south & central america
DESCRIPTION
Tours and Travel to South & Central America. Small personable groups staying in 4-star or 5-star properties with all tours guaranteed to depart.TRANSCRIPT
over
35 years of travel
experienceH
HH
Tours andTravelSmall personable groups
4-star or 5-star properties
All guaranteed to depart
www.incatours.net
south & central america
Excellence inTravel
enjoy latin awith inca australia’s small
includessome of thebest propertiesInca Tours uses some of thefinest hotels, lodges, trainsand cruising vessels in theworld. Where possible, we utilise properties with localcharm, style and character, avoiding foreign chains with their generic decor andinternational design styles.
includesall sightseeingInca Tours includes all sightseeing with expert localguides, so you do not have topay extra when you get there. If it is worth doing or seeing,we include it for everyone inour small groups. This way,you do not have to choose between various options.
includes all tipping & porterage
all inclusiveJourneysNo hidden extras, alltipping, all porterage,all entrance fees and alltransfers are included.
all inclusiveof flights
Includes all economy-classflights in Latin America
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Inca Tours is a member of the Council of Australian
Tour Operators (CATO)and the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).
includesfine diningWhere possible, Inca Tours’lunches and dinners are inlocal restaurants with freechoices, not at set menu orbuffet “tourist restaurants”.Let us surprise you with various special event meals,included to enhance yourLatin America experience.
includesall activitiesInca Tours has chosen the verybest sights and activities soyou can simply sit back, relaxand enjoy the exclusive andpampered Latin America experience. When it comes toincluding sights and activitiesin our tours, it’s our attentionto detail that sets us apart.
100% of ourdepartures areguaranteed
america tours
group specialists
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contentsexperience south & centralamerica with inca tours,the small group specialists
superior-class south america 36
short tours & extensions 58
luxury-class south america 46
FULLY-escorted GROUP TOUR, with tour leadersouth america sensations tour 40first part of sensations tour 44second part of sensations tour 45
private non-group tour, with local guidesexclusive gold south america 50first part of exclusive gold 56second part of exclusive gold 57
private non-group tours, with local guidesgalapagos islands cruises 58antarctic cruises 60australis south patagonia cruise 62skorpios II chilean fjords cruise 63amazon river luxury cruises 64the best of colombia 65perito moreno & upsala glaciers 66torres del paine National park 67the atacama desert 68easter island 69a taste of ecuador & TREN CRUCero 70spirit of the andes & mashpi lodge, ecuador 71uyuni salt flat, bolivia 72nazca lines & paracas marine reserve, peru 73
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short tours & extensions 82
superior-class central america 74
FULLY-escorted GROUP TOUR, with tour leadercuba, guatemala & mexico sensations tour 78
private non-group tours, with local guidescopper canyon, mexico 82Panama city & the panama canal 83costa rica 84
page
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over 35years of travel
experience!
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inca tours will show you thereal latin america
Latin America is surprise & mystery—from the Amazon to the majesticAndes; from vast deserts and salt flatsto the scenic beauty of Patagonia;from gigantic waterfalls to lakes likeseas, Latin America is home to it all.
the andes mountains & its many giftsThe majestic Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, extending from Venezuela down toChile and Argentina, where it forms the border between the two before gradually tapering into the seanorth of Antarctica. The Andes offer so much, including fabulous Cuzco, the original Inca Capital; thefertile Sacred Valley of the Incas; Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas and possibly the highlightof South America; the sea-like Lake Titicaca, birthplace of Manco Capac, the first Inca; and La Paz, theworld’s highest (unofficial) capital—all fabulous destinations in their own right. Far south of Peru andBolivia, we find a very different Andes in Patagonia. Here the Andes Mountains invite you to walk,trek or simply relax in pristine places such as Torres del Paine National Park, recently recognised as the8thWonder of the World.
The amazon river, basin & rainforestThe Amazon is the world’s second longest river and it varies from one and a half to ten kilometres wide!Its Basin, often referred to as the “Lungs of the World” extends into no less than seven countries and ismostly covered by rainforest, the largest in the world. This pristine place is legendary for its indigenouspeoples, flora and abundant but secretive wildlife. You have many exciting choices here offering a vastvariety of experiences, from jungle lodges to canopy walkways to luxury cruises on the mighty river itself.
The pacific, atlantic & caribbean coastsAfter the Andes and Amazon, Latin America’s other main regional attractions are on or close to itsspectacular coastlines. The Pacific Coast features a diversity of attractions, including fjords and UNESCO
listed glaciers such as San Rafael; picturesque Puerto Montt in Patagonia’s Southern Lakes District; theAtacama Desert in Chile’s north; Peru’s Nazca Lines and Colonial City, to name just a few. The AtlanticCoastal region boasts cosmopolitan Buenos Aires City, upbeat Rio de Janeiro and further south thedisputed Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). The Caribbean Coast, bordering Cuba and much of CentralAmerica, also laps the north west of South America and boasts the charming and historic city ofCartagena, one of the many fabulous jewels of Colombia.
includesunique faunaand flora,as well assome of the moststunningscenery inall of latinamerica.
includescontactwithquechuaspeaking descendantsof the incas,one of thefriendliest of peoples.
cultures at their most
unique!
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with inca tours, you are in very good hands
Inca Tours, a destination specialist, is very proud to have over 35 yearsexperience organising small groupjourneys to various parts of theworld. Just imagine what we can dofor you in South & Central America!
we have done all the planning for youIn planning a visit to a diverse region, one not only has to decide what to see and how much time tospend in each location but just as importantly, what to avoid. Tours must be planned to satisfy specialinterests, whether they be the majestic scenery, dynamic cities, the monuments of past civilisations, thecolourful people who call it home, meeting new friends or just having a good time! We do all this andmore. Our tours are planned and operated by people who know and above all, love Latin America.
your tour leader is there for youYour Inca Sensations Tour is hosted by one of our experienced tour leaders. (This is subject to aminimum group size of four guests.) They in turn, are assisted by our expert English-speaking localguides, drivers and ground handlers to ensure your journey is as seamless as possible and you get toremember it for all the right reasons. As our group sizes are small, you have regular access to your tourleader and your local guides. This usually occurs on a one-on-one basis, so you get the absolute mostfrom your holiday. As the Exclusive Gold operates as personalised private departures (for 2 or more), it does not require a tour leader and involves just our handpicked expert English-speaking local guides.
guaranteed departures & group sizes allow you to book with confidenceMany tour companies have in their fine print that the tour may be cancelled without a minimumnumber of clients. We know this uncertainty causes many problems for travellers, so for all SensationsTours and Exclusive Gold departures, we guarantee that the tours will operate with two or more guests.However as mentioned above, Sensations Tours will only have a tour leader with four or more.
In the same way that we guarantee our departures, we also place a cap of only eighteen guests on eachof our Sensations Tours. For financial reasons, most other tour companies do not do this. We believeyour tour should give you the opportunity to connect with the people and places you visit and enableyour tour leader to get to know you personally, not just by a name tag. This is only possible if travellingin a small group, not in the large crowds often seen on other tours.
Inca Tours’personalisedgroups (a Maximumof only 18)means youare not justanother face in thecrowd.
your tour leader, with assistancefrom our english-speakinglocal guideswill ensure a seamlessjourney.
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whychoose
incatours?
• Superior-class & Luxury-classhotels and lodges.
• Pristine Sandoval Lake, Peru.• Lake Titicaca and an overnight
stay on the Island of the Sun.• Three nights on the Brazil side
of the fabulous Iguassu Falls.• Dedicated tour leader and
expert specialist local guides.• Most dining is included.• All cultural & sightseeing
activities are included.• Special dining events.• All flights in Latin America as
outlined in itineraries.• All city & sightseeing tours
and associated entrance fees.• All porterage is included.• All private airport transfers.• All tipping and gratuities.
australian owned & operated
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with inca tours’small groups, youwon’t miss a thing
We were one of the pioneers in smallgroup travel, boasting more than 35years of continuous service. You arein very good hands when you chooseto travel with us, as our small groupsmean you won’t miss out on a thing.
inca tours has led the way & still doesFor many destinations, we were the first or one of the first to take small group journeys into what wasconsidered “out of the way” places. Our tour leaders and office staff regularly visit these destinations, as well as new ones, which ensures that our destination knowledge is always up-to-date and second tonone. Because of this we are able to plan and execute the very best itineraries, many of which are nowemulated by those who have followed our lead. Regular destination updates also mean we are equippedto make changes if any aspect of the journey has changed or if better options have become available.
no gimmicks!Because of our extensive knowledge, we do not have the “free choice” gimmicks that others offer. If it is worth doing or seeing, we simply include it!
no need for headsetsUp to 40 people on a tour is not a small group! With a maximum of only18 guests, our groups aresmall and intimate, which means there is no need for clumsy and uncomfortable headsets to allow you to hear what the local guide or tour leader is saying. With us you hear it directly from “the horse’smouth” as they say. Our small group sizes also mean that it is much easier for you to ask questions and be heard and more importantly, answered.
inca tours’ style of mealsWhere ever possible, we arrange for the included lunches and dinners to be enjoyed at local restaurants,with guests having free choice from the menu and thus avoiding limited “set menus” or buffets. Manyof these restaurants are chosen because of their location and/or because of their quality and style, whichturns the dining experience into a highlight in itself. Only touring with small groups provides theflexibility in this area and subsequently, greatly enhances your South or Central America experience.
witha maximum of only 18guests, youare assuredof the most personalisedservice onyour incatour.
withdailyone on one interactionwith yourtour leader,you will have thegreatest experiencepossible.
with inca,you won’t miss
a thing!
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inca tours’extraordinary experiences
There is a big difference between visiting a destination and truly experiencing it. There are numerousactivities built into our journeys so that you experience Latin Americain all of its unique charm and glory.
Surprise yourself in Lima, when you come to appreciatehow much this extraordinary city has to offer the visitor.
GLIDE by boat across the serene waters of the pristine Sandoval Lake, deep in the Amazon Rainforest.
immerse yourself in the Inca traditions and culture of Cuzco City and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru.
explore Machu Picchu over almost two enchanting days.
observe the sunrise over the sea-like Lake Titicaca.
feel the spray and force of the mighty Iguassu River, as it thunders and cascades over the spectacular Iguassu Falls.
Marvel at the natural beauty and charm of Rio de Janeiro.
enjoy an upmarket Tango Show in Buenos Aires.
experience Havana, the UNESCO listed Cuban capital.
one day youmarvel atiguassu fallsfrom below,the next youdelight inrio from thebase of thestatue ofchrist.
whether exploringbuenos airesor sailingthe amazon,experiencethe real latin americawithincatours.
once in alifetime
experiences
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spectacular hotels& lodges in reallystunning locations
Most hotels and lodges used by ushave been inspected and stayed in by members of the Inca Tours’ team.They are chosen for their location,history, character or ambiance, soyou’ll experience only the very best.
estelar miraflores hotel, Lima, Peru.
Sandoval Lake Lodge, Amazon Basin, Peru.
aranwa boutique hotel, Sacred Valley, Peru.
inkaterra el mapi hotel, Aguas Calientes, Peru.
aranwa boutique hotel,Cuzco, Peru.
casa andina private collection, Puno, Peru.
la casona boutique hotel, La Paz, Bolivia.
hotel das cataratas, Iguassu Falls, Brazil.
Porto bay rio INTERNATIONAL,Rio, Brazil
melia hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina
HOTEL nacional de cuba,Havana, Cuba.
truly spectacularhotels andlodges sit in the moststunning locations to be foundin latinamerica.
follow thefootsteps ofHRH queenelizabeth II,as you stay inthe famousDas cataratashotel, at the Spectaculariguassu falls.
latinamerica’s finest
properties
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spectacular rail & cruise experiences
Our tours include truly authentic experiences, some of which couldhave come from a by-gone era, suchas Belmond’s fabulous rail service. Why rough it on your once in a lifetime journey to South America?
vistadome & hiram bingham trainsThe Vistadome Train offers fantastic scenery as it makes its way to Machu Picchu Village from OllantaRail Station in the Sacred Valley. It boasts high windows which merge into the carriage’s ceilings,allowing you to see the mountain peaks from far below. A light breakfast or late lunch is included inthe onboard service as well music and other entertainment. The Hiram Bingham is a more luxurioustrain linking Poroy (near Cuzco) and Machu Picchu Village, also via the Sacred Valley. Its serviceincludes live music and brunch or a gourmet dinner, as the train travels through spectacular and ever-changing scenery. This historic-style train, named after the North American who re-discovered MachuPicchu in1911, captures the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era. It features dining cars, a bar carand an open-deck observation car. Although both of these return train journeys can be made as a dayexcursion, we recommend taking them with an overnight stay at Machu Picchu Village, below the ruins.
andean explorer trainEnjoy the mysticism offered by the beautiful Peruvian Altiplano (high plain) aboard this luxury train linking Cuzco to Puno and Lake Titicaca. Riding the Andean Explorer is a unique and specialexperience, a journey between highlands, mountains and clouds. The journey takes ten hours andincludes an a-la-carte lunch, afternoon tea and welcome drinks. The train is decorated with the subtle,delicate style of the great Pullmans of the1920s. It includes a bar car and an open-deck observation car.The Andean Explorer offers the most leisurely and comfortable trip between Cuzco and Lake Titicaca.
southern lakes’ catamaransThe spectacular Southern Lakes Crossing from Chile to Argentina (and vice versa) involves threedifferent sailing vessels crossing three separate lakes. You sail along Lake Todos Los Santos, Lake Frias andLake Nahuel Huapi and be amazed at the different colours of their respective waters. Weather permittingyou should see Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes and El Tronador Mountain in the pristine nationalparks you sail through. The Lakes Crossing multi-level catamarans have cental heating, bars, cafeterias,very comfortable seating, small souvenir shops and open air upper decks. The vessels are designed soyou can appreciate the outside natural scenery that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
journeyacross thewide open altiplano instyle, while enjoying a freshly prepared a-la-cartelunch.
cruise to one of thesouthernmost parts ofthe worldon board an australis cruise vesselor the fineskorpios II.
soak up the atmosphere of
yesteryear
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cuzco, sacred valley,machu picchu & lake titicaca
Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and MachuPicchu were very important places inthe Inca Empire.Likewise today, theyand Lake Titicaca are importantplaces to visit for anyone interestedin Pre-Colombian civilisations.
cuzcoPeru’s Cuzco region is one of the main reasons people choose to visit South America. Cuzco exudes a special ambiance with its Inca and Colonial buildings and is believed to be the America’s oldestcontinually inhabited city, settled in the11th or12th Century. There is much to see in Cuzco, includingan ornate main cathedral, a beautiful Main Square (close to where the Sensations Tour and ExclusiveGold hotels are located), the Temple of the Sun and Sacsayhuaman, one of the city’s many gems.
the sacred valley of the incas The Sacred Valley of the Incas lies between Cuzco and Machu Picchu. When travelling to MachuPicchu your journey takes you via the Sacred Valley, so it’s well worth spending a night or two in thisabsolutely stunning location. The Sacred Valley is home to a very important site, the Inca Fortress ofOllantaytambo, which is a must see. Also situated here are the villages of Pisac and Chinchero andtheir well known markets. The valley is now home to a number of up-market boutique hotels, whichmakes it the perfect place to include some time at leisure and simply relax in this stunning destination.
machu picchuYour first view of Machu Picchu with its surrounding cloud forests and mountains will take your breathaway. Most find it an unforgettable and sometimes spiritual experience! Machu Picchu is undoubtedlythe best known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent. The ruins (urban, agriculturaland religious areas) require at least a day or two to explore properly. The mountain overlooking the site,Huayna Picchu, has steps to the top (permits are required) for a superlative view of the entire area below.
lake titicacaLake Titicaca is best visited from Cuzco, either by rail or road. At 3,800 metres above sea level, it is theworld’s highest navigable lake. The lake is believed to be the birthplace of the first Inca ruler MancoCapac. There are a number of well located hotels and lodges near the lake, including one on Sun Island.
Cuzco’sstreets arestepped, narrow andfilled withquechuaspeaking descendantsof the incas:a gem of peru.
The site discoveredin 1911 wasdifferent tothe one yousee today,with All thebuildingsvery thickly overgrown.
titicaca, anenchantingplace to stay
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buenos aires, Iguassu falls & rio de janeiro
Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls & Rio arediverse yet all wonderfully excitingplaces in their own distinctive ways.Combined, they make for a uniqueimmersion in South America’s culture, nature and scenic beauty.
buenos airesThe cosmopolitan Argentine Capital of Buenos Aires, replete with historic buildings and once home to Eva Peron, is often referred to as the “Paris of the Americas”and for good reason. As well as havingmany European cultural and architectural influences, it is the most fashionable city in South Americaand boasts many beautiful parks and plazas. There is much to experience here, so we recommend anumber of nights to get a feel for this exciting city. Buenos Aires is the birthplace of Tango, offeringnumerous Tango shows and schools. The hotels utilised on our Sensations Tours and Exclusive Gold South America departures are all located in the fashionable downtown district of the capital.
iguassu fallsThe Iguassu River forms part of the border between Argentina and Brazil and just a short distancedown river where it flows into the Parana River, you see the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay!Iguassu Falls are considered the most impressive waterfalls in the world, surpassing in grandeur bothNiagara and Victoria Falls. Almost 300 separate cascades fall in a wild array of spray over a windingthree kilometre long cliff front. It is a must that the falls be seen from both the Argentine and Braziliansides. It is best however, to stay (as we do) in the hotel on the Brazil side as about 70 per cent of thefalls are in Argentina and are therefore best viewed and photographed from across the river in Brazil.
rio de janeiroRio de Janeiro with its spectacular sights, legendary beaches and home of Samba is not to be missed.Rio sweeps twenty kilometres along the narrow alluvial strip between the mountains and the open sea.The combination of dark blue sea, studded with rocky islands, with the tumbling wooded mountainsand expanses of bare grey rock which surround the city is very impressive. You will be equally impressedwith the variety of food available in Rio. From fresh seafood to some of the best beef in the world andfrom all types of vegetables to a vast array of tropical fruits, your taste buds are certainly in for a treat.Our two preferred hotels are located right opposite Copacabana Beach, with expansive views lookingout over the Atlantic Ocean.
iguassu fallswas the setting forthe awardwinning film‘the mission’,starringRobert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons.
buenos airesis a stylishcity, withartistic & historical attractionsthat rivalmany of thefinest citiesof europe.
rio,like nowhere else
on earth!
