Sizzling South America

Day 1 - Tuesday 7 October 2025

Melbourne - Santiago (in flight meals, D)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. 

Meet your Sisterhood tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport. 

Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines as we head towards Chile! Cross the International Dateline and gain a day, arriving in Santiago the same day we depart.

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 at Santiago Airport for transfer to our hotel for our Welcome Dinner!

Accommodation: Ladera Hotel, Santiago (or similar)

Day 2 - Wednesday 8 October 2025

Santiago (B)

Today, we'll be met at our hotel this morning to depart on a full-day tour around Santiago, starting at 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.

We continue to the Plaza de Armas, the main square, which is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and other historical buildings. Wander around Plaza de la Constitucion Square to see the President’s Palace (Casa de La Moneda). From here, 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.

After the tour, we'll return to our hotel.

Accommodation: Ladera Hotel, Santiago (or similar)

Day 3 - Thursday 9 October 2025

Full Day Casablanca, Vina del Mar and Valparaiso Tour (B, L)

We are met at our hotel this morning to depart on the journey to the Casablanca Valley which has rapidly become Chile’s most important grape-growing valley for the production of premium white wine. As part of this excursion, we will enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the many wineries that are part of this flourishing wine route.

We continue to Viña del Mar, the most famous and visited seaside city of the area. Viña del Mar has many parks with huge trees and palms which has lead it to being known as the “Garden City”. Visit the beautiful park Quinta Vergara with its amphitheatre, the beaches and the Casino, which was built in 1932.

Next, visit 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. Take some time to roam the city’s winding streets before returning to our hotel in Santiago. 

Accommodation: Ladera Hotel, Santiago (or similar)

Day 4 - Friday 10 October 2025

Santiago - Rio de Janeiro (B)

Meet at our hotel this morning for a transfer to Santiago Airport for our international flight to Rio de Janeiro.

Nestled between towering mountains and the sea is the vibrant and beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro with its magnificent shoreline and beaches.

We'll be met on arrival at Rio de Janeiro Airport for transfer to our hotel located in the Copacabana area. 

Accommodation: Windsor Martinique Hotel, Rio de Janeiro (or similar)

Day 5 - Saturday 11 October 2025

Full Day Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Tour (B, BBQ lunch)

Today, we are met at our hotel this morning to depart on a full day tour, visiting the most famous landmarks of the city and see the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro.

After a scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, arrive at the bottom of the Corcovado Hill. Embark on a comfortable train that ascends the mountain towards the awe-inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer (located 700m above sea level). From the foot of the statue, we can enjoy a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and discover why it is called the "Marvellous City".

Afterwards, descend the mountain and stop for a delicious Brazilian barbecue lunch. Continue on to the world-famous ‘Pão de Açúcar’ (Sugar Loaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of a refined sugar loaf. Travel to the Sugar Loaf cable car station for a ride to the top of the mountain from where we will enjoy superb 360 degree views over the city and bay.

After the tour, we return to our hotel.

Accommodation: Windsor Martinique Hotel, Rio de Janeiro (or similar)

Day 6 - Sunday 12 October 2025

Half Day Secrets of Old Rio and Santa Teresa (B)

This morning, we depart our hotel on a unique walking tour which will give us a deep understanding of the legends and stories woven into the narrow streets and old historical buildings of downtown Rio. We will be accompanied by a local guide who will explain the significance of these buildings and areas giving us insight to the history and culture of this city. Over approx. 4 hours we will visit many places of interest, such as São Bento Monastery, Candelaria (the candle-makers), Praça XV, the "Travessa do Mercado", Imperial Palace, Casa França-Brasil, Ouvidor (the listeners) Street, Gonçalves Dias Street, a traditional Colombo Coffee Shop and the cultural center, located in the beautifully-restored Banco do Brasil. The walk will take us down Uruguaiana Street and through Carioca Square, to the Metropolitan Cathedral.

The next stop on the tour is Santa Teresa. Here we will visit Ruins Park (‘Parque das Ruinas’) where we will enjoy a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro. Once you have had time to absorb the beautiful view and take some photos we will head to the Farmstead of Heaven Museum (‘Museu Chácara do Céu) – which has an interesting collection of Brazilian and European art including Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, Matisse and Modigliani.

