Today was to be a transit day and it turns out much longer than any of us would have liked. Prior to the transfer to the airport, we needed to be up at 4:00am for an ‘American Breakfast’ prepared for us in the lobby. With a time zone change of two hours back, our heads hit the pillow in Quito at 9-10:00pm, meaning 18 hours for some who didn’t get any sleep on the two flights. Although we arrived at Santiago Airport by 6:00am, a ‘quick movement’ through check-in, immigration and security added up to 1 and ¼ hours. The first flight was 3:20 into Lima and after the layover of 2 hours, the flight on into Quito was a further 2:15hrs. However immigration alone at Quito was 1:15 and then some folk couldn’t find their baggage on the carousel – it had been taken off and left in a “this baggage is dizzy” section. It was a additional hour to the hotel before the end of our transfer.
Ecuador is quite a mountainous country, so much so that on our approach into Quito, I wondered where a long, flat piece of land was going to be to land on. With the sharp valleys all around causing updrafts of strong winds, our aircraft got buffeted around somewhat before finally resting on solid ground. The housing you could see around looked very much like Palestine, unpainted concrete looking boxes with windows and doors in them. The lack of vegetation ensures the landscape looks rather barren.
We have been told that tourism is not a priority for South American governments and so immigration and customs formalities are yet to improve the processing time, or should I say reduce processing time, both into and out of border controls. I guess we will just have to put up and be patient for another – 4 ports.
We are staying at the Swissotel, looking out over ‘the city of concrete boxes’. Security is like most other countries but “keep your back packs on the front of you”. The tap water is ok for washing teeth but it is best to drink from the supplied bottled water and to do so regularly. Regular fluid intake helps with the problem one can come up against in high altitude regions. We are at 2,850 meters in Quito. (More on Quito after our walking tour on Saturday.) There must be about 8 restaurants and cafes in this hotel each with a different cuisine. A meal of quesadillas was delicious last night and the bed was even more welcome after such a long day.
Senior Moments
SC couldn’t sleep and got up at 1:00am, put her makeup on ready for the early departure and then went back to bed.
AH was seen coming out of the ladies loo. He’s Lyns ‘right hand tour director’ so who knows how many others followed him in.
Early am Santiago AirportWaiting for departure out of SantiagoLAN Airlines Airbus 320Valparaiso near SantiagoNotice the hedges around the paddocksApproach into QuitoThe ‘old’ highway bridgeQuito suburbs with Virgin Mary Statue on the skylineVolcano in the distance
Santiago is the capital of Chile, the country that forms the narrow western backbone to the Andes Mountains stretching 4,300 km from the fjords and glaciers of the south, through the fertile valleys of the heartland to the mineral-rich Atacama Desert bordering Peru and Bolivia in the north. Although the country barely averages 160km in width, it still encompasses an incredible diversity of volcanoes, lakes, beaches and ice fields, forest and desert. You can ski in the mountains in the morning, go home to Santiago for lunch and then off to the beach on the coast in the afternoon.
Chile, with a population of just over 17 million, was under the martial dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990. During that time, 3,000 people were killed and 200,000 went into exile. The dictatorship shaped much of modern Chile’s political, educational and economic life. But since the overthrow of the regime, the country certainly has advanced forward.
Chile has a free trade agreement with over 120 countries. This has enabled China to use Chile as an entry point to the rest of South America for significant trade initiatives, thus creating added income for Chile. The country has NO national debt. Because of this, Chile has been able to grow at a rapid pace. (The recent Labour Government of Australia could learn a lot from Chile about having no national debt). All motor vehicles are imported from countries all over the world. What does Chile have of benefit to other countries for that free trade agreement to exist? The arid Atacama Desert in northern Chile contains great mineral wealth, principally copper and lithium (used in the production of batteries in phones and cameras). The relatively small central area dominates in terms of population and agricultural resources, and is the cultural and political center from which Chile expanded in the late 19th century when it incorporated its northern and southern regions. Southern Chile is rich in forests and grazing lands, and features a string of volcanoes and lakes.
