16 Days Amazon and Andes Circuit

About the destination: Iquitos is in the Amazonas region of Peru. Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, and the capital of the Loreto Region and Maynas province. Iquitos is an ideal destination for eco-tourism lovers, and for the ones who want to experiment an intimate contact with the virgin nature of the Amazon rainforests. In the city center of Iquitos you can visit historic buildings as the majestic Iron House and the Belen Village. Within central Iquitos, the Plaza de Armas is far more than just a public square and is in actual fact more of a park, being surrounded by numerous places of interest, including some splendid colonial mansions.

About the destination: Cuzco, located in the Southern Sierras, is one of Peru's most visited cities. It was once the capital of the Inca dynasty and now it is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and the Andean capital of Peru. Cuzco exudes charm and splendour and it is full of character.Cuzco's heart is the Plaza de Armas where you can find the Cathedral and the Compañía de Jesús church, among other remarkable buildings. The architecture of the city is a curious mix of Spanish Colonial built upon Inca ruins and everything else is a unique melange of Spanish and indigenous influences. Exploring Cuzco’s picturesque, narrow, cobblestone avenues is a source of endless fascination. Cuzco is a constant link to the past, it streets are full of colourful costumes, handicrafts shops, remarkable Incan ruins and local flair is everywhere. Hatunrumiyoc is located close to Plaza de Nazarenas, not far from Plaza de Armas. It is a narrow pedestrian street, famous for its Inca walls where huge stones are precisely carved to fit together without mud or concrete. You’ll find the masterpiece, a 12-angled stone, about halfway down the street.Cuzco is the most convenient city from which tourists can begin visits to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and other Inca sites in the region.The city’s fantastic Architecture and the breathtaking natural surrounding makes Cusco a city hard to leave.

About the destination: Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres above sea level. It is located in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District in Peru. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley which is 80 kilometres northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Often mistakenly referred to as the ""Lost City of the Incas"", it is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Sun Gate. From here you can see back down each valley offering excellent views. It's a fairly strenuous hike but well worth it. • Temple of the Sun. Near the summit of the main city, the stonework on the temple is incredible. The temple is the absolute pinnacle of this technology. • Intihuatana. A stone carved so that on certain days, at dawn, the sun makes a certain shadow, thus working as a sun dial. • Temple of the Three Windows. • Main Temple. • Temple of the Condor. Clearly the condor was a symbol of cruel justice, but a sanitized version is told for the benefit of middle-aged tourists and their children.

About the destination: La Paz is Bolivia’s largest city and centre for commerce, finance and industry. La Paz city is one of the highest cities in the world. The metropolitan area of La Paz starts with El Alto. The airport is located there on the flat Altiplano and is one of the highest in the world.Plaza Murillo is the city’s main square, named after Pedro Domingo Murillo, a Bolivian freedom fighter. There is a 3 meter high monument of the hero in the centre of the square, on the same spot where he was hung in 1810. Plaza Murillo is surrounded by some of La Paz's most famous buildings such as the Cathedral, the Palacio de Gobierno or Palacio Legislativo. Along El Prado area, there are several interesting museums such as the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Plaza, the Museo Fotografico Nuñez de Arco and the Museo Nacional de Arqueologia. La Paz is a charming place, where Aimara and Spaniard cultures coexist. La Paz is Bolivia’s most fascinating city.

About the destination: Nestled in the central valley, Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital, offers a dynamic blend of history, culture, and modernity. As you arrive, the majestic Andes mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the bustling metropolis. Start your adventure in Plaza de Armas, the historic center of the city, where colonial architecture meets contemporary life. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National History Museum to delve into the rich past of this captivating city. For a panoramic view of Santiago, take a funicular ride up to Cerro San Cristóbal. From the summit, the city unfolds beneath you, framed by the distant peaks of the Andes and the urban sprawl. Nearby, the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista invites you to explore its vibrant street art, trendy cafes, and eclectic nightlife. Don’t miss La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda’s intriguing homes, which offers a glimpse into the poet’s eclectic life. Santiago is also a culinary paradise for food enthusiasts. Stroll through Mercado Central to taste the freshest seafood or visit the trendy Lastarria district for a more upscale dining experience. Chilean cuisine, with its unique flavors and ingredients, promises to delight your taste buds. Be sure to try local favorites such as empanadas, pastel de choclo, and the world-renowned Chilean wine. Beyond the city's limits, Santiago serves as a gateway to numerous adventures. Head towards the Maipo Valley for an exquisite wine-tasting tour, or take a day trip to the coastal cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Santiago’s diverse offerings ensure an unforgettable experience for every traveler.