Imagine… exploring the tropical rainforest of lush Costa Rica… discovering the barren coasts of the Falkland Islands… scouting the shores of the Galapagos teeming with wildlife… gazing at Peru's most amazing Inca masterpieces… or walking along the vibrant beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

Ecuador's Galapagos Islands are among the most exotic places on earth. Together, with destinations such as Machu Picchu, they form an essential component of any trip to this wondrous continent.

The breadth and depth of the South American experience can be found on the 'Wonders' journeys, focusing on Peru or surveying Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Conjoined, the itineraries form Wonders of South America, with stops at every one of these intriguing destinations.

Wherever you choose to go, whether it is the tropical rainforest of lush Costa Rica, the barren coasts of the Falkland Islands, the shores of the Galapagos teeming with wildlife, or the vibrant beaches of Rio de Janeiro, you will be enchanted by the majesty of South America.

Escorted Discovery Series

Cruising the Galapagos Islands

The best ship sailing in the Galapagos Islands: 'Eclipse'

Large enough to travel the Pacific in comfort and safety, small enough to dock at remote ports and negotiate inter-island landings with agility, 'Eclipse' is the perfect size for an expeditionary cruise to the Galapagos.

At 210 feet long, with a beam of 41 feet, most Galapagos ships the size of 'Eclipse' would, and do, carry an average of 80-100 passengers.

Add her smaller-than-usual passenger complement, and a naturalist guide for every 12 guests aboard, the 'Eclipse' is 'simply the best' travel choice in the Galapagos Islands today.

Highlights of the Galapagos & Ecuador - 11 days

'Highlights of the Galapagos and Ecuador' is an economical and comprehensive introduction to the "Enchanted Isles" and mainland Ecuador, with a seven-night adventure-filled cruise aboard the 'Eclipse'.

Highlights… Up-close encounters with rare endemic wildlife found only in the Galapagos-A World Heritage Marine Reserve… Swimming and snorkeling with sea lions and turtles… Espanola Island, home of the albatross… Nature walks in small groups…

Land/cruise arrangements from $3950 per adult
Land/cruise arrangements from $3095 per child under 12 sharing with one adult
Internal air from $385 per adult, from $210 per child under 12
Departures limited to 24 passengers, minimum age 12 years, 7 years on Family Tours, ask The Travel Goddess for details on the Family Departures.
There is an optional Heritage of the Incas pre-tour extension, ask The Travel Goddess.

Peru & The Galapagos - 15 days

If you had to choose one destination to represent South America's natural wonders and another to symbolize her indigenous cultural history, chances are you would select the two places visited on this popular holiday: 'Peru & the Galapagos Islands'

Highlights… The 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu, including an evening candlelight visit… Cuzco, Ancient Incan Capital… Sacred Valley of the Incas… Colonial Splendors of Lima…

Quito, a World Heritage City… 5-night adventure-filled cruise aboard 'Eclipse'

Land/cruise arrangements from $5690 per adult.
Land/cruise arrangements from $4695 per child under the age of 12 sharing with one adult
Internal air from $990 per adult, from $615 per child
Departures limited to 24 passengers, minimum age 12 years, 7 years on Family Tours, ask The Travel Goddess for details on the Family Departures

Children of the Sun - 12 days

In the early years of the 16th century, Peru and Bolivia sat at the very center of an empire as flourishing and sophisticated as any in Europe: Tawantinsuyo, the "Four Corners" of the Inca world. 'Children of the Sun' is a living reminder that the ancient civilization of the Incas remains alive and well under a modern façade of Spanish influence.

Highlights… Visit the ruins of Tiwanaku - the "Cradle of American Civilization"…Cruise Lake Titicaca - the world's highest navigable waterway… Find the "Fountain of Youth" on Sun Island…

Travel through the "Sacred Valley of the Incas"… Explore Machu Picchu - the mysterious "Lost City" of the Incas

Land arrangements from $3390 per person
Internal airfare from $315 per person
There is an optional pre-tour extension to Sucre, ask The Travel Goddess for details.
Departures limited to 24 passengers

Wonders of Peru - 8 days

Beyond the excitement of contemporary culture in bustling Lima lie the intriguing monuments of ancient civilizations. Experience the 'Wonders of Peru', form the Pacific-coast seat of colonial Spain to the mountaintop majesties of the Incan Empire.

