Tour Grand South America With Quito And The Galapagos Islands Cru

Others

Lima: Meet acclaimed local artist Victor Delfin, known for his monumental El Beso sculpture at his workshop in the city’s trendy Barranco district. Rio de Janeiro: Meet Bob Nadkarni, a local club owner, and hear how he created one of the most famous jazz clubs in all of South America, The Maze. You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas. Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary. At every hotel, you’ll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. From time to time, your Travelling Concierge will enchant you with a Luxury Gold Flourish, which is a local speciality representing the destination. Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold.

Guide

An expert guide is included.

Transport

Enjoy the comfort of Luxury Gold’s air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard restroom. Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

Accommodation

Quito: In the heart of Independence Square, the luxurious Hotel Plaza Grande boasts impressive views of the Government Palace and Cathedral Church, with Panecillo Hill in the distance. Lima: Explore the very best of Peru’s capital city at the JW Marriott Hotel Lima. Sacred Valley: The elegant Tambo del Inka will ensure an indelible stay. Machu Picchu: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 81 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. Cusco: The stylishly decorated and luxurious JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is built atop ancient Incan ruins. Lake Titicaca: Enjoy the sunsets on the lake from the only five-star hotel region, the Libertador. Santiago: The Singular Santiago is a five-star luxury hotel located in the Lastarria section of Chile’s capital. Buenos Aires: Distinguishable by its architecture and décor, the Alvear Palace Hotel is a hallmark of world class hotels. Iguassu: The luxurious Belmond das Cataratas is the only hotel inside the National Park and sits alongside the falls. Rio de Janeiro: With a prime location overlooking Copacabana Beach, the iconic Belmond Copacabana Palace offers an unforgettable stay in timeless luxury.

Meals

Quito: The innovative Restaurant Theatrum, located in the lively Theater Square, re-imagines Ecuadorian cuisine, blending ingredients and specialities from the country’s diverse regions. Macchu Picchu: Learn how to blend the perfect pisco sour. Sacred Valley: Delight in a Pachamama feast prepared in an underground oven and served in an exquisite garden in Ollantaytambo. Cusco: Dine at MAP restaurant, one of the city’s most prominent restaurants, situated on the lively, modern patio of the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art. This contemporary Peruvian haute cuisine restaurant offers an artistic dining experience, candlelit for a dazzling evening ambiance. Lima: Savour an innovative selection of Peruvian cuisine during a Welcome Dinner at Astrid y Gastón, among South America’s most famous restaurants. Santiago: Visit Kingston Family Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines. Buenos Aires: At San Antonio de Areco, one of the prettiest towns in the Pampas, enjoy a delicious asado lunch at La Bamba de Areco Estancia and a glimpse into the life of an Argentinian gaucho during an equestrian show. Rio de Janeiro: Your Farewell Celebration Dinner is served at the Michelin-starred MEE Restaurant, the vision of celebrity Chef Ken Hom and led by Executive Chef Kazuo Harada. Dining Summary: Quito and the Galapagos Islands Cruise: 9 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L) and 7 Dinners (D). Grand South America: 21 Breakfasts (B), 11 Lunches (L) and 15 Dinners (DW).

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Luxury Gold through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. For guests travelling with Luxury Gold from 1 January 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required. Please note that regardless of time of travel guests will need to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than above. It is guests’ responsibility to ensure that they comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to their failure to comply with these requirements.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive In Quito.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive In Quito.

Welcome to Ecuador. On arrival you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Quito, Ecuador’s culturally rich capital city, situated high in the Andes. You’ll join your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers at 18.00 for a private drinks reception and Welcome Dinner.
Day 2 Day 2: Quito Sightseeing.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Quito Sightseeing.

A drive north will take you to the Monument to the Equator. Here, you can experience the rare opportunity of standing in the Northern and Southern hemispheres simultaneously. Next, visit the Ethnographical Museum, which presents the history of the cultures of Ecuador. Continue to the historic centre of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Journey to the San Francisco Square, pass the church of La Compañia and see its ornate and richly sculptured façade. Continue on to visit one of the oldest streets in Quito, La Ronda. Later, enjoy dinner with wine in the historic Old Town at Theatrum.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 3 Day 3: Fly To The Galapagos Islands.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Fly To The Galapagos Islands.

