South America Extensive Tour
Explore all the highlights of South America in 7 weeks
- Highlights
- Full Itinerary
- Price & Contact
Travel to Machu Picchu, it takes youd to the ancient culture of the Incas as you travel to Machu Picchu and Cuzco, the great cities of Lima and La Paz in Bolivia. On Lake Titicaca the floating islands await you on this excursion back in time! The second part is from the Bolivian Capital to the wonders of the Atacama Desert! Astounding contrasts as you journey from La Paz to the crystaline Chilean coastal Oasis of Arica, then into the beautifully fascinating Atacama Desert.
Chile's natural wonders: Santiago de Chile a Mediterranean coast, rolling hills, volcanoes and the highest mountain range in the Western Hemisphere, glacial lakes, European traditions and a heaven for lovers of excellent wines and incredible food.
Then the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires. Enjoy sights, sounds, shopping in Buenos Aires, and learn to dance Tango in this beautiful city.
We show you both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the majestic Iguassu Falls.
Take an unforgettable railway journey over the jutting Atlantic Rainforest Mountains, and view a mix of landscapes through southern Brazil on this special introduction into a fascinating land! The contrasts of Brazil become evident as you travel from natural wonders through high-tech farmlands to the industrial megalopolis of São Paulo. From marvelous Rio de Janeiro you are never far away from the best beaches Brazil has to offer.
Discover where the gold originated to build Europe's great palaces and churches. And discover a few treasures along the way. The Route of Gold rambles along rugged mountains from the beautifully preserved colonial gold mining towns of Ouro Preto and São João del Rei to the ancient seaport of Paraty. This bounty of gold provided the wealth to build the royal colonial seat of Rio de Janeiro as well as the Old World capital, Lisbon. The richest deposits of gold ever found in the Americas even financed England's Industrial Revolution!
Home to one of the most ethnically diverse populations on earth, Brazil mixes Old World charm, new world vitality and African rhythms. Many nations have made a claim to Brazil's soul. Today, these influences spice everyday life, from the most African city in the Americas - Salvador to the former Dutch colonies in Recife.
Highlights:
- Peruvian Capital of Lima
- Ancient Cuzco
- Pisac Market
- Travel to Machu Picchu
- Train ride from Cuzco to Lake Titicaca
- Tiahuanaco
- Bolivian capital, La Paz
- Amazing Atacama Desert
- Santiago de Chile
- Chilean Winery
- Valparaiso and Vi–a del Mar Excursion
- Lake Crossing Through The Andes
- Mountain resort of Bariloche
- Two Scenic Excursions around Bariloche
- The Paris of South America, Buenos Aires
- Brazilian & Argentine sides of Iguassu Falls
- Majestic Train Ride through the Atlantic Rainforest over the Serra do Mar
- Historic Port of Antonina
- Economic Powerhouse São Paulo
- Rio de Janeiro
- Sugar Loaf Mountain
- Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer Statue)
- 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient Seaport of & Gold Mining Town of Ouro Preto
- 3 Brazilian National Treasure sites: Ancient Seaport of Paraty, Tiradentes and Petrópolis
- Visit to a Gold Mine
- Ariau Amazon Jungle Towers including all meals & excursions
- Schooner Excursion w/ lunch
- Africa in the New-World: Salvador
- Sightseeing of the Pelourinho District
- Maceió: the friendly beach capital
- Dutch Influence in the 'Venice of the Northeast': Colonial trading outposts Olinda and Recife
Including:
- 50 days / 49 nights in 4**** Hotels
- All Breakfasts, 17 dinners, 7 lunch
- 1 Dinner with Tango show
- All Sightseeings and Transfers
- 1st class train transportation (Cuzco - Puno)
- Tango lessons
- English speaking tour guides
Day 1: Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, capital city of Peru, meet your local tour guide at the airport and transfer to the selected hotel, centrally located in Miraflores, the modern center of the city, near restaurants, commercial centers, the Indian markets and parks. You will receive a briefing about your travel program and all documents for your trip.
