Day 01 Sat   Australia/ Lima 

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel to meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director.

Day 02 Sun   Lima 

Depart this morning on a half day sightseeing tour of Lima. Visit colonial Lima’s downtown with its historic and traditional buildings: the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Metropolitan City Hall surround the Main Square. Continue to San Francisco church and monastery, a 17’s century jewel, recognized as humanity cultural heritage by UNESCO. Followed by the modern district of San Isidro and Miraflores, where you will have a view of the Pacific Ocean from the Parque del Amor (Love Park). This tour finishes with a guided visit of the Larco Herrera Museum. This is a fabulous private museum with an exquisite collection of gold and silver, treasures from ancient Peru. Many pieces in this museum are now world-famous after having been exhibited in the best museums around the world. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or join your Tour Director on his Discovery Walk. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner at Huaca Pucllana restaurant, an unparalleled setting, 1500 year old adobe pyramid illuminated at night. (BD)

Day 03 Mon  Lima/ Amazon Lodge 

Fly to Puerto Maldonado to begin your Amazon journey. Transfer by bus and motorised canoe up river to your accommodation. After a short hike arrive at your Eco- lodge, built out of local materials. Rooms have private facilities with rustic comfort. Afternoon guided walk through the forest. Tonight you will have the option to participate on a night walk!  (BLD)

Day 04 Tue   Amazon Lodge 

Your early wake call will be the sound of birds. Start with a visit to an oxbow lake for bird watching, giant river otter spotting and other wild life. Another visit will include a walk to the nearby clay lick. After lunch short boat ride to learn all about forest plants and medicine. Evening walks are available today. (BLD)

Day 05 Wed   Amazon/ Sacred Valley

Arrive in Cuzco the ancient capital of the Incas. We start our adventure with a scenic drive through the Andes down to the Sacred Valley and stop for a picnic lunch on the way. Next we drive to Pisac visiting the famous Indian market. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to help your acclimatization to altitude.(BL)

Day 06 Thu   Sacred Valley 

At a very leisurely pace we start a full day tour of the Sacred Valley with a visit to the famous ruins of Ollantaytambo followed by a walk around the town and lunch at Hearts restaurant, whose profits go towards Living Heart, a non-government organization involved in a number of education, health, and conservation projects in the region. Continue to Chinchero for a private weaving demonstration at our friend’s house. Finish this day with a visit to the amazing rings of Moray, thought to be an ancient agricultural ‘greenhouse’.  (BL)

Day 07 Fri   Sacred Valley/ Machu Picchu

Transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo for your 90 minute Vistadome train ride to the deserted city of Machu Picchu, the most renowned example of Inca architecture. Today’s visit to magical Machu Picchu will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip! Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins & lunch at Sanctuary Lodge before taking a mini-bus back to Aguas Calientes where you will overnight. (BLD) Option to walk from km 104 entering Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate.

Day 08 Sat   Machu Picchu/ Cuzco

Today is a free day to go back to the ruins at your own pace. Either early in the morning to watch dawn break and the mist to rise over the ruins; or walk back up along the Inca Trail to Sun Gate to find your special spot. If you prefer you could sleep-in and stroll around the charming town of Aguas Calientes. This afternoon we shall return to Cuzco by Vistadome train where you will have the opportunity of gazing the amazing landscape of the Valley through the glass ceiling carriage. (B) Note: as per new regulations, if you want to hike the Wayna Picchu Mountain we need to pre-pay the ticket so please advise us when booking the tour.

Day 09 Sun   Cuzco

Unique to Contours Travel! Enjoy a half day walking tour of Cuzco visiting the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and Koricancha Temple, walking along the cobblestones streets. Continue by car to visit the ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman. Rest of the day free to continue exploring this amazing city on your own or join your Tour Director on his Discovery Walk. (B)

Day 10 Mon   Cuzco 

Half day community project; participate with on a hands-on day with a local community of the Valley for a “one of a kind” experience. Get to know them and share their every-day activities.  (BL)

Day 11 Tue   Cuzco

Day at leisure to explore the Inca capital; get lost in this ancient city, with its beautiful cobblestones streets or visit any of the 16 sites with entrance fee included. Alternatively you can join your Tour Director on a Discovery Walk & see the city through the eyes of someone who knows it intimately. (B)