It’s interesting that very few Chileans seek to migrate to other South American countries but many migrate from them to Chile. The highest intake of migrants into Chile come from Spain. That’s how attractive Chile is to its forefathers today. The universities in Chile and particularly Santiago, are of a very high standard and sort after.
We enjoyed breakfast prior to our day tour’s departure at 9:30am. Jose has a wealth of knowledge which he passed on to us during his commentary while touring this busy city in the coach. There are many parklands and wide boulevards making the city attractive even though very busy. High rise buildings are around but not to the extent of many cities of the world. The main reason for the low number of centralised sky scrapers is that Chile is affected by seismic movement on a regular basis. Despite this, the architecture is very modern, and with many of the ‘fallen’ buildings being rebuilt with extra importance placed on the expected regular ‘earthly movements’. Recently, there was an earthquake measuring over 8.0. Only a very small amount of damage was sustained.
At a public convention centre, we had a comfort stop and were held up by a protest against the road tolls being charged to motorists using the expressways of the city. The system used is copied from the one initiated in Melbourne when Melbourne’s City Link was created. Our route from the airport to our hotel took us on the expressway, 8 km of which was in a tunnel with 4 lanes in each direction (eat your heart out, Melbourne’s east-west link protestors).
Noticed at the convention centre, was a sculpture located just outside glass doors. Some of our group noticed the sculpture and deemed that photos had to be taken. It was noticed that the sculpture was of a couple enjoying the finer moments in life and ALL the photographers were ladies, mmmm!!!! (I wonder where they will share their photos and with whom?)
We walked through the town’s maze of plazas before being treated to morning tea at a lovely restaurant in the middle class part of town. Cappuccino became Italian coffee, black coffee became known as American coffee, and tea became know as English coffee.
From there, we were taken to a hill nearby the city for an expansive view of the city and the snow capped Andes Mountains in the background. This hill is where the population use as their exercise location.
Our afternoon was free and many took advantage of this time to either just sit, look around the local shops, sleep or sun bake beside the pool. (No need to tell you who sun baked beside the pool.) I must have picked up a bug and so stayed in the room for the late afternoon, changing seats. LOL.
Seniors Moments
We are aware that many of the regular blog followers, look for our Seniors Moments section. That will not change, but I have to say, the first was on me.
During the city tour, I had been typing notes into my iPad for use in this post. Right near the end of the tour, I touched an icon that I thought would get me to a particular line quickly but all it did was wipe all the data and file and so my memory and ‘good old wikipedia’, has been the main source of information today (I’m writing at 3:00am)
There have been many reports of handbags and cameras being ‘left behind’ and someone left an expensive headset on the aircraft while taking a break at Auckland Airport only to find that the aircraft was well and truly cleaned for the next segment to Santiago. Hence, they will have to revert to the cheaper alternative of airline sets for the rest of the trip.
Some took a sip on a straw only to find that it was just a stirrer.
Jose – our City Tour Guide“THE” sculpture.Church Number 1Inside Church Number 1City bike hire.Inside our coffee stop shopThe AndesSantiago’s Tallest buildingOur restaurant last night.A garden up the side of a buildingHow to weed a garden up the side of a wall.Found on the street – a mobile loo.
Just before we left Melbourne, Lyn looked up to see when we first did anything about organising this trip to South America. Surprisingly, it is almost 2 years to the date that the first couple made a firm enquiry about joining us. At the time we set up the group booking, we had sent only 3 or 4 people to South America in 23 years. Within 6 weeks of first advertising, we had 23 people make firm enquiries with a couple having to pull out due to sickness.
We had made a booking for a bus to transfer us from Woori Yallock to the Park Royal Hotel at Tullamarine. It’s always good to keep surprises in store for our group members and the jaws certainly did drop when an enormous black limo pulled up to transport us. The driver was the grey-beard type of individual suiting his task to the ‘T’. 11 of us were able to be comfortable for the 75 minutes transfer with many outsiders taking a second look at this long vehicle with a trailer on the back.