This afternoon enjoy a first impression of Lima as your guide takes you around on your City Tour.
Day 2: Lima - Cuzco
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cuzco. After 1 hour flight, arrival in Cuzco and transfer to the hotel in the city center, afew blocks from the Main Square. The rest of the morning is spent at leisure in order to get accustomed to the altitude. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the city, the old capital of the Inca Empire, including the Cathedral and the Korikancha (the ancient temple of the Sun), as well as the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay and Qenqo.
Tonight's dinner and folklore show are included!
Day 3: Cuzco - Sacred Valley
Market day in Pisak, probably the most spectacular market in all of the Andes! But Pisac is also a superb Inca fortress, with temple ruins that still overwhelm with their most magnificent Inca masonry. In the afternoon follow the Sacred Valley along Rio Urubamba down to Ollentaytambo. How to survive under these climatic conditions, feed an enormously numerous population? See the a complete irrigation system in the mountains, canals cut out of the sheer rock. The flights of terraces leading up above the town are superb and so are the curving terraces following the contours of the rocks ovoking the Urubamba.
Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Early in the morning transfer to the station for the train travel to Machu Picchu. A 3 hour scenic train journey brings you to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will take a shuttle bus up to the entrance of the ruins. Guided visit to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", with its fabulous architecture and astonishing landscapes. After free time for lunch, return by shuttle bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Tonight choose from one of the many little restaurants for your dinner. Too many different tastes are available, you'll have to decide for yourself! Tonight overnight in Aguas Calientes in the shadow of Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cuzco
This morning, opt to return to the citadel of Machu Picchu. You are in the village named after it's hot springs. (Aguas calientes = Hot waters). Enjoy the view of the valley while you are getting soaked in one of the pools. In the afternoon take your 1st class train back up through the scenery of the Andes to Cuzco. Transfer to your hotel and have a last stroll over the baroque heart of Cuzco, the Plaza de Armas.
Day 6: Cuzco - Puno
Another interesting but relaxing day is waiting for you. As you sink in to your first class seat, watch mountains go by as high as 20.000 feet, snow capped & majestic. As the train stops en route, glimpse out of the window and wonder how the local Indians live here. See potato fields that feed these people and which from here through the Spanish conquerors also became a mainstay for the entire world. (Please note: Train schedule subject to scheduling by Peru Rail; alternatively transfer will be by first class tourist bus including sightseeings and lunch along the route to Lake Titicaca) This evening, check in to hotel at the shores of lake Titicaca.
Tonight's dinner is included.
Day 7: Puno
You are at 3855 m above sea level! Sounds even more amazing to say you are at almost 12000 feet! See today how the Uro Indian tribe lives on floating islands in the lake as the fish, hunt birds and live of lake plants. This afternoon have a look at the astonishing pre-Columbian funeral towers of Sillustani in a beautiful setting on a peninsula in lake Umayo. Archeologists attempts to rebuild the towers has been defeated. The engineering involved is more complex then anything the Incas built.
Day 8: Puno - La Paz
Today the alternatively to take a cruise over lake Titicaca it's possible, with lunch stop on the Island of the Sun! A visit to Tiahuanaco can then be done on Monday instead of the Moon valley and La Paz city tours.
The ruins of Tiahuanaco prove that the Incas were not the only cultural and military power of the Andes. When the Incas came to conquer what today is Bolivia, they found a people that lived around ruins that are today around 3600 years old. But, sadly, the people can no longer explain what those ruins were for or what the meaning of them was.
Tiahuanaco was the hub for trans Andean trade, situated on fertile land. The flooding of the raised fields system destroyed the empire that stretched from Peru, Bolivia to Chile. Today this irrigation system is being successfully re-utilized in the Titicaca area.
Continue on to La Paz, the highest capital in the world where you spend your last night in the Andes in the very nice hotel in the lower part of the city, where the air is a bit thicker!
