South American Tour - Argentina, Chile, Peru
January 5 - 20, 2012 SOLD OUT

Day 1: Depart Miami

Meet your tour manager and fellow travelers in Miami, where you depart for an overnight flight to Lima, Peru.

Day 2: Miami / Lima, Peru

Upon our early morning arrival in Lima, the capital and main cultural and business center of Peru, you are welcomed by our Peruvian national guide. He starts us off with a relaxing city tour including the Plaza Mayor, the historical center of Lima. Plaza Mayor features impressive colonial treasures - the Presidential Palace, City Hall, and the Archbishop's Palace. A drive through the elegant and charming residential districts of San Isidro and Mira Flores, located on the Pacific Ocean, is followed by a mid-morning breakfast at a beachfront restaurant. At our hotel, located in Mira Flores, there is time to relax and freshen up before meeting again in the afternoon for a guided tour of the National Agrarian University in La Molina district. Enjoy a gastronomy workshop at San Ignacio de Loyola Escuela de Chefs, one of the most prestigious schools in South America. Dinner will be in the Don Ignacio Restaurant. In-flight meal service, B, D

Day 3: Peru's Countryside

Peru is the world's foremost asparagus grower and is America's largest competitor. Asparagus production has developed into the country's third largest agricultural export, behind coffee and precious metals. Asparagus has recently become one of the trendiest vegetables on the American dinner table. Peru's growing season is opposite of North America's, which makes this vegetable available almost year-round. Visit Peru's most famous vegetable farmer, a past Peruvian Minister of Agriculture and currently the secretary of finance, who also tends to his large fruit and asparagus farm. This friendly, mild mannered man and his wife graciously take us on a tour of his operation, but not before serving us great pastries, nuts and desserts with coffee, tea or juice. Later we are treated to lunch and a folk show at the farm... always fun and exciting, something you are sure to enjoy. Continuing on we drive through the sandy flatlands of Peru. With the help of Israeli irrigation specialists, Peruvian farmers now grow beautiful irrigated crops on this once desert landscape. Our final destination today is the city of Ica. Our accommodations feature a resort type atmosphere, creating the perfect back drop for a wonderful evening of relaxation. For those who are feeling more adventuresome, there are sand buggy rides available at the resort for approximately $33. B, L

Day 4: Peru's Countryside and the Nazca Lines/Lima

Today our guide will introduce you to more of Peru's local flavor, as well as provide you with an informative visit to the Regional Museum of Ica. If you would like to experience the Nazca Lines, this morning is your opportunity! The resort provides flight tours over the Nazca lines for approximately $169 per person. Rupiper Travel & Tours has no affiliation with either the sand buggy ride or the flight tours but will allow time for you to enjoy these activities if interested.

About the Nazca Lines: The Nazca Lines, one of the world's most mysterious phenomena, are geoglyphs and geometric line clearings in the Peruvian desert. The Nazca Lines were created by the Nazca people, who flourished along rivers and streams that flow from the Andes between 200 BC and 600 AD. The area of the Nazca art is called the Pampa Colorada (Red Plains) and is 15 miles wide and runs some 37 miles parallel to the Andes and the sea. Dark red surface stones and soil have been cleared away, exposing the lighter-colored subsoil, creating the "lines." The design includes not only lines and geometric shapes, but also depictions of animals and plants in stylized forms. Some of the forms, including images of humans, grace the steep hillsides at the edge of the desert. The Nazca lines are communal. Their creation took hundreds of years and required a large number of people working on the project. Their size and their purpose have led some to speculate that visitors from another planet either created or directed the project. Erich von Danikens' controversial claim is that the Nazca lines formed an airfield for alien spacecrafts, which was first proposed by James W. Moseley in the October 1955 issue of Fate and made popular in the early sixties by Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier in The Morning of the Magicians. Our tour continues after lunch as we journey back to Lima for our overnight stay. B, L

Day 5: Lima / Cuzco / Aquas Calientes

A one hour morning flight takes us to Cuzco, the mythical capital of the Inca Empire, where we begin with a guided city tour. This afternoon, we embark on an unforgettable journey. Traveling through the mountains, past picturesque farms and villages, we enjoy impressive views of the Cuzco Valley and the glaciers beyond. We then board the Vistadome train and continue with a scenic rail trip through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here we view the remains of the Inca culture, as well as the modern-day Incas farming population. In Aguas Calientes we check into the Hatuchay Tower Hotel where we enjoy dinner. If you wish, you may take a stroll through this quaint little village, perhaps finding that perfect little treasure you've been looking for. B, L, D

Day 6: Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Cuzco

Today's journey is one of the most significant aspects of the tour. We ascend by motorcoach to Machu Picchu and the legendary "Lost City of the Incas," one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. Here we find the remains of temples, houses, terraces for growing crops, and a sacrificial altar. Enjoy an incredible guided tour of the citadel, considered one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. After our visit we return to Aguas Calientes. There is time to stop at a local craft market exploding with brightly colored fabrics, pottery, jewelry, fruits and vegetables, before we board the Vistadome train for our final train ride through the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas. At the Poroy train station we disembark and transfer back to our hotel. Tonight, enjoy a dinner and folk show at the Don Antonio Restaurant. B, D

