South America by TCS Private Jet

17 Day Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Cartagena!

Upon arrival at the Cartagena Airport, a host and driver will meet you and accompany you to the hotel.

Cartagena de Indias is the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast, a fairytale city of romance, legends, and superbly preserved beauty lying within an impressive two miles of centuries-old colonial stone walls. Cartagena's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a maze of cobbled alleys, facades splashed in riotous color, balconies covered in bougainvillea, and massive churches that cast their shadows across plazas, Cartagena is a perfect city to explore by foot.

This afternoon, expert historian Fernando Rivera takes you through the fascinating streets of Cartagena. You will make three main stops to contextualize the complex history of this port city, whilst exploring cultural elements through local food and drink. Start at the Inquisition Palace, one of the most fascinating colonial buildings in Cartagena, and sample Colombia’s most award-winning coffee from Café San Alberto. Continue onto the Theatre Adolfo Mejia, built to celebrate the first centenary of the Colombian Republic in 1911. Marvel at the spectacular painted ceiling by renowned Cartagena artist Enrique Grau as you sample a selection of local sweet treats. Finish by walking along the most integral element of Cartagena’s history and the reason behind its beautiful preservation; the wall. From the wall, watch the sunset over the Caribbean ocean, whilst sipping on the most refreshing agua de coco.

Dinner tonight is at Carmen. Rated as one of the top restaurants in Colombia, Carmen serves a mix of contemporary cuisine with traditional Caribbean recipes. They emphasize modern techniques and creative preparation that bring their dishes to life.

Hotel Casa San Agustin

2 nights

Overnight: Hotel Casa San Agustin (Junior Suite) Meals Included: Dinner

 

Day 2

History & Culture of Cartagena

Meet your expert guide at the hotel lobby and spend the morning exploring Getsemani’s colorful neighborhood, its history, local life, and street art. Then, alongside a renowned muralist, participate in painting a street art mural, and stumble into one of Getsemani's famous street parties with live music where you can put your dance moves to the test and learn a few salsa and champeta dance moves with locals.

Later, the top chef from the renowned restaurant Maria will teach you how to make some of Cartagena’s most famous dishes such as ceviche, seafood soup in coconut milk and white wine, coconut rice, plantain chips, and a few other secrets. Hear Alejandro's stories about his time cooking with chefs like Gordon Ramsey and Daniel Boulud, as well as the evolution of Colombian gastronomy.

Return to the hotel to relax a bit before meeting your driver and local guide at the hotel for a private transfer to Cartagena’s dock where your boat awaits. Board the luxury sailing boat and cruise through the peaceful waters of Cartagena's bay while enjoying a unique tasting experience, in which an expert will guide you through how different rums are processed and aged, in order to recognize its unique characteristics. The beautiful sunset, magnificent skyline and colonial city views will take your breath away.

Return to solid ground to dine in style in a private apartment overlooking the clock tower and fortifications of the Old City. The two renowned chefs of Proyecto Caribe: Sebastian Pinzon and Jaime Rodriguez, research obscure ingredients from different Caribbean regions and use them to create exciting new dishes. Each private supper focuses on a different region, so you can be sure that your dinner will be a truly unique experience!

 

Day 3

Cartagena, Rafael Nunez to Iquitos, Coronel Francisco Secada Vignetta Intl

Operated by Private Jet 

This morning after breakfast, your private driver transfers you to the airport for your flight to Iquitos, Peru.

Iquitos and the Amazon

Meet your private driver at Iquitos International Airport, then journey through the Peruvian countryside to arrive at Aqua Expedition’s Nauta Lounge in time for lunch.

At 6:00PM board the Aria Amazon and settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to your naturalist guides, gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.

Get to know the other guests on board and have a nightcap at the bar before retiring to your cabins for the night.

Aria Amazon Cruise

4 nights

Designed by innovative architect Jordi Puig, Aria Amazon is a river cruise ship that is custom-built to explore the Peruvian Amazon and the famed Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in absolute comfort and luxury — with minimal impact to the delicate Amazon river and rainforest environment.

On board, 16 spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows give guests a full view of the Amazon’s majestic river and rainforests. The top deck features ample amenities that include a jacuzzi, indoor lounge and bar, and an outdoor observation deck. In the dining room, guests also savor the best of Peruvian cuisine with a comprehensive dining menu created by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s most accomplished chefs known for using produce and ingredients from the Peruvian Amazon.