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ecuador, the galapagos islands & easter island
Ecuador is an often overlooked SouthAmerican gem, with the GalapagosIslands being only one of its manyattractions.Chile’s Easter Island isunique in very different ways but is also a perfect place to spend time.
ecuadorEcuador boasts spectacular mountain scenery, friendly locals and a very interesting history. Like Peru,Ecuador is comprised of three distinct regions: the Pacific Coast, the Amazon Jungle and the AndesHighlands, each with their own culture, lifestyle and ethnicity. Most well known are the GalapagosIslands with their unique fauna and flora but Ecuador has much more to offer. Quito, the capital, is one of South America’s most beautiful cities, the historic part of which has one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved Colonial centres in the Americas. Along with Krakow, it was the firstWorld Cultural Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in1978. Other places worth visiting include Banos,Riobamba, Ingapirca and Cuenca, all in the Andes. Ecuador’s second largest city Guayaquil, on thePacific, is very different to Quito due to its sea level location. It’s also a great place to spend some time.
the galapagos islands The Galapagos Islands are comprised of18 major islands, 3 minor islands and scores of tiny islands thatlie almost1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador. It is here that rare ecosystems co-exist in one of themost active volcanic areas on earth. Made famous by Charles Darwin, the islands are a very popularcruise destination with their fascinating scenery and unique wildlife. Cruises range from 3 to14 nightsand depending on their length, follow different itineraries. One of the highlights of a cruise is visitingthe Charles Darwin Research Station, home to very young and very old, Giant Galapagos Tortoises.The largest weigh up to 400 kilograms, are almost 2 metres long and live to between100 and150 years!“Lonesome George”as he was known, the last remaining Pinta Island tortoise was moved to the researchstation, where scientists attempted to breed from him but he died in 2012 without producing offspring.
easter island4,000 kilometres from Chile, the most remote place in the world is an island which still holds a specialmystery and magic. Rapa Nui, as the natives called it, was discovered on Easter Sunday1722 and thusto this day, is still referred to as Easter Island. This isolated place, entirely volcanic in origin, is a vastoutdoor museum dotted with over 600 giant Moai statues that have intrigued the world for centuries.
retracecharles darwin’s steps with agalapagosCruise & visitthe researchstation sonamed in his honour.
spend a fewnights onEaster Island,one of themost remoteinhabited islands inthe world &home to 600moai statues.
home to theblue-footed
booby!
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antarctica, the falklands & ushuaia
Antarctica, the “White Continent” isone of the planet’s most spectacularplaces and best experienced by embarking on a cruise. Some cruisesalso take in the Falklands, which arebursting with all manner of wildlife.
antarctica, the “white continent”Walk in the footsteps of Shackleton and Scott and discover the magic of Antarctica. A cruise to the“White Continent” is one of the most spectacular expeditions on the planet! Most cruises depart fromUshuaia, Argentina, sail through the Beagle Channel, explore Cape Horn and cross the mythical watersof the Drake Passage before entering the Antarctic Peninsula. Antarctica is almost completely coveredby an icecap formed by the constant accumulation of snow over the course of hundreds of thousands ofyears. At its deepest, the covering is approximately four kilometres, hiding beneath it mountains, valleysand plains. Huge ice masses break off daily, forming icebergs that can measure up to several kilometres.Wildlife in the Antarctic is unique. As there is virtually no history of hunting, its animals are usuallyunafraid of humans and are sometimes actually ‘intrigued’ by us. The opportunity to be able to wanderamong thousands of penguins and sea lions makes this special place a paradise for photographers.
the falkland islandsThe Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are an archipelago on the Patagonian Shelf, about 500 kilometreseast of Argentina. They are comprised of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, as well asabout 800 smaller islands. Roughly 3,000 people live there, the majority in Stanley the capital. FalklandIslands culture is predominantly of British origin but has some South American characteristics, as wellas plenty of old world Victorian charm. Fauna, especially penguins such as Magellanic, Gentoo, Kingand Rockhopper Penguins are one of the main natural attractions of the islands. The Falkland Islandscan be visited as part of an Antarctic Peninsula cruise or by plane from Santiago de Chile.
ushuaiaUshuaia is often referred to as the “Southernmost City in the World” and this alone makes it anattractive destination for some. More importantly however, it is from Ushuaia that the majority ofAntarctic Cruises set sail. Other tourist attractions include Tierra del Fuego National Park, which canbe reached by road or via the End of the World Train. The city has a very interesting museum ofYamana, English and Argentine settlements, including its years as an Argentine prison colony.
antarctica is one of themost remoteplaces onearth & alsothe coldest,windiest, driest & mostinhospitablecontinent.
falklandsboast vastcolonies of black-browed albatross, elephantseals & fivespecies of penguins.
absolutely remarkable
scenery
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the amazon basin,amazon lodges &river cruises
A trip to the Amazon Basin is like noother. The sights, sounds and smellsof the jungle are unique. Despite including morning, afternoon andsome night activities, you are boundto leave invigorated and relaxed!
the amazon basinThe Amazon Basin extends from Venezuela in the north to Bolivia in the south and from the Atlanticin the east to the Andes in the west. The Amazon River at the heart of this catchment has more freshwater in it than any other river on earth. Other major rivers in the basin are the Rio Negro, originatingin Venezuela, the Rio Napo originating in Ecuador and the Madre de Dios of Peru. We utilise two verygood jungle lodges in Peru, both of which are accessed from Puerto Maldonado, only a short flight fromCuzco. We also regularly utilise a number of luxurious Amazon cruises which sail out of Iquitos, Peru.
amazon lodgesSandoval Lake Lodge (used on our Sensations Tour), overlooking the pristine Sandoval Lake and alsoaccessed from Puerto Maldonado, is rustic and good for sighting wildlife. It is constructed almostentirely of ecologically-harvested mahogany trees collected from the floods that carry logs down river.The lodge is one extended structure consisting of a large screened main dining and lounge room withfully-screened rooms arranged in two wings. All rooms have ceiling fans and ensuite bathrooms and allrooms and communal areas have electricity (at certain times), as well as kerosene lamps and candles.
Reserva Amazonica Lodge (used on the Exclusive Gold departures) is a little more comfortable thanSandoval Lake Lodge. Reserva Amazonica is a private ecological reserve and research centre covering anarea of10,000 hectares and is easily accessed from Puerto Maldonado, Peru. The lodge is ideally locatedon the banks of the Madre de Dios River. Built with natural materials, it gives you the feeling of beingpart of the jungle but does not hold back on comfort. All rooms are separate free-standing dwellings andare screened, have ceiling fans and ensuite bathrooms. Despite its relative comfort, Reserva AmazonicaLodge provides an authentic Amazon Jungle experience. It also has its own tree-top canopy walkway.
amazon river cruisesWe offer five superb 4 or 5-star Amazon Cruises on the Amatista, Aqua Amazon, Aria Amazon, Delfin Iand II. All depart from Iquitos, Peru’s major jungle city and take you to the heart of the Pacaya-Samiria.A more budget cruise on the Tucano, sailing from Manaus in Brazil, is also a great experience.
The amazonriver pushesa vast plumeof freshwater about400 km outinto the atlanticocean beforeit turns salty.
jungle lodgestays & rivercruises arethe best waysto experiencethe amazon’swildlife, aswell as theway of life of its people.
the amazon,“the lungs ofthe world”
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patagonia,the southern lakes & el calafate
Patagonia, Chile’s Lakes District andEl Calafate’s enormous glaciers offervivid displays of colour.From the blueice of Patagonia and Calafate, to thegreen, yellow and orange forests andemerald waters of the Lakes District.
patagoniaPatagonia is not a province (state) but a geographic region shared by Argentina and Chile, extendingsouth of the Colorado River. Argentine Patagonia includes Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) and ChileanPatagonia includes Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) National Park. Patagonia is a land of fjords, lakes,glaciers and mountains. Here the spine of the Andes tapers into the sea and the scenery is among themost spectacular in the world, with jagged peaks, awe-inspiring volcanoes and vivid blue ice. There are a few superb luxury options for staying in Patagonia, in addition to more budget hotels and lodges.There are also excellent small vessel sea cruises which explore the islands, fjords and glaciers off the coast.
the southern lakes districtThe Southern Lakes District in the south of Argentina and Chile is defined by many magnificent lakescutting through the foothills of the Andes. The area boasts some of South America’s most spectacularscenery extending east from Puerto Varas in Chile, across the Andes to Bariloche, Argentina. The LakesCrossing takes you across this region and can be undertaken over one or two days. In winter when thedays are shorter, it is best to do it over two days and spend the night in Puella, mid way through. Thecrossing involves four buses and three vessels, all of which are very comfortable multi-level catamarans.Three separate lakes are sailed during the crossing with private roads connecting one lake to another.
el calafate & its spectacular glaciersEl Calafate is a picturesque Patagonian village of less than10,000 residents located on the shores of LakeArgentino. From El Calafate you have access to Los Glaciares National Park, only 50 kilometres awayand sheltering more than 300 glaciers. The most famous of them is the Perito Moreno Glacier, declaredWorld Natural Heritage by UNESCO. From El Calafate you also have access to the Upsala Glacier,which is 595 square kilometres in area, three times the size of Buenos Aires city! It is 60 kilometreslong, seven kilometres wide and varies from 60 to 80 metres in height. Certainly a sight to behold.
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patagonia will leaveyou with themost uniqueand most un-forgettablememories, literally atthe base ofthe world.
the lakescrossingtakes youfrom chileto argentina,traversingthe andesmountainrange fromwest to east.
amazingscenery at theworld’s end
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cuba, guatemala & mexico
Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico, threehistorically rich and colourful LatinAmerican countries are well worthvisiting. Despite their reasonablyclose proximity, they offer diverseand often unique experiences.
CubaCuba is the largest island in the northern Caribbean Sea, located150 kilometres south of the UnitedStates and just over 200 kilometres east of Mexico. Cuba is also the last, albeit fading, outpost ofCommunism however change is rapidly taking place, so there has never been a better time to visit. Old Havana, the colourful16th Century UNESCO listed section of the capital with its well-preservedSpanish Colonial architecture; Cienfuego, on the beautiful Cienfuegos Bay; and the “Museum Town”of Trinidad are just three of Cuba’s many attractions. Cuba is known for its white-sandy beaches,rolling mountains, classic old North American cars, cigars, sugar cane rum and the salsa dance.
GuatemalaGuatemala, meaning “Land of Trees” is a heavily forested and beautiful mountainous Central Americannation, located south of Mexico. The country is distinguished by its steep volcanoes, vast rainforestsand ancient Mayan sites and was for centuries the core of the Mayan Civilisation. Guatemala’sattractions include the small Colonial city of Antigua, containing cobblestone streets, beautifullypreserved Colonial buildings and many Spanish schools; Panajachel, on the shores of the picturesquevolcano ringed Lake Atitlan; Chichicastenango, the centre of the Maya-Quiche Highlands; Flores andnearby Tikal, Guatemala’s most famous Mayan Ruins. The country is also very well known for its richand distinctive culture.
mexicoMexico perhaps not surprisingly, is the world’s largest producer of both avocados and silver! Borderedon the north by the United States and on the southeast by Guatemala, it features a diverse landscape of mountains, deserts and jungles. Mexico boasts a rich history and many ancient Aztec and Mayanarcheological sites, including Teotihuacan, Palenque, Uxmal and Chichen Itza, the capital of theMayan Empire founded in 432 AD. Hundreds of quaint Colonial-era towns are scattered throughoutthe country and by contrast, Mexico City, the cosmopolitan capital offers many world-class attractionsincluding its renowned National Anthropology Museum.
follow thefootsteps of writerernest hemingway,as you strollthe narrowcobblestonestreets ofold havana.
from localmarkets to ancientmayan pyramids,each day inGuatemala &mexico willintrigue &enrich you.
remains of civilisationslong gone
incatours.net 31
32 inca tours - excellence in travel
costa rica & panama, including its famous canal
Costa Rica and Panama are twosmall Central America countrieswith much to offer. Costa Rica ismost famous for it biodiversity andof course, Panama is known aroundthe world for its ingenious canal.
costa ricaCosta Rica, literally meaning, “Rich Coast” is a tiny, rugged, rainforested Central American nationwhere almost a quarter of its land mass is declared national park or national reserve. It is situated southof Nicaragua and northwest of Panama. Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes and immensebiodiversity with much of it made up of protected jungle, rich with wildlife including spider monkeysand quetzal birds. Its natural attractions include the classic cone-shaped Arenal Volcano rising1,633metres; the Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge; the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to theshy and rare Resplendent Quetzal; and the lush and pristine Manuel Antonio National Park. CostaRica is considered a paradise by many renowned environmentalists and for good reason. In 2007 itsgovernment announced that it would become the world’s first carbon-neutral country by 2021; in2009 it was voted the greenest country in the world and in 2012 it became the first country in theAmericas to ban recreational hunting.
panamaPanama, which shares a border with Costa Rica to its west, is a Central American country situatedbetween North and South America. It is unique in that it is on the isthmus which links CentralAmerica and South America. Panama is most well known for its man-made Panama Canal, the greatestengineering masterpiece of the last century, which cuts through its centre, linking the Atlantic Oceanand the Pacific Ocean. In fact, the canal is considered the Eighth Wonder of the Modern World and avisit to Panama is not complete without the exhilarating experience of a partial boat transit of its locksand waterways. Old Panama City, founded in1519 boasts a rich and colourful history and its manyColonial buildings contrast with the modern parts of Panama City, the capital. Covering almost half of the country, Panama’s jungles boast an abundance of tropical plants, animals and birds, some ofthem found nowhere else on earth.
marvel atcosta rica’sclassic cone shaped arenal volcanofrom thegardens ofyour resort-style hotel.
one day yousail throughthe locks ofthe panamacanal, thenext you explore the streetsof oldpanama city.
natureabundant &
diverse!
incatours.net 33
34 inca tours - excellence in travel
useful check list when comparing alternative tours
It is difficult to compare tours whendescriptions in brochures look thesame but differ when experienceddue to subtle differences. This checklist should help you cut through some of the hype!
EXCELLENCE INTRAVEL
over
35 years of travel
experience�
��
south & central america
issues to consider Inca other otherwhen comparing tours tour? tour?• Is the tour guaranteed to depart with only
two guests? (As unlikely as this scenario is.) YES _________ _________
• Does the tour price include all airfares, fuel surcharges and airline / airport taxes? (These can be a substantial additional cost.) YES _________ _________
• Are all activities / excursions included or doyou have to choose between alternatives? ALL included _________ _________
• Do you have free choice from a menu or areall included meals from a buffet / set menu? MOSTLY free choice _________ _________
• Is everything described included or are there optional extras at additional cost ifyou choose to undertake them? ALL included _________ _________
• Does the tour operator have over 35 years of experience organising small group tours? YES _________ _________
• Do you need to use headsets to hear what is being said by the guide as the groups are so large? (Normally more than 20 guests.) NO _________ _________
• Are there excessive claims of EXCLUSIVEwhen in reality most are not exclusive but widely available and used on different tours? NO _________ _________
memories arenot based on what youdid not do!you haveworkedhard and deserve agreat experience.
book your future memoriesnow withinca tours, so you do not regret missing out later.
life longfriendshipsare formed
incatours.net 35
36 inca tours - excellence in travel
the inca sensationstourthe ultimate escortedsouth america tourthe highlights in a shorter periodThe Inca Sensations Tour of South America includes most of the highlights of South America over arelatively short duration. This is our moderately priced Superior-class tour to South America, designedfor the more budget conscious guest. It visits most of the highlight destinations and is escorted by anexperienced tour leader with assistance from our expert English-speaking local guides. The hotels andlodges used on the Sensations Tour are very well located, of a very high standard and exhibit all thecharm and character that is South America.
guaranteed departures with 2 or moreYou have the confidence to book with Inca Tours knowing that the Sensations Tour is guaranteed tooperate and won’t be cancelled due to low numbers at the last minute, as often happens with other touroperators. On all Sensations Tours, we guarantee that your tour will operate with only two or more.
ultimate small groups with a max of 18In the same way that we guarantee our departures, we also place a cap of only eighteen guests on eachSensations Tour. This way you receive personalised attention all the way. For financial reasons, mostother tour companies do not do this and book as many people as they can on each tour.
stay in south america’s best locationsWhy go all that way only to stay near the places you want to see? We select hotels which retain thecharm and character of South America and are located at the places of interest. Iguassu Falls is just oneexample.We avoid the international chains, preferring to experience the culture and lifestyle first handin properties with local flavour and style. You have worked hard during your life, you deserve it!
great hotels& lodges inthe very bestlocations,combinedwith themust see & doinclusions, as well as fine dining.
guaranteed max 18 guestseach tour,with tour leader & expert localguides meansan extremelypersonalisedexperience.
incatours.net 37
superior class hotels
& lodges
38 inca tours - excellence in travel
superior-class hotels, lodges, trains & vessels
sensations
It is envisaged that you will be hosted in the followingexquisite hotels, lodges & trains during your tour.
peruestelar mirafloreshotel,lima
sandoval lakelodge, amazon basin
aranwa boutiquehotel,sacred valley
el mapi hotel,machu picchuvillage
aranwa boutiquehotel,cuzco
vistadometrain,between cuzco& machu picchu
bolivia
incatours.net 39
the veryfinest
properties
Please note: the interior hotel room photos on these two pages are for general information purposes only. The specific rooms you are accommodated in on tour may differ slightly in terms of room type, standard and configuration.
andean explorer train,cuzco to puno
casa andinaprivate collection,puno
lake titicaca hydrofoil,copacabana to sun island
sun island eco lodge,sun island lake titicaca
la casona boutiquehotel,la paz
belmond hotel dascataratas,iguassu falls
porto bay rio internationalhotel,rio de janeiro
melia hotel,buenos aires
plaza sanfrancisco hotel,santiago de chile
chile*brazil
argentina
*Optional Santiago Stopover
40 inca tours - excellence in travel
includedhighlights
includedfine dining• Many meals are included, with the
exception of those during leisure time.This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.Our experienced tour leader will makerecommendations about where to dine.
• Where possible, lunches& dinners are not buffet or set menus. We visit local restaurants where you have a choice.
• 36 meals are included: 21breakfasts,7 lunches& 8 dinners, some of whichare tour highlights. In addition, a number of meals are served on flights.
PERU
CHILE
BRAZIL
BOLIVIA
ARGENTINA
Lake TiticacaPuno
Machu Picchu
IguassuFalls
Puerto MaldonadoCuzco
Rio de Janeiro
Santiago
Lima
La Paz
Buenos Aires
south america’sbest on an inca sensations tour
23 days
• A guaranteed departure with two or more guests.
• Experienced senior tour leader throughout the tour, from beginning to end.*
• Expert private English-speaking local guides on all city / sightseeing tours and excursions.
• All airfares, airport departure taxes, tipping and porterage throughout the tour.
• Two nights in Lima’s fashionable residential, shopping and restaurant district of Miraflores.
• A tour of Casa Aliaga, Lima, home to Peru’s only remaining hereditary Spanish Count.
• Two nights in an Amazon Jungle lodge, directly overlooking Lake Sandoval.
• Two nights in the stunning and fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru.
• A three course lunch at the Casa Orihuela, a private hacienda in the Sacred Valley.
• Peru Rail’s Vistadome Train to and from Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village) and two visits to Machu Picchu.
• Two relaxing nights in historic and charming Cuzco, the original Inca Capital.
• The Andean Explorer Train from Cuzco to Puno, via the Altiplano and La Raya Pass.
• One night in Puno, on the Peruvian shores of stunning Lake Titicaca.
