Latino vibe and brightly painted pedestrian streets. Explore the bohemian district of Palermo, filled with trendy eateries and galleries, before arriving at La Recoleta Cemetery. This is the resting place of key Argentinian figures, such as the nation’s former First Lady, Eva Perón. This evening, choose from three dining options.
Freedom of Choice Dining – Fogon Asado
Cut off a slice of local culture with a visit to Fogon Asado and enjoy the intoxicating aroma and taste of South American barbecued meats.
Freedom of Choice Dining – Fervor
Dine at an old-world steakhouse as you delve into Argentine cuisine featuring grilled meats and seafood.
Freedom of Choice Dining – Dinner & Tango Show
Enjoy a taste of local culture in Buenos Aires with a passionate tango show and a selection of delicious Argentine dishes.
Buenos Aires
Decide how you’d like to spend today with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.
Freedom of Choice – Tigre Cruise
Head to the island town of Tigre and enjoy a cruise over the rivers and canals of the Paraná Delta.
Freedom of Choice – Parisian Walking Tour
Discover the Parisian character of Buenos Aires, visiting the Plaza San Martin, Plazoleta Pellegrini and more.
Freedom of Choice – Teatro Colón Tour
Immerse yourself in Buenos Aires’ sophisticated high-arts scene on a fascinating tour of the iconic and majestic Teatro Colón, considered the one of world’s leading opera houses thanks to its impeccable acoustics.
Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls
This morning, fly to Iguazú Falls. This natural wonder straddles the Argentina-Brazil border. Arriving on the Argentine side, set off on the Rainforest Ecological Train to a series of walkways and viewing points, including one to the 80-metre-deep Devil’s Throat. Then, continue to your hotel, where you will enjoy a sensational Signature Experience.
Signature Experience - Gran Meliá Iguazú
Stay close to Iguazú Falls at the Gran Meliá Iguazú, the only hotel within Iguazú National Park, Argentina.
Iguazú Falls
Spanning an impressive width of some 2.7 kilometres, Iguazú Falls is made up of 275 separate waterfalls. Soak up panoramic views of the Brazilian side of the Falls with a leisurely walk between each of the viewing platforms. Later, embark on your preferred Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity and see the Falls from a different perspective. At the day’s end, enjoy a Signature Experience at your hotel.
Freedom of Choice – Jet Boat Safari
Get up close to the roaring cascades of Iguazú Falls on a thrilling jet boat safari.
Freedom of Choice – Helicopter Ride
Experience stunning panoramas of Iguazú Falls from the air during a thrilling scenic helicopter ride.
Signature Experience – Wine Tasting
At Gran Meliá Iguazú, enjoy a sommelier-led wine tasting, sampling wines from different Argentine regions alongside delicious cheese pairings.
Iguazú Falls, Rio de Janeiro
Begin your day with free time to explore at your leisure. Later, fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s most visited city, set between lush, forested mountains and sandy shores. On arrival, we’ll meet and transfer you to your elegant art deco hotel, primely located opposite the golden sands of the iconic Copacabana Beach. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Rio de Janeiro
See Rio de Janeiro from above with a visit to Corcovado, the mountain famed for its Christ the Redeemer statue, thought to be the world’s largest art deco sculpture. From here, enjoy sweeping vistas of the sprawling city. After enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and taste Brazil’s famously delicious barbecue fare. Towards the evening, board a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain to toast the sunset and incredible views with a drink.
Rio de Janeiro
Today, enjoy an included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity and experience more of Rio de Janeiro.
Freedom of Choice – Jeep Tour
Discover the beauty of Tijuca National Park, skirting the city as you explore by open-top jeep.
Freedom of Choice – Guanabara Bay Boat Tour
Navigate your way through the tranquil waters of Guanabara Bay as you embark on a half-day boat tour of Rio de Janeiro’s beautiful coastline.
Rio de Janeiro, Lima
Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, where we’ll meet you. Savour a delicious lunch at Café del Museo before enjoying a visit to the Larco Museum. Later, be transferred to your hotel.
Lima
Discover the Peruvian capital’s World Heritage-listed historic centre with a guide today. Afterwards, enjoy a Signature Experience at a private hacienda before visiting the ruins of Pachacamac.
