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RTW - The Grand Tour

The Lap of a Lifetime - Don't Miss Out

40 Weeks - 6 Continents - 19 Countries

Photo by Pascal Meier on Unsplash

TRIP DETAILS

Map in Grass
Travel montage

By mohamed Hassan from Pixabay 

 

                   HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

  • Where you live / via Australia - New Zealand - Argentina - Uruguay - Argentina -                                    Bolivia - Peru - Ecuador - Mexico - Cuba - Mexico - USA - Canada - Iceland                                France - Spain - Italy - South Korea - Thailand - Where you live = 40 weeks                                                

HIGHLIGHTS -

  • *New Zealand - Lake Taupo, The Coromandel, Rotorua, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Franz Joseph Glacier 

  • *Argentina - the  Quebrada de Humahuaca

  • Uruguay - Punta del Diablo

  • Bolivia - Uyuni Salt Flats, La Paz (highest golf club in the world / the Wrestling Cholitas / the world's worst road

  • Peru - Lake Titicaca, Machu Pichu (Floating reed islands), Mancora surf town

  • Ecuador - Galapagos Islands, the equator

  • *Mexico - Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza

  • *USA - Florida Keys, Everglades, Kennedy Space Centre, Cascade Hollows, Blueridge Park Way, Washington DC, Amish Country, New York

  • *Canada - Quebec City, Halifax, St Johns

  • *Iceland - the Blue Lagoon

  • France - Paris, Versailles

  • Spain - Barcelona, Cadaques, Roses, Figueres

  • Italy - Sardinia, Sicily, Amalfi Coast, Rome

  • South Korea - DMZ

  • Thailand - Relax

 

 

WHEN -

  • If you are doing the Antarctic cruise it will need to be in December or January.

  • The trip will be in the Southern Hemisphere in the warmer months and also the same in the Northern Hemisphere as much as possible.

  • The Guide will give the optimum time to head off and it will depend on where you're joining the route.

START & FINISH -

  • Your place, it may even be on the route or a short flight away.

COUNTRIES -

  • Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico, Cuba, USA, Canada, Iceland, France, Thailand, Philippines

BORDER CROSSINGS - 14

COSTS -

  • AUD$100 / US$64 / EUR 58 per day should see you through the ups and downs.

  • The RTW ticket and the Antarctic cruise will be extra

  • and some of the more expensive places you'll need to blow the budget or skip a few luxuries.

B4 IT'S 2 LATE -

  • The Antarctic is melting

MAJOR CITIES -

  • Wellington

  • Buenos Aires, Salta

  • Montevideo

  • Sucre, La Paz

  • Merida

  • Havana

  • Miami, Nashville, Memphis, Washington DC, New York,

  • Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, St John's

  • Reykjavik

  • Paris

  • Barcelona

  • Palermo, Naples, Rome

  • Seoul

  • Bangkok

UNIQUE - To Be Completed / Rough Draft

FAMOUS - 

UNUSUAL ACCOMMODATION - 

EATING - 

DRINKING - 

NIGHTLIFE - 

BEACHES - 

MOUNTAINS - 

WALKS - 

FITNESS LEVEL - 

HARD STUFF - 

SAFETY - 

SOUVENIRS - 

SHOPPING - 

LASH OUT - 

2020-08-21%2023_58_44-P5090101%20-%20Pho

All flights $100 or less except Galapagos 4 - $500 return

 

3 weeks - in New Zealand including a camper van trip to Lake Taupo -  Russell - the Coromandel - Rotorua - Napier (Golf at Kidnappers Coast) - Kaikoura (Nin's Bin) - Mt Cook - Catlins Coast - Stewart Island - Milford Sound - Franz Joseph Glacier 

1 week - Antarctica (Bonus Sidetrip if rich) - fly from BA to Ushaia return

2 weeks - Buenos Aires - Uruguay coastline

2 weeks - Flight BA - Salta - overland by car through the rainbow mountains - drop the car off in Humahuaca

2 weeks - Bus and train to Tupiza - tour of the Salt Flats - bus to Potosi and Sucre

1 week - Flight Sucre to La Paz (World's Highest Golf Course / the Wrestling Cholitas / Voodoo Market)

1 week - Bus to Lake Titicaca and stay on the floating reed islands

Bus to Arequipa

2 weeks - Flight to Cusco - Machu Pichu

1 week - Flight to Iquitos - Amazon Adventure

Flight to Piura - for Mancora Peru's best surf town

Bus to old Colonial Cuenca 5 hours with cheap spa days and a weird cleansing at the market and Sundays the bikes take over the streets

2 weeks - Bus or fly to Guayaquil home of crabs, waterfront promenade and riverine island bicycle ride and very good Guayaquil Golf Country Club

Fly to Baltra  for Santa Cruz (Galapagos)

1 week - Boat to Isla San Cristobal

Flight to Quito - equator fun

2 weeks - Flight to Cancun - car tour of the Yucatan

1 week - Flight to Havana

Flight from Camaguey to Cancun

Catch the ferry to Tampa if available (St Pete) then the train to Fort Meyers then the Ferry to Key West / If no ferry fly to Miami pick up a car and drive down via the Everglades

3 weeks - Do a shortened version of the car trip from Key West to New York

Catch the train to Montreal

2 weeks - Do a shortened car trip to St Johns - fly back to Toronto for the flight to Iceland

Flight to Iceland and 10 day car trip

2 weeks - Flight to Paris

Fast train to Barcelona - Cadeques, Roses, Girona, Figueres

 2 weeks - Ferry to Sardinia

Ferry to Sicily

3 weeks - Overland part road trip plus Anatolian Islands to Bari.

