Sizzling South America

Day 1 - Thursday 3 October 2024

Melbourne - Santiago (Meals in Flight, D)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!  Please meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Chile.  Sit, back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of your airline.

We'll cross the International Dateline and gain a day, arriving in Santiago the same day we depart.  

Welcome to Chile! Located in the Central Valley and framed by the majestic Andes mountain range, Santiago, the capital of Chile, was first settled in 1531. The city has grown into a major metropolis where the many historic colonial buildings contrast with the gleaming new high-rise architecture and bustling shopping malls. We'll be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel. 

With time to settle in and explore our surrounds before our welcome dinner.

Overnight - Santiago Ladera Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 - Friday 4 October 2024

Santiago Sightseeing (B)

Today after breakfast, we'll enjoy a full day tour around Santiago. We start at the Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins, the main avenue, visiting the President’s Palace (Casa de La Moneda). From here walk through the pedestrian streets of Huerfanos and Ahumada, where the main commercial activity of the city is concentrated. Continue to the Plaza de Armas, the main square, which is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and other historical buildings. Afterwards visit Santa Lucia, the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. It is a lone steep rock rising above the city with stairways, gardens, fountains and a fortress. Then cross the river to Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighbourhood of Santiago. Bellavista lies at the foot of San Cristóbal Hill, topped with an amphitheatre, church and statue of Virgin Mary this is the highest hill in town. From the top (if the weather is clear) there are great views of the city and the Andes mountains to the east. Finally visit the workshops of the Pueblito los Dominicos which began as an artists’ commune, supported by the Dominican monastery where the market resides.

After our tour, we'll return to your hotel with dinner at leisure.  Your Sisterhood Tour Hostess will advise a dinner venue.

Overnight - Santiago Ladera Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 - Saturday 5 October 2024

Full Day Valparaiso Walking Tour and Casablanca Valley (B,L)

Today, after breakfast, we'll enjoy a full day tour to Valparaiso and the Casablanca Valley. We drive across the Curacavi Valley to the Pacific coast and Valparaiso, Chile’s most important seaport, bustling with activity. With its improvised urban design and unique architecture clinging to the hillsides, Valparaiso is a labyrinth of winding narrow streets and cobblestone alleyways. Funicular cable-cars are still used as a popular means of transportation between the higher and lower levels. We'll visit the colourful hillside neighbourhoods, where there is a fantastic agglomeration of brightly painted houses and a fantastic view over the city. We'll stop at Kingston Vineyard in the Casablanca Valley, well known for some of the best white wines in the country. Here we'll be shown around to learn about the wine production before enjoying a tasting of the finished product and lunch. After lunch, we'll return to Santiago and our hotel with an afternoon at leisure.

Dinner at leisure. Your Sisterhood Tour Hostess will advise a dinner venue.

Overnight - Santiago Ladera Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 - Sunday 6 October 2024

Santiago - Puerto Varas (B)

Today, after breakfast, we'll transfer to Santiago Airport for our flight to Puerto Montt.

We will be met on arrival at Puerto Montt Airport, the gateway and capital of the Lake region.  The city was first settled by German colonists in 1853 and when the railroad from Santiago reached it in 1912 it was transformed into the main port for the region and the gateway to the Chilean Lakes District and Patagonia.  Situated in the middle of the vast Reloncaví Bay, the main economic activities of Puerto Montt are cattle, agricultural activities, fisheries and salmon farming, and of course tourism.  The first stop will be at the fish and craft markets in Angelmo fishing village.  Known for its fresh seafood, handcrafts and local products, is the perfect place to get a feeling for the region, its culture and its people. 

Continue to the city centre and the town square of Plaza de Armas, with its beautiful church built in 1856, and the monument of the German settlers.  Afterwards travel to a viewpoint with spectacular views over the whole city and the Reloncaví Bay with the Andes Mountains and volcanoes in the background.

Continue to Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. exploring the rose city of Puerto Varas by visiting a handful of patrimonial houses and the historic landmark of Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Church.  Continue to the downtown area to walk around the town square and then transfer to the hotel.

Dinner tonight is at leisure.  Your Sisterhood Tour Hostess will advise a dinner venue.