Signature Experience – Peruvian Paso Horse Show
Pay a visit to a private hacienda, which showcases the nation’s regional traditions. Sit down to a lunch of traditional South American fare and enjoy a Peruvian Paso horse show.
Lima, Sacred Valley
After breakfast today, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your included flight to Cusco, the pre-Columbian Inca capital of Peru. From here, travel to the heart of the Sacred Valley for your Signature Experience before arriving at your hotel.
Signature Experience – Hacienda Sarapampa Lunch
Visit a working corn farm where you’ll enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch. Experience the essence of local life and rich traditions of regional cuisine.
Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray
Travel to a small community tucked away in the Sacred Valley hillside, where you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience. Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a guide, including another Signature Experience which takes you to the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray terraces. In the evening, savour a delectable dinner at your hotel.
Signature Experience – Traditional Weaving Demonstration
Be welcomed by the local Misminay community before watching a traditional weaving demonstration. Discover how Peru’s colourful textiles are created by hand as you learn about the craft, which has been passed down through generations. Then, enjoy a traditional lunch with views of the Andes mountains and surrounding valleys.
Signature Experience – Salt Mines of Maras and Moray Terraces
See the glistening salt pools spill over the terraced slopes at the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras. Afterwards, visit the fascinating Incan circular terraces at the Moray archaeological site.
Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Today, embark on incredible rail journey to Aguas Calientes during your Signature Experience. Upon arrival, enjoy free time before dinner at the hotel.
Signature Experience – Inca Rail First Class Machu Picchu Train
Travel on Inca Rail’s First Class Machu Picchu Train and journey through forested landscapes to the township of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board while taking in the magnificent views that unfold before you.
Machu Picchu, Cusco
This morning, you’ll enjoy a full immersion into the natural setting and incredible heritage of Machu Picchu as you set off on a locally guided exploration of the Lost City of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Later, board the PeruRail Vistadome Machu Picchu Train for your return trip to Sacred Valley. Here, transfer by coach to Cusco and settle into your hotel, primely located in the heart of this historic city.
Cusco
A guided discovery of Cusco takes you to Plaza de Armas, situated in the historic centre of the city. This afternoon, delve into Peruvian culture with an included Freedom of Choice activity. In the evening, enjoy a delectable dinner at MAP Café, located in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Freedom of Choice – Peruvian Cooking Class
Satiate your gustatory senses with a cooking class, discovering traditional Peruvian dishes and ingredients.
Freedom of Choice – Sacsayhuamán Citadel Visit
Explore the 15th-century dry stone archaeological site at the Incan Sacsayhuamán citadel.
Iquitos, Amazon Cruise
Board an early flight via Lima to Iquitos, a city located within the Peruvian Amazon. You will be met on arrival by some of the crew from Delfin III and then travel by coach from Iquitos, deeper into the rainforest region towards the river. En route, enjoy some commentary of the area as well as a boxed lunch. Reaching Nauta, a small tender boat will take you to your boutique vessel - the Delfin III. Once on board, meet the rest of your crew including the experienced Naturalist Guides who will reveal the secrets of the rainforest and its inhabitants during your daily activities. After some time to settle into your cabin, late this afternoon join a skiff exploration along the Marañón River, looking out for the forest inhabitants as dusk falls. Once back on board, be treated to a delicious three course dinner, expertly prepared by the ship's chefs.
Amazon Cruise
This morning’s plan is to learn more about life in the rainforest and how communities use the local plants for medicine, as you meet a local Shaman. Learn about the process to become a Shaman and how they develop their knowledge and experience of the rainforest. After lunch, relax on board before taking to the water by kayak, paddling along one of the calmer tributaries to experience the river and surrounds from a different perspective. As you paddle by small communities on the riverbank, nestled in the forest, keep an eye out for birds overhead, monkeys in the tree canopies and of course perhaps the elusive pink river dolphin in the nearby waters.
Wild Wonders of Amazon
Join your naturalist guide on a skiff in Nauta Caño, for an opportunity to fish. Discover wildlife including piranha inhabiting the river before visiting a local community. Meet some of the residents as they show you how they live and make use of the various species in the forest for food and household items; from bananas used to make a sweet and nutritious drink, to the stems of palms used to weave baskets and bags. This afternoon, take a trail walk through the rainforest at Nauta Caño. Get an intimate view of the Amazon’s ecosystem and wildlife inhabiting this unique environment including frogs, snakes and insects. Close by is the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers. On your skiff, take a moment to appreciate this natural merger of waters, regarded as the point at which the Amazon River begins.