The tour continues to Largo do Guimarães, considered the heart of the neighbourhood, where there are several bars and restaurants.

After the tour, return to our hotel.

Accommodation: Windsor Martinique Hotel, Rio de Janeiro (or similar)

Day 7 - Monday 13 October 2025

Rio de Janeiro - Iguazu, Argentina (B)

We are met at our hotel this morning for a transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport foryour domestic flight to Iguassu.

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 we 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.

Met on arrival at Iguassu (Brazil Side) Airport we depart on a half-day tour of the Brazil side of the falls. Here we will have quite a different perspective and a panoramic view across the river of 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 the tour, we transfer across the border via the International Bridge ‘Tancredo Neves’ to our hotel located in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina side).

Accommodation: Mercure Iguazu Hotel, Iguazu (or similar)

Day 8 - Tuesday 14 October 2025

Iguazu (B)

Today we are met at our hotel this morning to depart on 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.

After the tour, we return to our hotel.

Accommodation: Mercure Iguazu Hotel, Iguazu (or similar)

Day 9 - Wednesday 15 October 2025

Iguazu - Buenos Aires (B, D)

This morning we are met at our hotel for a transfer to Iguazu (Argentine side) Airport for our domestic 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’.

Met on arrival at Buenos Aires (AEP Aero Parque) Airport we are transferred to our hotel located in the Recoleta area with the fternoon at leisure.

Later, we are met at our hotel this evening to enjoy dinner and a night of music and tango at La Ventana, one of the excellent venues where typical songs and dances are performed.

After the show, transfer back to our hotel. 

Accommodation: Intersur Recoleta, Buenos Aires (or similar)

Day 10 - Thursday 16 October 2025

Buenos Aires (B, D)

We are met at our hotel this morning to depart on a half-day city 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), the El Ateneo Grand Bookstore. We also visit the colourful districts of La Boca, Recoleta Cemetery, Plaza San Martin and Avenida Santa Fe.

After the tour, return to our hotel with the afternoon at leisure.

Later we are met at our hotel this evening for a transfer to 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 you 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 are transferred back to our hotel. 

Accommodation: Intersur Recoleta, Buenos Aires (or similar)

Day 11 - Friday 17 October 2025

Buenos Aires (B, D)

We have a day at leisure to explore on our own.

Later, we are met at our hotel this evening to 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 our local guide will explain the history of the neighbourhood and the cuisine you will be sampling. At each stop we 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 we are lucky a live orchestra and professional dances will be performing duringyour visit.

Late this evening, we will be transferred back to your hotel. 

Accommodation: Intersur Recoleta, Buenos Aires (or similar)

Day 12 - Saturday 18 October 2025

Buenos Aires - Lima (B)

Today is at leisure to explore Buenos Aires.

We'll be met at our hotel this afternoon for a transfer to Buenos Aires Airport for our international flight to Lima, Peru.

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.

We're met on arrival at Lima Airport for a transfer to our hotel.

Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores, Lima (or similar)

Day 13 - Sunday 19 October 2025

Lima (B, L)

This morning we are met at our hotel to 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 you have enjoyed our coffee, we will 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 to the perfect Ceviche and Pisco Sour as you 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, depart on a half-day tour to 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. Also pass by “Plaza Mayor” (main square), Government, Archbishop, Osambela and Torre Tagle Palaces, St Peter’s Church and the Monastery of San Francisco. 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.

After the tour, we return to our hotel.

Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores, Lima (or similar)

Day 14 - Monday 20 October 2025

Lima - Amazon (B, L, D)

Meet at our hotel this morning for a transfer to Lima Airport for our domestic flight to Puerto Maldonado. We are met on arrival at Puerto Maldonado Airport for a transfer to the river port (10 minutes away) to board the riverboat for the journey to Eco Amazonia Lodge.

On arrival at the lodge, we will be welcomed with delicious Amazon tropical fruit nectars and shown to our bungalows. After settling in, make our way to the dining room for a hearty lunch.

In the afternoon, our specialized guide will take us through an interpretive trail, conveniently signposted, to Caiman Cocha, a little lagoon where you 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.

Upon returning to the Lodge, a delicious dinner will await you. Afterward, enjoy free time to share unforgettable moments at the bar. The night fauna will lull us to sleep with the melody of a huge number of bird songs and calls.