Tonight's dinner is included.
Day 9: La Paz
Enjoy a city tour of the Bolivian capital, followed by a special excursion to the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon).
Overnight back in La Paz.
Day 10: La Paz - Arica
Today the bus will take you over the Andes down to the Chilean city of Arica passing the Lauca National Park and it's snowpeaked volcanos. The Inca fortesses along the road are testimony that this area was always fought about. Most impressive are the huge Candelaria cacti and the wildlife 140 kinds of birds, llamas, vizcachas and pumas.
The river oasis of Arica, only 20km south of the Peruvian border, is your introduction to Chile. This land, formerly part of Peru, is a holiday area for the Bolivians, with itsfine beaches and backdrop of Andes mountains. The port serves as trade route for landlocked Bolivia, and a railroad has been built over the Andes to connect La Paz with Arica.
You'll overnight in the hotel in Arica on the beach. Enjoy your dinner, it's on us!.
Day 11: Arica - Atacama
Transfer this morning into the Atacama. You will be introduced to the many options this Oasis has to offer: There are many excursion possibilies, but you can pack you day with other more active trips; Horse back riding, hikes, trekking, biking, hill climbing, ...But first, after you have refreshed, journey to see the spectacular sunset of the Moon Valley. No weather risks! It almost never rains here in the Atacama desert. The Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) is a bizarre, almost lunar landscape formed by the erosion of salt mountains. Strange sculpted rock formations in the middle of the desert with the Lincancabur Volcano in the background make for a particularly rare experience. After sunset we return to San Pedro.
Overnight and dinner at La Casa de Don Tomás.
Day 12: Atacama
During this excursion we drive deep into the Altiplano. On lonesome unpaved roads we shall pass Socaire - the oasis of a mountain river. The few inhabitants of Socaire depend on terraced agriculture (maize, wheat, potatoes). After another rise to an altitude of 4,500m (13,800ft) you'll be rewarded by a spectacular view: the very scenic blue-black twin lagoons Meûiques and Miscanti, edged by a white crust of salt, they form a majestic picture of silence. Wildlife is especially abundant in this area. You are sure to see many different species of ducks and other bird-life around the lagoons, as well as llamas and vicuûas in herds along the hillsides. Towering in the background Cerro Meûiques overlooks this vast section of the Altiplano.
Continue to visit the world's largest salt lake: the Salar de Atacama. Rich in minerals, including borax and lithium, it is home. to various species of flamingoes as well as many other birds. The Laguna Chaxa, part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamingoes, offers a terrific opportunity to get closer to these birds in their natural habitat. In the evening we return to the hotel in San Pedro.
Day 13: Atacama
In the morning we set out for a full day excursion to witness the power of Mother Nature. At an altitude of 4500m (ca. 14,800ft) the Geyser El Tatio is best seen in the early morning. Bring swimwear and a towel to bathe in the warm pool! There are about 40 geysers, thermal wells and fumaroles. The early morning light striking the water and steam hurling up from the geysers, makes for an unforgettable experience. On our way back to San Pedro we shall see green bushes of Yareta shining in the sparse desert. In the early afternoon we reach San Pedro and the rest of the day will be at your leisure to explore the environs. Maybe you would like to visit the 800 years old pre-Inca fortress Pucará de Quitor nearby?
Day 14: Atacama - Santiago de Chile
After breakfast transfer back to Calama and flight to Santiago. Your tour guide will accompany you to your hotel in the green heart of the city.
Day 15: Santiago de Chile
Breakfast in Santiago de Chile, gateway to the Andes, situated between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. Your guide introduces you to this city nestled between mountains. Enjoy a city tour visiting both the historic and modern centers of Santiago, as well as a trip to neighboring San Cristobal for a good look at the surrounding area.
Dinner tonight is included.