Overnight - Cabana del Lago (or similar)

Day 5 - Monday 7 October 2024

Full Day Dalcahue and Castro Tour (B)

This morning, we'll drive to the island of Chiloé; this includes a scenic 30 minute ferry crossing where we may see sea lions and dolphins. On the island, we drive south to the charming fishing village of Dalcahue. See rustic homes and traditional fishing boats and meet the friendly locals. Afterwards, we continue the journey to Castro, the capital of Chiloé, and home to the ‘palafitos’ (stilt houses) built along the shore. We visit the famous church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and then stroll through the town and the local market featuring different regional products. In the late afternoon, we return to Puerto Varas driving along the eastern coastal road passing by several small settlements. 

Returning to our hotel for dinner at leisure.  Your Sisterhood Tour Hostess will advise a dinner venue.

Overnight - Cabana del Lago (or similar)

Day 6 - Tuesday 8 October 2024

Puerto Varas - Petrohue - Peulla (B)

After departing our hotel this morning, we travel along the south side of Lake Llanquihue, with the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes dominating the landscape. We arrive at Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and stop to visit the Petrohue Falls where you can take a short hike for great views of the emerald falls with Osorno Volcano soaring majestically in the background.

Afterwards, we continue to Petrohue for our boat ride (approx. 2 hours) across Todos Los Santos Lake (‘All Saints’ Lake, also known as ‘Emerald Lake’ due to the vivid blue-green colour of its waters). *Note: Please ensure you have USD5.00 to enter Petrohue National Park. We'll arrive and disembark at our hotel in the remote settlement of Peulla, in a beautiful location surrounded by forests and lakes. The remainder of our afternoon is free to explore and enjoy our surrounds.

Dinner at our hotel tonight (own cost)

Overnight - Natura Inn (or similar)

Day 7 - Wednesday 9 October 2024

Peulla - Bariloche (B)

This morning, we leave our hotel by bus and head through to the Chilean customs and immigration checkpoint. After completing immigration procedures, we'll travel by road (approx. 2 hours) through the Andes and over the Perez Rosales Pass, before heading down a narrow mountain road into Argentina.

We'll arrive at Puerto Frias, situated on the small but impressive lake of the same name, and pass through Argentine customs and immigration. We'll then continue by boat through magnificent mountains and forests and anchor at Puerto Alegre from where we take a short bus ride to Puerto Blest. At Puerto Blest and board another boat for the last of the lake crossings on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo. *Note: You will be required to pay a port tax of 8.00 Argentine Pesos on arrival at the Puerto Panuelo port.

Upon our arrival we'll transfer to Bariloche. Bariloche is the gateway to the Argentine side of the Lakes District. Located on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, the alpine style buildings reflect the town’s proximity to some of the best ski fields in Argentina. During the summer months the town is a popular destination for hiking and fishing. It is also famous for its chocolate shops. On arrival in Bariloche, we'll check in to our hotel.

Dinner at leisure tonight.   Your Sisterhood Tour Hostess will advise a dinner venue.

Overnight - Cacique Inacayal Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 - Thursday 10 October 2024

Bariloche Sightseeing (B)

Today after breakfast, we'll enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the surrounding countryside. We'll drive along the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi to the beautiful Llao-Llao Peninsula and the famous Llao-Llao Hotel which overlooks Puerto Panuelo. Along the way stop and take a small chairlift that ascends to the summit of Campanario Mountain (1,050m).

Enjoy the most breathtaking panoramic view of the Andes peaks, Lakes Nahuel Huapi and Moreno, Victoria Island, and the St Peter’s and Llao Llao peninsulas. Afterwards, we'll continue by the La Angostura Bridge which connects the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi Lakes, then follow the southern shore of Lake Moreno before arriving at Panoramic Point and El Trébol Lagoon, a real highlight. Enjoy unforgettable views of the beautiful mountains, lakes and islands. We'll return to Bariloche along the shores of Clever Lake. 

The remainder of our day is at leisure.

Dinner at leisure tonight.   Your Sisterhood Tour Hostess will advise a dinner venue.

Overnight - Cacique Inacayal Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 - Friday 11 October 2024

Bariloche - Buenos Aires (B,D)

Today, after breakfast, we'll transfer to Bariloche Airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is a charming, sophisticated city with a strong European influence and culture. With its blend of Spanish, French and Italian architectural styles, its great variety of nightspots, and its cultural life, it is often referred to as the ‘South American Paris’.

Upon arrival, we'll transfer to our hotel located in the popular Recoleta area with an afternoon at leisure to explore.

Tonight, we experience and taste authentic Porteño flavours, visiting local hole-in-the wall restaurants, known as Parrillas, and learning about Argentina’s culture and cuisine.  The tour centres around the Las Cañitas section of Palermo, a neighbourhood known for its beautiful tree-lined avenues, historic polo fields and burgeoning culinary and nightlife.  Along the way your local guide will explain the history of the neighbourhood and the cuisine you will be sampling.  At each stop you will be provided with excellent Argentinian wine to enjoy.  Begin at a classic parrilla, filled with soccer fanatics, known for its choripan.  Next visit a 'casa de empanadas' to try some handmade empanadas, before moving on to enjoy some of the best meat and service in the city at a historic and hidden parrilla, famous among locals.  The last stop of the tour is at an incredible artisanal “heladeria” (ice cream shop).

Afterwards, continue on to a Milonga (dance hall) to discover the magic of tango.  Milonga is an Argentinian, Uruguayan and southern Brazilian form of music and dance and is also the term for a place where tango is danced. Milonga uses the same basic elements as tango but movement is normally faster, with no pauses made.  Rather it is a kind of rhythmic walking, without complicated figures, and with a much more ‘rustic’ style than tango.  If you are lucky a live orchestra and professional dances will be performing during your visit.  Late this evening, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight - Intersur Recoleta (or similar)

Day 10 - Saturday 12 October 2024

Buenos Aires Sightseeing (B,D)

This morning, after breakfast, we'll enjoy a half day sightseeing tour visiting the main points of interest in the city. Visit 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest on Earth, drive down this avenue past the famous opera house, the Colon Theatre and the Obelisk, a symbol of Buenos Aires; the Plaza de Mayo (May Square), around which are El Cabildo (City Hall), the Cathedral and Casa Rosado (Government House). We also visit the colourful district of La Boca and Caminito Street before continuing along Puerto Madero and San Martin Square to the beautiful tree lined avenues of Palermo. Stopping back in Recoleta to visit the Recoleta Cemetery where the famous, including Eva Peron, are laid to rest. The final stop of the day is the exquisite El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, one of the biggest bookstores in South America and certainly the most luxurious. The El Ateneo publishing house converted this old theatre into a bookstore in 2000, thankfully conserving its original aspect, but replacing Although Buenos Aires is a very large city, it is easy to explore on foot.

This evening we'll enjoy the Argentine Experience for a unique dining concept like no other, where exquisite food and wine are interwoven with local culture in a fun and interactive way. Argentine culture is very much centred around communal dining, which is exactly what the Argentine Experience will provide – a warm, inviting space where we can meet fellow travellers from all around the world, along with a team of international and Argentine guides who want to show off their culture the best way possible – through food! The concept is simple, to host the best dinner party you’ve ever been to whilst taking you on a gastronomical journey of the country famed for its impeccable beef, delicious empanadas, decadent alfajores, stunning wines and of course the nation’s favourite pastime, mate.

After the dinner, we transfer back to our hotel. 

Overnight - Intersur Recoleta (or similar)

Day 11 - Sunday 13 October 2024

Buenos Aires - Free Day (B,D)

Today is a free day to explore Buenos Aires.  Why not visit the famous open-air antique market held in the San Telmo district, one of the oldest parts of the city. With its beautifully renovated colonial houses, it is now home to many artists and artisans. Every Sunday in Dorrego Square there is an interesting and picturesque open-air antique fair and ‘flea market’ where you can browse for antiques, bric-a-brac and myriad other treasures.

On Sundays in the park near Recoleta you will find musicians and a craft market. There are many coffee shops and restaurants in this area.

This evening we enjoy dinner and a night of music and tango at La Ventana, where typical songs and dances are performed.  After the show, transfer back to the hotel.

​Overnight - Intersur Recoleta (or similar) 

Day 12 - Monday 14 October 2024

Buenos Aires - Iguazu (B)

Today after breakfast, we'll be transferred to airport for our flight to Iguazu. Situated in the north-east of Argentina, the Iguazu River joins the Parana River creating a natural border with Brazil and Paraguay. It is here you will find the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, the ‘Cataratas del Iguazu’, that plunge into a massive gorge. There are 275 falls along a 3km front, with an average height of 70m. Completely surrounded by a dense tropical forest, this is home to many small native mammals and over 400 different species of birds and butterflies. We'll be met on arrival at Iguazu (Argentine side) Airport for a transfer to our hotel. 