Take the overnight ferry across to Durres for Tirana the Capital of Albania.

Fly to Skopje Capital of North Macedonia

1 week - Fly to Istanbul 

2 weeks - Fly to South Korea

4 weeks - Fly to Bangkok

Fly home

               RTW- The Grand Tour            

Airplane
Map of the World

 

 HIGHLIGHTs - Circumnavigating the Planet

 

Where ever you live to Where ever you live - just join the loop at the nearest point

  • (NEW ZEALAND) -- Auckland -  - 11N

  • (ARGENTINA) -- Buenos Aires  - 15N

  • (ANTARCTICA) -- Ushaia - - - 18N

  • (URUGUAY) - Montevideo - -1N

  • (ARGENTINA) -- Salta -  - 18N

  • (BOLIVIA) -- Tilcara - Uyuni - - - 13N

  • (PERU) -- Puno - - - - 16N

  • (ECUADOR) -- Cuenca - Guayaquil - Santa Cruz - Isla del Cristobal - Quito - 22N

  • (MEXICO) -- Cancun -  - 16N

  • (CUBA) -- Havana -  - 16N

  • (MEXICO) -- Cancun - 16N

  • (USA) --Key West - Miami - 16N

  • (CANADA) -- Montreal - Quebec City - Halifax - St Johns - 16N

  • (ICELAND) -- Reykavic - 16N

  • (FRANCE) -- Paris - 16N

  • (SPAIN) -- Barcelona, Cadeques, Roses, Figueres - 16N

  • (ITALY) -- Sardinia - Sicily - Aeolian Islands - Bari - 16N

  • (ALBANIA) -- Tirana - 16N

  • (NORTH MACEDONIA) -- Skopje - 16N

  • (TURKIYE) -- Istanbul - Princes Islands - 16N

  • (SOUTH KOREA) -- Seoul - 16N

  • (THAILAND) -- Bangkok - 16N

  • The Vatican

  • Trevi Fountain

  • Fly into Rome and stay in Trastevere. See the major attractions. Eat lots of great food. catch a few sunsets. Enjoy the nightlife and catch a few sunrises. See the Pope. Do several walking tours. Do a Segway tour. Do a Vespa tour. Drink coffee and eat gelato. Go to the Jewish Bakery. Eat the best porchetta sandwich in Rome. Let the waiter pick your meal. If you get all of that done in 3 days you're doing pretty well. Pick out your favourites, stay a little longer or do some when you get back in 3 months time.

    • Pack for the trek

    • Day pack with waterproof cover (leave main pack at the hotel)

    • Vaseline

    • Headlamp

    • 6 pairs of socks

    • Gore-Tex walking boots / shoes

    • Water and windproof light jacket

    • Passport and Machu Picchu tickets

    • Topographical Map - buy here

    • Coca leaves / and toffees - buy here

    • Sorooche Pills (for altitude sickness) - buy here

    • Hire or buy walking poles - may be cheaper to buy and resell when you get back

    • Bug Spray with lots of DEET

    • Thermals - top and bottom

    • Hat, sun glasses, sun block

    • Cash in all denominations

    • High energy snacks

    • Hydration bladder and water bottle

    • Cell phone and mobile charger

    • Zip-off pants

    • Train ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientas if you are catching it

    • Salkantay Trek 4n

    • sORAYPAMPA - DAY 1 - 5 kms / 4 hours

    • Early start, catch the shared minibus at Arcopata Bus Terminal from Cusco to Mollepata. It takes 3 hours. When you arrive in at Mollepata you pay for access to Lake Humanatay, then get a taxi to Soraypampa. It takes 50 minutes to get there. Get your room and settle in. After lunch walk up to Lake Humantay, a  5 kilometer - 4 hour walk. Head up around 1 pm and miss the day trippers.

    • Soraypampa Hostel - Sky cabins in front of Humantay and Salkantay - 8.0

    • Bungalow 2 x double beds - $90, breakfast included, restaurant, dorm beds available - $38, cafe, outdoor furniture

    • CHALLWAY - DAY 2 - 22.2 kms / 10 hours

    • Early start around 6 am. This is the highest, longest and hardest day. 4 - 5 hours to get to the top of the pass (highest spot on the trek) then it's all down hill for a fair while. The afternoon 5 hours is more pleasant following the river through shady jungle with the refreshing sounds of flowing water.

    •  

    • Salkantay Hostel - 8.3

    • Twin room with bathroom - $80, hot showers, breakfast included, free cancellation & pay there, amazing views, garden, restaurant, bar

    • LUCMABAMBA - DAY 3 - 20 kms / 5 hours

    • Nice downhill run today and you should arrive around lunch time. There is a lot of coffee grown in this area so you can do a tour and buy some if you like. There is also a zip-line nearby. If you feel like having a soak hop in one of the minivans that will take you up to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs.

    • Refugio de Mery Lucmabamba

    • Twin room - $64, Breakfast & Dinner included, free cancelation & pay there, garden, terrace

    • LLACTAPATA - Day 4 - 6 kms / 3 hours 

    • Almost a day off and pretty much the last hill to climb. Spectacular views of Machu Picchu when you arrive. Most people continue straight through and regret it.