After a delicious meal and a pre-embarkation sleep, 17 of us left Melbourne at 6:30 (with lots of business men and women) for Sydney to be joined by an additional 2 where we transferred to our LAN Airlines Boeing 787 for Auckland and Santiago. 2 passengers met us in Auckland. The flight was quiet during the 11 hour apart from a couple of meals and many computer games to keep us amused.
As a New Zealander, I was feeling really good as we moved from the immigration point to collect our baggage because I didn’t have to pay the $US117 immigration fee into Chile. Countries have a reciprocal agreement with regards to immigration visa fees and New Zealand has a ‘no fee’ policy with Chile.
A check-in clerk in Melbourne had booked one of the bags through to Lima, why? we don’t know but it did cause a period of anxious waiting for one of our ‘new to travelling’ members. Patiently, everyone waited for the baggage to be found on a trolley bound for Lima in two days time. It was just a 20 minute transfer to our accommodation at the Grand Hyatt in the interesting city of Santiago. This is a VERY comfortable hotel – our room is enormous and looks out over a great pool with the Andes Mountain range in the close background. Snow still covers the mountains but, for some unknown ‘climate change reason’ there is just 5-10 cm rather than the normal 3-4 metres at this time of the year.
Some took an afternoon nap; some a nap by the pool; while others ventured out for a look see at the shopping precent before our evening meal a couple of blocks away in a seafood restaurant.
Tomorrow is a city tour of Santiago.
Limo and trailer – what a way to transfer.Jeanette Street hasn’t seen long vehicle of this nature in a long whileInside our transfer to TullamarineRod and Lyn Dwyer leaving Tullamarine on a Scenic trip on the Mekong RiverLan Airlines – SydneyThe Atrium at Grand Hyatt SantiagoBaggage being sorted prior to delivery to our roomsThe Andes in the backgroundVery comfortable roomsView from our 5th floor roomLyn’s toes saw the water but didn’t FEEL the water.
One major continent that we have not toured is South America. We decided back in 2013 to venture to this part of the world. In our investigations we were quickly made aware that there is so much influence from the Spanish and Portuguese communities, the region had to be our choice for a group tour. There have been many folk from South America who have now made Australia their home and so, especially the Spanish speaking communities, are influencing the diverse cultures that are now in Australia.
Please enjoy our experiences starting on September 1. The first post will be either the 2nd or 3rd of September. I hope we get good Wi-Fi reception along the way. Those who travel with us will be surprised at the quality of the accommodation in the major cities of Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Argentina.
To see the daily posts, scroll down and on the right hand side, you will see a group named ‘categories’. Click on South America 2015 and each of the days’ posts will be listed. You will have to click on ‘continue reading’ to see the full text and photos. Enjoy and give us any questions or feedback – we can use your point of view.
September 1, 2015 (Tuesday)
Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne (MEL) 01 Sep 06:30 Kingsford Smith Airport, Sydney (SYD) 07:55 QF404 Economy OAERTQ.G
Kingsford Smith Airport, Sydney (SYD) 01 Sep 09:30 Arturo Merino BenitezAirport, Santiago (SCL) 12:35 LA800 Economy OAERTQ.G
Scenic Tour Name: South American Adventure, Galápagos & Amazon Cruising
Tour Code: SAAG
Days: 30
Day 1: 4 September, 2015 (Friday)
Quito, Ecuador
Welcome to Quito. On arrival you will be met by a Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your luxurious hotel. Three Night Special Stay: Quito
Day 2: 5 September, 2015 (Saturday)
Quito (B,L,D)
Surrounded by volcanoes, this well-preserved historic city is a World Heritage site. On your Included walking tour you will discover the historic centre, the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Convent. Included lunch at the elegant Café Plaza Grande. SCENIC ENRICH: A highlight is your gourmet welcome dinner at the elegant La Belle Époque restaurant, overlooking the floodlit main square.