• Two-day crossing of Lake Titicaca, commencing in Peru and concluding in Bolivia.
• A visit to the Island of the Moon and an overnight on the Island of the Sun, Lake Titicaca.
• Two nights in La Paz (the world’s highest capital), including a tour of the Moon Valley.
• Three nights at the famous Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas, overlooking Iguassu Falls.
• Comprehensive walking tours of both the Argentine& Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls.
• Two nights in fabulous Rio de Janeiro, staying directly opposite Copacabana Beach.
• Separate half day tours in Rio, including the Statue of Christ& Sugar Loaf Mountain.
• Three nights in Buenos Aires, staying in a pedestrian street in the city’s Downtown area.
• One of Buenos Aires’ very best Tango Shows, including an a-la-carte three course dinner. *Subject to 4 or more guests.
incatours.net 41
lima, peru
DAY 1 Monday australia / LimaThis morning you depart on your flight to
South America. As you cross the International
Date Line you ‘gain’ a day, so you arrive into
Santiago on Monday. Here you connect with
your flight to Lima, Peru. On arrival in Lima we
are met and taken to our hotel for a two-night
stay. Lima, “The City of the Kings” as it was
known, is a very beautiful city. It was the first
seat of the Government of Spain in1535 and
still has many perfectly preserved buildings
from this Colonial Period. (Meals Inflight)
DAY2 Tuesday LimaWe tour Greater Lima visiting the three
distinct historical periods of the city: Pre-
Columbian, Colonial and Modern.We visit
the Franciscan Monastery and Casa Aliaga
(an Inca Tours Australian exclusive!), one of
South America’s oldest Spanish homes, still
inhabited by descendants of the original Aliaga
family. After seeing the Government Palace
and the Plaza de Armas we drive through the
elegant residential tree-lined avenues of San
Isidro and Miraflores, to Parque del Amor
with its views of the Pacific Ocean. Late today
we host a very informative tour orientation
meeting in which we get to know each other
and outline the important aspects of the day-
to-day operation of your Sensations Tour. (BD)
DAY3 Wednesday Lima / Amazon Jungle We fly to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the
Amazon Basin, where we are met and driven
to the river port. A half hour journey down
the Madre de Dios River by motor canoe
brings us to the start of the trail. The trail
takes about one hour to walk and passes
through a flooded forest of 30 metre high
Mauritia Palms. This afternoon we board
a catamaran and set off to explore
pristine Sandoval Lake. In the
flooded forest it is possible to
drift beneath raucous red-bellied
macaws as they return to the
forest for the night. (BLD)
DAY4 Thursday Amazon JungleAn early excursion on the lake
may result in an encounter with
the lake’s giant otters. In addition,
most of the birds are active early so we should
see some prehistoric-looking Hoatzins. These
odd, leaf-eating birds are the size of chickens
and sport bare blue faces, red eyes and punk
rock-type crests! After lunch and a siesta, we
again board the catamaran to explore the
eastern part of the lake where we may see
some of the five species of monkey who live
in the forest. They include Brown Capuchin
and Squirrel Monkeys. (BLD)
DAY 5 friday Amazon / Sacred Valley
Early this afternoon we fly to Cuzco, the
original Inca capital, from where we are driven
to a lower altitude in the Sacred Valley of the
Incas. Here we stay for two relaxing nights.
The remainder of our afternoon is at leisure
to enjoy this stunning destination. (BD)
DAY6 Saturday sacred Valley of incas
Here we visit the famous Inca
Fortress of Ollantaytambo before
continuing to the traditional local
markets of Pisac, where we can
bargain with the locals for their
fabulous weavings and ceramics.
We enjoy lunch at a private
hacienda (an Inca Tours’ Australian
exclusive) before being taken back
to our hotel for the evening. (BL)
DAY 7 Sunday Ollanta / Machu Picchu
We have an early morning transfer to Ollanta
Train Station for our two-day excursion to
Machu Picchu. We follow the Urubamba River
on one of the world’s great train journeys.
Machu Picchu, known as the “Lost City of the
Incas” is the most spectacular archaeological site
on the continent. On arrival we are taken on a
guided walking tour of Machu Picchu. (BLD)
south america sensationstour itinerary
Alecia, your attentionto detail made the tripflow with tremendousease. And thank youRoss for your attentivestyle, ensuring smoothtransitions from oneday to the next...Allan &Pauline Blake NSW
never morethan 18 in aninca group!sandoval lake, peru
42 inca tours - excellence in travel
DAY8 Monday Machu Picchu / Cuzco
We have the morning free to further explore
the ruins of Machu Picchu without the hassle
of large crowds. Early this afternoon we board
the train for our return journey to Cuzco, where
we spend the next two relaxing nights. (B)
DAY9 Tuesday Cuzco
Cuzco is the archaeological capital of the
Americas and the continent’s oldest continuously
inhabited city. We take you on a comprehensive
city tour that includes the Main Cathedral,
the Plaza de Armas, the Temple of the Sun
(Koricancha), as well as other highlights.
Later we visit another very important Inca
Ruin outside of Cuzco: Sacsayhuaman. (B)
DAY 10 Wednesday Cuzco / Puno
We board the luxurious Andean Explorer Train
for our rail journey across the Altiplano, via
the La Raya Pass (until recently the world’s
highest) and on to Puno. This journey takes
about10 hours and provides a wonderful
insight into local life as it has been for hundreds
of years, as well as showcasing some of the
world’s most spectacular views. On arrival in
Puno we check in to our hotel on the shores
of Lake Titicaca. (BL)
DAY 11 Thursday Puno / Lake Titicaca
Another early start sees us on the road to
Copacabana, Bolivia. On arrival we have a
short tour of the shrine and local market before
boarding our hydrofoil to travel to Moon
Island. We enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake
Titicaca as we visit the Sun Virgins’ Temple.
From here we continue on to Sun Island where
we take a reasonably strenuous climb to our eco
lodge for tonight. Our afternoon is at leisure
to explore our island surroundings. (BLD)
DAY 12 Friday Lake Titicaca / La Paz
You have the option to take a walk through
the local village to observe island life before we
visit the Inca staircase and sacred fountain to
touch the water that is believed to give eternal
youth and happiness. Following lunch on the
island we again board our hydrofoil bound for
Huatajata. From here we are taken by road to
La Paz for a unique two-night stay. (BL)
DAY 13 Saturday La Paz
We undertake a morning tour of La Paz during
which we visit the Indian and Pagan sacrificial
markets, Calle Jaen with its museums, the San
Francisco Church, Plaza Murillo, the National
Congress, the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace,
Obrajes, Calacoto and the unusual formations of
the spectacular Moon Valley outside La Paz. (B)
DAY 14 Sunday La Paz / iguassu falls
An early start sees us fly to Iguassu Falls in
Brazil after a plane change in Lima. On arrival
we are met and taken to our hotel, the only
one located within the National Park and
near the falls, for three fabulous nights! (B)la paz, bolivia
lake titicaca, bolivia
incatours.net 43
DAY 15 Monday Iguassu Falls
Iguassu is considered the most impressive falls
in the world, surpassing in grandeur both Vic
and Niagara. 275 separate cascades fall over a
winding 3 km cliff front! This morning we are
taken to the Argentinean side of the falls for a
comprehensive tour. Later we take a spectacular
boat ride towards the base of the falls. Tonight
we enjoy a traditional Brazilian BBQ. (BD)
DAY 16 Tuesday Iguassu Falls
We undertake a panoramic walking tour of the
Brazilian side of the falls this morning, before
visiting the local bird sanctuary, home to a
wide variety of species. This afternoon is at
leisure. You may like to take an optional (at
extra cost) helicopter flight over the falls. (B)
DAY 17 Wednesday Iguassu / Rio de Janeiro
Early today we fly to Rio de Janeiro for a two-
night stay, at our hotel located directly opposite
Copacabana Beach. Rio sweeps 20 km along
a narrow alluvial strip where the combination
of dark blue sea, rocky islands and tumbling
mountains is very impressive. Brazilians say
“God made the world in six days, the seventh
He devoted to Rio”. This afternoon we visit Old
Rio before being taken to Sugar Loaf Mountain,
located uniquely above the entrance to
Guanabara Bay. It is reached by a spectacular
2-stage cable car that offers a beautiful view
of the city and its beaches far below. (B)
copacabana beach, rio
tour Dates for south america sensations Tour
Departing 3rd September 2016 Returning 27th September 2016
Departing 5th April 2017 Returning 29th April 2017
Departing 6th September 2017 Returning 30th September 2017
Departing 4th April 2018 Returning 28th April 2018
costs for south america sensations Tour
$20,990 Per person twin-share ex-Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney
$19,390 Per person twin-share starting in Lima & ending in Buenos Aires
$3,6 71 Single room supplement for solo travellers not wishing to share rooms
$4,500 Business-class upgrade for long-haul international sectors
Terms & conditions apply. Tour costs may change prior to receipt of full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.
DAY 18 Thursday Rio de JaneiroWe begin the day with a tour to CorcovadoMountain and the Statue of Christ. The statueis one of Rio’s most famous landmarks. It is 37metres high, weighs1,100 tons and has a 360degree view of the entire area below, includingthe city, the bay, the mountains and the sea. (B)
DAY 19 Friday Rio / Buenos AiresAfter a leisurely morning we fly to Buenos Airesfor a fabulous three-night, downtown stay. (B)
DAY20 saturday Buenos AiresBuenos Aires is South America’s mostfashionable city, with many beautiful parksand plazas. Here we have a half day city tour
seeing Government House (Casa Rosada), City
Hall, the House of Congress, the Metropolitan
Cathedral, the Colon Theatre, Avenue 9th of
July (the world’s widest avenue) and the Italian
La Boca District. Tonight we dine at and enjoy
one of the city’s very best Tango Shows. (BD)
DAY21 sunday Buenos Aires
We have the day at leisure in Buenos Aires. (B)
DAY22 monday buenos aires / inflight
Today we are taken to the airport for our flight
to Sydney, via Santiago. (B& Meals inflight)
DAY23 tuesday Inflight / australia
You arrive home late today. Welcome Home!
PERU
CHILE
BOLIVIA
Lake TiticacaPuno
Machu PicchuPuerto Maldonado
Cuzco
Santiago
Lima
La Paz
44 inca tours - excellence in travel
main square, lima, peru
16 daysbolivia & peru part
includedhighlights
• Experienced senior tour leader.
• Expert local guides in each location.
• All airfares, departure taxes& tipping.
• Two nights in Lima’s Miraflores district.
• A private tour of the Casa Aliaga, Lima.
• Two nights staying near Sandoval Lake.
• Two nights in the fertile Sacred Valley.
• A three course lunch at Casa Orihuela.
• The Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu.
• Overnight and two Machu Picchu visits.
• Two nights in Cuzco, the Inca capital.
• Andean Explorer from Cuzco to Puno.
• One night in Puno, on Lake Titicaca.
• Overnight on Sun Island, Lake Titicaca.
• Two nights in La Paz, Bolivia’s capital.
includedfine dining
• Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.
• 26meals are included:13 breakfasts,7 lunches& 6dinners.
first part ofsouth america sensations tour
DAY 1 TODAY 13 australia / la pazThe itinerary for the First Part of Sensations is the same as South America Sensations fromDay1 to Day13. Please see pages 41 and 42.
DAY 14 sunday lapaz/santiago/inflightToday you fly back to Santiago. On arrival youconnect with your flight home to Sydney. (B)
DAY 15 monday inflightYou ‘lose’ a day as you recross the Date Line.
DAY 16 tuesday inflight / australiaYou arrive home early morning.Welcome Home!
This ever popular part tour includes most of Peru and Bolivia’s many highlights.
Sixteen days long, it allows those of you with limited leave time the opportunity
to experience the attention to detail that our Sensations Tours are well known for.
From Lima on the Pacific, to the Amazon and beautiful Sandoval Lake; to the Sacred Valley,
Machu Picchu and Cuzco, the original Inca Capital; on to Puno by train and Lake Titicaca by
hydrofoil to your Sun Island lodge. Finally, spend time in La Paz, high in the Bolivian Andes.
After two nights in Lima’s upmarket Miraflores, you fly to the Amazon’s Puerto Maldonado
and the rustic yet beautifully appointed Sandoval Lake Lodge for two nights. A short flight
then brings you to Cuzco, from where we take you down to the Sacred Valley for a couple
of relaxing nights. You then train to Machu Picchu Village, from where you have almost
two days to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu before training back to Cuzco for two nights.
It’s then on to Puno by train, from where you commence a two-day crossing of Lake Titicaca,
including a night on Sun Island. To end, enjoy two nights in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia.
first part of tour Dates
Departing 3rd September 2016Departing 5th April 2017Departing 6th September 2017Departing 4th April 2018
First part of tour costs
$12,390 Per person twin-share
$10,890 Per person twin-sharestarting in Lima & ending in La Paz
$1,547 Single supplement
$4,500 Business-class upgrade
incatours.net 45
includedhighlights
• Experienced senior tour leader.
• Expert local guides in each location.
• All airfares, departure taxes& tipping.
• Three nights at the Das CataratasHotel, overlooking Iguassu Falls.
• Walking tours of both the Argentine& Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls.
• Two nights in fabulous Rio, staying directly opposite Copacabana Beach.
• Separate tours in Rio, including SugarLoaf Mountain& the Statue of Christ.
• Four nights in the downtown of stylish and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires.
• One of Buenos Aires’ best Tango Showsincluding a-la-carte three course dinner.
includedfine dining
• Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.
• 11meals are included: 9 breakfasts&2 dinners.
second part ofsouth america sensations tour
view from sugar loaf mountain, rio, brazil
DAY 1 saturday australia/ buenos airesToday you fly to Buenos Aires, via Santiago, fora one-night stopover. As you cross the Date Lineyou ‘gain’ a day, so you arrive later on Saturday.
DAY2 sunday buenos aires / IguassuToday you fly to Iguassu Falls, where you aremet and taken to your hotel for three relaxingnights. Later today you meet the other membersof your Sensations Tour when they arrive. (B)
DAY3 TODAY 11 iguassu falls / australiaThe itinerary for the Second Part of Sensationsis the same as the South America SensationsTour from Day15 to Day23. Please see page 43.
This fabulous part tour boasts three of the most popular and awe-inspiring destinations
in Brazil and Argentina. At only eleven days, it allows those with very limited time
the chance to experience a small taste of South America’s many sensational sights!
From what are undoubtedly the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the world, Iguassu, where
you visit both sides; to Rio, for a leisurely stay on the famous Copacabana Beach; then finally
to Buenos Aires, the fashionable and European-style capital of Argentina. This tour will excite!
You begin with three relaxing nights at Iguassu Falls, where you get up close to this natural
wonder from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the river. Here you stay in the charming
Das Cataratas Hotel, overlooking the falls. You then “go to Rio” for two nights, staying right
opposite the world famous Copacabana Beach and undertaking two half-day sightseeing tours,
which feature Corcovado and the Statue of Christ and Sugar Loaf Mountain. To end, enjoy
three relaxing nights in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, including a comprehensive city tour and
an entertaining night at one of the city’s best Tango Shows, including an a-la-carte dinner.
second part tour Dates
Departing 16th September 2016Departing 19th April 2017Departing 20th September 2017Departing 18th April 2018
second part tour costs
$11,590 Per person twin-share
$10,690 Per person twin-sharestarting Iguassu & ending Buenos Aires
$2,229 Single supplement
$4,500 Business-class upgrade
BRAZIL
ARGENTINA
IguassuFalls
Rio de Janeiro
Buenos Aires
11 daysargentina& brazil part
46 inca tours - excellence in travel
the pinnacle of opulence & serviceInca Tours has forged a reputation for opulence and outstanding service based on over 35 continuousyears of travel experience. Exclusive Gold South America is the ultimate private luxury departure andincludes most of the highlights of South America, staying in some of the very best hotels on thecontinent. It utilises our handpicked expert English-speaking local guides in each and every destination you visit.
private departures when you wantYou decide when you want to undertake the Exclusive Gold South America program. You decide how many other people you wish to travel with, be it one or more companions. You can also decidewhat standard of hotels you want to stay in. You have complete control over what you will and moreimportantly, what you won’t be doing. Our private departures “run like clockwork”, as most of ourguests have reported. In each and every destination you visit, our handpicked expert English-speakingguides are there for you and you alone. From airport arrivals (and departures), to transfers, to landborder crossings, to city and sightseeing tours, to special evening dining events, your experiencedpersonal guides are at your service. Many of our local guides have been working with Inca Tours formany years, so they know precisely what we and our clients expect. You are in the very best of handson a private Exclusive Gold South America departure!
stay in south america’s best propertiesWe select hotels, trains and cruises which retain the charm and character of South America. We avoidwhere possible, the chrome and glass hotels of major international chains, preferring to experience theculture and lifestyle first hand in properties with a local flavour. You have worked hard all of your life,so you deserve it!
exclusive gold the ultimate privateluxury tour ofsouth america
reside insome of thebest hotelsand lodges,combinedwith the ultimate inclusions,as well asfine dining.
privatedepartureswhen youwant, fortwo or morefriends,utilising ourhandpickedexpertlocal guides.
the finest hotels & lodges
incatours.net 47
48 inca tours - excellence in travel
luxury-class hotelslodges, trains & vessels
exclusive gold
It is envisaged that you will be hosted in these exquisite establishments during your tour of a lifetime, however if you wish, they can be changed to suit your requirements.
chile
brazil
peruthe aubreyboutiquehotel,santiago
cabanas dellago hotel,puerto varas
llao llaohotel & resort, bariloche
sofitel,buenos aires
belmond hotel dascataratas,iguassu falls
belmond copacabanapalace,rio de janeiro
argentina
incatours.net 49
HOTEL B,lima
inkaterrareserva amazonica jungle lodge,Tambopata
tambo del inka hotel,sacred valleyof the incas
belmondhiram bingham train,cuzco tomachu picchureturn
inkaterra machu picchupueblo hotel,machu picchuvillage
belmond hotel monasterio, cuzco
andean explorer train,cuzco to puno
hotel titilaka,lake titicaca
europa hotel,la paz*Optional 2-day Bolivia Extension.
world classhotels & facilities
Please note: the interior hotel room photos on these two pages are for general information purposes only. The specific rooms you are accommodated in on tour may differ slightly in terms of room type, standard and configuration.
bolivia*
50 inca tours - excellence in travel
includedhighlights
• Expert English-speaking local guides in each and every location throughout the tour.
• All airfares and airport departure taxes throughout the tour.
• Two nights in Santiago de Chile, set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes.
• Views of the “Valley of the Volcanoes”, while flying from Santiago to Puerto Montt.
• A relaxing stay in the beautiful lakeside village of Puerto Varas.
• The spectacular full day Southern Lakes Crossing, from Chile to Argentina.
• Two nights at the Llao Llao Hotel& Resort, Bariloche, a Leading Hotel of the World.
• Three nights in Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan and stylish capital of Argentina.
• The Rojo Tango Show, at the Philippe Starck designed Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires.