    • Machupicchu EcoLodge - 9.4

    • Twin cabin with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu - $113, Breakfast & Dinner included, garden, terrace, restaurant, bar, evening entertainment, free cancellation & pay there, café, culture classes

    • Aguas Calientes / MP Pueblo 2n

    • DAY 5 - 20 kms / 5 hours

    • Head off and soon you will be passing through the recently discovered Inca ruin of Llactapata. Then you will follow a zig-zag trail down to the river. Cross a bridge and follow the path along to Hidroelectrica. You will find a few places to eat scattered around. You will need to sign in at the check point and have your passport ready. There is no fee.

    •  

    • If you bought your train ticket in Cusco earlier (see above in CUSCO -  DO) you'll be able to have a bite to eat and a pleasant trip into Aguas Calientes. Otherwise you have a another 2 hours and 10 kms of railway track to follow. At least it's flat🙂

    • stAY

    • Rumi Qolqa - 8.6

    • 2 x double beds - $95, breakfast included, free cancellation and pay there, spa and wellness centre, massage, terrace with outdoor furniture, packed lunches

    • See

    • Hot Springs Pool and Bar

    • Eat

    • appy Hour

    • drink

Try galapagos 1 week in july  1 in august

(BOLIVIA) -- La Paz 5N - Copacabana 1N - Isla del Sol 2N  - - - 8N Sat Jun 24 - July 1 - Overland

(PERU) -- Puno 1N - Floating Uros Islands 1N - Cusco 3N - Agua Calientes 1N + (1N) -                               Ollamtaytambo 2N - Arequipa 3N - Lima 2N - - - 14N Jul 2 - 15th Fly

(ECUADOR) -- Quito 3N - Isla Santa Cruz 4N - Isla de San Cristobal 3N - Guayaquil 2N - - -                                  12N  Jul 16 - 27th Fly

(COLOMBIA) -- Bogota 4N  - - - 4N Jul 28 th - Jul 31 Fly

(BRAZIL) -- Manaus 3N - Amazon 2N - Forteleza 1N -  Jericoacoara 10N - - - 16N Tues 1 Aug - 16 th Fly

(CUBA) -- Havana 4N + (1N) - Varadero 3N - Cienfuegos 3N - Santiago de Cuba 3N - Baracoa                     5N - - - 19N Aug Thu 17 Aug - Sep 4 Fly

(ICELAND) -- Reykjavic 2N - Snæfellsbær 1N - Akureyri 1N - Reykjahlio 1N - Viking Cafe 1N -                            Hofn 2N -  Myrldalshreppur 1N - Hella 1N - - - 11N Sep Tue 5 - Fri 15 Fly

(UZBEKISTAN) -- Tashkent 3N - Samarkand 3N - Bukhara 3N - Khiva 2N - Nukus 2N - - - 13N                              Sat Sep 16 - Thu 28 - Fly

(SOUTH KOREA) -- Seoul 4N - Busan 3N - - - 7N Fri 29 Sep - 5 Oct Ferry

(JAPAN) -- Fukuoa 3N - Nagasaki 2N - Myajima 2N - Osaka 2N - Onsen & Ryokan (Takaragawa Onsen - beautiful outdoors by a river & isolated, harder to get to, includes dinner / Kusatsu Onsen - one of the best in Japan, traditional town with lots of options 2N - Tokyo 3N - Narita 1N - - - 15N Oct 6 - 20 Fly

(THAILAND) -- Up to You  - - - Oct 21 -  - Maybe we could do the Cha Am get together at the end of this trip

Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos  on Unsplash

Image by motamid2006 from Pixabay

Photo by Yeo Khee on Unsplash

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   RTW - The Bucket Trip                    

Oddly colouerd globe of the earth

 

              THE BUCKET TRIP

  • (NEW ZEALAND) -- Wellington - - - 7N May 4 - Fly

  • (CHILE) -- Santiago de Chile 3N - Valparaiso 3N - - - 6N Jun 1 - Fly

  • (BOLIVIA) -- La Paz 5N - Copacabana 1N - Isla del Sol 2N  - - - 8N Jun 2 - Overland

  • (PERU) -- Puno 1N - Floating Uros Islands 1N - Cusco 3N - Agua Calientes 1N + (1N) -                               Ollamtaytambo 2N - Arequipa 3N - Lima 2N - - - 14N Jun 3&4 Fly

  • (ECUADOR) -- Quito 3N - Isla Santa Cruz 4N - Isla de San Cristobal 3N - Guayaquil 2N - - -                                  12N  Jul 1&2 Fly

  • (COLOMBIA) -- Bogota 4N  - - - 4N Jul 3 Fly

  • (BRAZIL) -- Jericoacoara 10N - - - 10N Jul / Aug 4&1 Fly

  • (CUBA) -- Havana 4N + (1N) - Varadero 3N - Cienfuegos 3N - Santiago de Cuba 3N - Baracoa                     5N - - - 19N Aug 2&3&4 Fly

  • (ICELAND) -- Reykjavic 2N - Snæfellsbær 1N - Akureyri 1N - Reykjahlio 1N - Viking Cafe 1N -                            Hofn 2N -  Myrldalshreppur 1N - Hella 1N - - - 10 Sep 1&2 Fly