Overnight: Aria Amazon (Design Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4

Yanallpa River and Dorado River

By skiff, explore the black waters of the Yanallpa River, disembarking to walk deep into the Amazonian rain forest. Later, board the skiffs again to cruise along the El Dorado River for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight: Aria Amazon (Design Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5

Pacaya River, Ucayali River & Tapiche River

The rewards of an early start today are plentiful, including a breakfast picnic accompanied by jungle symphony and fishing along the black waters of the Pacaya River.

After lunch, venture out by skiffs on the Ucayali River alongside the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Overnight: Aria Amazon (Design Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6

Clavero or Yarapa River & Amazon River

Choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa or Clavero River in the morning.

Visit a remote Amazonia village in the afternoon. This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crew members whom you may not have met, working "behind the scenes" to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the Aria Amazon.

Overnight: Aria Amazon (Design Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7

Arrival in Iquitos

This morning, visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the fishermen of Amazonia and the region’s exotic fruits.

Return to the Aria for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, visit the Manatee Rescue Center, an animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rehabilitate and be released back into the wild.

En route to the airport for your flight to La Paz, visit San Juan craft market.

Iquitos, Coronel Francisco Secada Vignetta Intl to La Paz, El Alto Intl

Operated by Private Jet

Casa Grande Suites

2 nights

Casa Grande Suites offers a unique hotel design with the most up to date technologies. It is furnished with luxurious and updated suites. The hotel also offers a high standard of personalized service. It is a modern hotel focused upon providing creative and fulfilling service, located in the historical and colonial city of La Paz. Amenities include high speed internet, buffet breakfast, coffee and tea, cocktail hour and spa.

Welcome Dinner - Gustu Restaurant

A special dinner is served tonight at Gustu Restaurant. Gustu is one of the most popular restaurants in Latin America where you can enjoy the best Bolivian cuisine with gourmet touches.

 

Day 8

La Paz

Begin your day with a privately guided morning tour of La Paz, Moon Valley & Teleferico.

The City of La Paz and its surroundings can transport you to a mysterious past where any corner, any street, is a hidden treasure where adventure begins; a living history which treasures the pre-Hispanic times with all their traditions and magic rites on its streets. The indigenous, colonial and modern areas, Indian Market, Witch Doctor's Market & breathtaking panoramas are all framed by the majestic "Illimani" mountain. Visit the Moon Valley, a clay formation resembling the face of the Moon.

Stop for lunch at local restaurant before continuing on to your afternoon tour.

First you visit the Teleferico for a cable car ride over the city of La Paz, enjoying the aerial view.

Discover the “Cholets”. With their baroque and daring style, full of colorful Andean symbols, the mini-mansions on the streets of El Alto get the name "Cholets" from a fusion of chalet and cholo, These iconic buildings of the new Aymara bourgeoisie aren’ t only houses to live in; the ground floors are luxurious ballrooms, the upper floors are apartments or shopping galleries and the top floors contain comfortable chalets where the owners live. Some people call it "chola architecture" because of the colors of the traditional cholita’s dresses molded in its dazzling facades. You also have the chance to dress in traditional Bolivan costumes.

Dinner tonight is at Mercat Restaurant for local food. We recommend traditional food called Aptaphi.

Overnight: Casa Grande Suites (Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

 

Day 9

La Paz, El Alto Intl to Uyuni, Uyuni Airport

Operated by Private Jet

Transfer from your hotel to the La Paz airport, and enjoy airport assistance boarding the charter plane.

Uyuni

Uyuni is the largest salt flat on Earth, located on the Bolivian Andean Altiplano and covering 12,000 square kilometers.

On arrival, meet your private guide and driver and visit the small village of Tahua, at the foot of Thunupa Volcano. Stroll through the village and hike to the cave of the Coquesa Mummies.

Enjoy a welcome drink and lunch in the middle of the enchanting salt flats. After lunch, drive across to Incawasi Island, an oasis with formations of algae and fossils. It is covered by thousands of giant columnar cacti, which can be more than a hundred years old, growing to a height of over 12 meters. The landscape against the background of the salt pans extending to the horizon makes it an ideal place for photography.

Watch the sunset over the salt flats as you enjoy a cocktail, before heading to your salt hotel.

Hotel De Sal Luna Salada Spa

Set in a remote spot overlooking the famous Uyuni salt flats, this one-of-a-kind hotel is built entirely from blocks of salt. Guests can relax and re-energize by visiting the steam room and hot tub. Soak away your stress while taking in a panoramic view of the salt flats.

Overnight: Hotel De Sal Luna Salada Spa (Deluxe room)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 10

Uyuni, Uyuni Airport to Calama, El Loa

Operated by Private Jet

This morning, transfer to the airport to board your jet. Fly to Calama, Chile. On arrival, be privately transferred to your hotel, Alto Atacama. (Approx. 1-hour drive)

The Atacama Desert

Considered the archaeological capital of Chile, Atacama's mountains, deserts, salt deposits, towns, lagoons, volcanoes, geysers and, especially, its people have made it a favorite destination in the last few years.

