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Land and River Cruise

Best of South America with Amazon and Galapagos Cruises

Santiago to Guayaquil
30 Days Request Quote
Trip Code: ISDG30
  • Trip Highlights
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Travel & Accommodation

Your Vacation Includes

  • 21 nights in luxury accommodation
  • A total of eight nights cruising through the Amazon rainforest in Peru and Galapagos Islands
  • Enjoy the finest regional dining – a total of 58 meals
  • Services of an expert APT Tour Director and local guides
  • Travel to Valparaiso for a guided discovery of the historic quarter and a funicular ride
  • Experience a stay at the only hotel located within Iguacu National Park, Brazil
  • Enjoy lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show in Lima at a private hacienda
  • Visit Machu Picchu and savour a gourmet picnic lunch at Huaypo Lagoon in the Andean mountains

Map & Itinerary

South America Map 2023-2024 ISDG30
Santiago to Guayaquil

Designed Exclusively for APT guests

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options

Welcome to Santiago. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. Then, set off on a guided discovery of Chile’s capital, wedged between the snow-capped Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Tonight, join a welcome reception.

Stay: Two nights, The Singular Santiago

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Explore this World Heritage-listed city’s historic quarter before a funicular ride offering great views over Valparaiso.


Travel to the coastal city of Valparaiso, where you’ll find colourful cliffside houses sloping down to the sea. Known to Chileans as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific,’ the city is an eclectic, sometimes chaotic mix of art, culture and commerce. Enjoy a Signature Experience before relaxing over lunch and then returning to Santiago.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

In Buenos Aires, enjoy a taste of local culture with a tango demonstration and a selection of tapas.


Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s elegant capital. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in the city’s prominent Recoleta district. Home to some of Argentina’s wealthiest families, Recoleta is a leafy neighbourhood dotted with beautiful parks and grand mansions just north of the city centre.

Stay: Three nights, Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel

Daily :
  • Breakfast

Join a guided discovery of the city, which includes the Italian-influenced barrio of La Boca, a neighbourhood known for its Latino vibe and brightly painted pedestrian streets. Explore the bohemian district of Palermo, filled with trendy eateries and galleries, before arriving at La Recoleta Cemetery. This is the resting place of Argentine notables such as the nation’s former First Lady Eva Peron.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
Row of brightly coloured timber houses, Argentina

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps journey to the island of Tigre for a cruise along the waterways of the Parana Delta. Discover daily life within this maze of rainforest and tiny islands, which is also a haven for birdlife. Or you might like to explore the Parisian influence on Buenos Aires during a walking tour. Alternatively, join a fascinating tour of the iconic and majestic Teatro Colon, considered the world’s leading opera house by acoustic finesse, and immerse yourself in the city’s sophisticated high arts scene.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Tonight, choose from three dining options: dinner and a tango show; dine in style at Alvear Grill; or sit down to a traditional Argentinian Asado experience.


Design your day one of three ways with Freedom of Choice.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Stay within Brazil’s Iguazu National Park for two nights, enjoying the property’s unrivalled location.


This morning, fly to Iguazu Falls. This natural wonder straddles the Argentina-Brazil border. Arriving on the Argentinian side, set off on the Rainforest Ecological Train to a series of walkways and viewing points, including one to the 80-metre-deep Devil’s Throat. Then continue to your hotel for a Signature Experience.

Stay: Two nights, Iguazu Falls, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Indulge in a cachaca tasting this evening at your hotel, which boasts one of the largest cachaca collections in Brazil. In celebration of Brazil’s national spirit, well known as the key ingredient in the Caipirinha cocktail, a cachaca sommelier will lead you on a delightful journey of flavours.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Get up close to the roaring cascades of Iguazu Falls on an included jet boat safari, or for a special bird’s-eye-view, soar over the falls on a helicopter flight.


Spanning an area of some 2.7 kilometres, Iguazu Falls is made up of roughly 275 waterfalls waiting to be explored today. Soak up panoramic views of the falls with a leisurely walk between each of the viewing platforms. Later, see the falls from an entirely different perspective on a Freedom of Choice activity.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
View up towards huge waterfalls and lush green shrubs, Brazil

Begin your day with a visit to Parque das Aves bird sanctuary where you’ll see a spectacular array of colourful native South American birds. Later, fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s most visited and naturally blessed city, set between lush forest mountains and sandy shores. On arrival, we’ll meet and transfer you to the elegant art deco grandeur of your hotel opposite the golden sands of iconic Copacabana Beach.