  • (BULGARIA) -- Sofia 3N - Plovdiv 3N - Pomorie 3N - - - 9N  Sep / Sep 3&4 Overland

  • (TÜRKİYE) -- Istanbul 2N - Büyükada 2N - - - 4N Oct 1 Fly

  • (UZBEKISTAN) -- Tashkent 3N - Samarkand 3N - Bukhara 3N - Khiva 2N - Nukus 2N - - - 13N                                  Oct 2 Fly

  • (SOUTH KOREA) -- Seoul 4N - Busan 3N - - - 7N Oct 3 Ferry

  • (JAPAN) -- Fukuoa 3N - Nagasaki 2N - Myajima 2N - Osaka 2N - Onsen & Ryokan (Takaragawa Onsen - beautiful outdoors by a river & isolated, harder to get to, includes dinner / Kusatsu Onsen - one of the best in Japan, traditional town with lots of options 2N - Tokyo 3N - Narita 1N - - - 15N Oct 3&4 Fly

  • (THAILAND) -- Up to You  - - - Nov 1 (1st week of November) - Maybe we could do the Cha Am get together at the end of this trip

 

                                                 HIGHLIGHTS

​Leaning in New Zealand                                                                                                   

                                                                        Machu Picchu

Wrestling Cholitas                                                                                                              World's highest 2 golf courses 

World's most dangerous road                                                                                                         Birthplace of the Sun 

Floating Uros Islands                                                                                                                      The Galapagos Islands

                                                                        

                                                                                     Cuban Cigars &  Mojitos 

Rainbow Mountain                                                                                                                       Bicycle Sunday in Quito 

Sang Som & Burmese Cheroots                                                                                                            Land of Fire & Ice 

Samarkand, heart of the Silk Road                                                                                                                               DMZ   Jack's Bar, Bangkok

                    PACK

  • Yellow Fever Certificate

  • International Drivers Licence

  • Telescopic Golf Clubs and day pack (with waterproof cover) that will hold them and enough gear for 3 weeks

  • Padlocks

  • Travel insurance that includes motorbikes

  • Windproof & waterproof light jacket

  • Zip-off pants

  • Bug spray with DEET

  • Sun Block

  • Sun glasses & Hat

CHILE

Santiago de Chile 3N

Fly in and out of the capital Santiago (St James) de Chile with it's impressive backdrop of the Andes Mountains which makes it a stunning city to look at. When you can see them through the smog. It has many pedestrian zones which make it pleasant to walk around. The honeyed peanut stalls make it even more pleasant. As in many South American cities and towns the Plaza de Armas is the focal point. It's a good place for some people watching. There are historical and cultural landmarks all around the square. Santiago is a city of lovers and you will see couples getting cozy in all of the parks and other public places.

Visa

OZ - no immigration for up to 8 hours, free for 8 - 72 hour transit visa  - online op to 90 days with reciprocity fee, need e-visa can be lengthy process (want proof of income etc) may cost $146 - Consulado.gob.cl. 

NZ - 90 days

Weather

 

Transport

Round the world ticket - (Sydney - Auckland)( - Santiago de Chile)( - La Paz) (Lima - Quito) Galapagos Islands - (Guayaquil - Bogota) Jericoacoara ( - Havana)( Reykavik - Sofia) - (Istanbul -Tashkent)( - Seoul) - (Tokyo - Bangkok)(Sydney)

Airport Taxi - US$25

stAY - Bellavista 

Cabernat Bellavista  8.9* - 

$105 for two rooms and kitchenette in the best location in Bellavista

La Chimba Hostel 8.2 - 

Private room with twin beds and shared bathroom, sociable hostel around the corner from Bellavista action

GUANAKO Hostel 8.1 - 

Excellent location minutes from the Bellavista night life and walking distance to most other attractions, large rooftop terrace with panoramic views which is great for socialising, 24 hour desk, dorm beds and private rooms, BBQ facilities

Apart Hotel B 8.3 - 

In a great location well within walking distance to Bellavista, Central Market and the Plaza de Armas, kitchenette, 24 hour desk, breakfast included, terrace, garden, coffee machine

See

  • A good day trip is to take the Wine (Steam) Train down to the country's top wineries in the Colchagua Valley. There is live music and tastings aboard the train. Santiago is a bike friendly city with plenty of bike lanes. Joining a tour can be a lot of fun and a good way to meet people. Ride the funicular up San Cristobal Hill and enjoy the views. If you're feeling energetic or need some exercise after that long flight you can walk up. Grab an empanada and always remember to be careful of the olive pits that are left in for some reason.

Eat

When you get hungry head off to the Central Market. It was named in National Geographic's top 10 in the World. A lively fish market since 1872 it has many restaurants. Sit down at one and try the iconic dishes Clams au Gratin and King Crab. Torres Confectionery is the oldest restaurant in Chile and well worth a visit. It opened its doors in 1879 and the beloved Barros Luco sandwich (beef & cheese) was created here. 

drink

  • For sunset Sky Costanera is the place to go for the amazing views. After dark Bellavista is the place to be. Enjoy a few beers al fresco. Sink a few Pisco Sours, the national drink, in a little bar and you'll be ready to take on the clubs and meet the friendly locals. Plenty of restaurants for when you want to eat. Barrio Brasil along Av. Brasil is another good area for a night out and the prices are friendly. Try a Yerba Mate a very popular drink around South America and other parts of the world. It's a herbal tea. Chilean wines are well regarded around the world.