Fly to Baltra Island and take a short journey to Puerto Ayora, where you will board the Santa Cruz II and enjoy lunch along with an introduction. Afterwards, relocate to Mosquera Islet. MosqueraYou’ll land among the long and narrow sand bank surrounded by lava reefs, the perfect rookery for young sea lions. Walk along sandy dunes and past the sea lion colonies. Learn more about the fragile marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Galapagos.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 4 Day 4: San Cristobal Island.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: San Cristobal Island.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island) After breakfast, we disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s capital, and drive to the southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, visit the breeding centre for highly endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristóbal mockingbird, and the San Cristóbal lava lizard, both island natives. Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal Island) In the afternoon, arrive at Punta Pitt, an eroded tuff cone, whose trail provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together. Walk or enjoy a panga ride along the coast. If you’re up for it, why not try snorkelling, swimming or kayaking in your free time?(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5 Day 5: Santa Fe And South Plaza Islands.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Santa Fe And South Plaza Islands.

Santa Fe Island After breakfast, take a dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by sea lions. The land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the morning walk amid the giant prickly pear cactus. Enjoy Santa Fe Your Way, with opportunities to snorkel or swim from the panga, relax on the glass bottom boat, or spend time kayaking. South Plaza Island After a rejuvenating lunch, arrive at South Plaza Island, where the turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. Beyond, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline you can find sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide, playing with the thermals.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 6 Day 6: Santa Cruz Island.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island.

Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island) Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and it’s spectacular giant tortoise Breeding Centre, hidden within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Board your transport for lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem. Santa Cruz Island Spend an afternoon at leisure, with the opportunity to enjoy Santa Cruz Island at your own pace. Your Travelling Concierge is on hand to assist with booking any activities. Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora and the Santa Cruz II.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 7 Day 7: Espanola Island.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Espanola Island.

Punta Suarez (Española Island) An exciting walk reveals the island’s unique sea bird colonies, including Galapagos albatross (April-December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls as well as a view of the Galapagos’ famous “blow-hole.” Also, look out for red-green-black marine iguanas. Gardner Bay – Osborn Islet (Española Island) In the afternoon, the picture-postcard white coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby islet of Osborn provide a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches. Expect great snorkelling with an opportunity for swimming and kayaking as well.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 8 Day 8: Santa Cruz And North Seymour Islands.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Santa Cruz And North Seymour Islands.

Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island) A panga ride takes you to Eden Islet, a small islet located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where you can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather conditions permit, ride in the glass-bottom boat and kayak.North Seymour Island North Seymour was lifted from the ocean floor by a volcanic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing, usually without leaves, waiting for the rains to burst into bloom. This is a great introductory site to the islands and their wildlife, full of bird colonies of blue footed boobies, two species of frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 9 Day 9: Baltra Island.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Baltra Island.

On your last day cruising the Galapagos, disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. Arrive at your hotel at Guayaquil.(Breakfast)
Day 10 Day 10: Arrive In Lima, Peru.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Arrive In Lima, Peru.

Welcome to Peru! On arrival at Lima International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your luxurious hotel in Miraflores. You can relax before meeting your Travelling Concierge at 18.00 for a Welcome Dinner, where you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over wine and dinner at at the worldrenowned Astrid y Gastón. In the ambiance of a magnificent San Isidro hacienda, Chef Gaston Acurio Jaramillo – the father of modern gastronomy in Peru – dreams up innovative dishes for you to enjoy.(Dinner with Wine)
Day 11 Day 11: Lima City Of The Kings.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Lima City Of The Kings.

Experience the cultural metropolis of Lima through the eyes of a Local Expert. A mix of modern high rises and ancient temples, you’ll delve into the history of the fascinating City of Kings. Explore the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Lima, view the cathedral, and visit the Monastery of San Francisco. A Highlight Lunch is served at Amoramar, in the trendy bohemian district Barranco. Experience Lima Your Way and visit the workshop of Víctor Delfín, one of Peru’s leading artists best known for his monumental El Beso sculpture, or take a guided visit to MATE-Museo Mario Testino, created by one of the world’s most influential photographers.(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)
Day 12 Day 12: On To The Sacred Valley.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: On To The Sacred Valley.

Board your flight to Cusco and continue on to Peru’s Sacred Valley. Visit the colourful market in the town of Chinchero. Afterwards, meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua scholar, president of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, and a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Have lunch with Nilda and learn about her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques and how she has succeeded in bringing weaving once more to the forefront of her community. Later in the afternoon, check in to your luxurious spa resort.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
Day 13 Day 13: Exploring The Sacred Valley.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Exploring The Sacred Valley.