Day 7: Cuzco / Lima / Santiago, Chile

We depart Peru on our morning flight to Santiago, Chile, arriving there in the late afternoon. We transfer to the hotel to freshen up for our dinner at a local restaurant. B, D

Day 8: Santiago, Chile

Beginning at Santiago's main avenue, Alameda, we visit the historically significant Government Palace, La Moneda. We walk through the bustling pedestrian zone of Huerfanos and Ahumada, and tour the famous Plaza de Armas, the city's Main Square, which is surrounded by many historical buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral. We continue on to the most imaginative and exuberant piece of landscaping in Santiago, the lushly forested hill, Cerro Santa Lucia. This place bears historical importance; Santiago was officially founded by Pedro de Valdivia at the foot of Cerro Santa Lucia on February 12, 1541. From the hill's lofty top, we are able to see the Parque Forestal on one side and the Mapocho River on the other. Crossing the river we tour Barrio Bellavista, the French influenced cultural and artistic neighborhood of Santiago, which lies at the foot of Cerro San Cristobal, the city's highest hill. Finally we visit Providencia, one of the noble parts of Santiago, with top-rated restaurants, elegant shops and modern high-rise buildings. We stop at the Mundo del Vino, a unique wine shop, and visit the wine museum, which is next to our dinner restaurant, Camino Real, located atop Cerro San Cristobal. From this lofty vantage point you'll enjoy great views of the Chilean capital. B, L, D

Day 9: Vina del Mar / Valparaiso

Traveling along the beautiful coastal region of the Pacific Ocean, we pass through the agricultural valleys of Curacavi­ and Casablanca and visit picturesque Valparaiso, the country's main seaport, and the most important maritime destination of the Pacific Coast until the Strait of Panama was opened to navigation in 1914. By touring the downtown area and hilly neighborhoods, we gain a better understanding of why this was Chile's most flourishing city in the early 20th century. Boarding a small vessel we cruise the harbor filled with Chile's Navy ships, cargo ships, and an occasional cruise ship. The harbor cruise provides a different perspective of Valparaiso. Journeying north along the coastline of the bay we reach Vina del Mar, Chile's most luxurious resort town. With its many parks, lush vegetation, and huge palm trees, Vina del Mar well deserves the name "Garden City." Stroll the golden sandy beaches in the Renaca area and if time permits, we visit the casino. B, L

Day 10: Colchagua Valley / Santa Cruz / Santiago

Following the Pan-American Highway south, we travel to the Colchagua Valley, well known for its soil, which is excellent for grape growing. Before reaching Santa Cruz, we pass through several small villages surrounded by vineyards, getting a feel for the traditional way of life in central Chile. We may have an opportunity to see Chilean cowboys in action as we pass by Rodeo City where they train horses for cutting and riding. Santa Cruz is a quiet, provincial town with the main square surrounded by huge palm trees. It is home to the Vina MontGras winery, as well as the famous bomb maker, Carlos Remigio Cardoen, who was involved in the Iran Contra Affair. The successful Cardoen amassed an interesting collection during his world travels, which are displayed in the Colchagua Museum. The museum exhibits Chile's largest private collection of paleontological, archaeological, pre-Columbian, and Spanish Colonial artifacts. Also exhibited are his collections of cars and antique agricultural equipment. Prior to our museum visit, we enjoy a traditional lunch served at the hotel Santa Cruz Plaza. On our way back to Santiago we stop at a local implement dealer. B, L

Day 11: Country Tour / Concha y Toro

Again today, we travel south on the Pan-American Highway to Buin, an agricultural town close to the Maipo River. We may stop at the Pioneer Seed Company for a visit to see their facility and seed plots. Lunch is at a local restaurant and then we ascend to Alto Jahuel, a picturesque mountain village. The view is stunning - beautiful vineyards set against the backdrop of the towering Andes. This area is ideal for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. We pass through extensive vineyards before reaching the largest and most important one, Concha y Toro. Founded in 1883, this vineyard uses the most modern technology for its refrigeration equipment, including stainless steel tanks, filters, and casks made of American and French oak. We enjoy a wine tasting and visit the beautiful private park, the museum, the cellars and caves, including the legendary cave named Casillero del Diablo or "Cellar of the Devil," since it is so deep and dark that no one would dare going in. Returning to Santiago there is an opportunity to shop at Los Dominicos and Vitacura handicraft markets as well as the Parque Arauco Mall. B, L

