Recommended Hols - South America

DAY 5: Tue. Fly up to Cuzco, the spectacular city which was once the capital of the great Inca civilisation. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the historic town and some nearby ruins. Stay 2 nights at the Liberator Hotel (B)
DAY 6: Wed. A day at leisure to enjoy Cuzco, or perhaps take ann optional tour to (extra cost) to Pisac or Urumbamba and Ollantaytambo (B)
DAY 7: Thu. A narrow gauge railway and a bus take you up to Machu Picchu and an unforgettable visit to the Lost City of the Inca. Stay the night at the Pueblo Hotel (B,L,D)
DAY 8 Fri. Further time to enjoy the ruins before returning to Cuzco by train through the ever changing scenery of the Peruvian Andes. Overnight at the Libertador (B)
DAY 9: Sat. A memorable train journey across the Andes with spectacular scenery all the way including passing one of the highest points of any railway system in the world. The journey takes around 10 hours with the last segment by coach to Puno on Lake Titicaca for overnight (B,L,D)
DAY 10: Sun. Drive to Juliaca for the short flight to Arequipa, once an Inca town and re-established by the Spanish in 1540. Free afternoon to explore the tiny colonial streets with their many churches and musems (B)
DAY 11: Mon. Enjoy a morning tour of the nearby countryside and an afternoon city tour including a visit to Santa Catalina Convent (B)
DAY 12: Tue. Fly to Lima an continue by road to Ica, Peru's main wine producing centre. Stay at the Hotel Las Dunas for 2 nights (B,D)
DAY 13: Wed. Weather permitting take an optional light aircraft flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines (extra cost paid locally of approx. US160). The Lines are a series of drawings of animals and geometric shapes etched into the desert, only visible from the air, and there are many conflicting theories of just how they came to be drawn. In the afternoon enjoy an included tour to see the Ica Museum and Huacachuna Lagoon (B,D)
DAY 14: Thu. Travel to Paracas before a fascinating boat journey to the Ballestas Islands, known for exotic seabirds and sealions. Return to Lima and the Liberator Hotel for overnight (B)
DAY 15: Fri. KLM flight, via Amsterdam, arriving next next day at London Heathrow or your chosen regional UK airport

NOTE: An Equador + Galapagos Extension is also available (Email us for details ...)

MAYA HIGHLIGHTS holiday:14 nights/16 days away. Escorted Group Tour. Ref DW430

A remarkable journey through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.
Cancun 1 night, Chetumal 1 night, Belize City 1 night, San Ignacio 2 nights, Tikal 1 night, Guatemala City 3 nights, Copan 1 night, Guatemala City 1 night, Chichen Itza 1 night, Uxmal 2 nights (plus optional Mexican Beach 7 nights)