In the town of Maras, you’ll meet with a local family who will explain ancient salt mining techniques. Visit the spectacular terraced salt pans and where you will have a chance to participate in the ancient tradition. The salt pans, dating back to Inca times, have been passed down through families for generations and today are maintained in much the same way as they were long ago. Dine the local way as you feast on a typical Peruvian meal, a caja china lunch of fresh vegetables and slow-roasted meats, all cooked in a wooden box. After lunch, witness a private Pachamama Ceremony, or ’Payment to the Earth,’ as a local shaman performs the centuries-old ritual.(Breakfast / Lunch)
Day 14 Day 14: Journey To Machu Picchu.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Journey To Machu Picchu.

Today you’ll visit the town of Ollantaytambo, a national archeological site set on the Urubamba River. Afterwards, board your first-class seats on the Vistadome train for your scenic journey to Machu Picchu village. Enjoy lunch at your rejuvenating resort followed by a guided exploration of its nature trails and fascinating cloud forest ecosystem. One for tea lovers, the afternoon will be spent discovering a working tea plantation, before viewing the world’s largest private collection of indigenous orchids. In the evening, learn how to blend the perfect pisco sour before enjoying dinner with wine at the hotel.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
Day 15 Day 15: Mysterious Machu Picchu.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Mysterious Machu Picchu.

No trip to Peru would be complete without visiting the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Pichu. With Luxury Gold, you’ll arrive at this striking archeological site before the crowds of day-trippers. Meet your Local Expert for a guided exploration through the enigmatic Lost City of the Incas, rediscovered only 100 years ago by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. See the great Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, believed to be an ancient sun clock. In the afternoon, enjoy time to explore Machu Picchu at your leisure or return to your resort. After a full day of discovery, enjoy a delicious dinner with wine, where you can share stories of your day with fellow guests in the serenity of your tranquil hotel.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
Day 16 Day 16: Return To Cusco.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Return To Cusco.

Bid goodbye to Machu Picchu as you travel through the Sacred Valley by train en route to Cusco. Stop for a traditional Highlight Lunch and savour a sumptuous Pachamanca Feast of Peruvian cuisine cooked underground. After lunch, get up-close to llamas, guanacos, alpacas and even the rare vicuñas before arriving at your hotel in Cusco, steps away from the Plaza de Armas.(Breakfast / Lunch)
Day 17 Day 17: Colonial Cusco.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Colonial Cusco.

Join your Local Expert to explore Cusco, where you’ll check out the Temple of the Sun at Korikancha, the cathedral and the citadel of Sacsayhuaman. Shop like the locals do at the San Blas artisan centre. Enjoy free time for shopping on the Plaza de Armas, where you can stock up on a few souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a candlelit Highlight Dinner with wine at one of the city’s most prominent culinary scenes, the MAP Restaurant in the central Museum of Pre-Colombian Art.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 18 Day 18: Lake Region Of Peru.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Lake Region Of Peru.

Board your included flight to Juliaca and continue to Puno, nestled along the majestic shores of Lake Titicaca. The peaceful, lakeside Libertador Hotel on Esteves Island is your home away from home.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
Day 19 Day 19: The Floating Islands Of Lake Titicaca.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: The Floating Islands Of Lake Titicaca.

Cruise Lake Titicaca to the floating islands of Uros, where locals bundle reeds from the lake to build floating platforms, houses and canoes. On Amantaní Island, join the local community for a lunch of regional specialties. Afterwards, you can explore local handicrafts before returning to Puno, where you can relax until your evening dinner with wine.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
Day 20 Day 20: Puno, Back To Lima.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Puno, Back To Lima.

Head to Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo to explore the impressive burial grounds, before your flight to Lima. Savour a sensational Highlight Dinner with wine at Matria, where Chef Arlette Eulert Checa intrigues and delights with creative seasonal dishes that are in harmony with nature’s offerings.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
Day 21 Day 21: Fly To Santiago.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Fly To Santiago.

Bid farewell to Lima as you fly to Santiago, Chile’s capital and largest city. In the evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner and get a taste of Chile.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 22 Day 22: The Sights Of Santiago, Valparaiso And Wine Country.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: The Sights Of Santiago, Valparaiso And Wine Country.

Meet a Local Expert for an in-depth city exploration before visiting the UNESCO-listed port of Valparaíso. Visit the boutique Kingston Family Winery in the Casablanca Valley for a local wine tasting. Return to Santiago for the evening.(Breakfast)
Day 23 Day 23: Fly To Buenos Aires.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Fly To Buenos Aires.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying to Buenos Aires, where you’ll spend the next couple of days. This evening, taste famed Argentinean beef, a local specialty, during a Highlight Dinner with wine at Piegari Carnes.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 24 Day 24: Beautiful Buenos Aires.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Beautiful Buenos Aires.