Golf

Las Brisas Chicureo Valle - US$65 2 x 18 hole courses - weekdays only - 30 mins away

Las Brisas de Chicureo is located 30 kilometers to the north of the capital, Santiago, and it's the only 36-hole facility in Chile. The 18-hole Valle (Valley) course is considered to be the premier routing which Stuart Moore of Gage Davis Associates laid out in 1997. Holes are routed round substantial residential developments, with housing often lining both sides of the fairway. Large expanses of waste areas flank many of the holes and mature trees lining the perimeter help to lessen the intrusion from the outside world. These courses are surrounded by mountains and the snow of the Andes range and it counts with two par- 72 courses of 6,800 yards each called "The Mountain" and "The Valley". Both courses can be used by players of all levels. 

Valparaiso 3N

  • Time to head to the coast for a few days. Valparaiso aka Valpo aka "Little San Francisco", "the jewel of South America and "The Jewel of the Pacific". It is an important port town with the usual suspects, sailors, prostitutes and seedy bars. But it also draws artists, poets, bohemians and philosophers. The historic old quarter was declared an UNESCO heritage site in 2003. It is a colourful city with great seafood and amazing street art. Get lost in the labyrinth of Conception Hill.

  • You might want to read Tips #7 about safety in Valparaiso before you head off.

  • Valparaiso is very hilly but is much easier to get around if you use the numerous funiculars and elevators. Find them in the Marker Map.

Transport

  • The easiest way to get here is by bus. It takes about an hour and 40 minutes. Direct buses leave from the Alemeda Terminal.

stAY - Unesco historic quarter  

Hotel Ecomusic 8.9* - 

Excellent location with a rooftop terrace which has amazing views over the town and the Bay of Valparaiso, very close to many restaurants and bars in a safe area, “Excellent location, especially after you discover the ascensor Reina Victoria shortcut up the back of the hill!", 24 hour desk, 1 km from the bus terminal - they have a shuttle service which you have to pay for

See

  • Take the metro to Vina del Mar for a trip to the beach. The Parque Cultural de Valparaíso was a prison where Pinochet put his political prisoners. You can see their art here as well as other peoples. Do a wine tour of nearby Casablanca Valley. There is so much to see and do in this unique city that in 4 days you will barely scratch the surface. If you've got the time and money come here a bit earlier or you can come back after the festival. Because that's where you're headed now.

  • Catch the bus back to Santiago and fly out to one of the most remote locations on planet earth. You're in for a truly unique experience and will meet some amazing people. Have fun and good luck with your candidate. See the details below.

Eat

The restaurant at the Fauna Hotel has fantastic food and even better views. More great food and views at Cafe Turri ​ and La Concepcion. All in the Old Quarter.

Sun / drink

  • Many famous cities are built on 7 hills. This one is built on 45. There are a series of funiculars and elevators to assist your getting around. It also affords great views so make sure your hotel room has one. This means there are a lot of restaurants and bars with really good views too. For sunset head off to Yellow House / Hotel Brighton for cocktails on their excellent verandah. You will find a brilliant roof terrace for sundowners and dinner at the Fauna Restaurant. Their Pisco Sours are really good.

  • Calle Cumming is the place to go for a pub crawl. This is a University town so there is plenty of youth and energy around. Dancing is popular and you will find jazz, samba, salsa and more. Valparaiso has a bit of a reputation as a rough place but if you take the usual precautions you shouldn't have any problems. For live music and tango head to the Bar Cinzano which is over 100 years old. It is the oldest museum bar in the world.

Golf

Granadilla Golf Club - was US$60 a year ago - Chile's Best Golf Course 2024

Granadilla Country Club is part of the history of Golf in Chile, a sport that came to this country at the hands of English immigrants engaged in trade and industry in the city of Valparaiso, in those years, Southern Pacific port. His 18-hole course designed by the founders of the Club, for over 110 years, is one of the most challenging fields of this continent, including holes with all sorts of difficulties, given the spectacular environment that surrounds it a beauty native vegetation and extraordinary. There are 120 hectares of a field that leaves no one indifferent.

BOLIVIA

La Paz 6N - Sunday for Cholitas

  • Instead of too many long bus trips through the Andes you'll be flying to the other capital - La Paz. Once again your previous acclimatization should see you in good stead for the rest of the trip. Which means you'll be able to hit La Paz running. Which is good because there is tons to do and the nightlife is legendary. Just for starters there is the hilarious Cholita (Lady) Wrestling, the world's highest golf course (where balls go longer and straighter), the Witches market, the amazing cable car system, biking the world's most dangerous road, Gustu Restaurant and great street-food. Good Luck.