Typical Itinerary:
DAY 1: Sun. Fly Monarch Airlines on Sunday from London Gatwick or Manchester, arriving Cancun later the same day. Your tour manager will co-ordinate the transfer to your overnight hotel.
DAY 2: Mon. Travel south to Tulum, where ancient ruins of the Mayan civilisation sit on a cliff overlooking the blue waters of the Caribbean. In the afternoon, continue to Chetumal on the Belize border, for 1 night (approx. 220 miles).
DAY 3: Tue. Travel by road to Orange Walk and board a boat to take you along New River to Lamanai. Colourful bird life can be seen en route to these fascinating ruins which are believed to date back as far as 1500 BC. This afternoon, return to Belize City by boat, then road to your overnight hotel (approx 95 miles) (B,L,D)
DAY 4: Wed. After a brief city tour, head south-west viat Belize's excellent zoo and Belmopan, the country's capital city. Two nights are spent in San Ignacio (approx. 70 miles) (B,L)
DAY 5: Thu. A full day of sightseeing will include either the little known Mayan sites of Caracol or Cahal Pech and Xunantunich, 'Maiden of the Rock', an ancient ceremonial centre set on a levelled hilltop overlooking the Mopan River, and reached by ferry (B,L).
DAY 6: Fri. Cross the border into Guatemala and continue through the forests of Peten to Flores, built on an island on Lago de Peten Itza, where you will spend 1 night (approx 65 miles) (B).
DAY 7: Sat. Today visit the Mayan site of Tikal situated deep in the jungle where vast pyramids tower above the tree line. This amazing jungle setting is also home to a range of wildlife and birdlife, including noisy howler monkeys, macaws and parakeets. Visit a selection of the plazas and temples, each of which has an extraordinary story behind it. In the afternoon, return to Flores and fly to Guatemala City for 3 nights (approx 80 miles) (B,L).
DAY 8: Sun. Day at leisure to either explore Guatemala City or take an optional excursion to Chichicastenago for market day and Lake Atitlan (B).
DAY 9: Mon. Day at leisure to enjoy the facilities of your hotel or take an optional excursion to the enchanting colonial city of Antigua with its restored buildings and cobbled streets (B).
DAY 10: Tue. Drive through the eastern part of Guatemala, via El Progreso and Zacapto states, to the border with Honduras. After immigration formalities, continue your journey to the ancient city of Copan, one of the most outstanding Mayan achievements with beautiful painted stelae and vast, majestic temples. Overnight in Copan, Honduras (approx 140 miles (B)
DAY 11: Wed. After breakfast, depart for the superb archeological site of Quirigua in the state of Izabal, home to the tallest Mayan stone carving. Continue to Guatemala City for overnight (approx 140 miles (B).
DAY 12: Thu. Early morning flight to Cancul. Continue by road to Chichen Itza, possibly the finest and best known of all Mayan sites, for overnight (approx 120 miles (B).
DAY 13: Fri. This morning take an early walk to the site, and see images of Quetsalcoatl, the plumed serpent, and Chac, the Mayan rain god, adorning the many temples and Stelae, the ball court and of course the magnificent temples and pyramids - amazing legacies of the great Mayan civilisation. This afternoon travel by road to Merida for a brief city tour of this attractive colonial city before driving to Uxmal, where you will spend the last two nights of your tour (approx 117 miles) (B).
DAY 14: Sat. Set in a jungle clearing in the Puuc Hills, Uxmal is one of the most stunning sights in the Mayan world. Visit the Pyramid of the Magician, the Governor's Palace, and visit Kabah, famous for its Palace of Chaac Mask. This evening, enjoy an optional tour (at extra cost) to see the superb sound and light show (B).
DAY 15: Sun (or Day 22). Early morning transfer to Cancun (approx 240 miles) to connect with your Monarch Airlines flight to Gatwick or Manchester, arriving the next day. Or extend for a further week on the beach in Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventura, Tulum, Xcaret or Xpu-Ha, at the appropriate supplement

GUIDE PRICE: from £2830 per person based on 2 persons sharing a room - Email us if you have a specific departure date in mind and we will get back with a precise price and details of any modifications to the itinerary -
Prices are seasonal and are also affected by demand for the flights (booking late may mean a more expensive air fare)

On this holiday meals included as shown (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner). Sightseeing is included as shown, unless specified as optional. Tips are included for drivers, guides and tour manager plus porterage for 1 suitcase per person

COSTA RICA HIGHLIGHTS holiday: 7 nights/9 days away. Accompanied Group Tour. Ref DW434

San Jose 1 night, La Fortuna 1 night, Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui 2 nights, Tortuguero 2 nights, San Jose 1 night plus optional beach extension to Tamarindo for 7 nights

Typical Itinerary:
DAY 1: Sun. Fly British Airways from London Heathrow to Miami, then onward with American Airlines to San Jose, arriving later the same day. Transfer to the Hotel Barcelo Palma Real for 1 night.
DAY 2: Mon. Drive to the foot of the Poas Volcano which boasts one of the largest craters in the world before ascending to enjoy incredible views over the whole central valley. Drive north to La Fortuna, a small town about four miles from the active Arenal volcano visiting a coffee plantation en route. Afternoon visit to the pool area of the hotel with hot springs. Overnight at Hotel Arenal Paraiso (approx 70 miles) (B).
DAY 3: Tue. Experience the true local lifestyle today on a unique trip off the beaten tracks by comfortable, tractor-drawn trailer to visit the farm of La Fortuna college (the processing plant of a different exotic vegetables). Ecocentro Danaus with different butterfly production of rural primary school, a private exotic garden, a typical rural general store and La Casona Rio Fortuna, an old farmhouse. Then drive to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui for two nights at Selva Verde Lodge (approx 56 miles) (B,L).
DAY 4: Wed. After breakfast, enjoy a 2-2.5 hours hiking excursion through the forest. The flora and fauna of this natural paradise is impressive. In the afternoon visit Alma Ata Archaeological Garden to learn about the culture of indigenous tribes. Return to Selva Verde Lodge for overnight and a dance display by the local Sarapiqui inhabitants (approx 10 miles) (B).
DAY 5: Thu. Early morning departure for Tortuguero National Park, one of the most famous parks in Costa Rica. Breakfast en route and continue along the highway to Matina where you can see large banana plantations. Continue by boat along rivers and narrow channels to a simple jungle lodge close to Tortuguero National Park. From July to September take an optional tour (at extra cost) to watch Green Turtles laying their eggs. In Tortuguero National Park you can nearly always expect rain, so you should be prepared to get wet! Two nights will be spent at your lodge (approx 100 miles) (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Fri. Wake up to the sounds of the jungle! Before breakfast join an early morning boat trip to explore some of the waterways of this spectacular park. Four breeds of turtle are found in the park, and you may be lucky to see some at anytime of the year. After breakfast there is another included boat trip where you can enjoy the park's amazing variety of plants and spectacular colourful bird life. You may see monkeys, turtles, sloths and crocodiles, all of whom are resident here. After lunch at the lodge visit the small village of Tortuguero where the history of the region is explained (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Sat. After breakfast, leave the park by boat, before rejoining your vehicle near Matina. Drive to San Jose where you arrive at the Hotel Barcelo Palma Real in the late afternoon (approx 100 miles (B,L).
DAY 8: Sun. Fly American Airlines to Miami, then onwards with British Airways, arriving Heathrow on Monday. Or extend your stay for a further week in Tamarindo.