Day 3: 6 September, 2015 (Sunday)
Quito (B,L)
Ecuador means equator in Spanish and Included today is your tour to the equator line and monument.
Day 4: 7 September, 2015 (Monday)
Quito – Galápagos Islands (B,L,D)
Included flight to the Galápagos Islands. On arrival meet your crew as you board your deluxe expedition cruise ship. You are embarking on an adventure to see a rich variety of landscapes and unusual lava formations. The sailing schedule is flexible in order to take advantage of the different conditions and to maximise your chances for close encounters with the endemic species of this unique island complex, all still relatively untouched by man.
Each day you will visit two different areas on small group walking tours led by your expert naturalist guides. Depending on the season you will have the chance to observe different species of birdlife including frigate birds and the unique blue-footed boobies. You will have the chance to see marine iguanas, the Galápagos Sea Lions, the unusual land iguanas and the slow moving Galápagos Giant Tortoise, a highlight of every visit.
Day 6: 9 September 2015 (Wednesday)
Galápagos Islands (B,L,D)
Cruising the Galápagos Islands.
Day 7:10 September, 2015 (Thursday)
Galápagos Islands – Lima, Peru (B)
Last morning excursion then take an Included flight to Lima. Overnight Special Stay: Lima
Baltra Airport, Galapagos Is (GPS) 10 Sep 10:10 Simon Bolivar Airport, Guayaquil (GYE)13:00 AV1633 Economy
Simon Bolivar Airport, Guayaquil (GYE) 10 Sep 18:27 J Chavez Intl Airport, Lima (LIM)20:22 AV7390 Economy
Day 8: 11 September, 2015 (Friday)
Lima – Amazon Cruise (B,D)
Morning at leisure before taking an Included flight to the remote Amazon city of Iquitos where you will be met by the crew of the Aria Amazon and your luxury adventure begins! Settle into your handsomely appointed, over-sized suite and enjoy a welcome briefing and dinner by your Cruise Director. Then sit down, relax, sample some fine South American wines and enjoy the truly world-class cuisine. Three Night Special Stay: Aria Amazon – First Deck Suite. Exclusive to Scenic Tours
Our private charter luxury cruise takes you into the heart of this untouched natural wilderness with only 32 like minded guests. The sailing schedule is designed to take advantage of the best conditions each day. You will explore remote Amazon River tributaries, spot monkeys and birds whilst walking along a jungle trail, visit local villages and meet with native Amazonians who are delighted to share their traditions with you. Each day there is a schedule of activities and you will board the skiffs expertly piloted by the crew that will take you along the waterways, or to the landing point for onshore excursions through the jungle. Each excursion is led by one of the trained and knowledgeable naturalist guides who are fluent in English. Your cruise showcases the delicious cuisine of the Amazon and you will be delighted by the exclusive Scenic Tours menu designed by Executive – 13 September, 2015 Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.
Day 10: 13 September, 2015 (Sunday)
Amazon Cruise (B,L,D)
Cruising the Amazon.
Day 11: 14 September, 2015 (Monday)
Amazon – Lima (B,L)
Take a final excursion followed by lunch then farewell your crew and take away fantastic memories of this luxury expedition. SCENIC ENRICH: the Amazon Manatee is an endangered species and you will visit the Manatee Rescue Centre and have the chance to feed the baby manatees. Included flight to Lima. Two Night Special Stay: Lima
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity. Choose from: (1) a tour of the historic centre; or (2) Pachacamac Ruins and Temple; or (3) Lima’s ancient history and the Larco Herrera Museum; or (4) relaxing spa treatment. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Day 13: 16 September, 2015 (Wednesday)
Lima – Sacred Valley (B,L)
Included flight to Cuzco and then travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, set at a lower altitude. Your exclusive three night stay allows you to experience the history, unique lifestyle, culture and majestic scenery of this heartland of the former Incan Empire. SCENIC ENRICH: Visit Hacienda Huayocarri whose history spans over three centuries. Enjoy a delicious Andean lunch and be entertained by the women of Chinchero Village as they demonstrate their centuries old weaving techniques. Transfer to your hotel, a member of the Starwood Luxury Collection, located in the heart of the valley. Three Night Special Stay: Sacred Valley
This morning your expert local guide will take you on an Included walking tour of the town of Ollantaytambo, the site where Manco Inca defeated the Spanish conquistadors. SCENIC ENRICH: Visit the community supported by Scenic Tours. Meet the students and teachers at the local school and learn about their lifestyle. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the charming village of Urubumba.
