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Embrace the diversities of South America as you travel through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.
Packed full of highlights both natural and man-made, this journey across South America showcases a diversity of wonders spanning the Andes to the Amazon. In the Peruvian Andes hub of Cusco be immersed in the ancient culture of the Inca, visit the Sacred Valley and revel in the magnificent citadel ruins of Machu Picchu. At Lake Titicaca, Bolivia, visit the floating Uros Islands before continuing to the lofty heights of La Paz. Further south, the Chilean hinterlands are home to some spectacular wineries while irrepressible Buenos Aires excels at nightlife. At the border with Brazil, experience the magnificent might of Iguazu Falls, before finally arriving in one of the world's most beautiful cities, Rio de Janeiro.
- Code
- PSSIC
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 2 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Enjoy a 2 night feature stay in a restored Hacienda nearby Cotopaxi volcano and hike through Cotopaxi National Park towards the volcano's perfectly cone-shaped peak, looking out for wildlife along the way
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Experience the untouched world of the Amazon rainforest. Stroll along jungle trails on the lookout for monkeys, parrots, otters and caymans, and sleep in a nature lodge lit by candles and kerosene lamps
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Enjoy two included visits to Machu Picchu! One guided tour of the ruins and the second visit with free time to explore on your own
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The floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are a marvel of concept, construction and history. Take a boat tour on the world's highest navigable lake, then enjoy a 2-night 'feature stay' at the private island of Suasi on the Lake Titicaca. Watch the sun go down at the highest point of the island while enjoying a truly memorable picnic and drinks
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Join a specialist historian guide on one of you included visits to an archaeological site around Cusco who will provide interesting insight and knowledge about Peru's history and culture
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Explore the vibrantly colourful port town of Valparaiso, where culture spills out into the streets and puppets come to life
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Gaze over the dazzling city, mountains and bay of Rio de Janeiro from the foot of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue
Is this trip right for you?
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Due to the high altitude of some of the places we visit on this trip, some travellers might experience altitude sickness. Please see the ‘Fitness’ section of the Trip Notes for more information about this condition.
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Accommodation in the Amazon is likely to be more basic than what you might be accustomed to. Rooms are unpowered and the showers are cold water only. On the plus side, you'll have private en suites, romantic kerosene lamps and mosquito nets. Please remember that this is an extremely remote part of the world (which is what makes it so special).
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The Amazon rainforest can be hot, humid and sticky. Please pack light cotton clothing and insect repellent.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Patio Andaluz or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
Notes: Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit including Quito, Lima and Cusco, some people can suffer altitude sickness regardless of age, gender or fitness. Please see the 'Fitness' section in the trip notes for detailed information.Accommodation
- Hato Verde Hacienda or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Quito - Historian led 'Old Town' city tour
- Quito - Compañia de Jesus visit
- Quito: Equator line museum visit
- Equator Line - Museum visit
- Equator Line - Pan Ice Cream 'Demonstration and Tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hato Verde Hacienda or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Sangay Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cotopaxi - National Park visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Notes: Due to Peregrine's safety policy our leaders are only allowed to recommend or assist with activities that have been through our safety assessment.
Accommodation
- Sangay Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Banos - Devil's Cauldron visit
Optional Activities
- Banos - Steam baths - USD15
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Carvallo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Carvallo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cuenca - Leader Led Orientation walk
- Cuenca - Historian led tour of old Cuenca
- Cuenca - Turi view point
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Antigua Miraflores or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Tips for services you receive as part of your trip including drivers, specialist local guides & porters (excluding your tour leader)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Antigua Miraflores or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lima - Guided tour of San Francisco Monastery including The Catacombs
- Complimentary airport arrival transfer
- Lima - Guided tour Down town, Cathedral of Lima and The Catacombs
- Lima - Alameda de Chabuca Granda - Street food tasting
Optional Activities
- Lima Home Cooked - Urban Adventures - USD74
- Lima - Night Bites & Sights - Urban Adventures - USD45
- Lima Coast Biking Tour - Urban Adventures - USD45
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
•Please advise us of your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure for the complimentary airport transfer. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).•Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip. As such, some of your fellow travellers may have started their trip 8 days ago in Quito, Ecuador on South America in Depth (PSSIC).
•If you wish to take part in any of the optional activities mentioned below, you will need to book additional accommodation prior to the tour start date as there won't be any spare time on day one once the tour has commenced. Urban Adventures: If you are interested in any of the Urban Adventures listed you will need to contact Urban Adventures directly here: www.limaurbanadventures.com or + (51) 994 688552.