• Three nights in Rio de Janeiro, staying directly opposite the famous Copacabana Beach.
• Separate half day tours in Rio, including the Statue of Christ& Sugar Loaf Mountain.
• Two nights at Iguassu Falls, considered to be the most spectacular falls in the world.
• Comprehensive walking tours of both the Argentine& Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls.
• Two nights in Lima, staying in the upmarket suburb of Miraflores near the Pacific Coast.
• A tour of Casa Aliaga, Lima, home to Peru’s only remaining hereditary Spanish Count.
• Three nights at Reserva Amazonica, a private ecological reserve and research centre.
• Two nights in the stunning and fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru.
• Three course lunch at the Casa Orihuela, a private hacienda in the Sacred Valley.
• The Belmond Hiram Bingham Train from Cuzco to Machu Picchu and vice versa.
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village) and two visits to Machu Picchu.
• Three relaxing nights in historic and charming Cuzco, the original Inca Capital.
• The Andean Explorer Train from Cuzco to Puno, via the Altiplano and La Raya Pass.
• Three nights at a luxurious and all-inclusive property, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
• A full day Lake Titicaca crossing from Peru to Bolivia, including the Island of the Sun.*
• Two nights in La Paz, the unofficial capital city of Bolivia, high in the Andes Mountains.*
*Optional 2-day Bolivia Extension.
includedfine dining• Most meals are included, with the
exception of those during leisure time.This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.Our expert local guides will make recommendations about where to dine.
• Where possible, lunches& dinners are not buffet or set menus. We visit local restaurants where you have a choice.
• 55 meals are included: 28 breakfasts,13 lunches &14 dinners, some ofwhich are tour highlights. In addition,a number of meals are served on flights.
exclusive gold southamerica
30 or 32 days PERU
CHILE
BRAZIL
BOLIVIA
ARGENTINA
Lake Titicaca
Puno
Machu Picchu
Iguassu Falls
PuertoMaldonado
Cuzco
Bariloche
Rio de Janeiro
Santiago
Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas
Lima
La Paz
Buenos Aires
incatours.net 51
lake nahuel huapi & llao Llao Hotel, bariloche, argentina
santiago de chile at dusk
DAY 1 wednesday australia / santiago
This morning you depart on your flight to
Santiago. As you cross the Date Line you ‘gain’
a day so you arrive in South America later on
Saturday. On arrival into Santiago you are met
and taken to your luxurious uptown hotel for
two relaxing nights. (Meals inflight)
DAY2 thursday santiago
Your day starts with a Santiago City Tour
visiting the Plaza de Armas, the16th Century
Cathedral, City Hall, the National Congress
Buildings and the Moneda Presidential Palace.
You also see O’Higgins Park, featuring the
former Chilean Military Academy and Santa
Lucia Hill, where Santiago was founded in
1542. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B)
DAY3 Friday santiago / puerto Varas
This morning you fly to Puerto Montt, in the
Southern Lakes District of Patagonia. This area
contains a series of magnificent lakes cutting
through and strung along the foothills of the
Andes. On arrival you are taken to your hotel
for tonight in nearby Puerto Varas, a beautiful
alpine type town on the shores of Llanquihue
Lake. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure
to explore Puerto Varas, also known as “The
City of Roses”. (B)
DAY4 saturday Puerto Varas / BarilocheAfter breakfast you commence the spectacular
Southern Lakes Crossing, a combination of
bus and boat travel traversing this
picturesque area. You are collected
from your hotel and travel by
coach around the shores of Lake
Llanquihue. After entering
Vicente Perez Rosales National
Park you visit Petrohue Falls. You
then cross Todos Los Santos Lake,
seeing Osorno Volcano and the
peak of El Tronador Mountain,
to Peulla. After lunch in Peulla
you cross the Vicente Perez Rosales Pass into
Argentina. You then travel by catamaran across
Frias Lake to Puerto Alegre where you board
a bus to Puerto Blest. From Puerto Blest to
Puerto Panuelo is again by catamaran, this
time on the famous Nahuel Huapi Lake. On
arrival at Puerto Panuelo you will be taken to
the luxurious Llao Llao Hotel& Resort fortwo fabulous nights. (BL)
DAY 5 sunday BarilocheBariloche, situated on the shore of beautiful
Lake Nahuel Huapi is an internationally
recognised ski resort with steep streets, wooden
chalets perched Swiss-style upon a glacial
moraine at the foot of Cerro Otto.
Today’s tour follows the southern shore of Lake
Nahuel Huapi. You might catch sight of the
highest mountain of the area, El Tronador
(The Thunderer), whose snow capped peaks
rise to 3,554 metres. The road
then takes you through a coyhue
forest, an indigenous evergreen
of the beech family. You then
follow the southern edge of Lake
Moreno under the steep cliffs of
Mount Lopez to the spectacular
Panoramic Point for a magnificent
view looking back towards the
Andes. This breathtaking view
includes Lake Moreno, the Llao
Llao Hotel and the northern arm of Lake
Nahuel Huapi including Victoria Island. (BL)
DAY6 monday Bariloche / Buenos Aires
This morning you fly to cosmopolitan Buenos
Aires, where you have three fabulous nights.
Tonight enjoy dinner at a traditional Argentine
steak house. (BD)
DAY 7 tuesday Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and
South America’s, most fashionable city, with
many beautiful parks and plazas. “Portenos”, as
the locals call themselves, are fun loving people
who enjoy their city and music.
exclusive gold south americaitinerary
Thank you very much
for organising such a
great trip.Everything
went like clockwork.
We felt so completely
relaxed knowing we
were in good hands.
Mr& Mrs Zaitseff NSW
a tour fortwo or more
friends
52 inca tours - excellence in travel
After breakfast you are taken on a city tour
seeing Government House (Casa Rosada), City
Hall, the House of Congress, the Metropolitan
Cathedral, the Colon Theatre, Avenue 9th of
July (the world’s widest avenue) and the Italian
La Boca District. This evening you dine at the
city’s most exclusive Tango Show. (BD)
DAY8 wednesday Buenos AiresToday is entirely at leisure in Buenos Aires. (B)
DAY9 thursday Buenos Aires / Rio You fly to Rio de Janeiro and are taken to your
hotel, located opposite Copacabana Beach, for
three nights. Rio sweeps 20 kilometres along
the narrow alluvial strip between the sea and
the mountains. The combination of dark blue
sea, studded with rocky islands, with tumbling
wooded mountains and expanses of bare grey
rock surrounding the city is very impressive.
Brazilians say “God made the world in six
days, the seventh He devoted to Rio”. (B)
DAY 10 friday Rio de Janeiro
You start with a visit to Corcovado Mountain
and the Statue of Christ, located in the Tijuca
Atlantic Forest, the largest urban rainforest in
the world. The Statue of Christ is one of Rio’s
most famous landmarks. It is 37 metres high,
weighs 1,100 tons and has a 360 degree view of
the entire area below, encompassing the city,
the bay, the mountains and the sea, within a
circle of up to160 km. Tonight you dine at one
of Rio’s most popular local restaurants. (BD)
DAY 11 saturday Rio de JaneiroIn the afternoon you visit the Old City of Rio
before being taken to Sugar Loaf Mountain,
located uniquely above the entrance to
Guanabara Bay. It is reached by a spectacular
2-stage cable car that offers a beautiful look at
the city and its beaches from a vantage point
high above Rio. Here you may like to enjoy
a cool drink as the sun sets over Rio. (B)
DAY 12 sunday Rio de Janeiro / Iguassu This morning you fly to Iguassu Falls in Brazil,
considered the most impressive in the world,
surpassing in grandeur both Niagara and
Victoria Falls. Some 275 separate cascades fall
in a wild array of spray over a winding 3 km
cliff frontage. One of the most spectacular
falls is aptly named “The Devil’s Throat”. On
arrival you are met and taken to the famous
and historic Das Cataratas Hotel, situated in
the national park directly overlooking the falls.
Here you stay for two fabulous nights. This
afternoon you tour the most spectacular side
of the falls from a photographic point of
view—the Brazilian side. (BD)
DAY 13 monday Iguassu FallsAfter breakfast you undertake a comprehensive
walking tour of the Argentine side of the falls,
including The Devil’s Throat. Later you are
taken through the rainforest by 4-wheel drive
jeep to the Iguassu River, for an exciting boat
ride up river to the base of Iguassu Falls. (BLD)statue of christ, rio de janeiro, brazil
iguassu falls & das cataratas hotel
incatours.net 53
DAY 14 tuesday Iguassu falls / Lima
You start the day with a visit to the local bird
sanctuary, home to a wide variety of South
American species. The remainder of your day
is at leisure. This evening you fly to Lima, Peru
for a two-night stay. Lima, “The City of the
Kings” is a very beautiful city. It was the first
seat of the Government of Spain in1535 and
still has many perfectly preserved buildings
from the Spanish Colonial Period. (B)
DAY 15 wednesday Lima
Your morning starts with a tour of Colonial
Lima, during which you visit the Casa Aliaga,
one of South America’s oldest Spanish homes,
still inhabited by the original Aliaga family
(an Inca Tours’ Australian exclusive!) and the
Franciscan Monastery. You see the Government
Palace and the Plaza de Armas, before driving
through the elegant tree-lined avenues of San
Isidro and Miraflores to Parque del Amor, with
its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. This
afternoon you are taken on a tour of the world
famous pre-Columbian Larco Museum. (BL)
DAY 16 thursday Lima / Amazon JungleYou fly to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the
Amazon Basin, where on arrival you are met
and driven to the river port. You then take
a 45-minute motor canoe journey down the
Madre de Dios River, bringing you to Reserva
Amazonica, a private ecological reserve and
research centre and your home for three relaxing
nights. This afternoon you take a guided walk
on one of the trails in the Reserva Amazonica
Natural Reserve. The trails offer an excellent
introduction to the Amazon Jungle. (BLD)
DAY 17 friday Amazon Jungle
Your day starts early with a boat ride to the
Tambopata Reserve, where you take the one
hour walk to the pristine Sandoval Lake. Here
you glide in a wooden boat across a mirror-like
oxbow lake that is home to the endangered
giant river otter, as well as red howler monkeys,
macaws and anacondas. This afternoon you
travel upriver to Hacienda Concepcion, home
to a remarkable Botanical Garden with over
200 different species of rainforest plants. (BLD)
DAY 18 saturday Amazon Jungle
Today you take a short boat ride to Inkaterra’s
private canopy walkway. After ascending the
first tower, at 30 metres above the forest floor,
you literally walk through the treetops for one
and a half hours along suspension bridges that
link eight observation platforms. You enjoy vistas
and landscapes that would be unimaginable
from below, while looking for giant strangler fig
trees, orchids, toucans, woodpeckers, trogons
and with luck, monkeys or sloths. Later you
walk to Gamitana Creek. The sights, scents
and sounds of the jungle surround you as you
walk along the banks of this winding, dark
water creek that is home to piranha, caimans,
turtles and brightly coloured birds. (BLD)
sandoval lake, amazon Jungle, peru
the sacred valley of the incas, peru
54 inca tours - excellence in travel
DAY 19 sunday Amazon / Sacred Valley
This morning you fly to Cuzco, the Inca
Capital, from where you are driven to a lower
altitude in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You
have accommodation in this stunning rural
destination for two nights. The remainder of
the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy your
surroundings. (BD)
DAY20 monday Sacred Valley of incas
After breakfast you visit the famous Inca
Fortress of Ollantaytambo, before continuing
on to the traditional local markets of Pisac,
with their fabulous artefacts, weavings, pottery
etc. After lunch at a private hacienda, you are
returned to your hotel. (BL)
DAY21 tuesday ollanta / Machu Picchu
This morning you commence your two-day
excursion to Machu Picchu. You follow the
Urubamba River on one of the world’s great
train journeys aboard the Hiram Bingham.
Machu Picchu, known as the “Lost City of the
Incas” is the most spectacular archaeological site
on the continent. On arrival you are taken on
a guided walking tour of Machu Picchu. (BLD)
DAY22 wednesday machu picchu / Cuzco
Your day is free to further explore Machu
Picchu. This evening you make your way back
to the train station for your return journey to
Cuzco on the Hiram Bingham. On arrival you
check into your hotel for three nights. (BLD)
DAY23 thursday Cuzco
Cuzco is the archaeological capital of
the Americas and the continent’s oldest
continuously inhabited city. Massive Inca-
built stone walls line most of Cuzco’s central
streets to form the foundations of Colonial
and modern buildings. This morning you
undertake a comprehensive tour of Cuzco
that includes the Main Cathedral, the Plaza de
Armas, the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha),
the local produce markets, as well as other
highlights. You then visit one of the other
very important Inca Ruins outside of Cuzco:
Sacsayhuaman. (B)
DAY24 friday Cuzco
Today is entirely at leisure to further explore
this historic and charming little city. (B)
DAY25 saturday Cuzco / lake titicaca
This morning you board the Andean Explorer
Train for your journey across the Altiplano,
via the La Raya Pass (until recently the world’s
highest) and on to Juliaca. This journey takes
about10 hours and provides a wonderful
insight into local life as it has been for
hundreds of years, as well as showcasing some
of the world’s most spectacular views. On
arrival in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca,
you are met and driven to your luxury hotel
for a unique three-night stay overlooking this
remarkable lake. (BLD+)machu picchu, peru
Cuzco local & original inca stonework
incatours.net 55
DAY26 sunday Lake Titicaca
Today you enjoy a boat excursion to the Uros
Floating Islands. These islands are inhabited by
local descendants from one of the most ancient
cultures in South America. They live in an
archipelago of more than 40 man-made totora
reed islands. Here you learn how they survived
by catching fish, by using reeds in amazing ways
and by trading with land-based settlers. This
afternoon you have another excursion. (BLD+)
DAY27 monday Lake Titicaca
This morning sees you sail across the lake to
Taquile, the most interesting island in the area
because of its pristine way of life and unique
past. Taquile people are of Quechua origin, as
opposed to the majority of the region’s locals
who are of Aymara origin. Being part of the
Inca Empire, the island has ruins on the peak
of its mountain. From Taquile you can view the
impressive snowcapped Cordillera Real. After
lunch you choose another excursion. You may
visit Socca, another rustic community. Here you
can walk along wide sandy shores and appreciate
the local dress and slow pace of life. (BLD+)
DAY28 tuesday titicaca / LIMA / SANTIAGO
This morning, if not continuing on to Bolivia,
you are taken to the airport to fly to Lima,
where on arrival you connect with your flight to
Santiago. You spend tonight at the conveniently
located Santiago Airport Hotel. (B)
floating islands of los uros, lake titicaca, peru
DAY29 wednesday SANTIAGO / inflight
Today you return to Santiago Airport for your
direct flight to Sydney. (B& Meals Inflight)
DAY30 thursday inflight / australia
You arrive in Sydney late today.Welcome Home!
2 DAY BOLIVIA EXTENSION
DAY28 tuesday titicaca / sun is / la paz
An early start sees you on your way to Bolivia!
You are collected from your hotel and driven
around the shores of Lake Titicaca to Juli,
where you board your hydrofoil for the trip
across the lake and into Bolivian waters.
Stopping at Moon Island to visit Inak Uyu, the
Sun Virgins Temple, you have breathtaking
views across the lake.You continue on to Sun
Island and go ashore to visit the Inca staircase
and sacred fountain, where you touch the water
believed to give eternal youth and happiness.
After lunch on the island you again board your
hydrofoil bound for Copacabana, from where
you are driven to La Paz. On arrival you check
into your hotel for a unique two-night stay. (BL)
DAY29 wednesday La Paz
You undertake a comprehensive half-day tour
of La Paz, during which you visit the Indian
and Pagan sacrificial markets, Calle Jaen with
its museums, San Francisco Church, Plaza
Murillo, the National Congress, the Cathedral,
the Presidential Palace, Obrajes and Calacoto.
You also visit the unusual formations of the
spectacular Moon Valley, outside of La Paz. (B)
DAY30 thursday la paz / Santiago
Late today you fly to Santiago, via Iquique in the
Atacama Desert on Chile’s far northern coast.
On arrival you check into your conveniently
located airport hotel for the night. (B)
DAY31 friday Santiago / inflight
Today you return to Santiago Airport for your
flight to Sydney. (B&Meals Inflight)
DAY32 saturday inflight / australia
You arrive in Sydney late today.Welcome Home!
Exclusive gold departs exactly when you want!
Overall, Spring and Autumn are the best times to undertake an extensiveitinerary such as this. You avoid thewinter and the summer.
costs for exclusive gold
$24,200 Per person twin-share
$4,500 Business-class upgrade
bolivia extension (2 days)
$1,660 Per person twin-shareTerms & conditions apply. Costs may change prior to receiptof full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.
56 inca tours - excellence in travel
young lions
includedhighlights
• Expert local guides in each location.
• All airfares& departure taxes.
• Two nights in stunning Santiago.
• Views of the “Valley of the Volcanoes”.
• One night in beautiful Puerto Varas.
• The stunning Southern Lakes Crossing.
• Two nights at Bariloche’s Llao LlaoHotel, a Leading Hotel of the World.
• Three nights in stylish Buenos Aires.
• The Rojo Tango Show, Buenos Aires.
• Three nights in vibrant Rio de Janeiro.
• Separate tours in Rio, including SugarLoaf Mountain& the Statue of Christ.
• Two nights at fabulous Iguassu Falls.
• Comprehensive walking tours of theArgentine& Brazilian sides of Iguassu.
includedfine dining
• Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.
• 21 meals are included:13 breakfasts,3 lunches& 5 dinners.
first part ofexclusive gold south america
DAY 1 TODAY 13 australia / IGUASSU FALLSPlease see Days1 to13 on pages 51& 52 for theitinerary of the Exclusive Gold First Part.
DAY 14 tuesday IGUASSU / SANTIAGO Today you fly to Santiago where you connectwith your flight to Sydney, via Auckland. (B)
DAY 15 wednesday inflightToday is spent inflight as you re-cross the International Date Line and ‘lose’ a day.
DAY 16 thursday inflight / australiaYou arrive home this morning. Welcome Home!
This dynamic part tour takes in the very best that Chile, Argentina and Brazil
have to offer. At only sixteen days duration, it also allows people with limited time
to enjoy the luxury and pampering of an Exclusive Gold South America departure.
From the south of Chile and Argentina with its pristine Patagonian scenery, to the stylish
Argentina Capital; then on to the world’s most spectacular waterfalls and finally, a stay on
Brazil’s most famous beach on the Atlantic Ocean, this tour covers many highlights.
After two nights in Santiago you have a relaxing stay in beautiful Puerto Varas, the gateway
to Chile’s Southern Lakes District of Patagonia, before undertaking the Lakes Crossing to
Bariloche in Argentina. After two nights at the fabulous Llao Llao Hotel on the shores of
Bariloche’s Lake Nahuel Huapi, it’s a short flight to Buenos Aires for a cosmopolitan three-
night stay, which includes the much acclaimed Rojo Tango performance and dinner. It’s then
on to Rio for another three nights in one of Copacabana Beach’s most well appointed hotels.
