Embrace the vitality of South America, visiting the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, Argentina, the Iguassu Falls and Brazil's colourful cities and coast. This program contains some active elements and a minimum level of fitness is required.

TOUR LEADER: On request
DEPARTING GROUP DATES: Daily

Day 1 Miami - Lima
Board your flight to Lima, Peru. On arrival at Lima airport, you will be welcomed by an English-speaking guide and transfer to your five star hotel.

Day 2 Lima
In the morning, guided sightseeing tour to the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the "City of Kings". The tour includes Lima's Historical Centre, passing by Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the City Hall. We will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of Colonial Art in America and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The tour includes a visit to the Basilica of 21 altars, Convent of Cloisters, Capitulary and Clementine Rooms, Chorus and Library of the monks, a Museum showing 11 paintings of the Rubens School, the Sacristy with paintings of Surbaran and Ribera, its great patio decorated with Seville tiles of the XVIth Century, Moorish arches and underground Catacombs. Larco is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can also choose to enter the storage area with its 45,000 classified archaeological objects. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of pre-Columbian art, after being exhibited in the world's leading museums. We continue to the famous Archaeological museum where many cultures of Peru are on display, including the Chavin, Paracas, Nazca, Chimu and Ica.Return to the hotel (Breakfast)

Day 3 Lima - Cusco
Early in the morning our staff will meet and transfer you to the airport for your departing flight to the Capital of the Incas Cusco. Upon your Arrival in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, we greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel following brief orientation and a cup of traditional coca tea to assist in the acclimation to the 11300 ft. in the Inca Capital of Cusco. In the afternoon City tour of Cusco, Colonial sites such as the Cathedral, Qoricancha, temple of the Sun, the most important of Inca ceremonial sites. Later you will continue to the most important site of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo and Puca Pucara. We return to the hotel (Breakfast)

Day 4 Sacred Valley
After breakfast and Leaving Cusco in the rear view mirror, we travel in a private van over a low pass then down into the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. The scenery is unsurpassable, close and distant snow peaks glistening in the sun. Visit the Ancient Pisaq market, where many of the local Indians sell their hand made textiles. Lunch at the local hacienda restaurant and continue to Ollantaytambo the major Inca temple / fortress. Probably built by the great Inca ruler, Pachacuti in the 1460s, it was the site of Hernando Pizzaro’s defeat by Manco Inca in 1536. We have ample time to examine the complex and ponder its many mysteries before returning to Cusco and visit the traditional market town of Chinchero. Return to your hotel. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 5 Machu Picchu Excursion.
Early in the morning after breakfast we pick you up at your hotel and take you to the railway station for the tourist class train to Machu Pichu. The 3 hour train journey passes through picturesque Andean scenery, passing traditional villages, Inca ruins and rushing rivers. We'll descend 1300 meters through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and follow the Urubamba river until the final stop at Aguas Calientes. Afterward we'll take the 20 minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu, perched 600 meters above the river. Our guide will explain you the history and the myths that surround this archeological wonder MACHU PICCHU! The famous lost city of the Inca is one of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth! Stand 2,430m above sea-level in the middle of a tropical mountain forest. In an extraordinarily beautiful setting, it was probably most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height, its giant walls, terraces and ramps seen as, if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna, the site is frequently shrouded in misty clouds pierced by the powerful equatorial Sun. Afterwards we take the bus for your return to the Aguas Calientes for lunch and take back the train to Cusco. Reception and transfer to the Hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 6 Cusco - Puno.
After breakfast, we enjoy a scenic drive through the Peruvian Highlands and along snow-covered peaks, about 4,300 meters above sea level. A long the way you will have stops and guided tours to the Incas sites of Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Pikillaqta. We have lunch at the restaurant in Sicuani. After your arrival to Puno our staff will meet and transfer you to the hotel. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 7 Puno - Lake Titicaca - La Paz
It's an early start today as we visit the Uros Indians, famous for living on their floating islands. Then we join our bus and transfer to Copacabana to explore South America’s largest lake aboard a catamaran cruise boat, stopping at the sacred ‘Island of the Sun’. In the afternoon we continue to La Paz, the world’s highest metropolis (11,910 feet above see level) (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 8 La Paz sightseeing & at leisure.
We enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of La Paz which shows us its many well kept buildings and its narrow lanes in the old town where the picturesque Indian market still takes place. We will also drive through the chic suburbs of La Paz on our way to visit Moon Valley, a geological offense caused by mother nature, a place that must be visited! From here we visit the Tiwanaku open air museum before heading back to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 9 La Paz - Buenos Aires
Today we ransfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel. This evening we enjoy dinner at a typical restaurant. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 10 Buenos Aires sightseeing.
After breakfast our guided sightseeing tour begins with a stop at the Plaza de Mayo with the pink colored Casa Rosada, and we see the balcon where Eva Peron and her husband used to address the crowds below. Next, we see the Cabildo (town hall) and the Metropolitan Cathedral before heading to the districts of San Telmo and La Boca, with a visit to the cemetery of Recoleta, the burial site of Eva Duarte who become famous as Eva Peron. We continue along Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world, and more. Finally, a stop at Palermo before we return to Buenos Aires with time at leisure perhaps to shop for some souvenirs. (Breakfast)

Day 11 Buenos Aires at leisure.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in this exciting city. You may wish to join a full day optional excursion to visit a typical Argentine Estancia and experience real local culture. Or maybe just explore on your own and relax. In the evening, why not join your fellow companions at an optional Tango Show including dinner to enjoy the city's best show performed by prominent interpreters of the tango's excitement. (Breakfast)