Visa

OZ - 90 days on arrival - Yellow Fever Certificate

NZ - 90 days on arrival - Yellow Fever Certificate

Weather

 

Transport

$1 for a minibus

stAY - La Paz City Centre

Iskay Boutique Hostel *** 8.7* - 

Family suite & breakfast - rooftop restaurant and bar - close to bus station and witches market

Residencial Alta Vista 8.8 - 

Excellent location in the witches market close to Cementerio Teleferico Station and Witches Walk, very good breakfast included, sun terrace, 24 hour desk

Hotel Diamante Azul *** 8.5 - 

Excellent location close to the bus station, good buffet breakfast included, tour desk, coffee house

See

Witches Market

Wrestling Cholitas - sit in the VIP section - don't wander around El Alto at night time

Mi Telerifico Cable Car to El Alto

Quad bike through the Valley of the Moon

Soccer at Hernando Siles Stadium

San Pedro Prison

Museo de la Coca

Eat

Gustu

Suma Phayata Street Food

Mercado Lanza

Tea Time at Los Qnapes

drink

Party at the Wild Rover

Golf - Closed on Mon - Tue / Wed / Thu is Best

La Paz Golf Club - the highest golf club in the world - Tourists $100 - Golf & Tours Bolivia organise everything and are cheaper than DIY. (Check prices maybe they're not). Go early if you're renting clubs.

Copacabana 1N (The Original) 

Transport

4 hour bus trip

stAY

Hostal los Olas 9.7* - (small splurge)

Suite with Lake View - Spectacular 

Hotel la Cupula 9.1 - 

Double & superb breakfast included - restaurant - BBQ - Sun Terrace - outdoor fireplace - café - Lake Views - pet alpacas or llamas

Hotel Alvasar 8.6 - 

2 x dbl beds - very good buffet breakfast included - near the plaza - terrace - restaurant - 24 hour desk -  great value

See

All of the golf courses in Peru are private.

Climb the hill

Eat

Trout

drink

appy Hour

Isla del Sol - Yumani 2N

Transport

Boat

stAY

Wiñay Inti Lodge 9.4*

Excellent location on the hill above the little port, spectacular lake views, exceptional breakfast included, garden, sun terrace, restaurant, snack bar, bar, 

Jacha Inti 9.4

Family room with balcony (ensure lake view) 1 x dbl, exceptional breakfast included, sun terrace, restaurant, beachfront, cafe

Ecolodge El decanso 9.4

Excellent locations with breathtaking views of the lake, (ensure Lake View), fabulous breakfast included - pick up at pier and luggage assist - isolated - breathtaking views - restaurant - bar - garden - terrace - café - Happy Hour

See

appy Hour

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

PERU

Puno 1N

Visa

OZ - No visa required to stay 180 days

NZ - No visa required to stay 180 days

Weather

 

Transport

appy Hour

stAY 

Hotel Hacienda Plaza de Armas *** 8.7* - 

Excellent location on the main square, good full buffet breakfast included, restaurant, bar, snack bar, 24 hour desk

Hotel Qalasaya *** 8.2 - 

Excellent location by the pedestrian streets in the centre and in the heart of everything, buffet breakfast included with unforgettable 10th floor views over Lake Titicaca, 24 hour desk, bar, restaurant, coffee house, snack bar

Kaaro Hotel El Buho *** 8.3 - 

Excellent location close to the pedestrian street, restaurants and park, very good breakfast included, garden, 24 hour desk, concierge service

See

appy Hour

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hou

2025-01-14 20_40_40-Sky Costanera to Bus Terminal TURBUS - Google Maps.png
2025-01-14 20_58_25-Terminal Rodoviario Valparaíso to Valparaiso Cultural Park - Google Ma

Floating Uros Islands 1N

Transport

appy Hour

stAY - On Lake Titicaca 

Uros Lake Titicaca Lodge 9.3

2 x doubles & breakfast - authentic experience with family - restaurant - bar - garden - terrace - patio & lake views with each unit

Uros Lodge Lover Titiqaqa 8.6

2 x doubles & breakfast - free shuttle - restaurant - bar - all units have a patio & lake views - cafe - BBQ & outdoor dining area

Uros Quechua`s Lodge Titicaca 9.3

2 x doubles & breakfast - family run - restaurant - outdoor dining area - terrace

Uros TITIKAKA the Best lodge 8.9

2 x doubles , lake view - garden - terrace - restaurant - outdoor dining area - hot tub - wine / champagne - restaurant

See

Star Gazing

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

Cusco 3N

Transport

appy Hour

stAY - Historical Centre 

Hotel Amerinka*** 8.3* -

Excellent location in the historical centre, buffet breakfast included, 24 hour desk

Imperial Golden House Inn 7.4 - 

Excellent location close to the one above, very good breakfast included, 24 hour desk, bathtub, coffee shop, terrace, bar, laundry

Royal Frankenstein Hostel 9.1 - 

Excellent location close to the plaza

SeE

appy Hour

DO

If you want to catch the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes on the last day of the trek you will need to buy the ticket here at the Cusco Train Station. It will save walking the last 10 kms and 2 hours.

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

 

Golf

Apacheta Pitch & Putt Ecological Golf - 9 greens x 2 holes - Peru's first Pitch & Putt

Aguas Calientes / MP Pueblo 2n

stAY

 

Rumi Qolqa - 8.3*

Excellent location close to bus, shops, bars, restaurants, 2 x double beds, very good breakfast included, free cancellation and pay there, spa and wellness centre, massage, terrace with outdoor furniture, packed lunches

El Tambo Machupicchu 7.9

Close to the train, 24 hour desk, concierge service, 

Catari's House 8.6

Excellent location, 24 hour desk

See

Hot Springs Pool and Bar

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

Ollantaytambo 2n - The Sacred Valley

Transport

appy Hour

stAY - Plaza de Armas

 