Finally, the spectacular Iguassu Falls calls, for two fabulous nights staying on the Brazilian side.
first part Exclusive golddeparts when you want!
Overall, Spring and Autumn are the best times to undertake an itinerarysuch as this. You avoid the winter andthe summer.
Having said that, the First Part ofExclusive Gold can be undertaken allyear round, it’s up to you!
costs for first part
$13,190 Per person twin-share
$4,500 Business-class upgradeTerms & conditions apply. Costs may change prior to receiptof full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.
CHILE
BRAZIL
ARGENTINA Iguassu Falls
Bariloche
Rio de Janeiro
Santiago
Puerto Montt& Puerto Varas
Buenos Aires the southern lakes crossing & osorno volcano
16 daysargentinabrazil& chile
second part exclusive golddeparts when you want!
Overall, Spring and Autumn are the best times to undertake an itinerarysuch as this. You avoid the winter andthe summer.
costs for second part
$13,490 Per person twin-share
$4,500 Business-class upgrade
bolivia extension (2 days)
$1,660 Per person twin-shareTerms & conditions apply. Costs may change prior to receiptof full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.
incatours.net 57
machu picchu
includedfine dining
• Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.
• 34 meals are included:15 breakfasts,10 lunches& 9 dinners.
second part ofexclusive gold south america
DAY 1 tuesday australia / limaToday you depart on your flight to Santiago.
As you cross the International Date Line you
‘gain’ a day so you arrive into South America
also on Tuesday. On arrival in Santiago you
connect with your flight to Lima, Peru, where
you are met and taken to your hotel for two
nights. (Meals Inflight)
DAY2 TODAY 17 lima / australiaThe itinerary for the Exclusive Gold Second
Part is the same as the Exclusive Gold South
America from Day15 to Day 30. Please see
pages 53 to 55 for the detailed itinerary.
This popular part tour includes the highlights of Peru and Bolivia, with a little taste
of Chile at the end. At nineteen days, it also allows those with limited time to enjoy
the service and attention that the Exclusive Gold departures are famous for.
From Lima to the Amazon with its abundant flora and fauna; to Cuzco, the Sacred Valley,
Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo; then to Lake Titicaca, where you stay in the most luxurious
property on the lake. You then cross the lake, visit Moon and Sun Islands and travel on to La Paz.
After three nights in Lima, it’s off to an upmarket, yet authentic Amazon Basin lodge. A short
flight then takes you to Cuzco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas for two relaxing nights. The
luxurious Hiram Bingham Train then delivers you to the doorstep of Machu Picchu. After the
best part of two days at Machu Picchu, you board this fabulous train again bound for Cuzco,
where you have three nights in the city’s finest hotel. Another superb train then takes you on to
Puno, from where you are taken to a virtual lakeside paradise for three nights. Extend for two
days and cross Lake Titicaca by hydrofoil followed by two nights in unique La Paz, Bolivia!
PERU
CHILE
BOLIVIALake Titicaca
Puno
Machu PicchuPuerto Maldonado
Cuzco
Santiago
Lima
La Paz
17or 19 daysperu &Bolivia*
includedhighlights
• Expert local guides in each location.
• All airfares& departure taxes.
• Three nights in Lima’s Miraflores.
• A tour of the Casa Aliaga, Lima.
• Three nights at Reserva Amazonica.
• Two nights in the fertile Sacred Valley.
• Three course lunch at Casa Orihuela.
• Overnight and two Machu Picchu visits.
• The fabulous Hiram Bingham Train.
• Three nights in Cuzco, the Inca capital.
• The Andean Explorer, Cuzco to Puno.
• Three nights of luxury at Lake Titicaca.
• Lake Titicaca crossing, Peru to Bolivia.*
• Two nights in downtown La Paz.*
• One night in Santiago de Chile.*Optional 2-day Bolivia Extension.
Santiago
Santa Cruz San Cristobal
Pinta
North Seymour
Marchena
Isabela
Genovesa
Floreana
Fernandina
Espanola
Baltra
Charles DarwinRes St.
Puerto Ayora Puerto Baquerizo
Moreno
Puerto Egas
PACIFIC OCEAN
58 inca tours - excellence in travel
sea lions, galapagos islands
4 to 15 daysgalapagoscruises
galapagos islands cruisingmore to enjoy before heading home!san cristobal islandSan Cristobal hosts frigate birds, sea lions, gianttortoises, blue and red-footed boobies, dolphins,tropicbirds, marine iguanas and gulls. It is hometo the second airport serving the Galapagos.
santa cruz islandSanta Cruz boasts large tortoise populations andthe Charles Darwin Research Station. Hereyoung tortoises are hatched, reared and preparedfor reintroduction to their natural habitat. SantaCruz is also famous for its gigantic lava tunnels.
isabela islandIsabela is the largest of the Galapagos. HereGalapagos penguins, flightless cormorants,marine iguanas, pelicans and Sally Lightfootcrabs abound. Land iguanas and Galapagostortoises can also be seen, as well as Darwinfinches, Galapagos hawks and Galapagos doves.
floreana island Floreana has one of the most interesting historiesof the Galapagos. At Post Office Bay, since the18th Century, whalers kept a wooden barrel thatserved as a post office so mail could be collectedand delivered by ships on their way home. Greensea turtles and flamingos nest on this island.
santiago islandSantiago has marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals,land and sea turtles, flamingos, dolphins andsharks. Darwin finches and Galapagos hawksare usually seen, as well as a colony of fur seals.
Almost1,000 km from Ecuador, the Galapagos
has been called a unique “living museum and
evolution showcase”. Located at the confluence
of three ocean currents, the Galapagos Islands
are a melting pot of marine species. Ongoing
seismic and volcanic activity reflect the processes
that formed the islands.This together with their
extreme isolation, led to the development of
unusual animal life, such as land iguanas, giant
tortoises and many types of finch, that in part
inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
by Natural Selection following his visit in1835.
Depending on the number of days, some of the
following islands are visited on our cruises.
masked Booby
bartolome islandBartolome is a tiny volcanic islet off Santiago’s
east coast. It is one of the younger islands in the
archipelago and one of the few that is home to
Galapagos penguins, the only wild penguin to
live on the equator. Green turtles also live here.
Fernandina islandThe famous flightless cormorants inhabit
this young island, as do Galapagos penguins,
pelicans, Galapagos sea lions and Galapagos fur
seals. At Punta Espinosa hundreds of marine
iguanas gather, largely on black lava rocks.
baltra islandAlso known as “South Seymour”, Baltra is a
small flat, arid island located near the centre of
the Galapagos and houses the original airport.
espanola islandEspanola is the oldest of the islands. Due to its
remote location, it has many endemic species
such as lava lizard, mockingbird and tortoise.
It is the only place where the waved albatross
nests and its steep cliffs serve as perfect runways
for these birds, taking off for their ocean feeding
grounds. Espanola’s Gardner Bay is a swimming
and snorkelling site. Punta Suarez has wildlife
including bright red coloured marine iguanas,
Espanola lava lizards, hood mockingbirds,
swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies, Nazca
boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, Galapagos
hawks and three species of Darwin’s finches.
incatours.net 59
land iguana, galapagos islands
duration of cruisesWe have modest 3-star to luxurious 5-star
Galapagos Cruises to suit all budgets and
timeframes. The shortest cruises are 3-night,
followed by 4-night, 7-night and the ultimate
14-night cruise experience. As a rule, the longer
the cruise, the more islands you visit. Most
popular are our 4 and 7-night cruises.
numbers on boardWe usually recommend smaller vessels, where
the service and attention to detail can be more
personalised. Having said that, the Galapagos
Legend and the Silver Galapagos (each100 guest
capacity) both offer excellent cruise experiences.
rabida islandHere you may see white-cheeked pintail ducks,
as well as brown pelicans and boobies. Nine
species of finches have been seen on this island.
daphne islandDaphne is made up of two small islands, Minor
and Major, located directly north of Santa Cruz
and directly west of Baltra. Minor is partially
eroded and smooth, while Major has a volcanic
feature, a tuff cone. Daphne is home to red-
billed tropic birds, Nazca boobies and finches.
north seymour islandThis island boasts a large population of blue-
footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. It hosts
one of the largest populations of frigate birds.
genovesa islandThis island is also known as “the bird island”
and for good reason! At Darwin Bay, frigatebirds
and swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal
species of gull in the world, can be seen. Red-
footed boobies, noddy terns, lava gulls, tropic
birds, doves, storm petrels, Darwin finches and
Nazca boobies are also found on this island.
south plaza islandIguanas (land, marine and hybrids of both
species) are abundant on South Plaza Island
and large numbers of birds can be observed
from cliffs at the south of the island, including
tropic birds and swallow-tailed gulls.
cruise vesselsName of vessel Star rating Max capacityCoral I& Coral II* 4-star 36& 20
Cormorant 5-star 16
Galaven 3-star 20
La Pinta# 5-star 48
Majestic 4-star 16
Ocean Spray 5-star 16
Origin 5-star 20
flights to the galapagosMost flights to the Galapagos depart from Quito
and fly via Guayaquil, so you can fly from
Quito or Guayaquil, depending on your tour
itinerary. It is the reverse when flying back.
galapagos Cruise costs
$3,197 pp sharing Superior-class*
$4,868 pp sharing Luxury-class#
do it BEFORE
1 Before the South America SensationsTour on page 40.
2 Before (or after) a Taste of Ecuador orSpirit of the Andes on pages 70 & 71.
do it AFTER
3 After Exclusive Gold South America on page 50.
4 After the Best of Colombia on page 65.
giant galapagos tortoises
off vessel excursion
ARGENTINA Falkland Islands(Isla Malvinas)
Petermann Island
King George IslandDrake Passage
Deception IslandCuverville
Island AntarcticPeninsula
Ushuaia
60 inca tours - excellence in travel
crashing glacier, antarctica
antarctica, the “white continent”explore the globe’s most remote placeAntarctic PeninsulaThe Antarctic Peninsula is part of the AntarcticContinent and is the continuation of themountain chain that runs from North Americathrough South America to the Scotia Sea. Hereit continues as a mainly sub-marine ridge untilit appears above sea level at the northern tip ofthe Antarctic Peninsula. Eight hundred km longwith its highest peaks rising to 2,800 metres, thepeninsula offers the most dramatic scenery andthe greatest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. Youwill be overwhelmed by its number of icebergs!
The Ross SeaJoin us for a spectacular expedition to the RossSea. This is your ultimate chance to sail to thesouthern parts of the Antarctic Peninsula andvisit Shackleton’s and Scott’s huts, McMurdoStation, the Dry Valleys and enroute to NewZealand, Macquarie Island. The strongest ice-class vessel, is equipped with helicopters for thisvoyage, as the Ross Ice Shelf is a floating mass ofice, with a front 30 metres high. Ross Sea floraand fauna is very different to the peninsula’s.
Weddell SeaThe huge Weddell Sea at its widest is morethan 2,000 km across and is located on thesouth-east side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Theborders of the Weddell Sea are formed by hugefloating sheets of ice. These ice-shelves producethe huge tabular ice-bergs that are so abundantin the Weddell Sea. A colony of more than
Antarctica, the world’s southernmost continent
comprises an area of 14 million square km. It is
the world’s fifth largest continent, nearly twice
Australia’s size. About 98% of Antarctica is
covered by ice that averages at least one to two
km deep. Antarctica has the highest average
elevation of all the continents. There is no
permanent human population there, however it
is home to many species of birds, penguins and
seals, while the waters around the Antarctic
Peninsula are home to Fin Whales, Humpback
Whales, Minke Whales and Killer Whales.
Allow us to take you to this remote and amazing
place to observe wildlife in its own habitat!
antarctic zodiac excursion
100,000 pairs of Adelie Penguins live on volcanic
Paulet Island.Recently an Emperor Penguin
colony was discovered in the Weddell Sea.
South Shetland IslandsThe South Shetland Islands is a 540 km long
chain of islands located 800 km from Tierra del
Fuego and120 km from the Antarctic Peninsula.
They consist of eleven major islands and many
smaller ones and are mountainous and glaciated.
South Georgia IslandSouth Georgia is a mountainous island and one
of the remotest and wildest places on earth. The
island is considered to be an Antarctic Oasis
because of the huge numbers of penguins and
seals that breed there. It is also home to various
species of Albatross. The island’s unearthly views
and scenery are dramatic, as it is formed mostly
of snowcapped mountains and huge glaciers.
Falkland IslandsAlthough in the South Atlantic, the Falklands
have an Antarctic appeal and are a treat for
nature lovers. The islands offer a wide variety
of spectacular fauna and scenery. Bursting with
wildlife they boast vast colonies of Black-browed
Albatross, Elephant Seals and at least five species
of penguin, three of which are not found in
Antarctica: Rockhopper, Magellanic and King.
The list of marine mammals is extensive: South
American Fur Seal, Southern Elephant Seal,
Southern Sea Lion, Killer Whale and Dolphin.
6 to32 daysantarctica
incatours.net 61
view from the deck
photogenic locals
duration of cruisesWe have Antarctic Cruises (including cruise and
fly options) to suit all timeframes and budgets.
The shortest start at 6 days, with our ultimate
32-day cruise being the most comprehensive.
Our fly and cruise options are available at 5 days,
7 days and 9 days. The longer cruises visit more
destinations and tend to spend more time in
each. Most popular are our 7 to11-day cruises.
cruise vesselsMost Antarctic Cruise ships are expedition
vessels, not deluxe cruise liners. These ships
are not luxurious but the accommodation and
on-board life are always comfortable and cosy.
our antarctic partnersWe work very closely with companies whomanage and operate their own ice-class vesselsand aircraft. They all comply with the highestinternational safety standards. The size, capacityand capability of these small ships has provento be a successful formula for exploring remoteAntarctica. Antarctic landings (regardless of the vessel) are restricted to a maximum of 100people at a time. Most expedition vessels offer acomfortable, friendly and informal atmosphereand are ideal for exploration; manoeuvringthrough pack ice; bird watching; and helicopterlandings. The two Silver Sea vessels on theother hand are luxurious and all-inclusive.
Name of vessel Star rating Max capacityOcean Nova* 3 to 4-star 68
Ortelius 3 to 4-star 106
Plancius 3 to 4-star 114
Silver Discoverer# 5-star plus 128
Silver Explorer 5-star plus 132
cruise starting pointsUshuaia is the main town of Tierra del Fuego
and the embarkation and disembarkation port
for most Antarctic cruises. Punta Arenas, Chile is
the starting point for our Antarctic fly and cruise
options. Some of the comprehensive 32-day
Antarctic and Ross Sea Cruises sail from New
Zealand, concluding in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Antarctic cruise costs
$6,382 pp sharing Superior-class*
$13,185 pp sharing Luxury-class#
do it BEFORE
1 Before the South America SensationsTour on page 40. (March departure only)
2 Before the Australis South PatagoniaCruise on page 62.
do it AFTER
3 After Exclusive Gold South America on page 50.
zodiac excursion
Aguila Glacier ARGENTINA
CHILE
Ushuaia
Cape HornWulaia Bay
Punta ArenasMagdalena Island
62 inca tours - excellence in travel
australis cruise vessel & excursion
4 daysaustraliscruise
australis south patagonia cruiseexplore the “end of the earth”DAY2 Thursday Cape Horn –Wulaia Bay Your vessel sails through the Murray Channel
and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National
Park, where (weather permitting) you goashore. The legendary Cape Horn was
discovered in1616 and is a sheer 425 metre
high rocky promontory. For many years it was
an important navigation route between the
Pacific and the Atlantic, and is referred to as
the “End of the Earth”. The park was declared
a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005.
In the afternoon, you go ashore at historic
Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the
region’s largest Yamana Aboriginal settlements.
Charles Darwin landed there in1833 during his
voyage on the Beagle. This area is also renowned
for its mesmerising beauty. Here you take a walk
through the Magellan Forest of lengas, coigues,
canelos, ferns and other endemic vegetation, to
reach a panoramic viewpoint. (BLD)
DAY3 Friday Agostini Sound & aguilaYou sail through Brecknock, Ocasion, Cockburn
and Magdalena Channels to enter spectacular
De Agostini Sound, in the heart of the Darwin
Mountain Range. This is where you see glaciers
moving down the mountainside and into the
sea. This afternoon you travel in well-equipped
Zodiacs to Aguila Glacier, where you take an
easy walk to its base. This is the perfect place to
DAY 1 Wednesday Depart Ushuaia
Today you make your own way to the Australis
Head Office in Ushuaia to check in for your
Patagonia Cruise. Late this afternoon you board
your MV Stella Australis cruise ship at the port.
After a welcome reception hosted by the Captain
and his crew, the MV Stella Australis will set
sail for one of the remotest parts of the planet.
Your voyage takes you through the Strait of
Magellan and Beagle Channel to explore one
of the most breathtaking wilderness regions in
the world: Southern Patagonia, which includes
the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. (D)
tierra del fuego, argentina
experience the beauty of Patagonia’s cold rain
forest and to observe how the power of nature
has moulded this spectacular place. (BLD)
DAY4 Saturday arrive Punta Arenas
Early this morning (weather permitting) you
go ashore on Magdalena Island, located in the
middle of the Strait of Magellan.The island was
once an essential source of supplies for explorers
and navigators and is inhabited by an immense
colony of Magellan Penguins which you see
during your walk to the lighthouse. Late this
morning you disembark in Punta Arenas and
continue on with your own arrangements. (B)
australis cruise costs
$2,064 pp sharing Superior-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before a visit to Torres del Paine National Park on page 67.
2 Before Skorpios II Cruise on page 63.
do it AFTER
3 After the South America SensationsTour on page 40.
4 After (or before) Exclusive GoldSouth America on page 50.
San RafaelGlacier
CHILE
QuitralcoPuerto Aguirre
Chiloe
Puerto Montt
incatours.net 63
skorpios II & san rafael glacier, chile
5 daysskorpios IIcruise
off vessel excursion
DAY2 sunday skorpios II CruiseToday your cruise vessel navigates through the Moraleda and Ferronave Channels, laterarriving at the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre.You continue on through the Ferronave,Pilcomayo and Costa Channels before droppinganchor at Hualas Cove, 20 nautical miles fromthe awe-inspiring San Rafael Glacier! (BLD)
DAY3 Monday Skorpios II CruiseWhile enjoying breakfast your vessel enters the San Rafael Lagoon and anchors a little wayfrom San Rafael Glacier. Weather permitting,small boat excursions are undertaken among themulticoloured icebergs. This afternoon yourship moves closer to the glacier before settingsail for Quitralco Fjord early this evening. (BLD)
DAY4 Tuesday Skorpios II CruiseToday your vessel berths at Quitralco Pier whereyou have the opportunity to bathe in the hotsprings. If weather permits, you undertake a boatexcursion into the fjord. This evening your vesselsets sail towards Chiloe and navigates throughthe Moraleda and Perez Norte Channels. (BLD)
DAY 5 Wednesday Skorpios II CruiseAround breakfast time your vessel undertakesthe Corcovado Gulf Crossing during which
DAY 1 Saturday Arrive Puerto Montt / Skorpios II Cruise
On arrival at Puerto Montt Airport you are
met and taken to the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Here you board your luxury touring vessel, the
MV Skorpios II, for your 5-night cruise to the
awe-inspiring and World Heritage listed San
Rafael Glacier.
