South American Tour - Argentina, Chile, Peru
January 5 - 20, 2011
16 Days Fully Escorted
Day 1: Wednesday, January 5 – Depart Miami
Meet Larry Rupiper, your tour manager, and fellow travelers in Miami where you will depart for Lima, Peru
Day 2: Thursday, January 6 –
Our international flight departs late in the evening and arrives in Lima early the next morning. Lima is the capital and main cultural and business center of Peru. After clearing customs you are welcomed by our Peruvian national guide, who will start 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. We also drive through the elegant and charming residential districts of San Isidro and Mira Flores, located on the Pacific Ocean. 
Following a mid morning breakfast at a beachfront restaurant, we check into our hotel located in Mira Flores. We have time to rest and freshen up before we meet in the afternoon for a guided tour of the National Agrarian University in La Molina district, followed by a Gastronomy workshop at San Ignacio de Loyola Escuela de chefs. This is one of the most prestigious schools in South America. Dinner will be in the Don Ignacio Restaurant Escuela. In-flight meal service - B, L, D
Day 3: Friday, January 7 – Peru's Countryside
Peru has the world's largest production of asparagus and therefore 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. 
Today we travel south to one of Peru’s most famous farmers, a past Peruvian minister of agriculture, who now spends most of his time on 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. After the tour we are treated to lunch and a folk show at the farm…always fun and exciting, something you are sure to enjoy. Later we drive further south 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. Upon arrival in the city of Ica, we will check into our hotel and have time for a short rest if desired. Sand buggy rides are available for the adventuresome. Dinner tonight is on your own. B, L
Day 4: Saturday, January 8 – Peru's Countryside and the Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are one of the world's most mysterious phenomena, with you having the opportunity to fly over them if you choose. If you are not interested in flying in one of their smaller planes to view the lines, our local tour host will introduce you to more of the local flavor along with a museum visit during this time. The Nazca lines are geoglyphs and geometric line clearings in the Peruvian desert. They were made by the Nazca people, who flourished between 200 BC and 600 AD along rivers and streams that flow from the Andes. The desert itself runs for over 1,400 miles along the Pacific Ocean. The area of the Nazca art is called the Pampa Colorada (Red Plain.) It 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". There is no sand in this desert. From the air, the "lines" include 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 Däniken thinks that the Nazca lines formed an airfield for alien spacecraft, an idea 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. Following our visit, we drive back north to Lima. B, D
Day 5: Sunday, January 9 – Lima / Cuzco / Aquas Calientes
A one hour morning flight takes us to Cuzco, the mythical capital of the Inca Empire, where you'll enjoy impressive views of the Cuzco Valley and the glaciers to the south. This unforgettable journey begins with a short tour of the Inca Ruins in Cuzco. We travel by motor coach through the mountains, viewing picturesque farms and villages, arriving at the train station where our journey continues with a scenic rail trip through the Sacred Valley, viewing the remains of the Inca Culture, as well as the modern day Incas farming population. Upon arrival we check into the Hatuchay Tower Hotel with time to freshen up before our included dinner. After dinner take a walk through this quaint little village, perhaps finding that perfect little treasure you've been looking for. B, D
Day 6: Monday, January 10 – Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Cuzco
This morning after breakfast, we begin a journey that is possibly the most important of the entire tour. We ascend by coach 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 to be one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. After our visit we return to Aguas Calientes for a lunch break. If time allows, we stop at a local craft market exploding with brightly colored fabrics, pottery, jewelry, fruits and vegetables. At 3:20 we board the Vistadome train for our final rail ride through the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas. We disembark at the Poroy station and transfer via motorcoach to our hotel. After a brief stay, enjoy a farewell dinner and folk show at the Don Antonio Restaurant. B, D.