You will have the afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel, Alto Atacama. Dinner will be served in the hotel this evening.

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa

Alto Atacama is a village hotel near the ancient ruins of Pukara de Quitor, just three kilometers from the famous oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. The village enjoys a unique location at the base of the breathtaking Salt Mountains in the beautiful and fertile Katarpe valley. Combining raw nature with comfort and convenience, the hotel has been built in the style of a traditional adobe settlement, complete with llamas and crops typical to the area. Its architecture, its gardens and its interior design recreate the ancient Altiplanic village.

Overnight: Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa (Tilo Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

 

Day 11

Atacama: Valley of the Moon and The Colorados

The Alto Atacama Lodge offers over 30 different tours and excursions to choose from. Guests can connect with the landscape with hikes or biking routes, gaze into the night sky with telescopes, and appreciate cultural heritage tours created with the native population. We suggest: VALLEY OF THE MOON

This tour allows guests to enter a sanctuary of nature and geology. The Valley of the Moon is a spectacular geological formation created through the conflicting pressures of the Andes and the Cordillera de Domeyko. As one of the most breathtaking and iconic views in the entire region, travelers from all over the world migrate here to enjoy the sun setting over the Valley.

THE COLORADOS TREK

This route crosses one of the most important ancient thoroughfares used by local shepherds thousands of years ago. You will pass through the daunting tunnel formerly used to connect San Pedro with Calama. The walk continues along the cliffs of the Cordillera de la Sal, the perfect place to observe the Catarpe Valley, the oasis of San Pedro, the Salar de Atacama, the Andes, the Cordillera de Domeyko, and even Alto Atacama itself! Finally, as the trek begins to make its way back, cross a path that rolls down the middle of the high dunes, a well know feature of Mars Valley.

Overnight: Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa (Tilo Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 12

Atacama: Tatio Geysers

“Grandpa crying” is the local name used to describe the Tatio Geysers, a geothermal field sitting at 4,321 meters above sea level. You will explore the Geysers, which consist of large pools of boiling water and mud, fumaroles, and natural hot springs. This is also a good chance to appreciate the unique flora and fauna adapted to flourish in this extreme environment. On return, you will pass through Machuca, a traditional village previously used by local shepherds.

Overnight: Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa (Tilo Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 13

Calama, El Loa to Iguazu Falls, Cataratas Del Iguazu

Operated by Private Jet

This morning, be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Iguazu. On arrival, be transferred to your hotel, Awasi.

Iguazu

Iguazú means “Great Waters” in the Guaraní Indian tongue. Witness 275 waterfalls plunging over a precipice into the mysterious Devil’s Throat gorge, wrapped in a dense cloud of mist and a myriad of rainbows. The water plunges at a rate of 6,000 cubic feet a second. Their height is greater than Niagara by approximately 70 feet.

The Argentine Iguazú National Park embraces a large area of 55,000 hectares, a pristine area of the subtropical rain forest, with more than 2,000 identified plant species, mammals and reptiles. The fauna includes the black howler monkey, capybara, jaguar and puma, along with a huge variety of more than 400 species of birds. The falls are located on the border between Argentina and Brazil and can be visited from either side which is not far apart. The Argentine side offers a close-up view and a variety of walking trails to explore.

This afternoon, Hotel Awasi Iguazu will offer a series of excursions that go beyond the falls, from landscape to history, and from flora to fauna.

Awasi Iguazu

Located just 20 minutes from the world’s largest waterfalls, Awasi’s new 14-room lodge is situated on the banks of the River Iguazú, surrounded by the Atlantic Rainforest. After days spent exploring the impressive natural scenery in and around the Iguazú Falls, return to Awasi for a swim in your own private plunge pool, a drink at the bar in the main lodge and elegant evening meals in our restaurant.

Overnight: Awasi Iguazu (Villa Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

 

Day 14

Iguazu: National Park & Devil's Throat Excursion

Your private guide will take you to the Argentina National Park to take the Park Train to Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat.) This linear catwalk has 2260 meters (round trip) and allows the visitor to enjoy the unique, awe-inspiring Garganta del Diablo, the most impressive falls of the park. With a circumference of 150 m and a height of 80 m, the horseshoe-shaped falls fill the air with vapor as immense amounts of water surge over the rocks in a display of raw power.
Another show is given by the “vencejos,” characteristic birds exclusive to these falls, which throw themselves on a nose dive course, parallel to the falls as if they wanted to meld with the water. Take the train to an intermediate station where you will walk the upper circuit of the falls and enjoy beautiful panoramic views.