GUIDE PRICE: from £968 per person based on 2 persons sharing a room - Email us if you have a specific departure date in mind and we will get back with a precise price and details of any modifications to the itinerary -
Prices are seasonal and are also affected by demand for the flights (booking late may mean a more expensive air fare)

On this holiday meals included as shown (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner). Sightseeing is included as shown, unless specified as optional (additional optional tours may also be offered during the tour).
This tour is escorted by a local guide from Day 2 to Day 7.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE and EQUADOR holiday: 11 nights/14 days away. Accompanied Group Tour. Ref DW436

Guayaquil 1 night, Galapagos Cruise 3 nights, Cuenca 2 nights, Quito 4 nights

The South American archipelago of the Galapagos Islands is home to an amazing variety of wildlife and birds, many species unique to the area. A very special tour offering a winning combination of colonial cities, stunning scenery and 'The Enchanted Islands' made famous by Charles Darwin. Also available, as a complete contrast, is an Amazonia jungle adventure extension or a relaxing Caribbean beach extension at Bonaire.
Typical Itinerary:
DAY 1. Sat. Fly with KLM from London Heathrow, or your chosen regional airport via Amsterdam to Guayaquil, Ecuador.
DAY 2: Sun. On arrival transfer to the Hampton Inn for one night. Afternoon at leisure to explore this bustling, large port on the Guayas river (B)
DAY 3: Mon. Fly to Baltra Island, and embark on the MV Santa Cruz cruise ship. Built especially for cruising the Galapagos islands, the ship has full air-conditioning throughout and cabins have twin beds and their own shower. There are areas on the four decks for dolphin and whale watching, a bar/lounge, restaurant and small shop and a library. Resident naturalist guides accompany you throughout the cruise, giving briefings on board and guiding you on shore excursions. This unique archipelago is renowned for its fearless and special wildlife. Giant tortoise, marine iguana, albatross and blue-footed boobies are just some of the unusual species to be seen (B,L,D).
DAYS 4-5: Tue to Wed. The Galapagos consist of six main islands with twelve smaller islands and 42 islets. Your itinerary will take you to the islands of Bartholome, Tower, North Seymour and James Island. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will surely find the scenery and the wildlife quite fascinating (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Thu. Early arrival in Santa Fe (Barrington Island) for an escorted walk through the forest where you can spot iguanas and bird life. Continue on to Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see the giant tortoise pens. After Lunch the trip will finish in the hills of Santa Cruz island where you can see giant tortoises in their wild habitat. Overnight on board MV Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Fri. Leave the cruise after breakfast for your flight back to Ecuador's colonial gem, Cuenca in the highlands. Two nights at Hotel Santa Lucia (B)
DAY 8: Sat. A tour of Cuenca has been included to show you its old quarter, the Plaza of San Sebastian, colourful Artisans market, a Panama hats workshop, and the flower market. Some free time in the afternoon to stroll around and visit a few of the many interesting museums or rummage in the shops full of Indian traditional crafts (B)
DAY 9: Sun. Leave Cuenca for the airport and short flight to Ecuador's capital Quito for a four nights' stay at the central Hilton Colon on busy Amazonas Street (B)
DAYS 10-12: Mon to Wed. An orientation tour has been arranged this morning. You will see the many reminders of Quito's colourful heritage, its wonderful churches and golden altars, and the old convents and plazas. You can explore further afield with an optional day tour (payable locally) out into the country of the Cotapaxi National Park at the foot of the world's highest active volcano. Herds of wild horses and even deer can be spotted and lunch is at a beautiful hacienda (B)
DAY 13: Thu. Early departure for flight to Heathrow via Amsterdam, or your chosen regional airport, on KLM. Arrive next morning (or continue on the Amazonia or Bonaire extensions)
DAY 14: Mon. Transfer to the airport for your KLM flights to Heathrow, or your chosen regional airport via Amsterdam arriving the next day.