Day 16: Santiago de Chile
In the afternoon enjoy an excursion to the Concha y Toro Winery, one of the most famous Chilean vineyards around the world. Located in the Maipo River canyon, planted with grapevines of the most noble French stock such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and others. Founded in 1883 showing today a most modern technology in cooling equipment, stainless steel tanks, filters and oak casks which has lead to the making of exceptional wines.
Day 17: Santiago de Chile
Visit Valparaíso, the oldest port in Chile. Though no longer its largest port, it retains tremendous historical significance and beauty, as well as being home to the Chilean House of Assembly and Senate. The upper and lower parts of the city are connected through 16 funicular railways constructed around the turn of the century, a time when the city experienced tremendous growth.Parts of Valparaiso are considered to become a UNESCO heritage site. From Valparaíso, continue along the coast to the beautiful beaches of Viña del Mar, the Garden city, named for its many parks and green spaces.
Day 18: Santiago de Chile - Puerto Varas
Fly from Santiago de Chile directly South to Puerto Montt, the capital of Lake District, founded in 1853 by German colonists on the site of an indigenous Mapuche community. Continue on to your hotel in neighboring Puerto Varas. The city gets its nickname from the tremendous variety of roses all over town. Your hotel has a small beautiful restaurant with lake view for your dinner (not included), but there are many other places for you to choose from in Puerto Varas: Among the Merlin, Chile's best Fish restaurant South of Santiago.
Day 19: Puerto Varas - Bariloche
Set out this morning on the lake crossing over the Andes to Argentina, following along the shores of Lago Llanquihue with breathtaking views of the volcanos Osorno and Calbuco. Stop at Petrohuù Falls for some spectacular views. No words can describe the natural beauty of the area. You'll be speechless, the landscape awe-inspiring: Volcanos, jagged mountains, crystal clear lakes - you'll expect Heidi on every Alpine meadow!
Next, cross Lago Todos Los Santos, with more spectacular views of Volcano Osorno and Tronador. Lunch stop in Puerto Peulla (overnight here from May - August due to shortened daylight hours - continue Friday to Bariloche). Then continue up over the Andes pass and down to Lago Frio, as you enter Argentina! Board your second boat, then continue on a short bus journey to Puerto Blest, where you'll board your 3rd boat across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo. Upon arrival in Puerto Panuelo, continue to your hotel and check in to your room. The hotel is only a few steps away from Bariloche's many restaurants.
Day 20: Bariloche
Full day included excursion: Tronador Mountain & Alerces Falls. Head south and up into the Andes, following the road along Lago Mascardi with it's lush southern forest. After crossing the bridge of the calm River Manso, continue towards Laguna Los Moscos and Lake Hess where you'll see a tremendous waterfall - Cascada los Alerces. Onwards in the direction of Tronador, a large mountain with three peaks thrusts forth: Argentino (11,253 ft/3.410m), International (11,728ft /3.554m) and Chileno (11,319 ft/3.430m). Argentina and Chile share these mountain peaks directly on the border of the two countries.
Day 21: Bariloche
Navigate a beautiful circuit today around the surroundings of Bariloche, the "Aspen of South America", with emphasis on the lakes areas. Follow the lake shore of the spectacular Lago Nahuel Huapi. From Cerro Campanario, enjoy a 360 degree view of the surrounding lakes, islands and mountains. Descend and continue on to the peninsula San Pedro. In Llao-Llao, stop for a brief walk to see the Chapel of San Eduardo.
Day 22: Bariloche - Buenos Aires
After breakfast Flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival, reception and transfer from the airport to the hotel. Opt upon arrival to be taken first to the San Telmo Sunday-only Antique market, undoubtedley the best in the Americas. Dinner and Tango show tonight is included.
Day 23: Buenos Aires
The city tour in the afternoon visits the 'old' district of San Telmo, the main residential area in colonial days, full of antique shops to the picturesque district of La Boca, 2 miles south of the main port area, on the west bank of the river Riachuelo. This former port from the turn of the century was settled by many Italians from Genoa who made their homes from corrugated iron sheets, painting them with all the colors of the spectrum. Along the colorful street of Caminito (name of a famous Tango) sit local artists, painting and selling their wares. Tonight is your first Tango Lesson!