Day 7: Tuesday, January 11 – Cuzco / Lima / Santiago, Chile
This morning we board our flight to Santiago, departing at 9:05 arriving at 5:55 pm. Upon arrival we clear customs and transfer to our hotel. We have time to relax before departing for dinner at a local restaurant. B, D
Day 8: Wednesday, January 12 – Santiago, Chile
Our tour starts at Santiago's main avenue, Alameda. We visit La Moneda, the Government Palace, where we learn its historical significance. We walk through the bustling pedestrian streets of Huérfanos and Ahumada, and tour the famous Plaza de Armas, the city's Main Square. Plaza de Armas is surrounded by many historical buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral. Next we visit the lushly forested hill, Cerro Santa Lucia, the most imaginative and exuberant piece of landscaping in Santiago. Cerro Santa Lucia bears historical importance, because Santiago was officially founded by Pedro Valdiva at the foot of Cerro Santa Lucia on February 12, 1541. From the hill's lofty top, we are able to see the Parquet Forest on one side and the Mapcho River on the other. We cross the river for a tour of Barrio Bellavista, the French influenced cultural and artistic neighborhood of Santiago. Barrio Bellavista lies at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal, 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 make a special visit to the Mundo del Vino, a unique wine shop. We also visit the wine museum, which is next to our dinner restaurant, Camino Real, located atop Cerro San Cristóbal. During dinner, enjoy the great views of the Chilean capital! We return to our Hotel in Santiago where we stay the next three nights. B, D
Day 9: Thursday, January 13 – Viña del Mar / Valparíso
Enjoy a ride through the beautiful coastal region of the Pacific Ocean, passing through the agricultural valleys of Curacaví and Casablanca. We visit picturesque Valparíso, the country's main seaport. Valparíso was the most important maritime destination of the Pacific Coast until the Strait of Panama was opened to navigation in 1914. Valparíso's surrounding hills seem to dive right into the ocean. 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. We’ll board a small vessel and cruise the harbor filled with Chile’s Navy ships, cargo ships and sometimes cruise ships. The harbor cruise offers a nice view of Valpariso offering a different perspective. We journey north along the coastline of the bay before we reach Viña del Mar, Chile's most luxurious resort town. With its many parks, lush vegetation, and huge palm trees, Viña del Mar well deserves the name "Garden City." After lunch at a local restaurant in the Reñaca area, stroll the golden sandy beaches and if time permits, we’ll visit the casino. B, L, D
Day 10: Friday, January 14 – Colchagua Valleys / Santa Cruz / Santiago
We follow the Pan-American Highway south traveling to the Colchagua Valley, well-known for its excellent grape-growing soil. This is the same Pan-American Highway that passes through the US and Canada. Before reaching Santa Cruz, we pass through several small country villages surrounded by vineyards and get a feel for the traditional way of life in central Chile. We may also have an opportunity to see the Chilean cowboys in action. We pass by Rodeo City where they train horses for cutting and riding. Santa Cruz is a quiet, provincial town, with the main square adorned by huge palm trees. It is home to the nearby Mont Grass winery, as well as the one time famous bomb maker, Cardoen. Cardoen was involved in the Iran Contra Affair and produced bombs and other military weapons including small tanks for the world. He was very successful and as a result of his world travels he developed an interesting museum. We’ll enjoy a traditional lunch served at the hotel Santa Cruz Plaza, prior to our museum visit. This Colchagua Museum houses Chile's largest private collection of paleontological, archaeological, pre-Columbian, and Spanish Colonial artifacts. Following our visit to the museum we travel back to Santiago, stopping at a local implement dealer on the way. B, L
Day 11: Saturday, January 15 – Concha Toro / Country Tour
Today we travel south on the Pan-American Highway to Buin, an agricultural town close to the Maipo River. We may stop off at the Pioneer Seed Company for a visit to see seed plots and their facility. After our visit, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then ascend to Alto Jahuel, a picturesque mountain village, where we see stunning vistas of beautiful vineyards against the backdrop of the towering Andes. This area is ideal for the production of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are used to produce the most traditional red wine of the country. We pass through extensive vineyards before we reach the largest and most important, Conchay 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 visit the beautiful private park of the family, the historical museum, the cellars and caves, including the legendary Casillero del Diablo or "Cellar of the Devil." It is named Casillero del Diablo because it is so deep and dark that no one would dare go in. Following the wine tasting, we travel back to Santiago and enjoy shopping at Los Dominicos and Vitacura handicraft markets as well as the Parque Arauco Mall. B, L