GUIDE PRICE: from £2040 per person based on 2 persons sharing a room - Email us if you have a specific departure date in mind and we will get back with a precise price and details of any modifications to the itinerary -
Prices are seasonal and are also affected by demand for the flights (booking late may mean a more expensive air fare)

On this holiday meals included as shown (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner). Sightseeing is included as shown, unless specified as optional. A resident English speaking guide will be on board the Santa Cruz.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE, ECUADOR + AMAZONIA EXTENSION: 14 nights/17 days away. Ref.DW437A

Typical Extension Itinerary:
DAYS 1-10: Same as Galapagos Cruise and Ecuador itinerary (above...)
DAY 11: Tue. Leave Quito by small aircraft for the short flight over the snow-covered peaks of the Andes to the little river port of Coca where you continue for nearly three hours by motor launch down the Napo River to the Lodg's landing stage. Then onwards to the lodge itself by paddle canoes. Stay at Sacha Lodge for 3 nights (B,L,D)
DAYS 12-13: Wed to Thu. Some 26 thatched roof double cabins and a main dining/lounge/bar area are set in the rainforest. Each cabin has private bathroom and private shaded terrace. One of the Lodges highlights is the 130 foot observation tower, situated on a hill and constructed around a giant kapok tree. It permits guests to climb into and above the rainforest canopy for a magnificient view of the surrounding area. The Lodge is home to one of the largest butterfly farms in Ecuador now breeding nearly 40 local species. Just a short distance from the Lodge is Ecuador's most accessible parrot lick where brightly coloured parrots of several different species gather in early morning to give an unforgettable show of sound and colour. Native guides with expert knowledge of the rainforests conduct trails for all capacities. A typical day begins at sunrise to take advantage of the cool morning hours when animals are most active. Midday, the hottest part of the day is spent resting. Mid-afternoon visits begin around 4 pm and often continue into the evening when nocturnal insects and other animals appear. A truly wondrous experience (B,L,D each day) NB. Please note only 10kg of luggage per person
DAY 14: Fri. Sail and fly back from Coca to Quito for two nights at the Hilton Colon (B)
DAY 15: Sat. Day at leisure to explore Quito (B)
DAY 16: Sun. Early morning departure on KLM via Amsterdam to Heathrow or your regional airport arriving next day (B)

GUIDE PRICE: from £2450 per person based on 2 persons sharing a room - Email us if you have a specific departure date in mind and we will get back with a precise price and details of any modifications to the itinerary -
Prices are seasonal and are also affected by demand for the flights (booking late may mean a more expensive air fare)

GALAPAGOS CRUISE, ECUADOR + BONAIRE BEACH EXTENSION: 15 nights/18 days away. Ref.DW437B

Typical Extension Itinerary:
DAYS 1-12: Same as Galapagos Cruise and Ecuador itinerary (above...)
DAY 13: Thu. Fly to the beautiful Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire on KLM and transfer to the medium class Divi Flamingo Hotel for the next 4 nights or more. The hotel has a choice of restaurants, a bar, two swimming pools, a selection of small shops and a casino. All 129 rooms are air-conditioned with a ceiling fan, two double beds, television, shower, bath and a balcony or terrace with garden views. Other room categories are available on request.
DAYS 14-16: Fri to Sun. At leisure to relax and unwind or hire a car and explore the island.
DAY 17: Mon. Transfer to the airport for your KLM flights to Heathrow, or your chosen regional airport via Amsterdam arriving the next day.

GUIDE PRICE: from £2230 per person based on 2 persons sharing a room - Email us if you have a specific departure date in mind and we will get back with a precise price and details of any modifications to the itinerary -
Prices are seasonal and are also affected by demand for the flights (booking late may mean a more expensive air fare)

The segment in Bonaire is unescorted.