Accommodation: Eco Amazonia Lodge (or similar)

Day 15 - Tuesday 21 October 2025

Amazon (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we 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, we 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, we 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, we 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 we'll get to enjoy a panoramic view of 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 with 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 our return to the lodge, a refreshing lunch will be waiting for us. In the afternoon, joined by our 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, completeyour visit to the island by enjoying a sunset in the jungle.

Afterward, return to the lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Eco Amazonia Lodge (or similar)

Day 16 - Wednesday 22 October 2025

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, we'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. The presence of moriche palm is very important for Amazonian ethnic groups. It is a mystery plant considered the mother of the forest or the tree of life. The swamp is home to jealous guardians like the jaguar, a feline considered the 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 we will see the enormous surface that this magic place covers and where we can see two types of swamps: thick and mixed.

Afterward, take a pleasant walk around the Lost Cocha and with luck, we'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.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to take pictures around the lodge, we 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.

Accommodation: Eco Amazonia Lodge (or similar)

Day 17 - Thursday 23 October 2025

Amazon - Urubamba (B)

After breakfast, we return by riverboat to the port, before being transferred back to Puerto Maldonado Airport to connect with our domestic flight to Cuzco.

We are met on arrival at Cuzco Airport for our transfer to the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we visit the town of Pisac and the handicraft market where we may bargain for and buy some very beautiful Indian handicrafts. Make sure we enjoy some bread at the bakery in Pisac – it’s delicious!

Continue the transfer to our charming hotel located on the outskirts of the small village of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (2,800m).

The remainder of the evening is free to acclimatise to the altitude. 

Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (or similar)

Day 18 - Friday 24 October 2025

Urubamba (B, L)

Meet at our hotel this morning to depart on a full-day tour through the beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

First 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.

Afterward, 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 the 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.

After the tour, return to our hotel.

Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda, Urubamba (or similar)

Day 19 - Saturday 25 October 2025

Urubamba - Aguas Calientes (B, L, D)

Today we are met at our hotel for a transfer to Ollantaytambo railway station. Board the train for the 1.5-hour journey through the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu train station at Aguas Calientes. A local representative will meet us outside the station upon the train’s arrival in Aguas Calientes, and then escort us to where the shuttle buses are waiting. The representative will give us all the instructions for meeting our guide at the entrance of Machu Picchu. They will then leave us to take the 20-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu ruins (2,380m).

Once up at the site, meet our guide outside 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. Our guided tour will last approx. 2 hours and our entry is valid for a maximum of 3 hours so we will have some free time to explore the ruins on our own. *Note: Our tickets do not allow re-entry, so all exits of the site are final.

When we are ready to leave the ruins, we 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 way to our hotel, a short walk from the bus stop. 

Note: Our train to Machu Picchu applies a luggage restriction and we are only allowed to take an overnight bag for our luggage (weight 5kg). The bulk of our luggage will be transported to Cuzco and will be waiting at our hotel for when we arrive. When the train arrives at Aguas Calientes we do not have to worry about keeping our overnight bag for the day as it will be collected at the station and taken to our hotel. 

Accommodation: El Mapi by Inkaterra, Aguas Calientes (or similar)

Day 20 - Sunday 26 October 2025

Aguas Calientes - Cuzco (B)

Make our own way to the bus stop early this morning and return to Machu Picchu to further explore the ruins on our own.

The walking paths are laid out so we may wish to walk the circuit we 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. 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. Make our own way to the station to board the afternoon train to Poroy.

Met on arrival at Poroy railway station, located a few kilometres (approx. 20 minutes) from Cuzco, for transfer to your hotel in Cuzco.

Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium, Cuzco (or similar)

Day 21 - Monday 27 October 2025

Cuzco (B)

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.

We are met at our hotel this morning to depart on a half-day city sightseeing tour of Cuzco. 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 the tour, return to our hotel.

Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium, Cuzco (or similar)

Day 22 - Tuesday 28 October 2025

Cuzco (B, D)

Today, is a day at leisure to further explore this truly fascinating city. Enjoy the local markets, the people and colour, and shopping for local handicrafts, weavings, pottery, and more.

Later we are met at our hotel for atransfer to Tunupa Restaurant for dinner and a folklore show.

After the show, transfer back to our hotel.

Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium, Cuzco (or similar)

Day 23 - Wednesday 29 October 2025

Cuzco - Puno (B, L)

Early this morning we are met and transferred 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. We 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.

We are met on arrival at Puno railway station for a transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard, Puno (or similar)

Day 24 - Thursday 30 October 2025

Puno (B, L)

This morning, we depart our hotel and transfer to the pier for a full-day excursion travelling by speed boat.

First, we 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 centre will allow us to appreciate their unique textiles.

In the afternoon, return on the speed boat to Puno - and drop off at our hotel. 

Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard, Puno (or similar)

Day 25 - Friday 31 October 2025

Puno - Santiago (B)

Meet at our hotel early this morning for a transfer to Juliaca Airport foryour domestic flight to Lima.

On arrival at Lima domestic terminal, make our way to the international terminal to check in for your international flight to Santiago, Chile.

On arrival at Santiago Airport, a representative will meet us and assist us to the airport hotel located just outside the terminal.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Santiago Airport (or similar)

Day 26 - Saturday 1 November 2025

Santiago - San Pedro de Atacama (B)

This morning we will be assisted from our hotel back to the airport for our domestic flight to Calama.

Met on arrival at Calama Airport, located in Chile’s northern Andean foothills, we depart on the 100km transfer to La Casa de Dom Tomas in San Pedro de Atacama (2,440m). Drive through the Cordillera Domeyko mountain range, reaching a height of 3,200m before descending through the Tambores Canyon to San Pedro de Atacama. Set in the heart of the Atacama Desert, this small oasis town is well situated for daily adventures into the surrounding desert region and to the Salar de Atacama.

Later this afternoon, visit the mystifying Moon Valley boasting various stone and sand formations. At sunset, we will have the opportunity to view the beautiful fading light over the vast landscapes.

After the tour, return to our hotel.

Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomas, San Pedro de Atacama (or similar)

Day 27 - Sunday 2 November 2025

San Pedro de Atacama (B, boxed lunch)

This morning before dawn breaks, we depart our hotel for the Salar de Atacama. First we visit the Chaxa Lagoon, an oasis in the middle of a salt desert. The water's surface shows a rich ecosystem home to many species of flamingos and other altiplanic birds. Continue by vehicle, before walking approx. ½ hour to Piedras Rojas, to see the copper-coloured rocks, surrounding lagoons and salt flats.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the majestic landscape before continuing on to the Altiplanic Lagoons. The Altiplanic Lagoons of Miscanti and Meñiques, both have crystalline waters and are surrounded by massifs that have a unique landscape. Here you will see the sky's deep blue colour reflected on the lagoons, and its contrast with the ocher colors of the mountain range and the yellow of its vegetation.

Afterward, visit the charming town of Socaire. Enjoy an exquisite lunch before moving on to the town of Toconao, built with volcanic rock and recognized for the spectacular views it offers of the Salar de Atacama.

At the end of the day, return to San Pedro de Atacama and our hotel.

Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomas, San Pedro de Atacama (or similar)

Day 28 - Monday 3 November 2025

San Pedro de Atacama (B, D)

This morning before dawn breaks, we depart and head north to the famous El Tatio Geysers; a geothermal field flanked by soaring peaks. El Tatio is situated at 4,300m on the Altiplano. It is the highest geothermal field in the world and boasts spectacular scenery.

Make sure to bring warm clothes as temperatures at this altitude are considerably low this early in the morning. At dawn observe powerful spurts of steam that shoot out from various geyser blowholes and steaming ponds that are encrusted with brilliant salt crystals reflecting the metal-blue sky.

Afterwards, we will return to San Pedro de Atacama to enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant. 

Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomas (or similar)

Day 29 - Tuesday 4 November 2025

San Pedro de Atacama - Santiago Airport (B)

Early this morning, we transfer to Calama Airport for our domestic flight to Santiago.

On arrival at Santiago Airport, wait in transit to connect with our onward international flight (departing late tonight)

Day 30 - Wednesday 5 November 2025

Santiago - Melbourne (in flight meals)

Depart Santiago on our international flight to Melbourne

Sit back, relax and enjoy some in-flight entertainment as we head for home.

Day 31 - Thursday 6 November 2025

Welcome Home

We arrive very early morning into Melbourne today.

Welcome Home and thank you for travelling with us.