Los Apus Ollantaytambo - 7.8*

Excellent location on the main square, amazing views from the rooftop sun terrace, good breakfast included, court yard, Peruvian Restaurant, cooking class, happy hour, tours

intikilla hostal 8.8 - 

Excellent location on the main square, rooftop sun terrace, bidet, 24 hour desk

Hostal Apu Qhawarina 8.4 - 

Excellent location close to the main square, rooftop sun terrace, 24 hour desk, tour desk, pub crawls, BBQ facilities

See

appy Hour

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

Arequipa 5N

Transport

appy Hour

stAY - on the Plaza de Armas

Arequipa Suite Plaza Hotel *** 7.5*

Excellent location on the main square, 2 x dbl beds, terrace, restaurant overlooking the square, request a room overlooking the square, paid airport shuttle, 24 hour desk

 

Maison plaza 8.0 -

Excellent location on the main square, terrace, 

 

Le Foyer Arequipa *** - 8.2 - Walk In / go for cocktails on the roof

Twin room - $50 good breakfast included and served on the rooftop where there is also a sunset bar with volcano views, excellent location 2 blocks from the main square, Colonial style building, BBQ on the patio, restaurant

See

appy Hour

Eat

appy Hour

drink

Katari Hotel At Plaza De Armas

Golf

Arequipa Golf Club - the first golf club in Peru - Public

Lima 3n

Transport

appy Hour

stAY - Historic Centre

Small Splurge - Historic Hotel where the famous used to drink

Gran Hotel Bolivar*** 8.0 - on Wotif*

Excellent location on the square and pedestrian street 10 mins walk from the main square, breakfast included, 24 hour desk, restaurant, bar, 

 

Santa Rosa Apartotel- Centro Histórico 7.4 -

Excellent location a pedestrian street away from the main square, good breakfast included, 2 x dbl beds, rooftop terrace, 24 hour desk, library, laundry, paid airport shuttle, bar, fast free wifi, tour desk, coffee house

Yaki Hostel 7.1 

Excellent location just off of the main square, 2 x dbl beds, terrace 

Hotel Inka Path *** 7.9

Excellent location on the pedestrian street between the 2 squares, 24 hour desk, coffee house, snack bar, tour desk, paid airport shuttle

If Miraflores and 70 % discount (which is fake- but still nice place in a good area)

Casa Suyay *** 8.8

Excellent location close to the beach and the park, very good breakfast included, central courtyard, paid airport shuttle, 24 hour desk, tour desk, concierge service
 

See

Sound and light show / cheap shopping / the coast / Chinatown / Mercado Central

Eat

appy Hour

drink

Pisco Sour at the Gran Hotel Bolivar / Miraflores / barrancoa

ECUADOR

Quito 3 n (Bicycle Sunday)

VISA

OZ - 90 days

NZ - 90 days

Weather

 

Transport

appy Hour

stAY

bar with vo

See

bar with vo

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

Golf

Los Cerros Golf Club - in US$ - may need to get booking firm to book - high altitude means long ball flight - Green Fees $40 or $20 after 2pm, caddie $28.50, cart $35 - Los Cerros Golf Club  is considered the best golf course in Ecuador, offering spectacular greens and stunning landscapes. The course features plenty of water, with a river crossing through it, and on lucky days, players can catch a glimpse of the Cotopaxi volcano from several holes. The par 72 course is not overly challenging but has significant elevation changes typical of the area. It provides a sense of isolation ideal for focusing solely on the game. 

It's private but will allow nin members for green and cart fees $135.00 US. 

​Los Cerros Golf Club is highly praised for its spectacular golf course with stunning greens and beautiful landscapes. Reviewers mention the exclusive and well-maintained nature of the club, along with excellent food offerings at the clubhouse. The course's unique elevation changes provide a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golf enthusiasts. Visitors are advised to bring mosquito repellent due to the presence of insects in the area.

 

5/5Marc D

May 5, 2023 from

Google

This is definitely in the tip 5 hardest course I've played in my life, and I've played just about every top courses in countries around the world, as a 4 handicapper from the tips this is insanity with fairways at best 50yds wide in some spots. 

Sunday: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Thursday: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Friday: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Saturday: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Isla Santa Cruz 4n

Transport

appy Hour

stAY

appy Hour

See

appy Hour

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

Isla de san Cristobel 3n

Transport

appy Hour

stAY

appy Hour

See

appy Hour

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

Guayaquil 2N

Transport

appy Hour

stAY

appy Hour

See

appy Hour

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

Golf

Guayaquil Golf & Country Club​ - semi private, guest policy open, Nestled in the vibrant heart of Guayas, Ecuador, the Guayaquil Golf & Country Club offers an unforgettable golfing experience. Located at Km 22 via a Daule, this course perfectly blends the natural beauty of its surroundings with the meticulously designed layout of the greens. Each hole presents a new adventure, making it a must-visit destination for both seasoned golfers and enthusiastic newcomers alike.