At noon your vessel departs and sails through
the Llanquihue Archipelago before catching
sight of Calbuco City. Later in the day you sail
through the Ancud Gulf, the Archipelago of
Chiloe and across the Corcovado Gulf. (LD)
there is a possibility of seeing humpback and
blue whales. You continue to sail through the
Yal Channel before arriving at the beautiful
city of Chiloe in the early afternoon. You may
disembark to visit this picturesque location.
Later this evening you set sail towards Puerto
Montt and pass through the Lemuy, Dalcahue
and Quicavi Channels. Tonight your captain
hosts a Farewell Dinner and Dance. (BLD)
DAY6 Thursday Depart Puerto montt
Following breakfast your vessel docks at the
pier in Puerto Montt where your cruise ends.
Here you are met and taken to the airport. (B)
skorpios II cruise costs
$2,817 pp sharing Superior-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before (or after) Exclusive GoldSouth America on page 50.
2 Before (or after) a visit to Torres delPaine National Park on page 67.
do it AFTER
3 After (or before) the South AmericaSensations Tour on page 40.
4 After the Australis Cruise on page 62.
skorpios II chilean fjords cruisenavigate chile’s fjords & glaciers
Iquitos
Pacaya Samiria Reserve
Maranon River
Ucayali River
NautaAmazon River
Pacaya River
PERU
64 inca tours - excellence in travel
aria amazon cruise vessel
4 to8daysamazoncruises
In and around the reserve, there are five rivers
and depending on which cruise you choose, you
will sail on some of these rivers (as well as the
Amazon itself ) in your luxurious all-suite vessel,
gliding gently on their pristine waters. There
are also many lakes, gorges, canals and oxbows
and on some of these you undertake morning
or afternoon excursions aboard smaller boats.
You also have guided walks in the jungle in
search of the reserve’s diverse flora and fauna,
of which there is an abundance. Because the
Pacaya-Samiria Reserve has an annual rainfall
of up to 3,000 millimetres, it is able to support
its huge biodiversity: over 500 bird species,100
mammal species (including pink dolphins), 70
species of reptiles, 60 species of amphibians,
270 fish species and over1,000 species of plants.
duration of cruisesWe have Amazon Cruises to suit most budgets
and timeframes. From the five recommended
vessels (listed in next column) you can choose
either a 3, 4, 5 or a blissful 7-night cruise. The
longer sailings usually involve more stops and
off vessel activities. The 3, 4, 5 and 7-night
cruises have all proved to be equally popular.
starting point for cruisesAll of our Amazon Cruises involve flying into
Iquitos, Peru’s main Amazon Jungle city in the
north east of the country. There are a number
of daily flights between Iquitos and Lima.
Our luxury Amazon River Cruises take you to
the heart of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
This reserve is one of the largest protected areas
in Peru, with an area of more than 20,000 sq
km and containing a rich eco diversity. Pacaya-
Samiria is the largest nature reserve in the
country and the second largest in the Amazon
Basin! It is triangular in shape, bordered by the
Maranon and Ucayali Rivers in the South, just
before their union where they combine to form
the mighty Amazon River itself. The reserve’s
main purpose is to preserve the ecosystems
of the Omagua Region and to promote the
sustainable development of local towns.
delphin amazon cruise vessel
cruise vesselsThese cruises are of the highest quality available
in South America. Furthermore, the vessels’
suites, decor, furnishings and service are of
world-class standard. Aside from providing an
authentic Amazon adventure, the cruises are
unique culinary experiences, offering the best
Amazonian-Peruvian cuisine in gourmet settings.
Name of vessel Star rating Max capacityAmatista* 4-star cabins 31
Aqua Amazon 5-star suites 24
Aria Amazon 5-star suites 32
Delfin I 5-star suites 8
Delfin II# 5-star suites 28
amazon cruise costs
$2,332 pp sharing Superior-class*
$4,167 pp sharing Luxury-class#
do it BEFORE
1 Before the South America SensationsTour on page 40.
do it AFTER
2 After Exclusive Gold South America onpage 50.
3 After the Best of Colombia Tour onpage 65.
amazon river luxury cruisingsail the amazon in absolute comfort
Bogota
San AugustinCOLOMBIA
Cartagena
EAN SEA
incatours.net 65
cartagena, colombia
salt cathedral, zipaquira, colombia
DAY3 Bogota / San Agustin You have an early flight to Neiva, where on
arrival you are driven to San Agustin for
a two-night stay. Enroute you stop to see
plantations of tobacco, sorghum, rice and
cocoa. San Agustin is a UNESCOWorld
Heritage Site of pre-Colombian archaeological
significance, the largest in South America. (B)
DAY4 San Agustin You undertake a comprehensive tour of San
Agustin archaeological park, extending over
a lush 2,000 square kilometres. The area is
dotted with more than 500 freestanding
megalithic statues representing snakes, lizards
and salamanders, carved from stone by an
unknown pre-Colombian civilisation existing
between the 6th and 14th Centuries. (B)
DAY 5 San Agustin / Cartagena Today sees you fly to colourful Cartagena for
three relaxing nights. Cartagena was founded in
1533 and was the only port in South America
until Buenos Aires was founded. Spanish fleets
stopped here to take gold and other products
back to Spain. Due to its richness, the city was
a temptation for pirates and therefore had to
be protected by fortresses and high walls to
repel the buccaneers. Cartagena has the best
preserved Colonial architecture in Colombia
and also boasts an impressive UNESCOWorld
Heritage Listing. (B)
DAY 1 Arrive BogotaOn arrival into Bogota, founded in1538, you
are met and taken to your hotel for two nights.
Later you are taken on a city tour, including the
Colonial La Candelaria District and the famous
Colombian Gold Museum, housing the world’s
largest collection of indigenous gold objects.
DAY2 Bogota –zipaquiraA pleasant drive takes you to Zipaquira, famous
for its underground cathedral carved of salt! It is
extraordinary, with its Stations of the Cross hewn
from salt mine tunnels under the mountain and
eerily illuminated. Though a popular tourist
attraction, it is still a place of pilgrimage. (BL)
DAY6 Cartagena Your day starts with a city tour including the Convent of La Popa, built on a hill at thebeginning of the17th Century and from wherea magnificent view of the city is had. Youcontinue to San Felipe Fort, built to protectthe city, after which you are taken on a walkthrough the beautiful Old Walled City, hometo streets of brightly coloured Colonial houses,beautiful balconies and quaint squares. (B)
DAY 7 Cartagena You are at leisure to enjoy Cartagena. (B)
DAY8 Depart CartagenaToday you are taken to the airport. (B)
best of colombia costs
$3,086 pp sharing Tourist-class
$3,310 pp sharing Superior-class
$4,444 pp sharing Luxury-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before the South America SensationsTour on page 40.
2 Before a Galapagos Cruise on page 58.
3 Before a Taste of Ecuador on page 70
do it AFTER
4 After Exclusive Gold South America on page 50.
8 daysthe best ofcolombia
the best of colombiadiscover colombia’s hidden gems
ARGENTINA
PeritoMorenoGlacier
El Calafate
UpsalaGlacier
Buenos Aires
66 inca tours - excellence in travel
perito moreno glacier, argentina
4 daysperitomoreno &upsala
perito moreno & upsala glaciersextend you stay and see the glaciersPerito Moreno Glacier. It is one of the few
permanently advancing glaciers in the world,
with a 5 km wide front and a height of sixty
metres. Great blocks of ice break loose and fall
thunderously into the lake making great waves
and later surfacing to form icebergs. In a cycle of
roughly three years, the glacier advances across
the lake, cutting off Brazo Rico from the Canal
De Los Tempanos, then finally the pressure
breaks the ice and re-opens the canal once again.
You may like to undertake some optional
“mini-trekking” on the glacier. This involves
your guides providing crampons and
explaining their use. From here the two-hour
trek circuit introduces you to the landscapes
of the glacier and includes ice of the most
incredible blues! The surface over which
you walk will be irregular but firm and the
trekking is classified as “moderate”. This
afternoon you return to the launch for a
20 minute cruise back to the pier from where
you are returned to El Calafate. (BL)
DAY3 Calafate – Upsala glacierEarly this morning you are met at your hotel
and driven to Punta Bandera, where you board
your vessel for a cruise among icebergs and
stunning scenery, overlooking the western
front of the mighty Upsala Glacier. The glacier’s
size is 595 square km, three times the size of
Buenos Aires city! It is 60 km long, seven km
wide and its height varies from 60 to 80 metres.
DAY 1 arrive El CalafateOn arrival into El Calafate you are met and
taken to your hotel for three nights. El Calafate
is a village located on the southern shore of
Lake Argentino. Quiet streets and rose gardens
make the scenery of this pretty Patagonian
town. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore.
DAY2 Calafate– Perito MorenoFrom El Calafate you access Los Glaciares
National Park, which shelters more than 300
glaciers. The most famous is Perito Moreno,
declared World Natural Heritage by UNESCO.
Today you are driven about 80 km to the far
end of Lake Argentino, where you see the
upsala glacier, argentina
Later you cruise through Cristina Canal to the
disembarkation point at Estancia Cristina,
where you have lunch. You have a guided visit
of the Costumbrista Museum before being
driven to the Continental Ice Shelter, where
you have a short walk to the front of the
Upsala Glacier. Late this afternoon you return
to the estancia to board your vessel back to
Punta Bandera. From here you are driven back
to El Calafate and your hotel. (BL)
DAY4 depart el CalafateAt a convenient time today you are taken to
El Calafate Airport for your flight back to
Buenos Aires. (B)
perito moreno costs
$1,435 pp sharing Superior-class
$1,625 pp sharing Luxury-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before Exclusive Gold South Americaon page 50.
2 Before the Australis South PatagoniaCruise on page 62.
AFTER
3 After the South America SensationsTour on page 40.
CHILE
Torres del Paine NPPunta Arenas
incatours.net 67
torres del paine & explora hotel
4 to5 daystorres delpaine np
torres del paine National parka world famous wilderness area
torres del paine np, chile guanacos, torres del paine np
Most hotels and lodges in this region offer
activities and excursions on foot, in vehicles, on
horses, on mountain bikes or in boats. It is
entirely your choice as to which you undertake.
duration of staysWe suggest three or four nights to experience
Torres del Paine National Park properly,
although shorter stays are possible at the
majority of hotels and lodges.
getting to torres del paine NPThere are daily return flights from Santiago
to Punta Arenas, in the south of Chile. From
Punta Arenas it takes approximately 4 to 5
hours to drive to Torres del Paine National Park.
Torres del Paine National Park (the largest
national park in Chile) is situated in the far
south of Chilean Patagonia, in a spectacular
natural environment. Your days at the park are
designed for you to simply relax and explore,
combining nature and adventure in one of
the most remote places on earth. You are
accompanied by expert local guides to places
with inspiring names like Mirador Condor,
Laguna Azul or Glacier de Valle del Frances!
Here rheas and llamas live in peace with
flamingos, while glaciers, emerald lakes,
waterfalls, peaks of all shapes and shining
valleys await you and your camera.
torres del paine hotelsThere is a wide choice of properties located
inside, bordering and some distance from
Torres del Paine National Park.
These range from the all-inclusive Explora and
Tierra Patagonia luxury hotels, to other more
modestly priced options. We recommend
staying inside or adjacent to the national park.
Name of hotel Star ratingEcocamp Patagonia (unusual)* 3-star
Explora Patagonia (inside the NP) 5-star
Las Torres Patagonia Hotel# 4-star
The Singular@ 5-star
Tierra Patagonia 5-star
torres del paine NP costs
US$940 pp sharing Tourist-class*
US$1,730 pp sharing Superior-class#
US$2,145 pp sharing Luxury-class@
do it BEFORE
1 Before (or after) the South AmericaSensations Tour on page 40.
2 Before (or after) Exclusive Gold SouthAmerica on page 50.
do it AFTER
3 After the Australis Cruise on page 62or the Skorpios II Cruise on page 63.
Salar de Atacama(Atacama Salt Flat)
CHILE
San Pedro de Atacama
Calama
Atacama Desert
68 inca tours - excellence in travel
pink flamingo, the atacama desert, chile
4 to5 daysatacamadesert
Most hotels in the Atacama offer activities and
excursions which allow you to explore the nature
and history of the place. These activities can be
on foot, on horseback, by bicycle or by vehicle
and are accompanied by our expert local guides.
duration of staysWe suggest three or four nights to experience
the Atacama Desert properly, although shorter
stays are possible at the majority of hotels.
getting to the atacama desertThere are daily return flights from Santiago to
Calama, in Chile’s north. From Calama it takes
about an hour to drive to San Pedro de Atacama.
The Atacama Desert (in places the driest desert
in the world) is situated in the far north of
Chile, near San Pedro de Atacama village.
The Atacama possesses a strange environment,
almost Mars-like in places! Your days here are
designed to relax and explore these unique
lands. You are accompanied by expert local
guides on explorations taking you to places with
inviting names like Rio Grande, Quebrada del
Diablo and Valle de la Luna! You can either
be in the Andes experiencing the wonder of
volcanoes or visiting small villages with their
traditions and folklore. Almost everywhere
you should see cameloids and flamingos.
licancabur volcano, the atacama
atacama desert hotelsThere is a good choice of hotels both in the
quaint village of San Pedro de Atacama and
outside of the village, in the desert proper.
These options range from the all-inclusive and
luxurious Alto Atacama Hotel, the Explora
Hotel and the Tierra Atacama Hotel, to much
more modestly priced hotels and lodges.
Name of hotel Star rating
Alto Atacama Hotel# 5-star
Noi Casa Atacama Hotel* 4-star
Explora Atacama 5-star
Tierra Atacama Hotel 5-star
atacama desert costs
on application Superior-class*
US$1,892 pp sharing Luxury-class#
do it BEFORE
1 Before (or after) the South AmericaSensations Tour on page 40.
AFTER
2 After (or before) Exclusive Gold South America on page 50.
3 After the Uyuni Salt Flat Tour on page 72.
church, san pedro de atacama
the atacama desertexplore the world’s driest desert
MataveriHanga PikoHanga Roa
Motu Nui Island
Vaihu
AkahangaAhu Tongariki
Orongo
Ana KaiTangata
VinapuRano Kao Volcano
RanoRarakuVolcano
Terevaka Hill 507 m
AnakenaBeach
SOUTHPACIFICOCEAN
incatours.net 69
moai statues, easter island
4 to5 dayseasterisland
easter islandspend time on this remote island!
rano kao volcano, easter island
We usually include a full-day tour of Easter
Island’s famous Moai Route, where you pass
by Vaihu, an area surrounded by many Moai
statues lying face down on the ground. You
then visit the Akahanga Ruins, where the
first King of the island was buried. The tour
continues to Rano Raraku Volcano, the
“Factory of the Moais” as it is known, where
hundreds of Moais are still fixed to the rocky
wall, some measuring twenty metres long and
weighing over 200 tons. Finally, the tour visits
Anakena Beach where other archaeological
sites are viewed, the most important of which
is Tongarki, the largest site with15 Moai
statues each weighing an average of 50 tons.
We also include a separate half-day tour on the
island. This excursion firstly visits the Rano
Kao Volcano, whose deep crater contains a lake
surrounded by exuberant vegetation. The tour
continues on to Orongo, a ceremonial village
from where the competition to elect the chief
of the island started. The men had to swim to
Motu Nui Island to get the Manutara Egg (a
sacred bird) and swim back to the island. The
first man to arrive back became chief for a year.
More than100 petroglyphs can be seen here,
representing different symbols of the Rapa
Nui Culture. The tour proceeds to Ana Kai
Tangata Cave, used as a shelter during times of
war and concludes at Ahu Vinapu, where the
construction is said to resemble Inca techniques.
4,000 kilometres from Chile, the most remoteplace in the world is an island which stillholds a special mystery and magic. Rapa Nui,as the natives called it, was discovered onEaster Sunday1722 and thus to this day, isstill referred to as Easter Island. This isolatedplace, entirely volcanic in origin, is a vastoutdoor museum dotted with over 600 giantMoai statues that have intrigued the world for many centuries. We usually recommendthree or four nights on Easter Island. Thisallows you to undertake tours of the mostimportant sites and also have some time atleisure to explore the local village or have aswim in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
easter island hotelsThere is a range of hotels on Easter Island, from
the all-inclusive and luxurious Explora Rapa
Nui and Hanga Roa properties, to the more
modestly priced Hare Noi and Iorana Hotels.
Name of hotel Star ratingExplora Rapa Nui@ 5-star
Hanga Roa Eco Village& Spa 5-star
Hare Noi Hotel# 4-star
Iorana Hotel* 3-star
flights to easter islandYou can fly to and from Easter Island from
Santiago, the capital of Chile. Daily flights take
between 5 and 6 hours to and from the island.
easter island costs
on application Tourist-class*
on application Superior-class#
US$2,538 pp sharing Luxury-class@
do it after
1 After (or before) the South AmericaSensations Tour on page 40.
2 After (or before) Exclusive Gold South America on page 50.
ECUADOR
Otavalo
Cotopaxi▲
Guayaquil
Quito
70 inca tours - excellence in travel
onboard the tren crucero, ecuador’s highlands
5 to9 daysa taste ofecuador
DAY3 Quito – Otavalo MarketsToday you are driven north from Quito to
reach the Awakening Valley, renowned for its
colourful, bread-dough figures. You then pass
through the beautiful Andean landscape before
reaching Otavalo, home of the Otavalo Indians,
a prosperous and enterprising group. You have
ample time at the Otavalo Markets discovering
artifacts such as textiles, paintings, ceramics,
leather goods, jewellery, tapestries and much
more. Lunch is enjoyed at a typical Ecuadorian
hacienda. Before returning to Quito you visit
Peguche, an Indian Village near Otavalo. (BL)
DAY4 Quito – CotopaxiAfter being collected from your hotel you are
driven through the panoramic scenery that
surrounds Quito, to Machachi. On arrival in
Machachi you undertake a short walk in the
moorlands before lunch is served at a local
hacienda. A blazing fireplace warms the dining
room, where you enjoy a traditional meal
made from fresh local produce. There is time
to explore the surroundings before returning
to Quito later in the afternoon. (BL)
DAY 5 depart quitoYou are collected from your hotel and taken to
Quito Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Alternatively, and at extra cost you can be
transferred to Quito Rail Station for the unique
4-day Tren Crucero rail journey to Guayaquil.
DAY 1 arrive QuitoOn arrival in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, you
are met and taken to your hotel for four nights.