Accommodation
- Posada Amazonas lodge or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
•Luggage Limit: Due to boat transfer to the jungle lodge the maximum weight limit for the Amazon is 12kg.•Amazon Lodges: Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas lodges are both owned by the indigenous Ese-Eja community of Infierno, the lodges both offer a 30-metre canopy tower that provides spectacular views of the vast expanses of forest, Tambopata River and endless opportunities to witness Amazonian wildlife. Rooms at the lodges are simple but comfortable. They are built using local materials such as bamboo, adobe mud and palm trees. Rooms, don't have regular doors for the entrance and bathroom, instead traditional curtains are used. Each room opens out to the rainforest, providing a true jungle experience. Rooms are equipped with flushing toilets, showers (on occasions water may be cold due to remoteness of lodge), mosquito nets and kerosene lamps. Electricity and internet are only available in the common areas at designated times. Please note that drinks and tips are not included.
Accommodation
- Posada Amazonas lodge or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Notes: Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. Please see the 'Is This Trip Right For You?' and 'Fitness' sections in the trip notes for detailed information.
Accommodation
- San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cusco - Orientation Walk
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple entrance fee
- Cusco - Cathedral tour with Specialist Historian Guide
- Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee
Optional Activities
- Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum - PEN20
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cusco - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
- Cusco - Inca Museum - PEN10
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Luggage for the next 2 days:Due to a luggage restrictions on the train to Machu Picchu you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next 2 days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Cusco hotel.
Accommodation
- Hotel Tika Wasi Valley or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass, which gives you access to 16 archaeological sites in/around Cusco (Transport & guides are not included)
- Sacred Valley - Local community visit and lunch
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Hotel Hatun Inti or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- 1 Day Inca Trail - Add-on (Must pre-book) - USD380
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
1-day Inca Trail: On this trip you can opt to hike the 1-day Inca Trail. It’s a great option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru, but don’t want to do the full 4 days. This trek starts in from the train station known as “Km 104” and after a steep ascent, it follows the last portion of the Classic Inca Trail.Trekkers enter Machu Picchu at the sungate in the afternoon where there will be some time to take a few photos before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and re-join the rest of the group. This trek is subject to permit availability, must be pre booked and will incur a surcharge.
Please see the below link for more information: peregrineadventures.com/en-au/peru/one-day-inca-trail
Accommodation
- San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Machu Picchu - Entrance and Guided Tour
Optional Activities
- Machu Picchu Site Museum - PEN25
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Sunrise at Machu Picchu:The first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30am. The estimated arrival time is between 6- 6.30am The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
Accommodation
- San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Cusco - Pisco Making - Urban Adventures - USD36
- Cusco - Stand Up Paddle Boarding - USD75
- Cusco - Visit a local Musician's house - USD40
- Cusco - Art Trail workshop - USD59
- Sacred Valley - Via Ferrata & Zipline - PEN265
- Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking - USD120
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Bus from Cusco to Puno: This journey is on a direct bus service there are no toilet stops, however there is a toilet on board the bus. The bus company does provide you with a snack upon boarding, however we do recommend packing a few extra snacks and a drink bottle in your day pack for the ride.Accommodation
- Suasi Island Eco lodge or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Luggage for the next 2 days:Due to a luggage restrictions on the boat you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next 2 days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Puno hotel.
Accommodation
- Suasi Island Eco lodge or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Suasi Island - Spectacular Sunset over Lake Titicaca, Picnic & Drinks
- Suasi Island - Cultural Museum Visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Luggage for the next 2 days:Due to a luggage restrictions on the boat you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next 2 days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Puno hotel.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Lunch today: The lodge will provide you with a packed lunch today. It will be available from about 12 pm, you may choose to enjoy this prior to departing the island or during the boat journey.Puno is the hometown of Kusimayo, a terrific local organisation that works towards improving the living condition of children and adults affected by poverty and malnutrition in this part of the world you have now come to know so well. Take a look at this short video for more information on this wonderful project: https://vimeo.com/154422813. Kusimayo is supported by the Intrepid Foundation which means you can donate to this project and your donation will be match dollar for dollar by the Intrepid Group. Please donate through our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/kusimayo
Accommodation
- Hotel Rosario or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- La Paz - Tiawanaku archaeological site and museum tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Rosario Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Notes: Please be aware that the order of your tour may change slightly according to weather, however you will still visit everything mentioned in the itinerary.Accommodation
- Hotel Altiplanico or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
Please advise us of your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure for the complimentary airport transfer. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip. As such, some of your fellow travellers may have started their trip 15 days ago in Lima on Essence of South America (PSSEC) or on Rhythms of South America (PSRSC), or 23 days ago in Quito on South America in Depth (PSSIC).