Remainder of our day is at leisure to explore our surrounds.

Dinner at leisure tonight - Your Sisterhood Hostess will advise a venue.

Overnight - Mercure Iguazu Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 - Tuesday 15 October 2024

Iguazu Falls - Argentine / Brazil side (B)

Today we'll enjoy a half-day tour to visit the Lower and Upper trails of the Iguazu National Park that allow close views of the many falls that drop from the Iguazu River. The thundering noise and the falling water is incredibly impressive. Then we visit the Devil’s Gorge right in the heart of the Iguazu waterfalls. To get there, we catch the tourist train that meanders through the park and drops us right at the walkway that leads to the magnificent Devil’s Throat cascade.

Afterwards, we transfer across the border via the International Bridge ‘Tancredo Neves’ for a half-day tour to the Brazil side of the falls. *Remember to have your passport handy when crossing the Argentine/Brazilian border. Here we will have a breathtaking panoramic view across the river to the Argentine side of the falls. Walking along the kilometre-long path will provide us with spectacular close-up views of the main falls.

After our tour, we return to our hotel for dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Mercure Iguazu Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 - Wednesday 16 October 2024

Iguazu - Lima (B)

Today, we'll transfer over the International Bridge ‘Tancredo Neves’ to Iguassu (Brazil side) Airport for our flight to Lima via Sao Paulo. Located on the Pacific coast, Lima, the capital of Peru, was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and became the centre of all Spanish trade and culture in the New World. Today it is a city of contrasts, with its colonial churches, old mansions and modern residential areas.

Upon arrival at Lima Airport, we're met for transfer to our hotel.

Dinner at leisure tonight - Your Sisterhood Hostess will advise a venue.

Overnight - Casa Andina Premium Miraflores (or similar)

Day 15 - Thursday 17 October 2024

Lima Gastronomy / Museum Tour (B,L)

Today, after breakfast, we'll begin our gastronomic tour of Lima. Our first stop is at a local roastery in the bohemian district of Barranco where the coffee beans are hand-picked daily for organic Peruvian coffee. Once we have enjoyed our coffee, we'll be taken on a walking tour of Barranco, home to artists, musicians and the city's top art galleries.

Stop for a Lúcuma milkshake at a secret garden cafe. Next, we visit a local market in the district of San Isidro to try exotic fruits and products as we learn about the ancient myths and legends associated with them. Our fourth stop is one of Lima's top seafood restaurants in the Miraflores district- Embarcadero 41 Fusión. Here we will learn the secrets for the perfect Ceviche and Pisco Sour as we prepare our dish and cocktail with the head chef and bartender. Our final stop for the day is for lunch at Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, located within a pre-Inca archaeological complex.

After lunch, we'll visit Lima’s colonial churches, promenades and palaces which illustrate Peru’s Spanish heritage. After passing through the Republican area, reach the Colonial centre and visit such highlights as the Cathedral and Santo Domingo Church. We also pass by “Plaza Mayor” (main square), Government, Archbishop, Osambela and Torre Tagle Palaces, St Peter’s Church 

Then we visit the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum - one of the largest private collections, containing a fascinating array of beautifully modelled pottery, unique gold and silver work, mummies and erotic ceramics from the pre-Inca civilisations. There is also an impressive display of ceramic pieces from the Moche culture which brings animals, plants and anthropological deities to life.  We return to our hotel with dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Casa Andina Premium Miraflores (or similar)

** Pack an overnight bag for our 3 night stay in the Amazon **

Day 16 - Friday 18 October 2024

Lima - Puerto Maldonado (B,L,D)

Today after breakfast we'll transfer to Lima Airport for our flight to Puerto Maldonado. We'll be met on arrival and our excess luggage will be taken and stored at the local office.  We then board our motorised canoe for the journey down the Madre de Dios River (approx. 20-25 minutes) to Hacienda Concepcion. Here we will be shown to our accommodation and given a briefing about the lodge and its facilities, and the activities on offer during the following days.