DAY2 QuitoYou start with a city tour seeing the carved
facade of the Congress, the Presidential Palace,
Independence Square and the Cathedral. You
also visit the Church of La Compana from
1605 with its golden alters, the finest example
of Baroque in South America, as well as the
San Francisco Monastery from1535. Later
you are driven to the Equatorial Monument,
north of Quito. It marks Latitude Zero or
the exact “Middle of the World”. (B)
middle of the world monument
the exceptional tren cruceroExtend your Taste of Ecuador Tour with an
exceptional rail journey on the unique Tren
Crucero, recently named “South America’s
Leading Train” at the World Travel Awards in
Colombia. This journey offers unprecedented
access to local communities and rich cultural
experiences, travelling through coastal regions
and up to 3,600 metres in the Highlands. You
can take this train from Quito to Guayaquil
or vice versa. You do not overnight on the train
but rather, are accommodated at exclusive
properties along the way, including beautiful
Colonial haciendas and historical estates.
a taste of ecuador costs
$1,342 pp sharing Tourist-class
$1,558 pp sharing Superior-class
$2,669 pp sharing Luxury-class
tren crucero cost (4 days)
$1,998 pp sharing Superior-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before the South America SensationsTour on page 40.
do it AFTER
2 After Exclusive Gold South America on page 50.
a taste of ecuador & Tren cruceromake your tour more memorable!
ECUADOR
Quito
Mashpi Reserve
incatours.net 71
cotopaxi volcano, ecuador
4 to7 daysspirit ofthe andes
markets, ecuador
by subtropical vegetation and orchids. Later
you take a walk around Banos, a quaint town
which Ecuadorians enjoy visiting. From here
you travel to Riobamba, via hills and fields
where the rich dark soil is still turned with hand
plows. You spend tonight in Riobamba. (BLD)
DAY3 Riobamba / CuencaAn early start sees you on the road passing multi-
coloured fields where most of Ecuador’s cereals
are grown. Later you arrive in Alausi, the heart
of the rehabilitation of Ecuador’s railways. Here
you board the Devil’s Nose Train, the highlight
of which is the thrilling 800 metre descent on
the zig-zag line cutting into the rock of the
Devil’s Nose. The train returns you to Alausi
after which you continue by vehicle, visiting
the fabulous Inca Fortress of Ingapirca enroute
to Cuenca, where you stay for the night. (BLD)
DAY4 depart cuencaCuenca is a World Heritage Site, with its tiled
roofs, cobblestone streets and plazas. Today you
have a tour including the Plaza of San Sebastian,
the Modern Art Museum and flower market.
After a stroll to the main square, surrounded by
the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, you are
driven to the river to see Cuenca’s overhanging
houses. Following a visit to a Panama Hat
workshop, you are taken to the airport. (BL)
Alternatively and at extra cost, you can stay in
Cuenca and be driven to Guayaquil tomorrow.
DAY 1 depart quito / PatateToday you depart Quito for Cotopaxi National
Park and the Cotopaxi Volcano. On clear days,
its perfect snow-capped cone is magnificent.
The evergreen landscape of these Ecuadorian
Highlands is very beautiful. After lunch, stroll
through a rose plantation, with many varieties
ready for export. You then travel to Patate and
spend the night in a 300 year old hacienda. (LD)
DAY2 Patate / Banos / RiobambaYou continue on to Banos (baths), at the foot
of Tungurahua Volcano, from where the
thermal waters that gave it its name emerge.
Here you visit the Devil’s Cauldron, surrounded
mashpi cloud forest lodgeSpending three days at Mashpi Cloud Forest
Lodge before the Spirit of the Andes Tour is
a perfect way to extend your time in Ecuador.
The wonders of the cloud forest will delight,
as will staying at Mashpi Lodge. Perched at
900 metres above sea level amongst rainforest
and cloudforest, the lodge is surrounded by
a profusion of plant species, from ferns and
bromeliads to hundreds of orchid species, many
newly discovered. A staggering 500 species of
bird (including 36 endemic species) inhabit
the forest. Monkeys, peccaries and even puma
also make their homes inside Mashpi Reserve.
spirit of the andes costs
$2,481 pp sharing Tourist toSuperior-class
mashpi cloud forest (3 days)
$458 pp sharing Tourist-class
$1,058 pp sharing Luxury-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before the Sensations Tour orExclusive Gold on pages 40 & 50.
2 Before (or after) a Galapagos Cruise orATaste of Ecuador on pages 58 & 70.
spirit of the andes & MASHPI lodgechill out in ecuador’s highlands
Red Lagoon
UyuniSalt Flat
Green Lagoon
Salar de Atacama(Atacama Salt Flat)CHILE
BOLIVIA
UyuniOjo de Perdiz
Colchani
San Pedro de Atacama Atacama
Desert
PotosiSucre
La Paz
72 inca tours - excellence in travel
uyuni salt flat, bolivia
5 daysuyuni salt flat
DAY3 ColchaniAn early start sees you on the giant Uyuni Salt
Flat, visiting the Ojos de Agua Geysers and the
Salt Museum enroute. You drive to Isla Pescado
(Fish Island), located in the centre of the salt flat
and formed in the shape of a fish. The island is
filled with a species of cacti that can grow to
12 metres high. Later today you are returned to
your salt hotel in Colchani for the night. (BLD)
DAY4 Colchani / Ojo de PerdizYou start your day by visiting the Frog’s Valley,
Chiarcota, Ramadita and Hedionda Lagoons.
You continue to the Siloli Desert and Laguna
Colorada (Red Lagoon). The lagoon is 4,278
metres above sea level, 60 square km in area and
impresses because of the redness of its water.The
colour is due to fine red sediment accumulated
on the surface, as well as the pigmentation of a
certain type of seaweed. It is inhabited by flocks
of pink flamingos. The scenery is exceptionally
beautiful at these heights, set off by the redness
of the lagoon. Tonight you stay in the tiny
village of Ojo de Perdiz. (BLD)
DAY 5 depart ojo de Perdiz / atacama desert (or la paz)The first stop of the day is at the Sol de Manana
(Morning Sun) Geysers, where you see volcanic
craters containing boiling lava and mud and
geysers spurting hot water and steam 80 metres
into the air. You then visit the Chalviri Salt Flat
DAY 1 Arrive sucreOn arrival into Sucre, situated at 2,800 metres
above sea level, you are met at the airport and
taken to your hotel for tonight. After lunch
you are taken on a city tour of Sucre. (LD)
DAY2 sucre / potosi / ColchaniToday you are driven to Potosi, where you are
taken on a tour visiting San Lorenzo Church, the
Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint) and Potosi’s
significant Colonial streets. Later you continue
to Uyuni and on to nearby Colchani, situated
on the edge of the enormous Uyuni Salt Flat.
You have two unique nights here, staying in a
hotel made entirely of large salt bricks! (BLD)
the red lagoon, bolivia
and the Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon). This
body of water is an impressive aquatic mirror
that resembles a giant emerald with a particular
brightness in the mornings and afternoons. The
intense green hue is due to its high magnesium
content. The spectacular and beautiful Volcano
Licancabur (5,865 metres) can also be seen from
the Green Lagoon. Later today you are driven
across the border to the village of San Pedro de
Atacama in Chile, where your tour ends. (BL)
We recommend at least three nights in San Pedro
de Atacama, please see page 68. Alternatively
and at extra cost, you can return to La Paz if
you don’t wish to visit the Atacama Desert.
uyuni salt flat cost
$3,822 pp sharing Tourist toSuperior-class
Not available in Luxury-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before the South America SensationsTour on page 40.
2 Before a visit to the Atacama Deserton page 68.
do it AFTER
3 After Exclusive Gold South Americaon page 50.
uyuni salt flatstep on the world’s largest salt lake
PERUBallestas Islands
Pisco / ParacasNazca
Lima
incatours.net 73
nazca lines, peru
2 daysnazca ¶cas
coastline, paracas, peru
of civilisations that prospered along the
coastline for thousands of years before the
arrival of Europeans. No one knows exactly
why the inhabitants of these coastal valleys
etched lines and figures in the desert some
2,000 years ago. The largest figures are over
200 metres across. Scholars differ as to their
purpose but in general, they ascribe religious
significance to them. During your overflight
you may also see the Palpa Lines and other new
discoveries in Pisco, Ocucaje and Cahuachi.
Following your overflight you are driven to
your hotel in Paracas for the night. Here you
enjoy a relaxing lunch. (L)
DAY 1 depart lima / pisco / Nazca Lines / ParacasThis morning you are taken to Lima Bus
Station to board the regular bus service to Pisco,
on the Pacific Coast of Peru. This road trip
takes approximately three hours. (The trip can
also be done by private car at additional cost.)
On arrival in Pisco you board a small, high-
wing, light aircraft to overfly the mysterious
Nazca Lines, the most famous of which are
the condor, the hummingbird and the monkey.
The overflight allows you to appreciate the
scale of this amazing work. The Nazca Lines
are the most intriguing of the many remnants
DAY2 Paracas / Ballestas Islands / pisco / LimaEarly this morning you are taken to the pier to
board a boat to visit the Ballestas Islands, part
of the Paracas National Reserve and the habitat
of boobies, pelicans, sea lions, seal colonies, the
Humboldt Penguin and an abundance of other
bird species. The islands are simply spectacular,
eroded into numerous arches and caves which
provide shelter for thousands of seabirds, some
of which are very rare, as well as hundreds of
sea lions. You are then taken back to the bus
station to board your service to Lima. (This can
be done by private car at additional cost.) (B)
nazca lines & paracas costs
$910 pp sharing Tourist-class
$931pp sharing Superior-class
$1,014 pp sharing Luxury-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before the South America SensationsTour on page 40.
2 Before the Second Part of ExclusiveGold South America on page 57.
do it AFTER
3 After (or before) Exclusive Gold South America on page 50.
paracas marine reserve, peru
nazca lines & paracas marine reserveview these mysterious markings
74 inca tours - excellence in travel
central americasensationsthe ultimate mexico, cuba & Guatemalatourthe highlights in a shorter periodThe Central America Sensations Tour includes most of the highlights of Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico over a relatively short duration. This is our moderately priced Superior-class tour to the Central America region, designed for the more budget conscious guest. It visits most of the highlightdestinations and is escorted by an experienced tour leader with assistance from our expert English-speaking local guides. The hotels used on the Sensations Tour are very well located, of a very highstandard and exhibit all the charm and character that is Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico.
guaranteed departures with 2 or moreYou have the confidence to book with Inca Tours knowing that the Sensations Tour is guaranteed tooperate and won’t be cancelled due to low numbers at the last minute, as often happens with other touroperators. On all Sensations Tours, we guarantee that your tour will operate with only two or more.
ultimate small groups with a max of 18In the same way that we guarantee our departures, we also place a cap of only eighteen guests on eachSensations Tour. This way you receive personalised attention all the way. For financial reasons, mostother tour companies do not do this and book as many people as they can on each tour.
stay in central america’s best locationsWhy go all that way only to stay near the places you want to see? We select hotels which retain thecharm and character of Latin America and are located at the places of interest. Chichen Itza is just oneexample.We avoid the international chains, preferring to experience the culture and lifestyle first handin properties with local flavour and style. You have worked hard during your life, you deserve it!
great hotels& lodges inthe very bestlocations,combinedwith themust see & doinclusions, as well as fine dining.
guaranteed max 18 guestseach tour,with tour leader & expert localguides meansan extremelypersonalisedexperience.
incatours.net 75
superior class hotels
& lodges
76 inca tours - excellence in travel
superior-classhotels
sensations
It is envisaged that you will be hosted in the followingexquisite hotels during your tour.
cuba
mexico
hotel nacional de cuba,havana
brisas trinidad del mar,trinidad
posada de don rodrigo, antigua
posada de don rodrigo, panajachel
guatemala
incatours.net 77
the veryfinest
properties
Please note: the interior hotel room photos on these two pages are for general information purposes only. The specific rooms you are accommodated in on tour may differ in terms of room type, standard and configuration.
hotel villa maya,flores
hotel casa blanca,mexico city
villa mercedeshotel,palenque
hotel plazacampeche,campeche
haciendachichen,chichen itza
ocean coral,playa del carmen
78 inca tours - excellence in travel
includedhighlights
• A guaranteed departure with two or more guests.
• Experienced senior tour leader throughout the tour, from beginning to end.*
• Expert private English-speaking local guides on all city / sightseeing tours and excursions.
• All airfares, airport departure taxes, tipping and porterage throughout the tour.
• Three memorable nights in Havana, the grand and historic capital of Cuba.
• A comprehensive driving and walking tour of Old and New Havana.
• Visits to a Cuban Cigar Factory and the famous Havana Club Rum Factory.
• A typical Cuban Cabaret in Havana, the city of Salsa and Jazz.
• The city of Cienfuegos, on beautiful Cienfuegos Bay in the Caribbean Sea.
• Two nights in the Cuban “Museum Town” of Trinidad, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site
• Three nights in cosmopolitan Mexico City, founded by the Spanish in1521.
• A comprehensive sightseeing tour of Mexico City.
• Mexico’s world famous and highly regarded National Anthropology Museum.
• The spectacular Teotihuacan Pyramids, which once housed 250,000 inhabitants.
• A visit to the Shrine of the Virgin Guadalupe, the Patron Saint of the Americas.
• Two nights in the beautiful Colonial city of Antigua, the cultural centre of Guatemala.
• A traditional Guatemalan Cultural Show and Dinner in Antigua.
• Panajachel, on the shores of the volcano ringed Lake Atitlan.
• A boat ride on Lake Atitlan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
• Chichicastenango and its markets, the centre of Guatemala’s Maya-Quiche Highlands.
• Tikal National Park and its magnificent Mayan Pyramids and Ruins.
• Mexico’s world famous archeological site of Palenque, dating from 226 BC to 799 AD.
• Two nights in the beautiful Colonial City of San Francisco de Campeche, from1540.
• The Mexican State of Yucatan and its archeological site, the UNESCO listed city of Uxmal.
• The most famous Mayan archeological site: Chichen Itza, capital of the Mayan Empire.
• Two nights and a day at leisure in Playa del Carmen, on the idyllic Caribbean Riviera. *Subject to 4 or more guests.
includedfine dining• Many meals are included, with the
exception of those during leisure time.This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.Our experienced tour leader will makerecommendations about where to dine.
• Where possible, lunches& dinners are not buffet or set menus. We visit local restaurants where you have a choice.
• 41 meals are included: 22breakfasts,12 lunches& 7 dinners, some of whichare tour highlights. In addition, a number of meals are served on flights.
MEXICO
GUATEMALA
CUBA
Playa delCarmen
Chichen Itza
Palenque
Campeche UxmalTikal
Panajachel Antigua
FloresChichicastenango
Trinidad
Cienfuegos
Mexico City
Havana
Guatemala City
cuba, mexico &guatemala’s best on a sensations tour
25 days
incatours.net 79
DAY 1 Friday Australia / Lima This morning you depart for South America.
As you cross the Date Line you ‘gain’ a day so
you arrive into Santiago later on Friday and
connect with your flight to Lima. On arrival we
are assisted to our airport hotel. (Meals Inflight)
DAY2 Saturday Lima / HavanaAfter breakfast we fly to Havana, the Cuban
Capital, where we are met and taken to our
well-appointed and historic hotel for three
nights. Havana was founded in1514 by
explorer Diego Velazquez and the original city,
with its narrow streets and rich diversity of
Colonial buildings is a UNESCOWorld Heritage
Site. At sunset Havana’s bars and cafes come
to life with the rhythm of Salsa and Jazz. (B)
DAY3 Sunday HavanaWe tour Old and New Havana, firstly driving
along The Malecon, Havana’s evocative eight
km sea drive to visit Plaza de la Revolucion
and the Capitol Nacional. We visit Plaza Viejo,
Arms Square and Cathedral Square before
strolling the cobbled, car-free Calle Mercaderes,
restored and almost a replica of the splendid
18th Century original. We also visit the Del
Medio Bar (an old haunt of Ernest Hemingway)
and have lunch at a traditional restaurant. (BL)
DAY4 Monday HavanaOur day starts with a visit to a Cuban Cigar
Factory where we see the process of rolling
these world-class cigars. We then stop in at
Cuba’s famous Havana Club Rum Factory.
Later we visit the Museo de la Revolucion.
Fidel Castro, rose to power with a
historic assault on the capital that
has resulted in almost 50 years of
Communist rule. The Museum of
the Revolution in Havana offers
exhibits that pertain to the Cuban
Revolution, as well as to the
Cuban War of Independence.
Tonight we are taken out for
dinner and a typical Cuban
Cabaret. Ooh la la! (BD)
DAY 5 Tuesday Havana / TrinidadThis morning we are driven to Cienfuegos,
with a strong French influence depicted in its
imposing Neoclassic architecture. It sits on
beautiful Cienfuegos Bay in the Caribbean
Sea. On arrival we take a walking tour before
visiting Punta Gorda, the aristocratic quarter
and home to the outlandish Moorish-style
Palacio de Valle, built in1917. We enjoy lunch
here before proceeding to Trinidad. On arrival
we check into our Caribbean seaside resort
on Playa Ancon for two nights. (BLD)
DAY6 Wednesday TrinidadTrinidad was declared a World Heritage Site
by UNESCO in1988 and today this “Museum
Town” exudes an obvious Spanish Colonial
atmosphere of pastel painted buildings, with
tiled roof tops, cobbled stone streets, Baroque
church towers and wrought iron
gates. The classic old American
cars and horse drawn carts add
to the ambiance of a by-gone era.
Today we undertake a tour of
the old town of Trinidad. One
of the highlights is a guided tour
of the Museum of Architecture
showcasing upper-class domestic
architecture of the18th and19th
Centuries. This afternoon you
can relax and enjoy the sparkling waters of
the Caribbean Sea. (BLD)
DAY 7 Thursday Trinidad / Mexico CityWe return to Havana for our flight to Mexico
City where on arrival we are taken to our hotel
for a fabulous three-night stay. Mexico is the
third largest Latin American country and the
world’s most populous Spanish speaking
country. Mexico City, founded in1521, was
built upon the remains of Teotihuacan, the
Aztec Capital. Tonight we enjoy typical
Mexican Mariachi Music. (BD)
cuba, guatemala & mexico sensationstour itinerary
Our tour of CentralAmerica & Cuba wasabove all expectations.We enjoyed every day.Vee, you were truly anexcellent tour leader,in fact you could nothave been better.E Bryan& L Lander ACT
never morethan 18 in aninca group!
lake atitlan, guatemala
classic old america car, cuba
80 inca tours - excellence in travel
DAY8 Friday Mexico City
We tour Mexico City, firstly travelling along
Paseo de la Reforma, a wide avenue that runs
in a straight line, cutting diagonally across
the city. We visit the Main Square with its
centuries of tradition, the National Palace
with its famous murals and the Metropolitan
Cathedral. We also tour the world renowned
National Anthropology Museum. (B)
DAY9 Saturday Mexico City
This morning we drive out of the city to see
the spectacular Teotihuacan Pyramids, a vast
archaeological site containing some of the
world’s most remarkable relics of an ancient
civilisation. It dates from around 300 BC and
housed 250,000 people. On our return to
the city we stop at the Shrine of Guadalupe
Virgin, Patron Saint of the Americas. (BL)
DAY 10 Sunday Mexico City / AntiguaToday we fly to Guatemala City and are then
driven to Antigua , Guatemala’s cultural centre,
where we have a wonderful two-night stay.