Highlights… Machu Picchu - the mysterious fabled 'Lost City'… Evening candlelight visit to Machu Picchu…

Land arrangements from $2660 per person
Internal airfare from $285 per person
Departures limited to 18 passengers

Wonders of Chile, Argentina & Brazil - 13 days

Stunning mountain scenery, roaring tropical waterfalls, rambling vineyards, sleepy alpine towns, sensuous ocean-side cities, and the height of European culture. South America is all of these worlds in one, and 'Wonders of Chile, Argentina & Brazil' brings you to the best of it.

Highlights… Mountain-ringed Santiago, the "heart" of Chile… Legendary wineries of Chile… Famed Andes Lake Crossing… Beautiful Lake Districts of Chile and Argentina… Alpine Bariloche, the 'Little Switzerland' of South America…

Land arrangements from $4590 per person
Internal air from $1015 per person
Departures limited to 18 passengers

Wonders of South America - 19 days

Marvels. Sensations. Glories. Wonders. Formed by nature or crafted by man, South America's list of unique and spectacular destinations is long and impressive. 'Wonders of South America' visits a hand-picked selection of the continent's best in Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

Highlights… Explore Machu Picchu - the mysterious, fabled "Lost City"… Journey to Cuzco, the ancient center of the Inca Empire and travel through the "Sacred Valley of the Incas"… Visit mountain-ringed Santiago, the "heart" of Chile, and its famous wine districts… Revel among the beauty of Chile's and Argentina's Lake Districts and alpine Bariloche, the "Little Switzerland" of South America… Enjoy cosmopolitan Buenos Aires - The "Paris of South America"… Experience breathtaking Iguassu Falls… Tour Rio de Janeiro and play along the famed Ipanema Beach

Land arrangements from $7190 per person
Internal air from $2550 per person
Departures limited to 18 passengers

The Nature of Costa Rica - 9 days

'The Nature of Costa Rica' offers an opportunity to explore the incredible beauty of one of the world's most biologically diverse countries - where unique varieties of plants and animals are free to live and multiply.

Highlights… Experience six ecologically diverse habitats in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics…

View the spectacular Arenal Volcano - one of the world's most active… Explore narrow canals by boat in the Tortuguero National Park… Float along the Penas Blancas River, watching for monkeys, toucans and caiman.

Land arrangements from $2740 per person
Internal air from $425 per person
Departures limited to 16 passengers

Family Holidays

Family Tour of Costa Rica - 10 days

A 'Family Tour of Costa Rica' is a cultural and educational holiday that appeals to visitors of all ages - from budding environmentalists and grade school animal lovers to bird watching parents and camera-wielding grandparents.

Highlights… Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting… Hike along the base of the spectacular Arenal volcano… Swim in a natural hot springs pool…

Play and relax at beautiful Manuel Antonio Beach… Enjoy the services of a naturalist guide and children's activity coordinator.

Land arrangements from $3690 per adult, $1390 per child sharing with two adults.
Internal air from $300 per adult, from $255 per child
Minimum age: 6 years
There is an optional Tortuguero extension, ask The Travel Goddess for details
Departures limited to 16 passengers

Peru Family Holiday - 9 days

Children will adore exploring Inca ruins, imagining how their ancient counterparts went to school, played and survived. Adults will be equally wide-eyed at the amazing sights unfolding before them.

Lunch with a Peruvian Family… Learn the art of basket weaving… Enjoy a "Paso" horse demonstration at a country hacienda… Optional horseback riding… Visit the San Francisco catacombs of Lima… Salt-panning in the Maras mines… Andean storytelling… Walk the Orchid Trail, home of the Spectacled Bear… Children's Activity Coordinator

Land arrangements from $3270 per adult, from $2560 per child under 12, sharing with two adults.
Internal air from $285 per adult, from $210 per child
Minimum age: 7 years
Departures limited to 24 passengers

Active Series

The Galapagos Islands: A Natural Playground - 11 days

Ecuador's most beloved national park, the Galapagos Islands are an enchanted destination - a place where extraordinary plant and animal life exists, unspoiled and unaffected by human presence. It is the perfect place for active exploration.

Highlights… Hike among endemic wildlife found only in the Galapagos… Snorkel pristine waters teeming with underwater wildlife…

Trek to hidden caldera lakes… Dive in one of the world's top ten dive locations and a World Heritage Marine Reserve… Visit Quito, a World Heritage city

Land arrangements from $3565 per person
Internal air from $445 per person
Departures limited to 16 passengers

Inca Adventure - 9 days

From the ancient citadel at Machu Picchu to the ruins of the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuaman, 'Inca Adventure' offers a dynamic introduction to the glories of Peru. Those longing for adventure in the land of the ancient Incas can explore the fabled region of the Urubamba River and Machu Picchu by rafting and hiking the Inca Trail.