Depart Iquitos
This morning, disembark the Delfin III and, en route to Iquitos visit the Tropical Amazon Aquarium. This carefully curated space celebrates the aquatic biodiversity of the region through the exhibition of more than 60 species of tropical fish, allowing to learn even more about the natural wealth of the Amazon River. Your South American adventure concludes at Iquitos Airport.
Cancellation Policy
Changes or Additions to Your Holiday - If you want to change any part of your holiday arrangements after the invoice has been issued, we will do our best to make the change, but it may not be possible. Any request for changes must be made in writing by the person who made the original booking, or his or her travel agent. If it is possible to make the change, it will be subject to an administration charge and payment of any further costs incurred as a result of the change.
Cancellation Policy - For all holiday packages the following APT cancellation fees apply:
Days of Notice: Fee Per Person
100 days or more Loss of deposit
99-61 days 50% of holiday package price
60 days or less 100% of holiday package price
All cancellations must be received in writing by APT and are not effective until this notification has been received. If your holiday has commenced, 100% of the full holiday package price is charged. There is no refund for unused services or if portions of the holiday package are missed.
Additional cancellation fees may also be charged in respect of accommodation reserved outside the holiday package dates. These cancellation fees are in addition to any fees that may be levied by APT and your travel agent (if any). You acknowledge that the amounts estimated under the Cancellation Policy are reasonable and represent a genuine pre-estimate of APT’s loss. If you request changes after APT has issued your documents, APT may charge you a fee of AUD$70 per person in addition to any applicable cancellation fees.
Cancellation of Airfares - An APT cancellation fee of $50 per person applies for ticketed airfares, in addition to any airline cancellation fees that are applicable.
Changes to Ticketed Airfares - If you wish to amend the date or routing on your ticketed air booking, an APT amendment fee of $30 per person for the first change and $85 for any subsequent changes will be charged in addition to airline change fees and additional taxes that are applicable. If you wish to amend an already issued Singapore Stopover package (where applicable), a $30 per person APT change fee will apply along with any applicable airline fees. If, for any reason, a name change to a ticketed Airfare is required, a $125 per person name change fee will apply for every change in addition to any applicable airline fees.
IF WE WANT TO CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY
Website and Brochure Accuracy - APT has endeavoured to ensure that the information given on this website and in our brochures about accommodation, itineraries etc., is correct to the best of its knowledge at the time of going to print. However, advertised descriptions and facilities and prices may change. We recommend that you confirm the details of your chosen holiday package at the time of booking. Additionally, flight times, carriers and routes in the brochure are given for guidance only as there may be changes. Final details will be shown on your tickets. Holiday package or excursion itineraries may change or be different from those described as a result of local conditions, weather conditions, annual events. APT will endeavour to notify you of any significant changes prior to your departure.
Flight Changes - The flight timings shown in our brochure, on our website and detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. Flight timings are set by airlines and affected by events outside our control. Scheduled and charter flight timings, and days of operation are also subject to change. APT will advise you of any significant changes as soon as it is informed by the airline. Minor timing changes will be shown on your flight tickets,. Any change in the identity of the airline, flight timings or aircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying any applicable cancellation fees except where specified in these booking conditions.
If We Change or Cancel Your Holiday Before Your Departure - APT endeavours to provide you with all the services confirmed to you at the time of your booking. However, we plan arrangements a long time in advance of your departure date using independent suppliers such as airline, hotels etc., over whom we have no direct control. On occasions changes do have to be made, and APT reserves the right to cancel or amend holiday packages/excursions accordingly.
Force Majeure - Force Majeure means the occurrence of an event that is beyond APT’s reasonable control and which could not have been reasonably prevented by APT, which includes, but is not limited to: (a) war, armed conflict, criminal damage, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity or the threat of any such acts; (b) natural disaster (including but not limited to flooding, fire, earthquake, landslide), adverse weather conditions, high or low water levels; (c) nuclear or other industrial accident causing environmental pollution or contamination; or (d) change in law, meaning, enactment, amendment (including repeal) in the law or administration of any law in Australia or any jurisdiction or territory relevant to the booking contract, which includes changes in statute, regulation, determination, by-law, declaration, licence and the common law as applicable from time to time.