COLOMBIA

BOGOTA 4N

Visa

OZ - 90 days

NZ - 90 days

Weather

 

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

Golf

Club De Golf La Cima - One of the golf courses in Latinamerica located at the highest altitude (2800 Mts) Lanscape amazing, nature impressive. Very hard to walk,12 Km up and down hills. La Cima Golf Club is a public course that is located about 50 minutes east of Bogotá and situated around 3,000 meters (9,850 feet) above sea level, making it possibly the third highest golf course in the world behind the Yak Golf Course in India at 13,025 feet and the La Paz Golf Club in Bolivia at 10,695 feet. This is a golf experience like no other. I call it “mountain golf on steroids”. To start with, the road up to the course is a white knuckler and once you get there you quickly realize that the parking is sparse, there is no Pro Shop, and the clubhouse is as basic as it gets but heck, you’re here to golf only so don’t expect any other amenities. The course conditioning is a little rough around the edges but offers the most amazing views of the Andes Mountains that you could possibly imagine. This par-70 has three sets of tee blocks ranging from 5290 up to 6074 yards with a course rating of 70 and a slope rating of 145. Don’t be fooled by the relatively short distance on the scorecard since the fairways are tight, there are plenty of blind shots and the elevation changes are extreme.

BRAZIL

Manaus 3N

Visa

OZ - 90 days

NZ - 90 days

Weather

 

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

AMAZON 2N

 

Weather

 

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

JERICOACOARA 10N

 

Weather

 

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

CUBA

Havana 3n (1N) - 4n

Visa

OZ - Tourist Card 30 days

NZ - Tourist Card 30 days

Weather

 

Transport

appy Hour

stAY - Old Havana

Hostal Leonel - $75 airbnb - 4.73 Cuba Homes Superhost

1 x double bed - 1 x single bed, two spacious apartments with balconies overlooking O'Reilly Street, in a building from the 1950s. Perfectly located in the best and most centric area of Old Havana close to everything. We offer super hospitality! A delicious breakfast is served daily for a low price. Patio, washing machine, kitchen.

See

Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Cigar Factory

Walking tour of Old Havana

Secret Cigar Shop

Finca Vigia - Hemmingway's house

Museo de la Revolucion

Museo del Chocolate

Eat

appy Hour

drink

The Tropicana Show

Daiquiris at El Floridita and Mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio

Golf

appy Hour

Varadero 3n

Transport

The Hershey Train

stA

Casa Moreno room 2 - $73 airbnb - 4.91 - Jose Superhost

2 x double beds, the house is located near the beach, its entrance is independent. In the common areas you can make use of a ranch with grill, kitchen, sink and a table with six seats. It is well connected with local bus stops, Viazul station, restaurants, cafes, markets, and leisure places

See

Sugar, Rum and Tobacco Tour

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

Golf

The Amazing - Varadero Golf Club - oceanside with the hotel and club house set in a 1927 Xanadu Mansion - the only 18 hole golf course on Cuba - €100 each for green fee, clubs and cart 

Cienfuegos 3n

Transport

Yank Tank tour via the Bay of Pigs - Museo Playa Giron

stAY 

Hostel Marina - $40 airbnb - 4.58 Osniel Normal Host

2 x double beds, the house consists of two terraces , one ideal for sunbathing and reading and the other terrace has a bar, kitchen and an excellent view of the sea and the whole city and with wifi, where customers can enjoy an excellent dinner typical of the city and taste delicious Cuban cocktails and watch the sun go down

See

Train trip around the city

Daytrip to Trinidad by private Yank Tank

Boat trip to see Pink Flamingos

Eat

appy Hour

drink

appy Hour

SANTIAGO DE CUBA 3N

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

 

BARACOA 5N

 

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

ICELAND

Reykjavik 2N

Visa

OZ - 90 days

NZ - 90 days

Weather

 

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

Golf - all 65 courses are open to the public

Brautarholt Golf Club - The best course in Iceland $140 - $200 with transport. Golf in the dramatic landscape of Iceland is an adventure you will remember for a lifetime. Brautarholt Golf Course lies in a breathtaking nature by the sea with a view to Reykjavik city.  Brautarholt is in place 62 of the top 100 best golf-courses in the world according to the booking website Golfscape and in place 4 on the Golf World Continental Europe’s X-factor.

We are within 30 minutes driving distance from the center of Reykjavik the capital of Iceland. We invite you to experience the special Icelandic golf culture in a small Icelandic countryside golf club, where we have a small pro chop and a cafe.

Due to Iceland’s northerly location we have 24 hours of sunlight over the summer months of June and most of July. Midnight golf in Iceland is an incredible golfing experience, which many golfers from around the world come to enjoy.

Snæfellsbær 1N

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

Akuryri 1n

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

Reykjahlio 1N

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

Viking Cafe 1n

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

Hofn 2n

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

Myrdalshreppur 1n

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

Vestmannaeyjabær 2N

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

Golf

Golfklúbbur Vestmannaeyja - set in an old volcano

The golf course is set in an old volcano, is a wonderful test of golf. Teeing off against a backdrop of volcanic walls; changing wind directions on the same hole and playing across and over the sea are all features of golf in Vestmannaeyjar. The course has a reputation for having the best greens in the country.

Green fees 2024  are as follows:

ISK    12.000 = AUD$140

Midnight golf is open at request. Green fees include full use of the clubhouse facilities and restaurants.

Price for accessories:

Golf chart  ISK  7.000   Trolly: ISK 1.500     Golf clubs ISK  4.500

All major credit cards are accepted

 

Hella 1n

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

BULGARIA

SOFIA 3N

Visa

OZ - 90 days

NZ - 90 days

Weather

 

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

PLOVDIV 3N

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

POMORIE 3N

Transport

stAY

See

Eat

drink

TÜRKİYE

ISTANBUL 2N

VISA