Day 12: Sunday, January 16 – Santiago / Buenos Aires
We transfer to the airport for our flight across the Andes Mountains to Argentina. At the airport in Buenos Aires, we are met by our Argentinean guide, Patricia Cotado, a doctor of veterinary medicine. Dr. Cotado will take us on an interesting visit to a large livestock auction market. This auction will merchandise 15% of all the cattle sold in Argentina, the second largest cattle producing country in the world. On average, they sell about 12,000 to 14,000 head per day, and all the cattle go to slaughter. The yards have a capacity of 30,000 head and are located in the heart of Buenos Aires. After our visit to the stock yards, we’ll visit Plaza de Mayo, the Central Cathedral, San Telmo, the Teatro Colon and Palermo Park. We also see the Casa Rosada, the official residence of Argentina's president. We 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. We also get to visit 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: Monday, January 17 – Buenos Aires Countryside
This morning we travel through the countryside of rural Argentina having a look at the sprawling farmland and unending soybean fields. We enjoy a full day of visits in Chivilcoy inspecting fields of soybeans, corn, and wheat. After lunch in a local restaurant, we have a short conference with the local farmers to familiarize us with their means of production and grain storage facilities. Our guide is a veterinarian assisted by a professor of agriculture. Arriving back in Buenos Aires, we stop at a leather factory. If you want a custom made leather jacket, sport coat, or other leather garment, this is the place you've been waiting for. You can have it made here and it will be delivered to the hotel the following day for your final inspection. B, L
Day 14: Tuesday, January 18 – Buenos Aires
Today we have a fun and interesting day visiting a rancher who owns a thousand head cow/calf operation. He always rounds up a small herd and runs them through the chute while we are there. You'll enjoy the different types of saddles and tack the Argentinean cowboy uses, very different from what the Canadian and American cowboys use. This couple goes all out with a wonderful Gaucho style BBQ lunch, which includes wine and dessert. After lunch around their pool, he is determined to show us his prize winning breeding stock - from the coach of course! We then travel back to Buenos Aires and see the crop production of corn, soybeans and sunflowers. Time permitting, we can stop and have a look. Arriving back in Buenos Aires, there may be time to take a stroll down the incredible Florida Street. If you haven’t purchased any treasures to this point, you are certain to find them here. B, L
Day 15: Wednesday, January 19 – Buenos Aires / Miami
This morning you have free time to relax or shop for that special South American souvenir. Mid afternoon we depart from our hotel to visit the new district of Palermo Soho. The streets are lined with elegant cafés and a variety of shops, including antique shops, handicrafts, clothing, etc. There is time to do your own exploring or last minute souvenir shopping before we depart to the airport for our 11:30 PM flight to Miami. B
Day 16: Thursday, January 20 – 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
Tour Includes:
International Roundtrip 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
National Agrarian University visit and field inspection
Gastronomy workshop at San Ignacio de Loyola Escuela de chefs
Vistadome Train Tour - Cuzco/Aguas Calientes/Ollanta
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Cerro San Cristóbal,
Technical Farm Visits with English-speaking Guides
Farm and Ranch Visits
with a Professor of Agriculture
Dinner Tango Show at La Esquina de Carlos Gardel
Items not included in price
International and South American Airline Taxes
Tips to Drivers and National Tour Guides
Passport and travel insurance and items of personal nature
No visas are necessary for
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.
| index | pictures | testimonials | about us | travel tips | contact us |
All Content © 2002 ~ 2010 by Rupiper Travel & Tours
Website design:
Kim Sawatzke