Day 15: 18 September, 2015 (Friday)
Sacred Valley (B,L,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity, choose from: (1) walking tour of Chinchero Village; or (2) at Pisac tour the Inca ruins and colourful markets; or (3) visit Moray ruins and the ancient Inca salt pans; or (4) visit a Peruvian Paso Horse Ranch. SCENIC ENRICH: Tonight share stories of your excursion with your fellow travellers as you enjoy a private performance by local musicians complemented with a tapas style dinner.
Day 16: 19 September, 2015 (Saturday)
Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu (B,L,D)
Take an Included rail journey to spectacular Machu Picchu. The highlight is your Included full day visit to this breath taking World Heritage Site. Be amazed as your expert local guides share the mysteries of this “lost city of the Incas”, with plenty of time to explore these fascinating ruins at your own pace. Included is your chance to walk up to the Guardhouse or the “Sun Gate” with your expert local guide. Overnight Stay: Machu Picchu
Optional Inca Trail Trek 5 hour trek to Machu Picchu on the Inca trail available Mar to Dec 2015. Enquire for full details. Price Per Person: $350
Day 17: 20 September, 2015 (Sunday)
Machu Picchu – Cuzco (B)
You have the morning to explore the township of Machu Picchu at leisure. This afternoon marvel at the spectacular views from the glass dome carriages as you journey through the snow-capped peaks of the Andes aboard the Vistadome train. Continue to Cuzco by coach, where your luxurious hotel is located in the heart of the historic centre. Three Night Special Stay: Cuzco
Day 18: 21 September, 2015 (Monday)
Cuzco (B)
This charming city is a World Heritage Site that was the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Included walking tour where you will marvel at the mix of Incan, Spanish and modern architecture, starting with the Cathedral, then at Casa Concha see the exhibits from Machu Picchu excavated by Hiram Bingham and then tour Koricancha (Sun Temple). Your tour finishes with the ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress with a stunning view over the city.
Day 19: 22 September, 2015 (Tuesday)
Cuzco (B,D)
Enjoy a free day to explore at your leisure. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining choose from: (1) Calle del Medio Restaurant; or (2) El Tupay Restaurant; or (3) MAP Café.