Day 24: Buenos Aires
In the afternoon continue your exploration of the city, or opt for an excursion to the Tigre Delta by boat.
Day 25: Buenos Aires
Today an excursion to an Estancia. You will witness a show by the gauchos on horseback before enjoying a BBQ lunch prepared just for you!
Back in the capital, don your gown, tie you tie...it's Tango Time!
Day 26: Buenos Aires - Iguassu
Morning breakfast before one last appointment at the language school. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu, full of the rhythms of Tango!
Upon your approach to Iguazu International Airport, your pilot might tip his wings to give you your first view of the magnificent Iguassu Falls and the surrounding natural park of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Your tour guide escorts you to the fabulous hotel. Feast on a Brazilian dinner tonight after a relaxing swim in the pool.
Day 27: Iguassu
Today's full day excursion shows you the Falls from both sides. First, cross into Argentina for a walk above the falls, wider and more powerful than Niagara. A boat guides you to an island to get a close-up view of the Falls from below.
The mist of the Falls engulfs you on the Brazilian side, as you walk out onto a platform and into the garganta do diabo, the 'devil's throat'. Opt for the Macuco Safari - a boat ride under the Falls on the Brazilian side.
Day 28: Iguassu - Curitiba
The rolling landscape on today's journey is interrupted only by mountain chains, rich farmland and patches of original subtropical forest, with the unique Araucüria trees. Arrive in Curitiba, named best-organized city in South America, now a model for many Western industrialized nations! The city has grown 10-fold in the past 20 years, using innovative ideas to manage its substantial growth.
The capital of the state of Paranü is a melting pot of such diverse cultures as Dutch, Polish, Arabian, German, Ukrainian, Italian and Japanese cultures, amongst many others! Check in to the Hotel . Tonight's included dinner will give you a taste of the region's mix of cultures.
Day 29: Curitiba
Morning sightseeing gives you a view of the capital, including the glass Opera House, before heading down to the coast for a stroll along the historic promenade of the Port of Antonina After lunch, board the scenic historic railway as it winds its way from sea level up 1200m (3/4 of a mile high!) over the Serra do Mar chain back to Curitiba.
Day 30: Curitiba - São Paulo
Head for São Paulo, the world's second largest city & South America's industrial powerhouse! 4000 deadly poisonous snakes welcome you on our sightseeing including the Butant³ Institute, the world-famous research lab specializing in anti-venom research. Continue downtown to see the Paulistanos as they work and live in this surprisingly well-organized metropolis. Sightseeing includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Basilica and the Teatro Municipal. S³o Paulo's Hotel Mercure Paulista**** is located in the heart of the city. Tonight's dinner is included.
The city of São Paulo is full of surprises. It is the largest German manufacturing city in the world, and contains great architecture, such as this masterpiece by Oscar Niemeyer, architect of the capital, Brasilia.
Day 31: São Paulo - Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in the cidade maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro. Welcoming you to the 'marvelous city' is your bilingual SouthAmerica.travel Tour guide or representative who will escort you to your hotel on the Copacabana - The Luxor Continental****. (Get a free upgrade to the sea view apartment at the Luxor Continental**** now! See Specials!) The afternoon is free for a stroll, some shopping or relaxing on the beach or at your rooftop pool! Meet your fellow travelers for a complementary Rodizio, an All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Barbecue (included).
Day 32: Rio de Janeiro
The panoramic view from the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain is the highlight of today's sightseeing tour. Board a funicular to reach the summit with its 360Í spectrum of golden beaches, green forests and a thriving metropolis that has earned Rio de Janeiro the title of the world's most beautiful city. Sightseeing continues with a tour of Rio's historical past. Learn how Portugal's prince scandalously broke all family ties and declared himself Emperor of Brazil.