Termination of Booking Contract or Change of Travel Arrangements Due to Force Majeure - If APT, in its reasonable opinion, considers that any Force Majeure event prevents APT (whether directly or through its employees, contractors, subcontractors and agents) from lawfully or safely providing any products or services subject of the booking contract with you, APT may immediately by written notice: (a) terminate the booking contract (in whole or in part); or (b) change your travel arrangements as reasonably practicable to ensure your safety and invoice you for any additional costs.
Limitation of Liability in the Event of Force Majeure - In the event of a force majeure event making it impossible or unsafe for APT to deliver all or part of the Holiday Package, APT will refund the customer for the unperformed part of the Holiday Package less any reasonable losses incurred before cancellation. Losses may amount to a substantial proportion of the booking price. APT will use reasonable endeavours to minimise losses incurred by customers.
Customers must take out travel insurance to protect themselves against loss in the circumstances.
ON HOLIDAY
For more detailed information, please refer to the General Information and Conditions within the brochure which contains your specific itinerary.
Noise & Vibration - APT takes reasonable steps to minimise noise and vibrations on its river cruise ships. You acknowledge and accept that some noise and vibration may be experienced on vessels and that APT is not liable to you for any such noise or vibration.
Docking Position - During port stops river cruise ships may dock side by side, obstructing views and requiring you to pass through other ships to embark or disembark.
Local Purchases - APT is not responsible for any items you may purchase locally i.e. jewellery/furniture etc. You acknowledge that you are solely responsible for any import duty or freight costs.
Personal Belongings and Lost Items - For security reasons valuables should be kept to a minimum and packed in your hand luggage along with your medicines, camera, film, electrical or battery-operated appliances, as well as basic essentials such as a change of clothing and toiletries. It is your responsibility to look after your property at all times and you must ensure you are adequately covered by comprehensive travel insurance in the event of any loss.
Disruption to Cruising and Itinerary Arrangements - Itineraries are intended as a guide only and are subject to alteration without notice. Alternations may be necessary for various reasons including, without limitation, road, river or weather conditions, strikes or other reasons beyond APT’s control. If conditions render any routes unsafe for navigation, APT reserves the right to provide alternative services including, but not limited to, accommodation on the docked ship or substitute land arrangements.
Under normal river conditions, itineraries will operate as far as possible as detailed on this website. However, sometimes for reasons beyond our control, it may be necessary to make alterations to your itinerary. For example, without limitation, if there is a water level problem on a river or canal, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by coach and alternative sightseeing may be included. APT will not be liable for any direct or indirect costs that you incur as a result of any event or other factor beyond our control which necessitates a change in your itinerary. Additionally, you are not entitled to any refund for any alterations to your itinerary that are caused or contributed to by any flood or water level events or such other events which are beyond our control. Where disembarkation is necessary, services such as Wi-Fi and complimentary all-day beverages cannot be provided. Complimentary beverages are guaranteed during evening meals.
APT cannot guarantee exact arrival and departure times for carriers and operators used by APT and APT will not be liable for failure to make connections with any other services or attractions beyond its control.
ON RETURN FROM YOUR HOLIDAY
Data Protection Policy - Your personal data will be passed on by APT to any relevant independent suppliers connected with your holiday package who need to know it so that your holiday can be provided and may also be provided to government/public authorities such as customs, immigration and the security services if required.
All personal data you give us (including sensitive personal data) will be kept. We will use only names and contact details for marketing purposes unless you notify us that you do not wish to receive future marketing material by writing to APT, Level 4/ 1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham, Victoria, 3192. By providing personal or sensitive information to us, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Limitation of Liability - 1. Our holiday packages include the services of independent providers, such as hoteliers, airlines, cruise companies and other operators, who are not agents, servants or employees of APT. Although we take care in selecting the independent service providers and the optional excursions conducted by some independent service providers, APT is not responsible for the conduct of the independent service providers, their servants and agents or for any ramifications of that conduct. Optional excursions may, depending on your holiday package, include activities such as climbing, exploring, bike riding, swimming and snorkelling. You accept and assume the risk involved with these activities.