Get to know Buenos Aires with a Local Expert as you explore the neighborhoods of Palermo, San Telmo and Recoleta. View the balcony made famous by Eva Peron, the former First Lady of Argentina, and walk the colourful streets of La Boca. Experience Buenos Aires Your Way with a visit to the regal Belle Époque Teatro Colon theatre or the historical Barolo Palace. Experience an electrifying evening of live music, singers and dancers at Rojo Tango during your Highlight Dinner with wine.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 25 Day 25: Pampas, Estancias And Gauchos.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Pampas, Estancias And Gauchos.

Experience a Candelaria del Monte, a working farm in the Argentine Pampas. Step into a world of riding boots and leather chaps at the estancia, where you will be served a delicious asado Highlight Lunch and a taste of the life of an Argentinian gaucho, or cowboy.(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)
Day 26 Day 26: The Falls Of Iguassu.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: The Falls Of Iguassu.

Fly to Iguassu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture to the Argentinean side of the falls to see the unfathomable Devil’s Throat with your Local Expert. Dinner is served at your luxurious resort, the only hotel inside the Brazilian Iguassu National Park, where you’ll choose from a selection of traditional Brazilian barbecue or international cuisine.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 27 Day 27: The ’Great Waters’ Of Iguassu Falls.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 27: The ’Great Waters’ Of Iguassu Falls.

Wake up inside the park and beat the crowds. Join a Local Expert for a walk on the Brazilian side of the falls, where you’ll witness panoramic views of San Martin Island and visit incredible Bird Park, which provides shelter for over a thousand birds, butterflies and reptiles from across South America.(Breakfast)
Day 28 Day 28: Rio De Janeiro, City Of Sea And Samba.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: Rio De Janeiro, City Of Sea And Samba.

Fly to vibrant Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel on iconic Copacabana Beach, famous for its three-mile stretch of golden sand and bustling energy. Settle into the local way of life, with a Highlight Dinner at a traditional Brazilian steakhouse followed by a lively samba show at Ginga Tropical.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 29 Day 29: Exploring Rio De Janeiro.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 29: Exploring Rio De Janeiro.

Join a Local Expert on a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Savour a Highlight Lunch at Confieiraria Colombo, a century-old cafe in a lavish setting. Explore a different side of Rio as you visit one its favelas, with a special introduction to Bob Nadkarni, founder of The Maze, an iconic jazz club and community hot spot.(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)
Day 30 Day 30: A Farewell To Rio De Janeiro.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 30: A Farewell To Rio De Janeiro.

Join your Local Expert on a train ride up Corcovado Hill to Christ the Redeemer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and modern wonder of the world. Toast your journey over a remarkable Celebration Dinner at the exceptional, Michelin-starred MEE Restaurant. Asian and Brazilian flavours come together through innovative dishes served up by executive chef Kazuo Harada.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 31 Day 31: Depart Rio De Janeiro.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 31: Depart Rio De Janeiro.

A private transfer will take you to the Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, locally known as Galeao International.(Breakfast)

+28

31 days tour

Grand South America With Quito And The Galapagos Islands Cru

This tour includes:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Grand South America With Quito And The Galapagos Islands Cru

Day 1: Arrive In Quito.

Day 2: Quito Sightseeing.

Day 3: Fly To The Galapagos Islands.

Day 4: San Cristobal Island.

Day 5: Santa Fe And South Plaza Islands.

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island.

Day 7: Espanola Island.

Day 8: Santa Cruz And North Seymour Islands.

Day 9: Baltra Island.

Day 10: Arrive In Lima, Peru.

Day 11: Lima City Of The Kings.

Day 12: On To The Sacred Valley.

Day 13: Exploring The Sacred Valley.

Day 14: Journey To Machu Picchu.

Day 15: Mysterious Machu Picchu.

Day 16: Return To Cusco.

Day 17: Colonial Cusco.

Day 18: Lake Region Of Peru.

Day 19: The Floating Islands Of Lake Titicaca.

Day 20: Puno, Back To Lima.

Day 21: Fly To Santiago.

Day 22: The Sights Of Santiago, Valparaiso And Wine Country.

Day 23: Fly To Buenos Aires.

Day 24: Beautiful Buenos Aires.

Day 25: Pampas, Estancias And Gauchos.

Day 26: The Falls Of Iguassu.

Day 27: The ’Great Waters’ Of Iguassu Falls.

Day 28: Rio De Janeiro, City Of Sea And Samba.

Day 29: Exploring Rio De Janeiro.

Day 30: A Farewell To Rio De Janeiro.

Day 31: Depart Rio De Janeiro.

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