Day 12 Buenos Aires - Iguassu Falls.
Today we transfer to the airport for our flight to Iguassu. On arrival, we board our coach and drive to the Argentine side of the falls to explore this side of the famous falls. Then we head to the hotel, where the rest of your day and evening is at leisure. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 13 Iguassu Falls - Rio de Janeiro.
After breakfast time is your to maybe explore the falls from the Brazilian side. This afternoon we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro, on of the most exciting cities in the world. On arrival we are taken to our hotel with time to check-in and relax. Later, you may wish to explore or shop. Remember Rio is known for its nightlife, so be sure to check it out this evening! (Breakfast)

Day 14 Rio de Janeiro sightseeing - Sugar Loaf Mountain Excursion.
This morning we will enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing tour including the main city sights. Next, the highlight of our day is a brathtaking ride by cable car to the summit of 1,300 foot Sugar Loaf Mountain. Our afternoon highlight is a visit to the Corcovado, upon which stands the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. En route we drive through old and modern Rio before we take a cogwheel train to the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer.Time to enjoy this stunning panorama before we descend. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 15 Rio de Janeiro at leisure.
This morning after breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure perhaps to visit the Saara, for bargains in silver jewelry, leather goods or lacework. For the culture vultures there are museums and art galleries, or your can take a samba lesson! This evening, why not enjoy dinner at a vibrant restaurant and then visit a Samba club! (Breakfast)

Day 16 Rio de Janeiro - USA.
'Adeus' to Rio as we transfer to the airport for our return flight to your home (Breakfast)

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Prices start from $2975 per person in double occupancy from Lima, Peru. This includes all meals from Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, accommodations as stated in the itinerary, domestic airfare, Flights from Bolivia to Argentina, Argentina Iguazu Falls and flight to Brazil, Vistadome Train, ground transportation during the tour, and guide services provided by our tour guide. It does not include airfare from your home to Lima and return from Rio de Janeiro, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature.
The single supplement for this tour no apply you will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations.

TOUR REGISTRATION: To register for this tour, complete the Tour registration form and return it with a deposit of 50% per person. If registering by phone, the deposit must be received within 10 days or the space will be released. Full payment of the tour fee is due 60 days prior to the tour departure date.

AIR INFORMATION: Sun God Expeditions Tours E.I.R.L is a full-service travel agency and we will be happy to make any domestic or international air travel arrangements from your home and return. Please feel free to contact us to confirm your air arrangements.

CLIMATE: Peru Weather The coast is generally sunny and hardly ever receives any rain, but from April to November there is a heavy sea mist. The highlands have a wet season (October to April) and a dry season (May to September), when the days are clear and sunny but very cold at night especially at altitude. Argentina’s elongated geography ensures that the country has a diverse climate. The north is subtropical with rain throughout the year and is best visited between May and September when the heat and humidity is less oppressive. The south has a sub-arctic climate and is best visited in the summer (December to February). The central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer and cool in winter. There are five climatic regions in Brazil: equatorial, tropical, semi-arid, highland tropical and subtropical. The seasons are the reverse of those in Europe and the United States. Cities such as Sao Paulo and Brasilia, on the plateau, have a mild climate with temperatures averaging 66°F (19°C). Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Natal and Salvador on the coast have warmer climates balanced by the Trade Winds. Rio, for example, has an average temperature of around 80°F (26°C) which will climb to over 100°F (high 30s) during the summer months. In the southern Brazilian cities of Porto Alegre and Curitiba, the subtropical climate is similar to parts of the US and Europe, with frosts occurring in the winter months (July to August) when temperatures can fall below freezing. Summers are hot, however. Despite the popular image of the Amazon as a region of blistering heat, temperatures rarely rise above 90°F (32°C), and days are generally warm, wet and humid. The region has two seasons: a rainy season (November to May) and not-so-rainy season (June to October).
CURRENCY: Nuevo Sol; as of February, 2006, $1 USD = 3.42 Nuevo Sol. Local currency and USD are available from ATM’s at Lima airport and major cities, The name of the currency of Brazil is the Real, the Argentinian Nuevo Peso is the official currency, the US dollar is the best foreign currency to take with you as it offers the best rate of exchange, but most foreign currencies can be exchanged with little difficulty.
DOCUMENTS: For U.S. citizens, a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure is required. Non-United States citizens should check with their local Peruvian consulate or embassy. A visa is not required; a tourist card will be issued by the airline. To Brazil require a 90 day tourist Visa and for Argentina most foreigners do not require a visa, only a tourist card, which is issued at no cost upon entering the country. Bolivia, most nationalities do not require a visa for stays less than 30 days, but please consult your embassy for current requirements

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

• Departure tax: Lima/USA $28.25 as of August 2005. This may be paid in Peruvian Soles or U.S. dollars.
• Electric Current: 220 Volts (flat pin plug).
• Time: Eastern Standard Time, Local time is GMT -5.
• Bolivia time Zone: GMT/UTC -4
• Time: Brazil spans four time zones: Rio and Sao Paulo: GMT -2 (GMT -3 April to October); Brasilia and Belem: GMT -3 (GMT -2 October to March); GMT -4 in the West.

• Electricity: Brazil has a variety of electrical voltages, sometimes within the same city, the better hotels offer 220 volts. If not, transformers are available in electrical stores. Outlets often accept a variety of plug types but the two-pin type is standard.
• Language: The spoken language in Brazil is Portuguese, however Spanish and English are also widely used in the cities.
• Local time is GMT -3
• Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat type plug however most older buildings have the two-pin round type.
• Language: Spanish is the official language, however English is understood in the tourist areas.

Before booking, it is important to have read and understood the Terms and Conditions. Please bear in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups.