29-Day XXL Latin America Tour from Istanbul

At 12:00, we meet our guide and the other guests at the Ejder Turizm counter in section M2 at Istanbul Airport. After completing the formalities, we depart directly for Caracas at 15:50 on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. The flight takes approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes. We arrive in Caracas at 21:30 local time. After passport control, we meet our local guide and transfer to the hotel. We spend the night at the 4-star Pestana Caracas or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, we begin our Caracas city tour. We visit Bolívar Square in the city's historic centre, the Birthplace of Simón Bolívar, the historic house where the liberator of Latin America was born, and the National Pantheon, where national heroes are laid to rest. Our tour also includes a visit to the colonial neighbourhood of El Hatillo. We then take the Avila National Park and Cable Car tour, enjoying panoramic views of Caracas from high points above the city. We have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit Los Próceres Monuments and Nature Park, home to monuments dedicated to Venezuela's historic heroes. We finish the day's sightseeing with a trip to Galipán and a visit to Humboldt Boulevard. After dinner, we return to the hotel to rest. We spend the night at the 4-star Pestana Caracas hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. Depart from Caracas for Bogotá with Wingo Airlines at 09:34. Arrive in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, at 10:29. The city tour begins upon arrival. Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), a symbol of Colombia known worldwide for its pre-Columbian gold collections, and Bolívar Square in the centre of the capital. Take a cable car up Monserrate Hill to an elevation of 3.150 m for panoramic views of Bogotá. Explore the Candelaria District in the old town, known for its colonial architecture and colourful houses. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. After dinner, transfer to the hotel. The Wingo Airlines flight from Caracas to Bogotá departs at 09:34 and arrives at 10:29. Overnight at the 4-star Faranda Collection Bogotá.

After breakfast, we set off for a tour of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, the cathedral is carved into a salt mine 180 metres underground. After visiting the cathedral, we return to Bogotá. After lunch, we take a short walk through the city centre and have free time for shopping. After dinner, we return to the hotel. We stay at the 4-star Faranda Collection Bogotá hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. The flight from Bogotá to Quito with LATAM Airlines departs at 10:00. Arrival in Quito is at 11:44. After passport formalities are completed, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free time. As Quito is at an altitude of 2.850 m, rest is recommended to help you adjust to the high altitude. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Dann Carlton Quito hotel.

After breakfast, we begin our tour. We take a panoramic tour of the La Mariscal District, modern Quito's financial and shopping centre. We take in the views of Quito from the Virgin statue on El Panecillo hill, a symbol of the city. Our itinerary includes San Francisco Church, the Basilica Cathedral and the capital's square, Plaza de la Independencia. We also see Quito Cathedral, the Government Palace and La Compañía Church, known for its gilded interior. In the second part of the tour, we head north of the city to visit the Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo) Monument. Here, we experience standing directly on the Equator, with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. After the tour, we return to the hotel to rest. We stay at the 4-star Dann Carlton Quito hotel.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin a short tour to explore local life in Quito. We walk along La Ronda Street to see examples of colonial architecture. There is free time for shopping at the local handicraft market. In the evening, we transfer to the airport. We depart from Quito for Lima with LATAM Airlines at 20:15. After arriving in Lima at 22:20, we transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the 4-star Ikonik Miraflores.

After breakfast, we begin our city tour of Lima. Our tour includes Plaza Mayor (Main Square) in the UNESCO-listed historic centre and Plaza San Martín, dedicated to the independence hero. After visiting Government House, Peru's presidential palace, and Santo Domingo Church and the Catacombs with their underground burial chambers, we explore the Miraflores district and Lovers' Park on the Pacific coast. For lunch, we sample Peruvian cuisine at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we visit Museo Oro del Perú (Gold Museum) to see its collection of pre-Columbian gold, which sheds light on Peru's history. At the end of the tour, we return to the Miraflores district for free time. We spend the night at the 4-star Ikonik Miraflores hotel.

Today you have free time in Lima. You can explore the city on your own, spend time at Larcomar shopping centre or take a walk along the Pacific coast. You can also join a Lima food tour recommended by the guide (optional). Accommodation will be at the 4-star Ikonik Miraflores hotel.

We leave the hotel early in the morning and transfer to Lima Airport. We fly to Cusco with local Peruvian airlines at 07:00, arriving at 08:30. Located 3.400 metres above sea level, Cusco is a historic city considered the heart of the Inca Empire. After arrival, we rest briefly and take time to adjust to the high altitude. In the afternoon, we take a city tour of Cusco. We visit Old Cathedral Square (Plaza de Armas), where Inca and Spanish architecture stand side by side, and San Pedro Market, which offers local products and a glimpse of traditional Peruvian life. At Cusco Local Market, we browse coca tea for the altitude, alpaca textiles and handmade souvenirs. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and return to the hotel. The flight between Lima and Cusco is operated by local Peruvian airlines, departing at 07:00 and arriving at 08:30. We spend the night at the 4-star Taypikala Hotel Cusco.