Following lunch at the hotel, return to the National Park to experience the Lower Circuit, which offers a more intimate experience with the landscape and deeper contact with nature. On this path, the visitor will feel the spirit of the forest: humidity, sounds, aromas, and the penetrating vapor that overtakes the area. The circular path leads to 8 spectacular viewpoints.

Overnight: Awasi Iguazu (Villa Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 15

Iguazu Falls, Cataratas Del Iguazu to Buenos Aires, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery

Operated by Private Jet

This morning, be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, be transferred to your hotel, The Park Hyatt.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is an elegant and cosmopolitan city with a European flavor and friendly atmosphere. There is an active social life, which takes shape through tango, soccer, polo, horse races, the famed Argentine beef, and excellent wines. Beautiful parks and monuments, great museums, art galleries, shopping, side-walk cafés and excellent restaurants are just a few options for visitors to this lively city.

Tonight, get a taste of Argentinean fare at a local restaurant near the Park Hyatt.

Park Hyatt

The Park Hyatt is perfectly located on Avenida Alvear, in the heart of the French heritage district of Recoleta, Palacio Duhau. This visually arresting landmark holds its own in the eclectic Buenos Aires skyline by blending the 1930’s charm of the French Palace Duhau with contemporary design and décor. Here, belle-époque elegance meets tech-savvy modernity and comfort, marvelously enhanced by renowned Park Hyatt luxury service. Situated in a residential neighborhood surrounded by luxury marvelously enhanced by renowned Park Hyatt luxury service. Situated in a residential neighborhood surrounded by luxury boutiques, we welcome you to savor a unique and relaxing travel experience in the beautiful gardens or private Art Gallery. The hotel is also home to the Ahín Wellness & Spa for rejuvenating spa & massage treatments.

Overnight: Park Hyatt (King Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

 

Day 16

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires City Tour - Morning

Following the history of Buenos Aires City and its striking different neighborhoods, tour highlights include the Main Square, Plaza de Mayo with its neo-classical Cathedral, colonial town-hall and the Presidential Palace, the “Casa Rosada.” Then it’s on to the old neighborhood of San Telmo with its narrow, cobbled-stone streets. There, you will visit a historic XIX century building named El Zanjon de Granados. Continue to La Boca with its multicolor tin houses and soccer stadium. Next, experience the elegant Barrio Norte neighborhood, and Palermo with its wonderful parks, gardens, monuments, and magnificent mansions.

Private Guided Visit to Zanjon de Granados

This afternoon, make a voyage into the past. Some historians point to the Zanjón de Granados underground archaeological /irrigation tunnels as the site of the first settlement of Buenos Aires in 1536. Now located in the modern-day San Telmo, it's hidden behind the facade of a historic row house (Casa "Chorizo"). After a visit to San Telmo, the historic neighborhood where they claim tango was born, we will visit this interesting archaeological site. A section of the old Zanjon (tunnels) was found under a historical building that extended underneath the streets for the whole length of the square. Other sections of the Zanjón were unearthed including ruins of foundations, old walls, floors, water wells and cesspits, which were built and destroyed between 1730 and 1865. Nowadays a visit here offers a glimpse into the historical founding of Buenos Aires in a unique underground tour.

Gala Tango: Dinner & Tango Show

Its architecture, French-style decor and exclusive refined details make Gala Tango the most glamorous venue in Buenos Aires. Gourmet cuisine is complemented with wines from one of the most exclusive cellars in Argentina.

An elegant, warm, refined Tango and Folklore show defines Gala Tango as a superior option in popular art. Typical orchestra formed by a quintet is accompanied by two tango singers, four dancing couples, a “charango” player and a “boleadoras” show.

Overnight: Park Hyatt (King Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 17

Depart Buenos Aires

A private transfer will take you to the airport for your commercial flight home. Departure flight not included in the trip price.

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

JOURNEY PRICE: Please contact us for more information (Private Intra-Tour Helicopter and charter flights included)

The price of your journey will change based on travel dates and availability. Additions to the length of your itinerary will incur additional costs. Holiday supplements may apply.

START

Cartagena, Colombia

END

Buenos Aires, Argentina

TRIP LENGTH: 17 Days

Starts Any Day

NOTE: The Daily Itinerary is subject to change depending upon local conditions and/or operational changes or improvements. The specific times and order of inclusions within each destination may also be altered to best accommodate unscheduled closures, special events, weather, traffic, etc.

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