2. If, in the opinion of any representative of APT, your mental or physical condition, or general behaviour is such as to affect your own health and safety, render you incapable to care for yourself, cause you to became a hazard to yourself or other passengers or result in you becoming objectionable to other passengers or staff, you will not be permitted to embark or continue on the whole or any part of the holiday package. Abuse or harassment of any kind toward crew, contracted suppliers or other guests may result in immediate removal from the tour or cruise. APT is not liable to you for any costs associated with such decision and you will not be refunded for any part of the holiday package.
3. APT accepts no responsibility for any death, injury, illness, loss (including loss of enjoyment), damage, detention, delay (including mechanical breakdown) beyond its control.
4. Any term, condition or warranty express or implied by statute or otherwise in respect of the holiday packages contained on this website or in brochures are excluded to the full extent permitted by law. Nothing in these booking conditions excludes, restricts or modifies the application of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) as amended, consolidated, supplemented or replaced.
5. To the full extent permitted by law, APT’s liability arising under or in connection with these booking conditions: (a) is limited to the re-supply of the products or services or the payment of the cost of re-supply of the products or services to you; and (b) excludes liability for any indirect or consequential losses suffered by you or any third party, howsoever caused, including but not limited to pure economic loss or any special, extraordinary or punitive damage to you or any other party.
6. Your travel agent will forward deposits and other payments to us on your behalf, but your travel agent is not our agent for the purpose of receipt of monies. Receipt of deposits and subsequent payments by the travel agent does not constitute receipt of those monies by us and the travel agent has no authority expressed or implied to receive monies on our behalf. There is no liability on the part of APT in respect to any monies paid to your travel agent unless and until APT notifies you (by way of a booking confirmation advice or payment receipt advice) that monies have been received by APT. APT reserves the right to cancel any ticket or booking or refuse to carry any passenger where payment has not been received by APT within the specified time.
Responsible Service of Alcohol - Our staff are trained in the Responsible Service of Alcohol and are obligated by law to refuse service to any guest who is intoxicated or behaves in an aggressive or offensive manner.
Medical Assistance - APT does not employ medical staff. If you require medical attention. Local medical services can be contacted immediately. You are responsible for the type or quality of the medical services you may require.
APT Club - APT’s new Platinum, Gold and Silver loyalty programme was introduced in February 2012. Details including the range of benefits are available on this website.
Smoking - For other passengers’ comfort there is no smoking on coaches or river cruise ships, except in designated areas.
Service Enquiries - If a problem occurs during your holiday you should, in your own interests, advise your tour/cruise director so that steps can be taken to resolve the matter. If you remain dissatisfied, any complaint must be made in writing to APT within 30 days.
Luggage Limits - Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160 cm (63 inches), or weigh more than 20 kg (44 pounds). Dimensions for checked baggage are calculated by adding together the width, height and depth of the piece of baggage. An extra charge will be imposed to cover porterage handling of any additional luggage. Your tour/cruise director will advise you of the exact additional charge.
Seat Rotation on Coach Tours - To ensure all passengers enjoy forward and window facing seats, we have incorporated a daily seat rotation system.
Tour Details
Accommodation
Three Nights, Santiago, W Hotel or similar
Three Nights, Buenos Aires, Hotel Casa Lucia
Two Nights, Iguazú Falls, Gran Meliá Iguazú
Three Nights, Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Two Nights, InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores
Two Nights, Explora Sacred Valley
Aguas Calientes, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Two Nights, Cusco, JW Marriott or similar
Three Nights, Amazon River, Delfin III
Transport
All transport as per itinerary
Insurance
Optional
Other activities and services are not included.
Flights
All flights within South America as per itinerary (including airport taxes which are subject to change)
*** Flights to and from South America are not included.
Additional Services
Three-night cruise aboard Delfin III through the Amazon rainforest in Peru
Travel to Valparaíso for a guided discovery of the historic quarter and a funicular ride
Experience a stay within Iguazú National Park in Argentina
Relish an authentic lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show in Lima at a private hacienda
Visit Machu Picchu and set off on a locally guided exploration of the lost city of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Additional Services
Other activities and services are not included.
Meals
Enjoy the finest regional dining - a total of 41 meals
Guide
Services of an expert APT Tour Director and local guides
Good to know
Currency
Chilean Peso
Chile
Plugs and adapters