Stay: Three nights, Rio de Janeiro, Belmond Copacabana Palace

Daily :
  • Breakfast

See Rio from above with a visit to Corcovado, the mountain famed for its Christ the Redeemer statue, the world’s largest art deco sculpture. From here, enjoy sweeping city views. Towards evening, board a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain to toast the sunset and incredible views with a drink. Tonight, dine at a local restaurant for Brazil’s famously delicious barbecue fare.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

This morning is set aside for you to sail the waters of Guanabara Bay aboard a schooner sailing ship. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, perhaps join a colonial walking tour, where the legends woven through the city’s narrow colonial-era streets are brought to life.


Today, join a Freedom of Choice activity to experience more of Rio.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely morning before lunch at Confeitaria Colombo, an ornate coffee house considered one of the most beautiful cafes in the world and an iconic landmark of downtown Rio. Afterwards, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your included flight to Lima. In Lima, we’ll meet and transfer you to your hotel.

Stay: Two nights, Country Club Lima Hotel

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Pay a visit to a private hacienda to enjoy lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show.


Discover the Peruvian capital’s World Heritage-listed historic centre with an expert guide today. Afterwards enjoy a Signature Experience at a private hacienda.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a traditional weaving demonstration which reveals how South America’s colourful materials are created by hand.


After breakfast today, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your included flight to Cusco, the pre-Columbian Inca capital of Peru. From here, travel to Chinchero, a small village in the Sacred Valley, tucked into the Andean highlands. Enjoy a special welcome from the local Misminay community followed by today’s Signature Experience, which demonstrates a craft passed down through generations.

Stay: Two nights, Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Local women in traditional dress staring towards the mountains, Peru

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

See the glistening salt pools spill over the terraced slopes at the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras. Visit the circular Moray Inca terraces archaeological site.


Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a guide, including today’s Signature Experience exploring the stunning landscapes of the Salineras de Maras. Then enjoy lunch overlooking the Andes and Huaypo Lagoon.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Board Inca Rail’s First Class Train and travel through forested landscapes to the lost Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board while taking in the view.


Today is set aside for a full immersion in the natural setting and incredible heritage of Machu Picchu. Board Inca Rail’s First Class Train for your Signature Experience. On arrival, set off on a locally guided exploration of the lost city of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. An eight-hour hike to Machu Picchu is also available at an additional coast (must be pre-booked).

Stay: Machu Picchu, Sumaq Hotel

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning, relax at your hotel and perhaps join a culinary demonstration to learn the secrets of South American cuisine. Board the 360° train for your return trip to the Sacred Valley. Here, transfer by coach to Cusco and settle into your hotel in the heart of this historic city.

Stay: Two nights, Cusco, Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Daily :
  • Breakfast

A guided discovery of Cusco takes you to Plaza de Armas, a square at the city’s historic heart. You’ll also visit the sacred sites of Koricancha and Cusco Cathedral. This evening, dine on flavours of Peru at MAP Cafe, located in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Board an early flight via Lima to Iquitos, a city located on the banks of the Peruvian Amazon. Here, you’ll step aboard your boutique vessel and set off to discover the spectacular flora and fauna as you explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Naturalist guides will reveal the secrets of the rainforest and its inhabitants; taking skiff boats to hidden corners of the river, trail walks through the lush vegetation, or on a gentle kayak in calm creeks. This afternoon, embark on a skiff exploration along the Maranon River and listen to the rhythmic sounds of the jungle as you settle in.

Stay: Four Nights, Delfin III

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Spend the morning on the waters of the Samiria River on a skiff exploration. Travel on a stable and safe boat accompanied by an expert naturalist guide and learn about this part of the river. After lunch, relax back on board before you ascend to the canopy on a suspended walkway, one of the longest treetop walks in the world, to get a higher perspective of the rainforest. Encounter the birds and animals less visible from below on this spectacular excursion.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Get even closer to the water on a kayaking trip in the calm waters of the Reserve at Yanayacu Pucate Then, search for more amazing creatures and vegetation, as your naturalist guide takes you deep into the rainforest on a jungle walk at Fundo Casual. Get an intimate view of the Amazon’s ecosystem and wildlife inhabiting this unique environment including frogs, snakes and insects.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today you have the chance to fish for piranhas on the Yarapa River and discover other exotic animals who call the river home. As you cruise, watch for scarlet macaws, Amazonian parrotlets, iguanas and squirrel monkeys.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Your cruise ends with a transfer to Iquitos. On the way, stop off for a visit to the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals. Learn about the rescue work achieved by volunteers at the centre, then hear about manatees and feed these majestic, endangered animals. Finally, board your flight to Lima.

Stay: Country Club Lima Hotel

Daily :
  • Breakfast

This morning fly from Lima to Guayaquil, Ecuador, the gateway to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival we’ll meet and transfer you to your hotel.

Stay: Two Nights, Guayaquil, Hilton Colon

Daily :
  • Breakfast

Today, in Ecuador’s second largest city, spend a delectable day at Hacienda El Castillo, visiting its cocoa plantation and chocolate factory. Upon arrival to the 90-hectare plantation, enjoy delicious fried plantains and cocoa juice before touring the expansive estate and its crops of cocoa beans, mangos and papayas. Learn how cocoa beans are harvested and processed, and then visit the hacienda’s chocolate factory and taste the scrumptious finished product. Afterwards, enjoy a local coastal lunch at the hacienda’s main house.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning, fly to Baltra Island, in the heart of the Galapagos Islands National Park. Around 1,000 kilometres from continental South America, the Galapagos Islands are often referred to as a living museum that act as a showcase of evolution. This afternoon, travel to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz and learn about the biologists’ mission to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems. Discover the breeding programs in place for endangered animals like the captivating Galapagos tortoises. Later, transfer to your luxury, twin-hulled catamaran, the M/C Elite to embark on your Galapagos Islands cruise adventure.

Stay: Four nights, M/C Elite

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today begins with a visit to Genovesa Island, a crescent shaped island known for having a variety of bird life. Ascend Prince Philip’s Steps, also called El Barranco, for spectacular scenery. This afternoon, explore Darwin Bay, a sand and coral beach that is the perfect vantage point to see an array of birdlife. For a closer look at the bay’s sea life, snorkel, kayak or paddle board in the bay’s sheltered waters or follow a walking trail along mangroves to see a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the bay below.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Tortoise with huge shell

Visit the sheltered bay of Buccaneer Cove in Santiago. Once a refuge for buccaneers, whalers and pirates, the bay is now a safe nesting site for turtles. Embark on a panga ride along the eroded shoreline and spot the different rock formations and species of nesting birds on your journey. Afterwards, discover Espumilla Beach, an exquisite stretch of white sand home to a colony of sea lions. Later, you will learn about the human history of the Galapagos Islands at Egas Port, a former salt mine, then venture inland on a trail past tidal pools, grottoes and more local wildlife.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Begin the day at one of the most beautiful, pristine white sand beaches in the Galapagos, Bachas Beach in Santa Cruz. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, crabs and even pink flamingos that frequent the saltwater lagoon behind the beach. Later, visit a pair of crater-like sinkholes known as the ‘twins’ located in the Santa Cruz Highlands. Take a trail that leads up and around the rims of these empty lava chambers for the best viewpoint. Here, bask in the scenery of the surrounding lush highlands, an ideal spot for discovering an abundance of wildlife. See giant tortoises in their natural habitat, spot the distinct red feathers of Vermilion Flycatchers and with a bit of luck, an endemic short-ear owl.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Take an early morning visit via a panga ride to Lobos Island, also known as Sea Lion Island, off San Cristobal. Here, you may wish to snorkel in the clear, calm waters to watch herds of local sea lions swim alongside green turtles and rays. Alternatively, take an inland trail to encounter blue-footed boobies and frigates. Then, it is time to farewell the majestic Galapagos Islands, depart from San Cristobal Airport and return to mainland Ecuador before a final dinner.

Stay: Guayaquil, Hilton Colon

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast, your South American adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

Our people are passionate about dreaming up once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our guests and making them possible