After lunch, our specialized guide will take us through an interpretive trail, conveniently signposted, to Caiman Cocha, a little lagoon where we will have the chance to observe the black caiman and the common caiman, as well as efficient predators located at the top of the food chain.  They feed on a rich water fauna—mainly represented by fish— that inhabits the pond. . Later we return to the lodge for dinner in the main house.

Overnight - Eco Amazonia  Lodge (or similar)

Day 17 - Saturday 19 October 2024

Free Day in the Amazon (B,L,D)

Today after breakfast, hike to the deep forest on conveniently prepared, preserved and signposted trails.  Cross the riverside to reach high-elevation forests, and then descend to floodable forests, to go up again to the hills.  During the journey, you will see the widest range of flora and fauna in the wild including diverse species of medicinal plants and fruit trees supporting the animal and human populations in the Amazon forests.  Some of the most important are the moriche palm, mahogany, chestnut, catahua, cedar, trumpet-wood, copaiba, and shihuahuaco, among others.  With luck and in silence, you can see bigger mammals, like the Brazilian tapir and the white-lipped peccary; rodents like the giant otter, the capybara, the spotted paca and the armadillo; primates like the coto or howler monkey, the squirrel monkey, the lion monkey and the black-cap capuchin monkey; reptiles like the iguana and the bothrops atrox; amphibians like the toad and birds like the guan, the partridge, the golden parakeet and the blue, yellow and red macaw.  In the rainy jungle you will see insects such as butterflies (Lepidoptera), scarabs (Coleoptera), crickets, cicadas, ants, centipedes and millipedes of several species. 

Arrive at the majestic Lake Apu Victor surrounded by immense swamps and gigantic trees, before going up to an Amazonian observation deck, from which you'll get to enjoy a panoramic view on the lake, observe parrots, macaws, toucans, horned screamers, hoatzins, herons and other animals like caimans, turtles, etc.  A wide variety of fishes enters Lake Apu Victor with the flooding of the rainy season. 

In addition, there are other species of fauna associated to the lake, like the yellow-footed tortoise, the mata mata, the twist-necked turtle, the freshwater blenny, the kinkajou, the white-tailed deer, the Central American agoutis and the giant otter of the Amazon rainforest.  On your return to the lodge, a refreshing lunch will be waiting for you.

In the afternoon, joined by your specialized guide visit Monkey Island, located a few minutes away from the lodge in the centre of the Madre de Dios River.  This island shows an enormous variety of exuberant flora and hosts numerous primate specimens like the black spider monkey, the blackcap capuchin monkey, the squirrel monkey and the lion monkey.  Also, other species of little mammals like the ring-tailed coati (nasua nasua), the squirrel and an enormous variety of colored birds.  Finally, complete your visit to the island by enjoying a sunset in the jungle.  Afterwards, return to the lodge for dinner.

Dinner tonight at our accommodation.

Overnight - Eco Amazonia Lodge  (or similar)

Day 18 - Sunday 20 October 2024

Free Day in the Amazon (B,L,D)

After breakfast this morning start an adventure in the virgin forest, accompanied by a local guide.  Cover well preserved and prepared trails, crossing temporary water courses called tributaries and witness the widest range of flora and fauna in the wild.   Identify a great variety of ornamental plants with unparalleled beauty, including diverse species of medicinal plants and fruit trees that support the animal populations in the Amazon forest.   With luck, you'll get to see bigger mammals, like the jaguar or Peruvian jaguar, the Brazilian tapir and the white-lipped peccary; rodents like the giant otter, the capybara, the spotted paca and the armadillo; primates like the coto or howler monkey and the squirrel monkey; reptiles like the iguana and the bothrops atrox; amphibians like the toad, and birds like the guan, the partridge, the golden parakeet and the scarlet macaw play an ecological role of great importance since they represent a substantial biological source with endemic species and these particular swamps comprise 60% of the area protected and restored by Eco Amazonia Lodge.

The presence of moriche palm is very important for Amazonian ethnic groups.  It is a mystery plant considered mother of the forest or the tree of life.  The swamp is home of jealous guardians like the jaguar, feline considered son of the swamp; the anaconda, the world's biggest snake; the owl that sees everything from its dwelling at the top of the trees, to cure all ills, and the black caiman, guardian that punishes those that dare to steal the female moriche palm fruit.  Once in Lost Cocha, visit the observation platform, from which you will see the enormous surface that this magic place covers and where you can see two types of swamps: thick and mixed.