Day 12: Santiago / Buenos Aires

Today we fly across the Andes Mountain Range to Argentina. In Buenos Aires, we are met by our Argentinean guide, Patricia Cotado, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. We enjoy a wonderful city tour, visiting Plaza de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, San Telmo, the Teatro Colon and Palermo Park. We see the Casa Rosada, the official residence of Argentina's president, and drive down one of the widest boulevards in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, the street named in salute to Argentina's Declaration of Independence. The tour concludes with a visit to the famous, but spooky, Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Evita Peron. This evening, enjoy one of the many highlights of the tour - sample Argentina's famous beef and delicious wines, watch a spectacular presentation of the popular and sensuous Tango, and listen to unforgettable Pampas and Andean music. B, D

Day 13: Buenos Aires Countryside

Argentina is the second largest cattle producing country in the world. Dr. Cotado leads us on an interesting visit to a large livestock auction market which merchandises 15% of all the cattle sold in Argentina. Per day, on average, 12,000 to 14,000 head of cattle are sold for slaughter. The stockyards, located right in the heart of Buenos Aires, have a capacity of 30,000 head. Later we travel through rural Buenos Aires gazing at sprawling farmland and unending soybean fields. We stop in Chivilcoy for a field inspection of soybeans, corn, and wheat. Enjoy a short conference with local farmers to get familiar with their means of production and their grain storage facilities. Arriving back in Buenos Aires we stop at a leather factory. If you ever wanted a custom made leather jacket, sports coat, or other leather garment, this is the place. The factory will have it fitted and delivered to the hotel the following day. B, L

Day 14: Buenos Aires

Today we will have a fun and interesting day of visiting a rancher who owns a one thousand head cow/calf operation. He always rounds up a small herd and runs them through the chute while we are there. Also see the saddles and tack an Argentinian cowboy uses, which are very different from what Canadian and American cowboys use. Our hosts go all out with a wonderful Gaucho style BBQ lunch, which includes wine and dessert. After lunch around their pool, the rancher is determined to show us his prize winning breeding stock - from the coach of course! On our way back to Buenos Aires we see crops of corn, soybeans and sunflowers. Time permitting we stop for a field inspection. Back in Buenos Aires, there will be time to take a stroll down the incredible Florida Street. If you haven't purchased any treasures by this point, you are certain to find them there. B, L

Day 15: Buenos Aires / Miami

Relax or do some exploring on your own before our mid-afternoon departure from the hotel. Before we travel to the airport for our evening flight to Miami, we have time for a visit of the new district of Palermo Soho. The streets are lined with elegant cafes and a variety of shops, including antiques, handicrafts, and clothing shops galore. Explore the area on your own or shop for that last minute special South American souvenir. Also enjoy a guided tour of the truly unique Recoleta Cemetery. Containing the graves of some of the most important Argentines, including Eva Peron, Raul Alfonsin, and several presidents of Argentina, the cemetery contains many elaborate marble mausoleums, decorated with statues, in a wide variety of architectural styles. B

Day 16: Return to the US

We arrive in Miami in the early morning which leaves us plenty of time to connect to our home gateway. In-flight meal service

"Enjoy the Special Care of our Escorted Tours"

Tour Includes:
International Round-trip Airfare from Miami
South American Domestic Airfare
Transfers, Deluxe Motorcoach and Four Star Hotels
Meals as per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
All Entrance Fees to Special Sights, Events and Activities
English-speaking Tour Guides Throughout

SPECIAL SIGHTS, EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Peru
Lima City Tour
National Agrarian University visit
Gastronomy workshop at San Ignacio de Loyola Escuela de chefs
Nazca Lines, Cuzco City Tour
Vistadome Train Ride
Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu "Lost City of the Incas"
Sacred Valley of the Incas

Chile
Santiago City Tour, Cerro Santa Lucia
Cerro San Cristóbal, Viña del Mar "Garden City"
Valparaiso and Santa Cruz
Colchagua Valley Vineyards
Colchagua Museum
Seed Company and Test Plots
Wine Tasting

Argentina
Buenos Aires City Tour
Technical Farm and Ranch Visits
Dinner Tango Show and Leather Factory

Items not included in price
International and South American Airline Taxes
Chile Entry Fee
Argentina Entry Fee
Nazca Lines Flight
Tips to Drivers and National Tour Guides
Passport and travel insurance and items of personal nature

No visas are necessary for Canadian Citizens to enter Argentina, Peru or Chile. However, Argentina and Chile's Customs Regulations require a Tourist/Immigration Card that must be purchased upon entry and is good for the duration of your passport. The one-time Entry Fee (reciprocity fee) must be paid with cash or credit card.

Rupiper Travel reserves the right to substitute hotels of equal or greater value and make minor adjustments to the itinerary if deemed necessary.

CALL 1-888-414-4177 For PRICING

A deposit of US$400.00 is required upon sign-up. Full payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure. We accept payments via cashiers check, personal check, made payable in US Funds, wire transfer or credit card. Cash discounted price applies for payments made with cashiers check, personal check or wire transfer. Charges incurred for wire or cashiers checks may be deducted from final payment.