Day 12 Wed   Cuzco/ Puno

Unique to Contours Travel! Depart this morning on a full day ‘Bus & Train Experience’ tour across the altiplano to Puno. This means you will stop at the historical places of Andahuaylillas, Rachi and Viracocha Palace. At La Raya you will board the Andean Explorer train by Orient Express to Puno (lunch on board). Arrive this afternoon at your hotel right on the edge of Lake Titicaca. (BL)

Day 13 Thu   Puno 

Early this morning we transfer down to the pier of your hotel and depart on a full day excursion on Lake Titicaca visiting the remarkable floating islands – built on layers of totora reeds – home to the Uros Indians who still live as their ancestors did a thousand years ago. Afterward you will continue on to Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking and with amazing views of the majestic Lake. (BL)

Day 14 Fri   Puno/Sun Island/ La Paz

Depart by bus skirting Lake Titicaca to Copacabana and visit the Cathedral and Main Square. Sail the Titicaca Lake on board of a catamaran to Sun Island, the legendary birth place of the Inca Empire (buffet lunch on board). Visit the Inca Garden , the Inti Wata Cultural Complex including the Ekako Underground Museum, the Pachamama agricultural Inca terraces, the Manco Kapac look out and much more. Continue overland across the altiplano to La Paz. (BL)

Day 15 Sat   La Paz

Depart on a half-day city tour of La Paz with a visit to the Witches’ Market where you’ll learn about local traditions and customs. Continue to the Valley of the Moon to see the amazing landscape. Free afternoon. (B)

Day 16 Sun   La Paz/ Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio. Transfer to your hotel on famous Copacabana beach with stunning views! (B)

Day 17 Mon   Rio de Janeiro

Unique to Contours Travel! Enjoy a half day tour to Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain. Ride a train across the Tijuca Forest – the largest urban forest in the world. Disembark at the top of Corcovado and marvel at the breathtaking 360° view over the city below. Continue to have lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure to explore Rio on your own. (BL

Day 18 Tue   Rio de Janeiro

Unique to Contours Travel!Enjoy your morning at leisure, we suggest a visit to the Rio Cathedral. Is often times considered to be one of the most magnificent examples of artistic architecture in Brazil. Architect Edgar de Oliveira based its design on Mayan pyramids and gave the structure a conical shape. It is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio, and houses the seat of the archbishop of the city.

And prepare yourself because this afternoon’s highlight will be the cable car ride tour to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain for a different 360° view of Rio including Guanabara Bay & its famous beaches. Drive through downtown passing by Rio’s traditional and historical sites including the Sambadrome, site of Rio´s famous Carnival parade.  (B)

Day 19 Wed   Rio de Janeiro/ Iguazú Falls

Fly to spectacular Iguazú waterfalls, and tour on the Brazilian side. Transfer across the Argentine border to your hotel, set in the National Park with unique views to the falls. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure exploring the Park or relaxing in the pool watching the Falls.  (B)

Day 20 Thu   Iguazú Falls

Full-day tour of the Argentine Falls walking along the upper and lower trails for the best views of the falls. Experience the staggering power of the falls by riding the Iguazú River rapids, with the roaring waterfalls towering over your head (Prepare to get wet!) followed by a 4WD inside the jungle. Continue by train and on foot to the Devils Throat platform. (B)

Day 21 Fri   Iguazú Falls/ Buenos Aires

Morning at leisure. You can either keep on exploring the park or just relax in your hotel. In the afternoon fly to Buenos Aires, with the rest of the day at leisure. Your Tour Director will be on hand to take you on a Discovery Walk.  (B)

Day 22 Sat   Buenos Aires

Unique to Contours Travel! Depart this morning on a half day tour of Northern area of Buenos Aires and you will understand why Buenos Aires is known as the “Paris of the Americas”. The tour includes Retiro, well-known for its mansions. Palermo, the largest neighbourhood with 17.4 km2. Visit ´Palermo Chico´ famous for its mansions and parks, ´Palermo Viejo´ and ´Palermo Soho´ a newly trendy area for fashion, design and restaurants. Continue to Recoleta home to the renowned Cemetery where Eva Peron is buried. Feel like a local when you sit for a coffee in one of the most traditional ‘cafes’ of Buenos Aires. This evening you will be taken for a private one-hour tango class followed by dinner and a tango show at El Querandi.