Afterwards, take a pleasant walk around the Lost Cocha and with luck you'll get to see the "giant otter” or Pteronurabrasiliensis, the biggest in its type and one of the most impressive animals of the Amazon region.  Back in the lodge, enjoy an exquisite lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to take pictures around the lodge, you will also have the possibility to visit the botanical garden and observe the medicinal plants and fruit trees. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge.

Overnight - Ecop Amazonia Lodge (or similar)

Day 19 - Monday 21 October 2024

Puerto Maldonado - Cuzco (B)

After breakfast, we return by motorised canoe to Puerto Maldonado pier where our luggage will be waiting for us. From here we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cuzco. On arrival we transfer to the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we visit the town of Pisac and the handicraft market where we can bargain for and buy beautiful Indian handicrafts.

Make sure you enjoy some bread at the bakery in Pisac – it’s delicious! Continue our transfer to our charming hotel located on the outskirts of the small village of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (2,800m). Remainder of the day free to acclimatise to the high altitude.

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Tambo Del Inka, A  Luxury Collection (or similar)

Day 20 - Tuesday 22 October 2024

Chinchero, Moray and Ollantaytambo (B,L)

Today, after breakfast, we'll enjoy a full day tour through the beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First we visit the Indian town of Chinchero (3,762m), located 28km from Cuzco. The main plaza, the nearby Inca ruins and a beautiful colonial church with paintings by the famous indigenous artist, Chiwantito, are some of its many attractions.

Afterwards we visit Moray where the Incas built huge circular terraces in the natural sinkholes on a limestone plateau overlooking the Urubamba Valley; apart from agricultural use, their function remains a mystery.

We then continue to the town and magnificent Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. In the upper and western part of the city rises a mountain scattered with houses and innumerable pre-Hispanic constructions such as temples and terraces. The archaeological complex itself was a gigantic agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military centre in the era of the Tahuantinsuya (Inca) empire. 

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Tambo Del Inka, A Luxury Collection  (or similar)

Day 21 - Wednesday 23 October 2024

Machu Picchu Full Day Excursion (B,L,D)

Today will be a day to remember. An early morning for transfer to Ollantaytambo railway station. We board the train for the 1.5 hour journey through the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu train station at Aguas Calientes. * Note: your train to Machu Picchu applies a luggage restriction and you are only allowed to take an overnight bag for your luggage (weight 5kg). The bulk of your luggage will be transported to Cuzco and will be waiting at your hotel for when you arrive. When the train arrives at Aguas Calientes you do not have to worry about keeping your overnight bag for the day as it will be collected at the station and taken to your hotel.

Along with our guide we take the 20 minute shuttle bus ride up to Machu Picchu ruins (2,380m). Once up at the site enter the ruins for a private tour. For centuries Machu Picchu lay undiscovered in the jungle until, in 1911, the American historian Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it almost by accident. Although little is known about the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, it is obvious by the quality of the stonework and the abundance of ornamental sites that Machu Picchu must have been an important ceremonial centre. Current regulations have laid out 4 circuit options our tour must follow and our guide will discuss with us which is the better option. * Please note: once your circuit has been chosen, there is no turning back on the trail. Your guided tour will last approx. 2 hours and your entry is valid for a maximum of 3 hours so you will have some free time to explore the ruins on your own. *Note: Your ticket does not allow re-entry, so all exits of the site are final. After the tour, make our way to Tinkuy Restaurant located right next to the famous Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu for a buffet lunch. After lunch, we take the shuttle bus down to the little town of Aguas Calientes at the bottom of the mountain and make our own to our hotel, a short walk from the bus stop. 

Dinner at our hotel tonight.

Overnight -Casa Andina Machu Picchu Hotel (or similar)

Day 22 - Thursday 24 October 2024

Option to return to Machu Picchu or Free Day (B)

Another early morning to enjoy Machu Picchu to further explore the ruins on your own. The walking paths are laid out so you may wish to walk the circuit you did not do with the guide. Perhaps walk back along the Inca trail to the Sun Gate for truly superb views – it is well worth the effort!  Afterwards return to Aguas Calientes by shuttle bus.