Accommodation
- Hotel Altiplanico or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Santiago - Half-day guided walking tour
- Santiago - Cerro San Cristobal Funicular
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Casa Galos Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Casablanca region - Tour of an organic & biodynamic vineyard including wine tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Casa Galos Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Valparaiso - Guided City tour
- Valparaiso - Pisco Sour workshop & Sunset
- Valparaiso - Lukas Museum
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Villagio Hotel Boutique or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
SEASONAL WEATHER CONDITIONS:During the colder months, usually between May and August, the border crossing between Chile and Argentina may be closed due to snowfalls. In that event, your emergency fund may be needed to purchase a flight between Santiago and Mendoza.
Accommodation
- Villagio Hotel Boutique or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Mendoza - Full-day winery tour - Includes lunch
- Mendoza - Closed-door restaurant lunch
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Estancia La Eloisa or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- 2-night stay at a traditional estancia
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Estancia La Eloisa or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Estancia - Polo workshop
- Estancia - Empanada Making Workshop
- Polo workshop
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Tango de Mayo Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Buenos Aires - Orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Buenos Aires - Tango show (ticket price depends on the location and inclusions) - USD60
- Buenos Aires - Football game (ticket price depends on the game) - USD80
- Buenos Aires - Polo Day - USD170
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Tango de Mayo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
Please advise us of your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure for the complimentary airport transfer. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip. As such, some of your fellow travellers may have started their trip 9 days ago in Santiago on Chile, Argentina & Brazil (PSCAC), or 24 days ago in Lima on Rhythms of South America (PSRSC), or 32 days ago in Quito on South America in Depth (PSSIC).
Accommodation
- Tango de Mayo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Buenos Aires - Full-day guided tour
- Buenos Aires - Tango demonstration by professional dancers
- Buenos Aires - Tango dance lesson
Optional Activities
- Buenos Aires - Football game (ticket price depends on the game) - USD80
- Buenos Aires - Tango show (ticket price depends on the location and inclusions) - USD60
- Buenos Aires - Malbec Trail of Palermo Urban Adventures - USD111
- Buenos Aires - Polo Day - USD170
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Hotel El Pueblito or Similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Iguazu Falls - Entrance and tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
Optional Activities
- Bird Park Entrance Fee - BRL45
- Helicopter ride (min 3 people) - BRL430
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
For visa information purposes: You will be visiting the Brazilian side of the falls on Day 3 and returning to the Argentinean side to spend the night. You visit the Argentinean side of the falls on Day 4. Then on day 5 you cross back to the Brazilian side in order to take a domestic flight to Rio de Jainero.Accommodation
- Hotel El Pueblito or Similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Iguazu Falls - Entrance and tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
- Iguazu - Guarani community visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Arena Copacabana or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Arena Copacabana or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Rio de Janeiro - Guided tour including Santa Teresa, Selaron Steps, Christ the Redeemer statue and Rio downtown
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Bike Tour - Urban adventure - USD59
- Rio de Janeiro - Pao de Azucar (Sugar Loaf mountain) - BRL110
- Rio de Janeiro - Football game (ticket price depends on the game) - USD50
- Rio de Janeiro - Carnaval rehearsal (only available from June to Carnaval) - BRL90
- Rio de Janeiro - Samba show - BRL200
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
35 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 6 dinnersTransport
Plane, Boat, Bus, Private vehicle, Motorised Canoe, TrainAccommodation
Estancia Feature Stay (2 nights), Hacienda Feature Stay (2 nights), Hotel (30 nights), Jungle Lodge Feature Stay (2 nights), Eco Lodge Feature Stay (2 nights)Included Activities
- Quito - Historian led 'Old Town' city tour
- Quito - Compañia de Jesus visit
- Quito: Equator line museum visit
- Equator Line - Museum visit
- Equator Line - Pan Ice Cream 'Demonstration and Tasting
- Cotopaxi - National Park visit
- Banos - Devil's Cauldron visit
- Cuenca - Leader Led Orientation walk
- Cuenca - Historian led tour of old Cuenca