In the afternoon heat, everything slows down, and the Cariocas (as the people of Rio call themselves) head for the beach!
Day 33: Rio de Janeiro - Paraty
Christ the Redeemer keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m (2340ft). Board the tremzinho (cogwheel railway) up to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a bird's eye view of the center of the city!In the afternoon follow Brazil's winding coastline and granite cliffs south to the ancient port city of Paraty. Check in to the Pousada Porto Imperial. Enjoy dinner in one of the charming local restaurants (included).
Day 34: Paraty
In Paraty, the gold was loaded on ships destined for the Old World. The city has been declared a Brazilian National treasure. Stroll through the streets often covered by water, past houses in elegant decay before boarding a schooner for a half-day cruise of the islands including a lunch prepared by the crew!
Day 35: Paraty - São João del Rei
This morning, board your coach for a climb up to the Serra da Bocaina National Park, amongst the world's oldest rock formations. Retrace the route of Rio State's gold rush, up to Minas Gerais, Brazil's historic mining area.
Take a sip of Caxambu's world-renowned mineral water in this well-preserved spa town, getaway of Brazil's health-conscious, before continuing on to the historical mining town of S³o Jo³o del Rey. Check into Pousada Beco do Bispo, before taking a stroll through the city and enjoying a hearty local dinner (included).
Day 36: São João del Rei - Ouro Preto
A few minutes' drive brings us to the hilltop town of Tiradentes (lit. Tooth-puller), the most charming of colonial cities. Named after the martyr of the Inconfid˜ncia who was known for his dental skills, Tiradentes exudes a sense of another age. Tiradentes has been awarded Brazilian National Treasure status.
The masterwork "The Prophets" by Aleijadinho (Brazil's Michelangelo) is the highlight of our stop in Congonhas, and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chiseled out of soapstone by the artist without the use of his arms or legs, the sculptures bring the Old Testament figures to stirring life. Overnight in another UNESCO World Heritage Site: The 'Black Gold' of Ouro Preto (the largest deposits in the Western Hemisphere) financed Lisbon's glory as well as the English Industrial Revolution. At its peak, this town's population was twice New York's and five times Rio de Janeiro's! Check in to the Pousada Luxor Ouro Preto. Dinner is included tonight in what was once 'the world's richest city'.
Day 37: Ouro Preto
This morning's walking tour covers the best of the former state capital, declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Ouro Preto's churches and plazas have been witness to incredible wealth and bloody rebellion. Formerly known as Vila Rica - the name was changed by decree of Emperor Dom Pedro I, and Ouro Preto was declared an Imperial City.The town of Mariana, Ouro Preto's quieter cousin just 12km away, offers a unique contrast. Take an adventurous visit into a former gold mine and shop for local arts and crafts.
Day 38: Ouro Preto - Rio de Janeiro
Return to Rio de Janeiro through the spectacular Serra da Estrela, stopping in the Imperial city of Petr…polis, the former Summer residence of the Emperor, and a Brazilian National Treasure.
Day 39: Rio de Janeiro - Amazon Lodge
Depart Rio this morning for your flight to the Amazon. Upon arrival in Manaus in the early hours, an Aria§ (or your selected Amazon Lodge or boat) Representative will whisk you off to a 3 hour boat transfer along the Rio Negro, the near mosquito-free arm of the Amazon River, to the Amazon Jungle Towers. After a welcome cocktail, check in to your tower lodge room.
Day 40: Amazon Lodge
Your guide takes you on a jungle hike this morning filled with essential survival skills, should you ever lose your way! After lunch, a local Caboclos Family shows you the wealth that nature provides for the peoples of the Amazon. The dinner is followed by an evening of alligator spotting!
Day 41: Amazon Lodge
After breakfast you take a canoe ride to visit the local village Acajatuba, which gives you an insight into the culture of the region. After Lunch you join a piranha-fishing excursion. Use the evening to enjoy the atmosphere of the jungle around the Ariau Lodges!