Tonight we enjoy a cultural show. (BD)
DAY 11 Monday AntiguaThis beautiful Colonial city was founded in
1543 and partially destroyed by an earthquake in
1773. Antigua is surrounded by three volcanoes,
providing a dramatic backdrop to its fine
churches, architecture and ruins. This morning
we have a comprehensive tour of Antigua. (B)
DAY 12 Tuesday Antigua / PanajachelWe travel to Panajachel located on the shores
of Lake Atitlan, considered one of the world’s
most beautiful lakes. Enroute we visit a
traditional coffee plantation. (B)
DAY 13 Wednesday Panajachel – Lake AtitlanLake Atitlan is a volcanic lake ringed by several
small traditional villages all with unique, strong
indigenous identities. Today we take a boat ride
on Lake Atitlan and visit one of the villages. The
afternoon is at leisure at your lakeside hotel. (B)
DAY 14 Thursday Panajachel / FloresWe depart this morning for Chichicastenango,
the centre of the Maya-Quiche Highlands.
Here we experience the real Mayan culture!
Ancient incense-burning rituals are practiced
on the steps of Santo Tomas Church and the
local market is a hive of activity for traditionally
dressed locals. We then continue to Guatemala
City Airport for our flight to Flores. (B)
Day 15 Friday Flores – TikalToday we visit the magnificent ruins of Tikal
National Park. We see the ‘Q’ Complex: a
Great Plaza, squared-off with the pyramids
of the Grand Jaguar and the Masks; the Palace
of the Nobles and Pyramid IV. This is the
highest of the Mayan Pyramids, from the
top of which a complete view of Tikal can be
had. After lunch we return to our hotel. (BL)traditional mayan weaving, central america
antigua, guatemala
incatours.net 81
Day 16 Saturday flores / PalenqueWe depart by road and cross back into Mexico,
where after entering the State of Chiapas, we
find the world famous archeological site of
Palenque. Here we stay for two nights. (BL)
DAY 17 Sunday PalenqueToday we enjoy one of the highlights of the tour
with our visit to the Palenque Ruins, dating
from 226 BC to 799 AD. This is a medium-
sized site, much smaller than Tikal or Chichen
Itza but containing some of the finest Mayan
architecture and sculpture. Much of its history
has been reconstructed from the hieroglyphics
found there. After a fabulous day learning about
the Mayan Culture, we return to our hotel. (BL)
DAY 18 Monday Palenque / CampecheWe are driven north, stopping in Champoton,
a small city that was originally part of the
Mayan Civilisation. We then continue on to
Campeche for a two-night stay. Tonight we
take a walk through the beautiful softly lit
streets of this Spanish Colonial city. (BL)
DAY 19 Tuesday CampecheWe undertake a comprehensive city tour of
Campeche, founded in1540 by the conquerers
and still retaining many of the Colonial Spanish
walls which protected it from pirates. Its finely
preserved quality architecture rightly earned it
UNESCOWorld Heritage status in1999. (BL)
chichen itza, mexico
tour Dates for cuba, guatemala & mexico sensations
Departing 4th November 2016 Returning 28th November 2016
Departing 3rd November 2017 Returning 27th November 2017
Departing 2nd November 2018 Returning 26th November 2018
costs for cuba, guatemala & mexico sensations tour
$19,590 Per person twin-share ex-Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney
$2,700 Single room supplement for solo travellers not wishing to share rooms
$4,500 Business-class upgrade for long-haul international sectors
Terms & conditions apply. Tour costs may change prior to receipt of full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.
DAY20 Wednesday Campeche / Chichen Itza
We are driven from Campeche into the State
of Yucatan to reach the archeological site of
Uxmal, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site and one
of the Maya cities most representative of the
region. After a tour of Uxmal, we continue on
to our hotel, located close to the most famous
Mayan archeological site: Chichen Itza. (BL)
DAY21 Thursday Chichen Itza / Playa del Carmen
Chichen Itza was the capital of the Mayan
Empire, founded in 432 AD. Today we see the
Temple of Tigers and the Ball Court, where
the first known ball games were played, the
Observatory and the Sacred Cenote.
After visiting this amazing site we take a two-hour drive to Playa del Carmen and our idyllicresort on the Caribbean for two nights. (BLD)
DAY22 Friday Playa del CarmenToday is entirely at leisure to relax. (BLD)
DAY23 Saturday depart playa del CarmenThis morning we fly to Santiago. On arrival weconnect with our flight back to Australia. (B)
DAY24 Sunday InflightToday we re-cross the Date Line. (Meals inflight)
DAY25 Monday arrive AustraliaYou arrive home this morning. Welcome Home!
MEXICO
Mexico City
CreelChihuahua
Los Mochis& El Fuerte
Bahuichivo Barrancas
82 inca tours - excellence in travel
one of forty bridges
6dayscoppercanyon
and 40 bridges in the unspoiled 65,000 square
kilometre Sierra Madre Canyons. After alighting
the train you are driven the short distance to
Cerocahui where you have accommodation for
tonight. You have the afternoon at leisure to
explore or perhaps visit the Jesuit Mission. (B)
DAY3 Cerocahui / BarrancasEarly today you are driven to Urique Lookout
Point at 2,300 metres above sea level. You then
reboard the Copper Canyon Train for the next
leg of this thrilling train journey, featuring
beautiful landscapes and amazing views, before
arriving at Posada Barrancas Station mid
afternoon. You stay in Barrancas tonight. (B)
DAY 1 Mexico City / El FuerteThis morning you fly to Los Mochis, where
on arrival you are met and taken to El Fuerte
for the night. This Colonial town, founded
in1564 is famous for being the legendary
birthplace of Señor Diego de la Vega, also
known as “Zorro”.
DAY2 El Fuerte / CerocahuiYou embark on the world famous Copper
Canyon Train ride to Bahuichivo Train
Station. This is an inspiring experience and an
engineering marvel that took more than100
years to construct. It takes you from sea level
to 2,400 metres above sea level via 86 tunnels
the spectacular Sierra Madre Canyons
DAY4 Barrancas / CreelThis morning you are taken on a tour to theBalancing Rock and Three Canyons OverlookPoint, where an aerial tramway is located.Afterwards you continue by train to Creelwhere you stay for one night. (B)
DAY 5 Creel / ChihuahuaYou undertake a tour of Creel during whichyou visit Arareco Lake, San Ignacio Mission andthe Tarahumara Indian Caves. This afternoonyou continue by train to Chihuahua where youhave accommodation for night. (B)
DAY6 Chihuahua / Mexico CityYou fly to Mexico City where your tour ends. (B)
copper canyon costs
$1,167 pp sharing Tourist-class
Not available in Superior-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before (or after) the Cuba,Guatemala & Mexico SensationsTour on page 78.
2 Before (or after) the Panama Cityand Panama Canal Tour on page 83.
3 Before (or after) the Costa Rica Tour on page 84.
mexico’s copper canyon train journeylatin america’s most scenic rail trip
PANAMA
Panama City
Panama Canal
incatours.net 83
the panama canal
old panama city
DAY3 Panama Canal by boatEarly this morning you are collected from your
hotel and driven to the pier to board your
vessel for a partial crossing of the Panama
Canal. Your vessel will navigate canal locks as
they are filled and subsequently emptied of
water, allowing the vessel to rise and descend
in elevation. This afternoon you are taken on
a fascinating driving and walking tour of Old
Panama City. The Spaniards’ efforts to settle
colonies in the Atlantic Region of Darien
failed due to the unhealthy location and food
scarcity. This led to a move to the Pacific
Ocean, founding Old Panama City on
DAY 1 Arrive Panama CityOn arrival in Panama City you are met and
taken to your hotel for three (or four) nights.
DAY2 Panama Canal by trainToday you are taken on a tour of the Panama
Canal, Portobelo and the Gatun Locks. Ride
the train along the historic trans-isthmus route
to Colon, then visit the ruins of Fuerte San
Lorenzo and Portobelo to hear about the
historic gold trade. Later you are driven across
the Panama Canal, the greatest engineering
masterpiece of last century and considered the
Eighth Wonder of the Modern World! You
also visit the Gatun Dam today. (BL)
15th August1519. Panama rapidly became an
expensive, rich, legendary place, attracting
buccaneers who roved along its coasts. The
pirate-captain Henry Morgan attacked and
‘sacked’ the old city in1671. This afternoon’s
sightseeing tour visits many historical sites.
Please note, the Panama Canal by Boat
Excursion is only available on Saturdays. (BL)
DAY4 Panama City ORdepartYou may choose to have (at additional cost)
another night in Panama City and undertake
the driving and walking tour of Old Panama
City today. Alternatively, you are taken to the
airport where your tour comes to an end. (B)
panama city & canal costs
$1,113 pp sharing Tourist-class
$1,244pp sharing Superior-class
$1,391 pp sharing Luxury-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before (or after) the Cuba, Guatemala & Mexico Sensations Tour on page 78.
2 Before (or after) the Copper CanyonTour on page 82.
3 Before (or after) the Costa Rica Tour on page 84.
3 or4dayspanama city
panama city & the panama canalthe modern world’s eight wonder
COSTA RICA
San Jose
Manuel Antonio NP
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
Arenal Monteverde Cloud Forest
Tortuguero NP
84 inca tours - excellence in travel
suspended canopy walk, monteverde
4 to 10 dayscosta rica
costa ricamore to enjoy before heading home!DAY2 Arenal – Cano Negro National Wildlife RefugeCosta Rica’s main attraction is its countryside,
nature and wildlife. With 23% of this tiny
country preserved in national parks and
wildlife conservation areas, a trip to Costa
Rica would not be complete without visiting
Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, Costa
Rica’s most important wetland.
Today you are driven north towards Nicaragua
before taking a boat trip through dense,
tropical vegetation into this wildlife paradise.
An endless variety of birdlife live here along
with caimans, turtles, monkeys, sloths, iguanas
and lizards. Your specialised local guide will
point out all manner of wildlife as you slowly
cruise the lake. You return to your hotel mid
afternoon, with free time for optional activities
such as jungle walks, the thermal baths, hanging
bridge walks or a horse ride to a waterfall. (B)
DAY3 Arenal / Santa Elena You depart Arenal and travel to Santa Elena,
where the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest
Reserve is situated. This private reserve is
home to the shy and very rare Resplendent
Quetzal. Later you take a canopy walk along
suspended bridges, through and high above the
tree tops of the cloud forest. You sometimes see
monkeys, sloths and a variety of birds but the
most striking feature is the forest itself and
the myriad shades of green. (B)
Costa Rica is a very small country and all of its
highlights can easily be combined as follows.
Alternatively, you may visit Costa Rica and
only include some of them in your stay.
DAY 1 San Jose / Arenal This morning you are collected from your hotel
(or the airport) and driven across the Cordillera
Tillaran to the Arenal Volcano Region. After
passing through quaint villages, lush tropical
jungle and rolling mountains, you travel along
the shores of Lake Arenal, from where you have
views of the classic cone-shaped1,633 metre
high Arenal Volcano. This afternoon undertake
one of the many optional activities available.
butterfly, monteverde
DAY4 Santa Elena / Monteverde / Manuel AntonioOn a guided walk through Monteverde Cloud
Forest this morning you learn about the fauna
and flora of the reserve from your expert guide.
You may also be lucky enough to spot the
spectacular Resplendent Quetzal.
Later you depart Santa Elena for Manuel
Antonio. Descending from the cool climate of
the cloud forest, you travel down to sea level
and along the Pacific Coast to the village of
Manuel Antonio with its beautiful beaches,
views and its pristine national park.
DAY 5 Manuel AntonioYou have an early morning guided excursion
to Manuel Antonio National Park, with the
remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy it.
Established in1972, Manuel Antonio National
Park is located on the Pacific Coast of Costa
Rica and as such, boasts a number of beautiful
and safe swimming beaches. As well as
swimming, you may like to take a snorkelling,
diving or fishing trip which can be arranged at
your hotel. The park is also well known for its
hiking trails from which you can usually see
troupes of monkeys as they take a well worn
route through the trees to their resting place
for the night. In 2011, Manuel Antonio was
listed by Forbes magazine among the world’s
twelve most beautiful national parks. (B)
incatours.net 85
iguana, cano negro National wildlife refuge
Tortuguero National Park is located on the
Caribbean Coast and can be added to the
beginning of any Costa Rica itinerary (from
San Jose you transfer directly to Tortuguero) or
to the end before departing Manuel Antonio
NP for San Jose. You can also combine it with
any of the destinations mentioned opposite.
DAY 1 arrive tortuguero NP This morning you travel by road and boat to
the remote jungle paradise of Tortuguero NP.
Later you embark on a guided boat adventure
along Tortuguero’s waterways in search of
wildlife before relaxing at your comfortable
riverfront lodge. Here you stay for two nights.
DAY6 Manuel Antonio / San JoseAfter a leisurely breakfast you depart for San
Jose. During your two-night stay you have the
opportunity to take in the sights of the Costa
Rican capital and its surrounds. This afternoon
you are taken on a comprehensive city tour of
San Jose after which you may like to visit one
of the city’s many museums. (B)
DAY 7 San Jose & surroundsToday you are taken to visit Poas Volcano
National Park, covering an area of roughly
65 square kilometres. The Poas Volcano is
located in the Central Volcanic Conservation
Area in Alajuela Province, near to the Pacific
Coast. The summit of the volcano is 2,700
metres high and one of the attractive and
unusual features of Poas is that you can get all
the way to the edge of its crater! The main
crater is 290 metres deep and two more craters
make up parts of the park, the extinct Von
Frantzuis Crater and the Botos Crater. Botos is
a beautiful cold, green water crater lake with a
diameter of 370 metres. Well-marked trails will
take you to see these two inactive craters. Today
you also visit a coffee plantation and see the
coffee production process taking place. (B)
DAY8 Depart San JoseThis morning you are taken to the airport
where your tour comes to an end. (B)
DAY2 tortuguero NP Multiple boat trips, jungle walks and activities
are available for you to undertake today, such
as the Green Turtle Nesting tour (available July
to September). Alternatively, you may like to
visit the local village of Tortuguero. (B)
DAY3 tortuguero NP / san joseToday you return to San Jose, either by land or
by air, to enjoy your last night in Costa Rica. (B)
DAY4 depart san joseAfter breakfast you are collected from your
hotel and taken to San Jose International
Airport where your tour comes to an end. (B)
costa rica costs
$2,002 pp sharing Tourist-class
$2,407pp sharing Superior-class
$2,946 pp sharing Luxury-class
turtuguero NP (4 days)
$496 pp sharing Tourist-class
$544 pp sharing Superior-class
$1,001pp sharing Luxury-class
do it BEFORE
1 Before (or after) the Cuba, Guatemala& Mexico Sensations Tour on page 78.
orchids, manuel Antonio NP
deer, manuel antonio NP
86 inca tours - excellence in travel
machu picchu from Huayna picchu game of golf, la paz’s moon valley
at iguassu falls, in rio, at machu picchu & in la paz
tour enhancers
You can choose to add the following activities to yourtour at our special rates as listed on the price insert.
harbour boat excursion, riohelicopter over iguassu falls helicopter over rio de janeiro
climbing Huayna picchu
incatours.net 87
exclusive gold combinations
combining tourssensations combinations
days exclusive gold & extensions pages36+ exclusive gold +galapagos ISLANDS Cruise 50 & 5838+ antarctic cruise + exclusive gold 60 & 5036 australis cruise + exclusive gold 62 & 5037 skorpios II cruise + exclusive gold 63 & 5036+ exclusive gold +amazon RIVER LUXURY cruise 50 & 6440 exclusive gold +THE BEST OF COLOMBIA 50 & 6536 perito moreno glaCIER + exclusive gold 66 & 5036+ exclusive gold +TORRES DEL PAINE NP 50 & 6736+ THE ATACAMA DESERT + exclusive gold 68 & 5036+ exclusive gold + EASTER ISLAND 50 & 6937 exclusive gold +A TASTE OF ECUADOR 50 & 7036+ exclusive gold+ THE SPIRIT OF THE ANDES 50 & 7137 exclusive gold+UYUNI SALT FLAT 50 & 7234 exclusive gold +NAZCA LINES & PARACAS 50 & 73
days sensations tour & extensions pages27+ sensations TOUR+galapagos ISLANDS Cruise 40 & 5827 sensations TOUR +australis PATAGONIA cruise 40 & 6228 skorpios II FJORDS cruise + sensations tour 63 & 4027+ amazon RIVER LUXURY cruise + sensations TOUR 64 & 4031 THE BEST OF COLOMBIA + sensations TOUR 65 & 4027 sensations TOUR + perito moreno GLACIER 40 & 6627+ TORRES DEL PAINE NP + sensations TOUR 67 & 4027+ sensations TOUR +THE ATACAMA DESERT 40 & 6827+ sensations TOUR + EASTER ISLAND 40 & 6928 A TASTE OF ECUADOR + sensations TOUR 70 & 4027+ THE SPIRIT OF THE ANDES + sensations TOUR 71 & 4028 UYUNI SALT FLAT + sensations TOUR 72 & 4025 NAZCA LINES & PARACAS + sensations TOUR 73 & 40
INCA TOURSHead office 68 Pacific Highway, Wyong NSW 2259 Australia
Telephone (02) 4351 2133 Facsimile (02) 4351 2526
Toll free from within Australia1800 024 955
Email [email protected]
Web www.incatours.net
ABN 28 112 971 838
Please contact Inca Tours or your travel agent for any of the above travel brochures
EXCELLENCE INTRAVEL
africa& the middle east
over
35 years of travel
experience�
��
Escorted GroupsSmall personable groups
4 or 5-star, fully-escorted
All guaranteed to depart
www.incatours.net
Inca Experience ToursIndividual Tailor-made Tour
Packages, Cruises & Treks
all with Guaranteed Departures
southamerica
&antarctica
EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
EXCELLENCE INTRAVEL
indiabhutan, nepal & tibet
over
35 years of travel
experience�
��
Escorted GroupsSmall personable groups
4 or 5-star, fully-escorted
All guaranteed to depart
www.incatours.net
EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Inca Experience ToursIndividual Tailor-made Tour
Packages, Safaris, Cruises &
Small Group Departures
africaegypt
&middleeast
Over
30 years
Experience
Private non-group travel
Inca Tours also specialises in designing tailor-made Southand Central America tours for non-group private travel,for couples, individuals, families and groups of friends.If the South America Sensations Tour, the Exclusive GoldSouth America or the Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico Sensations Tour in this brochure don’t suit you, just tellus what parts of Latin America you would like to visit,when you want to travel and we’ll design a personalisedprivate itinerary to reflect your interests and your budget.
Additionally, for brochures on tours and travel to Africa,Bhutan, Egypt, India, Nepal or Tibet, please call us tollfree on1800 024 955 or email: [email protected]
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