Day 23 Sun   Buenos Aires

Unique to Contours Travel! Today´s tour includes the Southern neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. Visit Plaza 25 de Mayo, Government House (La Casa Rosa) and City Hall;Stop at the most emblematic cafe of the city, the Cafe Tortoni. Continue to the colourful district of La Boca and the portside district of Puerto Madero. We will visit the old neighbourhood of San Telmo, with its cobbled streets. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own or join your Tour Director on a Discovery Walk. (B)

Day 24 Mon   Depart Buenos Aires

Say goodbye to South America because today you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight back home via Santiago; Or ask us about extending your stay in South America! (B)

Day 25 Tue   In transit

Day 26 Wed   Arrive in Australia

Mr & Mrs Fielding - Nov 2012

Hi Pip, Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into organising our trip to South America and Antarctica.  Garry and I are slowly settling in after our big adventure. I know at times I was a bit pedantic with my requests and queries but you came through with flying colours for us.  Our trip was amazing and everything ran smoothly.  The worst that happened with all our flights and transfers was a 30 minute delay on the flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. The transfers and guides were excellent and the Treasures of South America tour was very well put together - special mention must be made of Condor Travel (Peru Office) as they were very very good.  Needless to say the Antarctic cruise was simply amazing. I have fallen in love with South America and I am advising everyone that no matter how good my photos of Antarctica are and no matter how much I tell them about it, I cannot do it justice - Antarctica has to be experienced. Aurora Expeditions, in particular the Polar Pioneer, were great - very professional, great expedition team, brilliantly run trip.  Being on a small ship was a definite advantage. Once again, thank you so much for your expertise and patience. Cheers

Mr & Mrs Harragon - Oct 2011

This tour was everything I hoped for and more. Jorge our tour leader was excellent, very caring and interested. Great problem solver, very diplomatic. Great sense of humor. Made sure all were well & happy. Our itinerary included the optional extensions to the Galapagos and to Patagonia and these comments also cover those extras. The trip from Sydney to Quito was very long (approx. 30 hours from home) and it would have been desirable to have a day in Quito to recover before going on to the Galapagos. The Galapagos (on board of the Galapagos Explorer II) trip was very good and the service was excellent. We had a marvellous time. The start of the “Treasures of South America” trip in Lima was our introduction to Jorge Cockburn and we came to appreciate his assistance more and more over the next three weeks. He is an excellent Tour Director and we cannot speak too highly of him. His attention to all the tourists under his care was of the highest standard and he is to be commended. The highlight, for me, was the walk into Machu Picchu and exploring the site. None of the other members of the group seemed to be aware of the optional walk and there were a number who would have taken up the option if it had been available. Perhaps there needs to be a little more emphasis given to this aspect in the publicity. Having said that, it is noted that one needs to do some training before embarking on the walk along the Inca Trail. Our group agreed that Machu Picchu was just a wonderful experience and our itinerary allowed sufficient time to explore over the two days we were there. The trip to Sun Island was another highlight and the ecolodge was very interesting and the trek to it was a bit of a challenge which we enjoyed. The Perito Moreno glacier should be very high on any trip to this area. It makes any other glacier appear puny by comparison. You should be aware that we enjoyed every minute of our trip and are very happy with the service provided and we would heartily recommend the tour to anybody else.

Mr & Mrs Wilson - Oct 2011

An excellent tour and definitely the way to see South America for me. Jorge is an excellent tour leader; caring, thoughtful. Did a lot of extra things for us all. Jorge often was called on to help us beyond the call of duty. Always cheerful with a smile on his face.

Mr & Mrs Wilson - Oct 2011

An excellent tour. Jorge performed well above expectations. He has been outstanding. Very knowledgeable and constant attention to clients.

Mr & Mrs O'Callaghan - Oct 2011

I loved all that was included in our program and feel we have had a good insight into many of the varying areas of South America. Our tour leader Jorge has been well above expectations. He is kind, considerate, well organized, contentious, always looking out for us and helping whenever he can. So patient and all with a great sense of humor! He never faulted in looking after us in the 3 weeks and helped us all get the best out of the program planned.  