Day 42: Amazon Lodge - Manaus
Get up early for a boat ride to view the sunrise over the majestic Amazon. Watch the jungle come alive and the pink river dolphins play. After breakfast, transfer by boat back to Manaus. Check in to the hotel Tropical Manaus*****.
Day 43: Manaus - Salvador
In the morning transfer to Manuas for your scheduled flight to Salvador.
The diverse face of Brazil is nowhere more prevalent than in Brazil's first capital, Salvador. Today' capital of the state of Bahia is a mix of rich colonial houses, picturesque churches and a lively mix of African and Indio rhythms.
At the airport, your SouthAmerica.travel guide is waiting to transfer you to your hotel Blue Tree Towers**** overlooking the bay. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or relax at the pool or the beach, which is reached by the hotel's own cable car.Enjoy dinner (included) tonight, spiced by the local culture of Bahia.
Day 44: Salvador
After a hearty Brazilian breakfast, depart for a lively tour of Salvador. Visit the Pelourinho, the recently restored historical center of Salvador, which the UNESCO declared a World Heritage Cultural Site. This evening, opt for a Bahia by Night excursion including dinner.
Day 45: Salvador
Continue your explorations of the city, or opt to visit Praia do Forte, including a visit to the Turtle Station Tamar and lunch.
Day 46: Salvador - Maceió
Transfer by coach to Macei…. Located on the "Linha Verde", the green strip north of Salvador, you are never far away from the beach and the palm tree forests. The small capital of Alagoas state is modest, yet declared a "very friendly city with a low crime rate" by the South American Handbook. This is one of the most famous beach resort towns amongst Brazilians, yet undiscovered by the international crowd. Tonight, stay in the famous beach district in the Meliü or Jati§ca hotel right on the beach. After dinner (included) enjoy the light breeze of the trade winds during your walk along the extensive beach promenade.
Day 47: Maceió
Beach, sun, a fruit drink (not even the Brazilians are always familiar with the fruits used to create the delicious "Vitaminas") or opt to take a "Jangada" sail boat out to the reefs, where you can swim in one of the tidal pools.
Day 48: Maceió - Recife
The scenic journey to Recife takes only 2 1/2 hours. The city is built on land reclaimed from the ocean by the Dutch. Check in to the Blue Tree Towers**** in the city beach district and enjoy a stroll along Boa Viagem ("bon voyage") with its many protective coral reefs.
Tonight's seafood dinner is a mix of European influences, served Brazilian-style.
Day 49: Recife
Sightseeing includes the newly restored historical district of Recife, a city with 39 bridges and 50 canals. Colonial baroque architecture rests under palm trees.
Splendid Olinda, just 7km away, was the original state capital until it was jealously set afire by the Dutch Prince Maurice of Nassau in 1637 to elevate his city of Recife. Built on hills above Recife, with it's many esteemed baroque churches under shading palm trees, it has become an artist's colony. The city has been given World Heritage Cultural Site status by UNESCO, as well as being declared a National Monument by the Brazilian government, with funds for restoration donated by the Dutch government.
This included excursion leaves you plenty of time to return for Recife to say boa viagem on one of the best beaches Brazil has to offer.
Day 50: Recife
Breakfast at the hotel, andr transfer to the airport. Full of new experiences and memories of South America.
Got a small group? Get even BIGGER discounts!
Add one of our Brazil Tours, Argentina Tours or Peru Tours
or consider joining one of our Special Edition Tours:
THE South America Wine Tour - Special Edition
The Essence of Peru - Special Edition
Tango, Samba, Waterfalls & Carnival
Tango Samba Waterfalls & New Year's in Rio
Tango, Samba & Oktoberfest in Brazil
As most trips operates on commercial air, space may be extremely limited 90 days prior to departure. To ensure your spot, we encourage you to book as early as possible.
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