After breakfast, we set out on a tour of the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River. We see natural scenery and historic structures throughout the Sacred Valley, one of the most important regions of the Inca civilization. We visit the town of Pisac, an agricultural production center of the Inca civilization, and browse handmade souvenirs at the local market. We then explore Ollantaytambo, one of the largest Inca settlements, learning about its large stone structures and strategic location. In the afternoon, we explore the surroundings on a walk through the valley. At the end of the day, we check in at the hotel and have dinner. We spend the night at the 4-star San Agustín Urubamba hotel.

After breakfast, we set off for Machu Picchu. We take a PeruRail train from Ollantaytambo Train Station to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. During the train journey, we enjoy views of the Andes. From Aguas Calientes, we take a private bus up to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. We explore Machu Picchu, known as the lost city of the Inca Empire, with our guide. We examine Inca stonework and see the Temple of the Sun (Templo del Sol), the Royal Court, the Agricultural Terraces on the steep slopes, and the Intihuatana Stone, which was used as a sundial. We have lunch at a private restaurant with views of Machu Picchu. After the tour, we return to Cusco along the same route. We spend the night at the 4-star Taypikala Hotel Cusco.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport. We depart from Cusco for Santiago at 09:20 with LATAM Airlines. We arrive in Santiago at 14:40 and meet our local guide after completing passport formalities. We then transfer to the hotel by private vehicle. The rest of the day is set aside for rest and free time. Accommodation is at the 4-star Le Méridien Santiago hotel.

After breakfast, we set out on a city tour of Santiago. We see the Parliament Building, the capital’s historic square, Plaza de Armas, and Cathedral Square. We explore the bohemian Bellavista district, known for its artists and cultural venues. We take the Cerro San Cristóbal funicular to the city’s highest point for panoramic views of the city and the Andes. We visit Mercado Central, a traditional market where local residents shop, known for its seafood. For lunch, we sample Chilean cuisine at a local restaurant. After the tour, we return to the hotel for free time. We spend the night at the 4-star Le Méridien Santiago hotel.

Today we explore Chile's coastal cities. Our first stop is Valparaíso, a UNESCO heritage city known for its bohemian atmosphere, where Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda lived. We walk through the city's narrow streets among colorful houses and murals. We then continue to Viña del Mar. We spend time on the Pacific coast and visit the Flower Clock and the beach. We have lunch at a local restaurant. If time allows, we make a short visit to one of the vineyards where Chilean wines are produced. At the end of the tour, we return to the hotel for free time. We spend the night at the 4-star Le Méridien Santiago hotel.

Enjoy free time in Santiago. Optional visits include the Lastarria district, which offers a wealth of sights similar to the Bosphorus in Istanbul, the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, or the Chile Wine Museum. Accommodation will be at the 4-star Le Méridien Santiago hotel.

We leave the hotel early in the morning and fly from Santiago to Buenos Aires with LATAM Airlines at 09:15. We arrive at Jorge Newbery Airport at 12:20 and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle. If our rooms are not ready before check-in time, we leave our luggage in storage and begin our Buenos Aires city tour. We explore colorful Caminito Street in the La Boca neighborhood, where tango originated, the stylish Palermo district of Buenos Aires, and Puerto Madero, the redeveloped former port area. We visit Eva Perón's (Evita) grave in Recoleta Cemetery and Plaza de Mayo (May Square), in front of the presidential palace, Casa Rosada. At the end of the tour, we return to the hotel for free time. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Ker San Telmo Hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the ferry terminal. Depart from Buenos Aires for Colonia by ferry at 12:15. Arrive in Uruguay's historic town of Colonia del Sacramento at 13:30. Colonia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its cobblestone streets and Portuguese colonial architecture. The city tour visits the stone streets, historic buildings, the old lighthouse with views of the Río de la Plata, the city gate (Portón de Campo), and streets lined with museums. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Afterwards, there is a short period of free time and time for souvenir shopping. Depart from Colonia at 17:00 for the return journey to Buenos Aires. Arrive at 18:15 and transfer to the hotel. Stay overnight at the 4-star Ker San Telmo Hotel.