- Cuenca - Turi view point
- Tips for services you receive as part of your trip including drivers, specialist local guides & porters (excluding your tour leader)
- Lima - Guided tour of San Francisco Monastery including The Catacombs
- Complimentary airport arrival transfer
- Lima - Guided tour Down town, Cathedral of Lima and The Catacombs
- Lima - Alameda de Chabuca Granda - Street food tasting
- Cusco - Orientation Walk
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple entrance fee
- Cusco - Cathedral tour with Specialist Historian Guide
- Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass, which gives you access to 16 archaeological sites in/around Cusco (Transport & guides are not included)
- Sacred Valley - Local community visit and lunch
- Machu Picchu - Entrance and Guided Tour
- Suasi Island - Spectacular Sunset over Lake Titicaca, Picnic & Drinks
- Suasi Island - Cultural Museum Visit
- La Paz - Tiawanaku archaeological site and museum tour
- Santiago - Half-day guided walking tour
- Santiago - Cerro San Cristobal Funicular
- Casablanca region - Tour of an organic & biodynamic vineyard including wine tasting
- Valparaiso - Guided City tour
- Valparaiso - Pisco Sour workshop & Sunset
- Valparaiso - Lukas Museum
- Mendoza - Full-day winery tour - Includes lunch
- Mendoza - Closed-door restaurant lunch
- 2-night stay at a traditional estancia
- Estancia - Polo workshop
- Estancia - Empanada Making Workshop
- Polo workshop
- Buenos Aires - Orientation walk
- Buenos Aires - Full-day guided tour
- Buenos Aires - Tango demonstration by professional dancers
- Buenos Aires - Tango dance lesson
- Iguazu Falls - Entrance and tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
- Iguazu Falls - Entrance and tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
- Iguazu - Guarani community visit
- Rio de Janeiro - Guided tour including Santa Teresa, Selaron Steps, Christ the Redeemer statue and Rio downtown
Important notes
FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED
Flight from La Paz to Santiago on day 24 is not included in the tour cost and must be by client or agent.
Please consider booking international flights with Lan so you can book this flight on an airpass. Contact us for more information.
**Airport transfers are included for these flights, however we must have flight information, no later than 15 days out from departure**
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip however excludes nights 10 & 11 (Amazon Jungle) and nights 30 & 31 (Estancia stay) where you will be in shared accommodation.
COMBINATION TRIP:
This trip is a combination of four of our most popular departures. As such the make up of your group and your tour leader may change on days 9, 24 & 33.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:
This trip includes a domestic flight. Argentina is particularly strict on excess baggage and usually enforces a maximum allowance of 15Kg for check in luggage.
HIKE ADD-ON:
Your tour itinerary includes taking the train to Machu Picchu however on this trip you can opt to hike:
- The 1-day Inca Trail (day 16 of this itinerary) - Additional surcharge required.
Important: This option is subject to permit availability. Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book this option (the default itinerary does not include hiking, so you must specifically request this)
More information on this trek can be found in the itinerary section your trip notes.
SEASONAL WEATHER CONDITIONS:
During the colder months, usually between May and August, the border crossing between Chile and Argentina may be closed due to snowfalls. In that event, your emergency fund may be needed to purchase a flight between Santiago and Mendoza.
BOLIVIAN VISA FOR U.S CITIZENS
Nationals from the United States need a visa to enter Bolivia and you we highly recommend you obtain this visa in advance from your nearest Bolivian consulate or Embassy. Not obtaining the visa in advance is likely to cause long delays at the border.
Please see the visa information on these trip notes for more information.
CHILE VISA:
If you are entering Chile at Santiago International Airport as a tourist, some nationalities are required to pay a reciprocity fee (Australians US$117). The fee does not apply to travellers arriving at other airports or entering the country via land borders.
BRAZIL VISA:
Please note you may require a Brazilian Visa for this trip. Processing can take around 2-5 weeks at the discretion of the embassy or consulate. Please speak with your travel agent well in advance for further advice.
PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED
Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
FLIGHTS:
Please note the international flight from La Paz to Santiago on day 24 of this itinerary is not included in the tour price. Please contact us or your travel agent for flight details and costs.
INCA TRAIL:
On this trip you can opt to hike the 1-day Inca Trail. More information on this trek can be found in the itinerary section your trip notes. Please contact us if you are interested in this option.

Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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