Page 19 - Explore Magazine Autumn 2017

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SOUTH AMERICA

NATURAL WONDERS, CULTURE & HISTORY 5 Top Experiences in South America

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
South America doesn’t do things on a small scale. Vast deserts, towering mountain ranges, and rainforest About 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos
as far as the eye can see are just some of the incredible natural wonders this continent can offer. Add islands and their unique wildlife were Charles Darwin’s
inspiration for his theory of evolution. Today you can
to that history ranging from the ancient Inca to the colonial Conquistadors, traditional cultures and still encounter creatures found nowhere else on earth,
sophisticated cities – there is a lot to explore! Here are our favourite tours to get you started. and thanks to a lack of predators you can get up close
without disturbing them. Each island is different, ranging
from volcanic black rock to white sandy beaches, and
it’s all best explored on a cruise with onshore excursions
accompanied by expert naturalist guides.
THE ATACAMA DESERT
This remote desert lies on a high plateau between the
INSPIRED BY landscape of vast salt pans, colourful rock formations
Pacific Ocean and the Chilean Andes. The lunar-like
and steaming geysers is truly spectacular. The little
town of San Pedro de Atacama is picture perfect, but
we love the ecolodges – our favourites are Alto Atacama
NATURE and Tierra Atacama. Take guided explorations by 4WD,
on foot, by mountain bike or even on horseback, with all
the comforts awaiting you back at your lodge!
BIRTHPLACE OF THE INCAS GRAND TOUR OF SOUTH AMERICA THE AMAZON

Size does matter! The Amazon is the world’s largest
Travel as a couple, on your own, or with friends, This small group journey includes flights from with World Journeys rainforest, its river the largest by volume, and its
and on dates that suit you. This itinerary follows Auckland, a tour host throughout, and covers the species the most diverse of any ecosystem on earth.
the footsteps of ancient Inca from Lima to Cuzco Amazon, Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the Galapagos South America has its highs and lows like nowhere else. From the beaches Take a cruise from Iquitos (Peru) or Manaus (Brazil),
and Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and La Paz – Islands, Lake Titicaca, Iguassu Falls and the of Copacabana to condors soaring over the high Andes, this is one or stay in an ecolodge deep in the Peruvian, Brazilian
or Ecuadorian Amazon. The biodiversity is stunning,
spectacular continent. If you would like to cover “everything” in a
the very best of Peru and Bolivia. You’ll be met stunning cities of Quito, Lima, Buenos Aires and once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we highly recommend a small group journey from pink dolphins to colourful parrots and vociferous
on arrival and enjoy guided sightseeing and great Rio de Janeiro. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime ‘see it on a tried and tested itinerary (there are vast distances to cover!), howler monkeys, and the local guides are passionate
hotels throughout. all’ experience! and a host accompanying the group to “smooth the way”. about preserving this pristine environment.
Others may prefer to explore a few spots in more depth or focus on some of THE PANTANAL
13 days from $4,640* 34 days from $26,150* the incredible natural wonders. South America specialists World Journeys While a lot of the Amazon’s wildlife is hidden by
can tailor-make an itinerary to suit your budget, your wish list, and the travel dense forest, the wildlife of the Pantanal (which lies
INCLUDES: 4-star hotels (share twin) with INCLUDES: Economy class flights ex AKL; time you have to play with. Wherever you set your sights, start by speaking to mostly in Brazil) is much more on view. The seasonally
breakfast; guided sightseeing and entrance airline taxes (subject to change); 4 and 5-star the experts at helloworld and the wonders of South America will be revealed. flooded grasslands, savannas and tropical forests of
fees; some meals; all transfers and transport; hotels and lodges; Galapagos Cruise; guided the Pantanal are home to a myriad of wildlife from
flight Lima to Cuzco. Flights from NZ are sightseeing and entrance fees; tipping; some jaguars to caiman and capybaras along with a plethora
additional. meals; all transfers and transport. of water birds, plants, fish and reptiles. The fabulous
DEPARTS: Daily, 2 Jan – 20 Dec 2017 DEPARTS: 27 Aug or 10 Sep 2017 Araras Ecolodge is set in its own private reserve and is
the ideal base from which to explore.
Call us for your free brochure now, featuring South & Central America, Africa, Europe, Asia and more! PATAGONIA
At the most southerly and sparsely populated southern
end of South America lies Patagonia. Shared between
Argentina and Chile, this stunning region encompasses
helloworld.co.nz 0800 088 802 the end of the Andes, the wild archipelago of Tierra del
In store 0800 088 802
In store helloworld.co.nz
Fuego and the spectacular Torres del Paine National
Park. Whether you cruise the Chilean fjords and glaciers
or base yourself in a luxury ecolodge, there is so much to
*Conditions: Prices are in NZ dollars on a per person share twin basis. Pricing is subject to explore – this is nature on a very grand scale.
change due to currency fluctuations. As cancellation fees apply, travel insurance is mandatory.
Travel agent service fees are not included. Other conditions apply as per the ‘Journeys 2017’ HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : AUTUMN EDITION
and the ‘World 2017’ brochures.