Alternatively, if you choose not to use your pre-purchased ticket for a second visit to the ruins or wish to return early, you can leisurely explore Aguas Calientes. Have a look around the markets and maybe enjoy lunch in the restaurant at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or at one of the many small local restaurants in the town.

This afternoon we'll make our own way to the station to board the afternoon train to Poroy. Upon arrival we'll transfer to our hotel in Cuzco. Cuzco is a fascinating city, situated 3,310m above sea level in the high Peruvian Andes. It is remarkable for its many colonial churches, monasteries and convents and for its extensive Inca ruins. Many streets are lined with perfect Inca stonework now serving as foundations for more modern dwellings.

Dinner at leisure tonight - Your Tour Hostess will advise a venue.

Overnight - Novotel Cuzco Hotel  (or similar)

Day 23 - Friday 25 October 2024

Cuzco City and Ruins Tour (B)

Today, after breakfast, we'll enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Cuzco. We visit the Plaza de Armas (main square), the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, the surrounding ruins of Kenko and Tambo Machay, and the renowned fortress of Sacsayhuaman. After our tour, we'll return to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Dinner at leisure tonight - Your Tour Hostess will advise a venue.

Overnight - Novotel Cuzco Hotel (or similar)

Day 24 - Saturday 26 October 2024

Free Day in Cuzco (B,D)

A day at leisure to further explore this truly fascinating city. Enjoy the local markets, the colourful people and shop for local handicrafts, weavings, pottery, and more. 

Tonight, we enjoy dinner with a folklore show.

Overnight - Novotel Cuzco Hotel (or similar)

Day 25 - Sunday 27 October 2024

Cuzco - Puno (B,L)

Early this morning we will transfer to Cuzco railway station to embark on a comfortable and interesting train journey across the vast altiplano.

This journey is considered by some to be one of the great train journeys of the world. You will pass through starkly beautiful landscapes and many small villages before arriving in Puno (3,855m).
Onboard there are two dining cars decorated in the original 1920s theme where guests enjoy a delicious lunch. During the journey local musicians will perform typical music and dances from the Peruvian highlands. Guests can also spend some time in the fresh air on the open air observatory car admiring the incredible scenery.

When the train starts to enter the city of Juliaca, try to find a position on the observation car as travelling through the middle of the local market is a fascinating experience. Rather than packing down the market each tine the train comes through town, stall holders simply lower their umbrellas and leave their goods in the middle of the train track as you will pass over the top of books, homewares, tools, fruit and vegetables, with business as usual once the train has passed through.

Situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, this city’s history revolves round the Quechua and Aymara natives who, over centuries, have managed to sustain a productive lifestyle in a most extraordinary region. Puno’s location makes it a good starting point for exploring Lake Titicaca’s Peruvian environs and islands.

On arrival at Puno railway station, we will be  transferred to our hotel with dinner at leisure

Overnight - Casa Andina Standard Puno (or similar)

Day 26 - Monday 28 October 2024

Puno (Lake Titicaca) (B,L)

This morning we transfer to the pier for a full day excursion travelling by speed boat. First, visit the Uros Indians who live on floating reed islands in Lake Titicaca. The lives of the Uros are completely interwoven with the ‘totora’ reed that grows abundantly in the shallow waters of Lake Titicaca. If you wish you may take a ride on one of the reed boats (at extra cost).
Continue on the speed boat for approx. 1 hour to the remote island of Taquile. Inhabited by Quechua-speaking Indians who, through time, have developed both an efficient and original social system and one of the world’s finest methods of hand-weaving. A visit to their communal center will allow us to appreciate their unique textiles. In the afternoon, return on the speed boat to Puno the hotel with dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Casa Andina Standard Puno (or similar)

Day 27 - Tuesday 29 October 2024

Puno - Lima - Santiago (B)

This morning we transfer to Juliaca Airport for our domestic flight to Lima.  Upon arrival,  we collect our luggage and make our way to the international terminal to check in for our international flight home via Santiago.

Day 28 - Wednesday 30 October 2024

Santiago - In Transit (Meals Inflight)

Transit - cross the International Date Line

Day 29 - Thursday 31 October 2024

Welcome Home

Welcome Home!  Wow, what an epic adventure we've shared.  Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you to your next adventure.