Mr Coligado - Sep 2011

Tim, our tour leader was great. Accessible and attentive to needs, requests, queries of everyone in group and worked well with local guides. The tour exceeded my expectations. Whilst initially I felt I would have preferred the company of people in a similar age group (under 50), I ended up getting along quite well with most in the group.  

Mr & Mrs Trickey - Sep 2011

Tim was very professional, amiable, knowledgeable about South America. Pleasant easy going personality. Excellent!! A most enjoyable well organized tour. Thank you Contours so much!  

Mr & Mrs Tickle - Sep 2011

Tim was an excellent ambassador for South America & Contours Travel. He did an excellent job!  

Mrs Waddell - Sep 2011

This has been the best tour I have been on. I was worried about the altitude but found I coped well - with Tim's help and numerous stops. It has been the most wonderful adventure. I don't know how I will describe it to my family & friends at home. Tim, our tour leader, was so very kind & caring towards an oldie. He helped me up millions of steps - always made sure I was ok. I enjoyed his company & humor so very much. Thank you Contours for this trip of a lifetime!!!

Mr & Mrs McKimm - Sep 2011

Tim, our tour guide, was wonderful. Very capable, funny, caring, organized, reliable. Good local knowledge, enthusiastic & energetic. Overall a 10/10!!! This was our first group tour and it was wonderful. Smooth calm organization and lots of fun! We would consider another trip at some stage. The small group (15), all Australians, tended to get on well together, supported and helped as well as sharing good times. Planned slow adjustment to high altitude a definite advantage for us all. Mr & Mrs McKimm  

Ms. Smythe - Sep 2011

We found Jim to be very informative and kind. Considerate & caring baring in mind we were the oldest in the tour. He was always there for us. Even though I was an older traveller and apprehensive about climbing at high altitude - I managed it with the help from Tim & plenty of steps along the way. Absolutely wonderful experience. A trip of a lifetime!!!

Mr & Mrs Hatton - Sep 2011

Our tour leader Tim is  a very pleasant and efficient tour leader. Any requests were attended promptly and efficiently. He added much to our enjoyment of our holiday. The allowance to adjust to higher altitude in Cuzco was very much appreciated. Mr & Mrs Hatton

Yelena & Jack - Sep 2011

Our tour leader was the best we ever had: patient, caring, knowledgeable, good heart, great sense of humor, quick problem solver.

Dale & Gary - Aug 2011

Alan was excellent, very helpful, very knowledgeable about the whole of South America. Made sure we enjoyed our trip and we were safe at all times. Alan went well beyond what we expected. He made sure everything went smoothly, was always cheerful and involved everyone. He is very patient. The choice of hotels & locations was very good. Dale & Gary

Morgan & Bazeos - Aug 2011

Without doubt Alan is a most exceptional man who treats his clients with the optimum care and consideration.

Mr & Mrs Stephenson - Aug 2011

Have nothing but praise for Alan. He is an excellent guide who has developed as a friend. Our group was really lucky! He went above the call of duty. Always looked out for our safety and shared so much knowledge with us. I believe that tour guides can make or break a holiday. We were fortunate that ours made a great tour even better. Mr & Mrs. Stephenson

Angelo and Marie - May 2011

We would like to thank you for a great tour which we did through your Treasures of South America in May this year. Our tour guide was Alan Huaman and we couldn't speak highly enough about him.  He made our trip stress free, fun, informative and "wonderful". We really appreciated that it was a small group + Alan and other guides which again we would recommend to anyone. Thanks again,

Patricia - June 2011

I returned from South America on 6 June, and wanted to give you feedback on two great guides that we had in Brazil. Renata was our guide in Rio, and a very personable and helpful guide she was.  A good guide can really make a holiday and this was the case in Rio with her assistance. I would also like to let you know that Rodrigo (Iguassu Falls) was very knowledgeable and professional.  In addition he is also very caring, as I was unwell on the bus and both he and the driver not only looked after my health issues, but helped to offset my embarrassment.  Many people overlook to highlight very good service, and I wanted you to know just how much I appreciated both of these guides, who I am sure you are probably already aware are highly prized employees.  I hope you will pass on my feedback to them both. Patricia Jun 2011

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