Raft on the Urubamba River… Hike the famous Inca Trail to magical Machu Picchu - the 'Lost City of the Incas'… visit Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital

Land arrangements from $2990 per person
Internal air from $285 per person
Departures limited to 15 passengers
Minimum age: 12 years
There is an optional Amazon pre-tour extension, ask The Travel Goddess for details.

Patagonia: A Natural Playground - 15 days

"Patagonia: A Natural Playground" is an ideal introduction to a region that many travelers rarely have a chance to visit. From a three-night cruise aboard Patagonia's newest expedition ship, 'Mare Australis', to the spectacular mountain settings of Torres del Paine and Bariloche, an intriguing mix of activities is combined for a journey not soon forgotten.

Highlights… Cruise among the spectacular fjords and glaciers of Patagonia… Visit Cape Horn, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Pacific…

Hike and horseback ride amidst magnificent mountain spires in Torres del Paine National Park… Overnight in the world-renowned Explora Lodge… Revel in the beauty of Chile's and Argentina's Lake Districts… Wonder at the scenery of alpine Bariloche, the 'Little Switzerland' of South America… Enjoy cosmopolitan Buenos Aires - The "Paris of South America"

Land arrangements from $6575 per person
Internal air from $480 per person
Departures limited to 16 passengers

Private Travel Collection - South America

For people who prefer to travel on their own, the Private Travel Collection offers a portfolio of A&K's recommended independent itineraries, to the most popular places, ready to reserve today.

The Private Travel Collection itineraries include the best destinations and the best activities. Private Travelers stay at the finest hotels available at every destination. Informed, enthusiastic, expert local guides and private transfers are included. Meals are included when it is convenient or appealing to do so. There is always plenty of time to explore on your own when the market or museum beckons. Contact The Travel Goddess for further details of these wonderful Private Travel Collection itineraries.

Mysteries of the Ancient Incas - 11 days
Land arrangements from $3490 per person
Internal air from $315 per person

Peruvian Treasures - 8 days
Land arrangements from $2490 per person
Internal air from $1015 per person

Incan Peru & the Galapagos Islands - 16 days Land/cruise arrangements from $5490 per person Internal air from $990 per person

The Galapagos by Charter Yacht
Why not see the Galapagos' natural wonders on your own pre-planned but flexible itinerary with a private on-board naturalist-guide? For those travelers who prefer to cruise the Galapagos in small boats, accompanied by a small group of friends and served by an expert crew, A&K offers several yachts for private charter. When you travel to the archipelago on a private yacht, you can combine your island explorations with water sports, sunbathing and the relaxing atmosphere of privacy. The vessels are available for one-week charters, beginning on Saturdays or Sundays, depending on the vessel you choose.

All of the stated fares are per person, based on double occupancy. Tour fare includes hotel accommodations; meals as specified; transfers; sightseeing (including entrance fees): escort services; baggage handling; gratuities; guide services and hotel taxes as indicated in each itinerary.

International air and taxes are not included. A&K has specially priced airfares that are generally lower than those published by the airlines, particularly in Business Class. Ask The Travel Goddess for details.

Contact The Travel Goddess for brochures, itinerary details, destination insights, departure dates, fares and what is included, and any other enquiries you may have about these magnificent and magical destinations.

Current Promotions
The Travel Goddess will offer a journey credit ranging from $75.00 to $750.00, per traveler, depending on the A&K journey selected. A&K also offers significant savings on a variety of its journeys. Contact The Travel Goddess for details.

Central America, South America
& The Caribbean aboard the 'Explorer'

In 1998, 'Explorer' became the first expedition cruise ship ever to sail as far as 65 miles upriver from Iquitos to the confluence of the Ucayali and Maranon rivers. The attributes that serve 'Explorer' well in the ice are just as important in the Amazon. With her ice-strengthened hull and shallow draft, 'Explorer' can sail farther and safer than most ships her size.

For further details on these amazing journeys, please link onto the 'Expedition Cruising' page.

T.G. says - ancient cultures to Mother Nature's finest handiwork…so much to see and do…the Galapagos Islands are simply one of the most alluring parts of this world…absolute magic, my Travel Darlings!