Across the Andes
10 night tour of Chile & Argentina with a spectular crossing through the Andes
2009 prices coming soon
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Pre tour Atacama Desert Extension - 4 nights
Take a pre tour extension to the spectacular deserts of Atacama with its surreal lunar landscapes, magnificent mountains and wonderful colonial towns.
Day 1 : Santiago
Fly to Santiago and spend the first night at the Galerias hotel.
Day 2 : San Pedro de Atacama
Transfer to Calama Airport for flight to San Pedro de Atacama a wonderful small colonial type village located in the heart of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places in the world. Observe the salt mountains, the salt desert and the spectacular views of the Licancabur volcano. In the late afternoon we visit Moon Valley with its strange geological formations. This is the place to witness the most spectacular sunsets. Overnight at the Hosteria San Pedro (3*) or similar.
Day 3 : San Pedro de Atacama
Visit the Father Le Paige archaeological museum, named after a Belgian missionary, to see artifacts from the Atacameņo culture dating back thousands of years. Visit the village of San Pedro, with a tour of its church and the archaeological site of Quitor. In the afternoon depart to the Atacama Salt Desert. Visit the Salar and Chaxa Laguna inhabited by pink flamingos. Also visit the small village of Toconao with its wonderful little church, one of the oldest in Chile. Return to San Pedro for the night.
Day 4 : San Pedro de Atacama / Tatio Geysers / Calama / Santiago
Early departure to the Tatio Geysers to view the volcanic activity. Visit the village of Caspana and the beautiful surrounding valleys. Caspana is still inhabited by Atacameņos Indians who are dedicated to agriculture and communal living. Continue to the villages of Toconce and Vegas de Turi on a route which travels through Chiu-Chiu Lasana where you can see the ruins of Inca Pukara. Arrive back in Calama at the end of the afternoon and transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Day 5 : Santiago
After breakfast the morning is at leisure before meeting up for the Santiago city sightseeing tour with the rest of the tour group.
Iguazu extension - 3 nights
Extend your holiday and visit the glorious Iguazu Falls, nestled between the Argentine and Brazilian border. Upon seeing Iguazu, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly exclaimed 'Poor Niagara'! Gargantuan as compared to North America's Niagara Falls, Iguazu is rivalled only by Southern Africa's Victoria Falls which separates Zambia and Zimbabwe. Spend 3 nights at the Hotel Bourbon Cataratas, including excursions.
Day 12 : Buenos Aires to Iguazu
Fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazu. On arrival you will be taken on a tour of the national park on the Argentinean side of the falls. Argentina has most of the waterfall system, which is about 270 falls along a 1.67 mile river. After enjoying this fantastic UNESCO site cross the border into Brazil and to your hotel.
Day 13 : Iguazu
Take a tour on the Brazilian side of the falls, which give fantastic views of Garganta del Diablo or 'Devil's Throat'. Despite marking the border between the countries the Garganta del Diablo is a u-shaped 150 metre wide and 700 metre long cliff.
Day 14 : Iguazu
A day at leisure to explore the falls further.
Day 15 : Iguazu / London
Transfer back over the border for your return flight home.
» Dates & Prices
Hosteria San Pedro, Atacama Desert
Location situated in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, close to all the attractions
Rooms: 36 rooms offer telephone, TV and mini bar
Restaurants and Bars:One restaurant and one bar
Facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, laundry service and safety deposit box.
Bourbon Cataratas
Located Near to the national park in a beautiful area on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.
Rooms: 311 rooms offer air conditioning, heating, mini fridge and TV.
Restaurants and Bars: 3 restaurants and 2 bars.
Facilities: Swimming pool and fitness centre.