Day 20: 23 September, 2015 (Wednesday)
Cuzco – Lake Titicaca (B,L)
SCENIC ENRICH: Take one of the great rail journeys of the world aboard the luxurious Andean Explorer for a full day traverse across the high Andes to Lake Titicaca. Exquisitely decorated in the manner of the great Pullman trains of the 1920’s, the open-air Observation Car affords fantastic photo opportunities.Relax in the luxurious surrounds, enjoy the changing scenery and the on board entertainment. Overnight Stay: Lake Titicaca
Day 21:24 September, 2015 (Thursday)
Lake Titicaca – Lima (B,L)
Considered the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest on the continent of South America, join your expert local guide today for an Included excursion on Lake Titicaca to the unique floating islands of Uros. Be introduced to their quirky traditional lifestyle, meet some of the residents and take a ride on one of the reed boats. Then take an Included flight to Lima. Overnight Special Stay: Lima
Included flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer hotel located on the elegant Arroyo Street. Three Night Stay: Buenos Aires
J Chavez Intl Airport, Lima (LIM) 25 Sep 08:30 Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini Airport, Buenos Aires (EZE) 14:55 LA4601 Economy
Day 23: 26 September, 2015 (Saturday)
Buenos Aires (B,L,D)
Today your exclusive Included tour will show you the highlights and hidden secrets of this city famed as the “Paris of the Americas”. At Plaza Mayo, see the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace) and visit the Cathedral of Buenos Aires. SCENIC ENRICH: Visit the colourful district of La Boca for a private display of Tango dancing. Enjoy a walk down Caminito Street to see the street murals, caricature statues and enjoy free time to discover at your own pace. After lunch visit the historic San Telmo district and enjoy afternoon tea Buenos Aires style. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining choose from: (1) exclusive Gala Tango show and dinner; or (2) the award winning Le Sud Restaurant; or (3) Parillas (Steakhouse)
Day 24: 27 September, 2015 (Sunday)
Buenos Aires (B)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) the secrets of Eva Peron’s life; or (2) guided tour of the Teatro Colón; or (3) culinary secrets of Argentina walking tour; or (4) graffiti art walking tour.
Day 25:28 September 2015 (Monday)
Buenos Aires – Iguazú Falls, Brazil (B,D)
Included flight to Iguazu Falls. Enjoy your Included tour of the Argentinean Falls, where you will see the famous ‘Devil’s Throat’ from the viewpoint. Transfer to your luxurious hotel, the only hotel located within the boundaries of the Brazilian Falls National Park for a relaxing two night stay. Two Night Special Stay: Iguazú Falls
Included tour of the majestic Brazilian Falls, where you will be awed by the world’s largest volume waterfall. Enjoy a visit to the Parque das Aves be amazed by the colourful array of rare birds flying in the huge aviaries Then take an exciting adventure onto the water and come close to the base one of the falls and feel the spray of water on your face. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy this pristine wilderness and the facilities of your magnificent hotel.
Day 27: 30 September, 2015 (Wednesday)
Iguazu Falls – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (B,D)
Included flight to colourful Rio de Janeiro where your luxurious hotel occupies the prime location on the famous Copacabana Beach. Tonight dine like a carioca (local) and enjoy your Included Churrascaria dinner. Three Night Special Stay: Rio de Janeiro
Cataratas Airport, Iguazu Falls (IGU) 30 Sep 12:53 International Airport, Rio De Janeiro (GIG) 14:45 JJ3186 Economy
Day 28: 1 October, 2015 (Thursday)
Rio de Janeiro (B,L)
Your Included tour covers all the icons and highlights of this vibrant city! First visit Corcovado Mountain and see the famous ‘Christ’ Statue. See the unique Cathedral of Rio and admire the enormous stained glass windows. This afternoon ride the cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Day 29: 2 October, 2015 (Friday)
Rio de Janeiro (B,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE day, choose from: (1) Guanabara Bay cruise (weather permitting); or (2) tour the Favela’s (Shanty Town); or (3) walking tour of the historic centre; or (4) tour Petropolis, the retreat of the former emperors; SCENIC ENRICH: Tonight farewell your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a private dinner in the elegant Pérgula Restaurant a fitting way to end your journey to South America.
Day 30: 3 October, 2015 (Saturday)
Rio de Janeiro (B)
Your tour ends after breakfast and you will be transferred* to the airport for your onward or homebound flight (flight not included).
International Airport, Rio De Janeiro (GIG) 03 Oct 15:20 Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, Santiago (SCL) 20:20 LA787 Economy OAERTQ.G
Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, Santiago (SCL) 03 Oct 23:20 Jean Batten Airport, Auckland (AKL) 05 Oct 04:30 LA801 Economy OAERTQ.G
5 October, 2015 (Monday)
Jean Batten Airport, Auckland (AKL) 05 Oct 06:35 Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne (MEL) 08:45 QF152 Economy