After breakfast, we begin our Tigre Delta tour. Located north of Buenos Aires at the river mouth, Tigre is a tourist area known for its natural surroundings. We travel to the Tigre district by road. We take a boat trip through the delta to see its extensive wetlands, natural islets and network of channels. During the trip, we spend time in nature, away from the busy city life of Buenos Aires. After the tour, we return to Buenos Aires for free time. 4-star accommodation at Ker San Telmo Hotel.

Enjoy free time in Buenos Aires. Attendance at tango shows is optional. You can explore San Telmo Market, which is particularly lively on Sundays, shop in the Recoleta district or visit museums. Accommodation is at the 4-star Ker San Telmo Hotel.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport. We fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazú with Aerolíneas Argentinas at 07:45, arriving at Iguazú Airport at 09:40. After completing passport formalities, we complete border formalities to enter Iguassu Falls Brazil National Park. We then begin exploring the falls from the Brazilian side. Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguassu Falls is a waterfall system three times as wide as Niagara. From the walkways, we view sites such as the Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo). At the end of the day, we transfer to the hotel. We stay at the 4-star Hotel Wyndham Golden Foz Suites.

Today we take a half-day tour of Paraguay. In the morning, we complete the border crossing formalities and arrive in Ciudad del Este, one of South America's largest free trade zones. We visit local bazaars, electronics markets and areas that reflect Paraguayan culture. There is free time for shopping. We then cross the border again and return to Iguassu. After the transfer to the hotel, we rest. We spend the night at the 4-star Hotel Wyndham Golden Foz Suites.

The flight to Rio de Janeiro with Azul Airlines departs at 04:45. Arrival in Rio is at 06:40. After passport formalities, transfer to the hotel is by private vehicle. A short tour introduces the streets and beaches of Rio de Janeiro, offering first impressions of this historic city on the shores of Guanabara Bay. Afterwards, there is free time and an opportunity to rest at the hotel. The flight with Azul Airlines follows the Iguassu → Rio de Janeiro route, 04:45 → 06:40. Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Royal Rio Palace.

After breakfast, we set out on a city tour of Rio de Janeiro. On the tour, we see the Municipal Theatre, built with inspiration from the Paris Opera, the Museum of Fine Arts and the modern, pyramid-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral. The tour also includes the Atlantic beaches of Botafogo, Flamengo, Ipanema and Leblon, as well as Maracanã Stadium, which holds an important place in Brazilian football. We have lunch at a well-known restaurant serving traditional Brazilian Churrasco (grilled meat). After lunch, we head to Corcovado Hill. We take the train to the top to visit the world-famous Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The statue stands 38 metres tall with its arms outstretched. From here, we take in the views of Rio. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Royal Rio Palace.

After breakfast, we depart for Sugar Loaf (Pão de Açúcar) Hill. First, we take a cable car up to Urca Hill for a short visit. Then we take a second cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Hill at an altitude of 420 metres. From this granite rock, we enjoy panoramic views of the city, with Corcovado, Copacabana, Ipanema and Guanabara Bay all in view. An important landmark for sailors and travellers throughout history, Sugar Loaf is one of Rio's symbols. After the tour, we return to the hotel. We spend the night at the 4-star Hotel Royal Rio Palace.

You have free time in Rio de Janeiro. You can walk along Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, take time to sample Brazilian caipirinha at beachfront cafés, go shopping or join optional excursions at an extra cost (favela tour, Selarón Steps, Tijuca Rainforest). Accommodation will be at the 4-star Hotel Royal Rio Palace.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Depart from Rio de Janeiro at 11:15 with Azul Airlines for São Paulo Viracopos Airport. After arrival at 12:25, begin a city tour by private vehicle. The tour visits Paulista Avenue, known for finance and the arts, Ibirapuera Park, with its green spaces and Niemeyer architecture, Cathedral Square (Praça da Sé), and the Cathedral. The tour also takes in the Municipal Theatre, one of Latin America's opera venues, and the City Centre, home to historic buildings and modern skyscrapers. São Paulo is Latin America's largest metropolis and Brazil's most dynamic city. The Azul Airlines flight from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo departs at 11:15 and arrives at 12:25. Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Nacional Inn Jaraguá.

After breakfast, there is free time during the final hours in São Paulo to shop or take a break at a café. Transfer to the airport takes place at the time set by the guide. Depart from São Paulo for Istanbul at 17:10 on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. The flight takes approximately 12 hours 30 minutes. The stated arrival time in Istanbul is 11:45 (+1). The night is spent on board.

We arrive at Istanbul Airport at 11:45. Our tour ends after passport control and baggage collection. Here we conclude our 29-day South America journey covering 9 countries, 8 domestic flights and countless UNESCO heritage sites. See you on your next trip with Ejder Turizm.