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Cosmos
OFFER ID 1562353
On this South America tour, experience some of South America's most exciting cities, gorgeous natural wonders, and famous historic sites. You'll overnight in Manaus, Brazil’s Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco. Enjoy guided sightseeing of South America's famous cities: Manaus, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, and Cusco. Visit the famous Opera House in Manaus; take the cog railway to the summit of Corcovado Mountain to see the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio; visit Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón is buried, in Buenos Aires; explore the relic-filled Cathedral in Santiago; visit Lima's 11th-century San Francisco Monastery; and explore Cusco’s Cathedral, with its important collection of artwork. Tour highlights include Brazil’s Amazon, Iguassu Falls, and Machu Picchu. In Brazil’s Amazon, cruise on the river, take Naturalist-guided walks, visit a local village, and marvel at the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon. At Iguassu Falls, marvel at the 275 waterfalls spanning almost two miles, the thundering roar of the falls, and the 180-degree rainbows that surround you. At Machu Picchu, stand in awe as you witness these 15th-century ruins and learn about the Incas' accomplishments. Set in a majestic setting, it is nothing short of spectacular! While in Peru, you'll also visit other Inca ruins, including Ollantaytambo and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, where you'll see an amazing example of Inca masonry. You’ll also have a chance to learn why camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) are important for Inca cultures and to visit an Indian market and a local's home. Historic sites, beautiful scenery, vibrant cities, and time to explore on your own-all of this and much more await you on this value-minded South America tour. It's a dream vacation!
23 nights from $7,643 per person
Brazil, Argentina & Chile Unveiled With Brazil's Amazon & Peru
Day 1 MANAUS, BRAZIL Welcome to the capital of the Amazonas region where you will be met by a Cosmos representative. Located in the dense Amazon Jungle area, Manaus preserves images of its opulent past and is still a major port—even 1,000 miles inland!
Please note: you will meet your Tour Director in Rio de Janeiro.
Day 2 MANAUS–AMAZON JUNGLE Floating past the clustered huts of locals living on the banks of the river, cruise down the Rio Negro to the Meeting of the Waters. Marvel at the confluence of the dark-colored Rio Negro and the light chocolate-colored Rio Solimões, where the two rivers come together to form the mighty Amazon. For four miles, these two bodies of water flow side by side before they mix together. Later, disembark at a jungle island (water level permitting) with fascinating native flora and fauna. This afternoon, arrive at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazonian rainforest. (B,L,D)
Day 3 AMAZON JUNGLE Enjoy a Naturalist-guided walk to see the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon. After lunch, sail up the river to visit an Amazon native Caboclo village to learn about their traditions, costumes, and culture. Also, try your hand at piranha fishing! Later, visit the Monkey Jungle Reserve, where researchers work to rehabilitate primates like spider, squirrel, woolly, and capuchin monkeys and reintroduce them into the jungle. This evening, venture back out on canoe with your Naturalist to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night and look for small alligators (and other night creatures). (B,L,D)
Day 4 AMAZON JUNGLE–RIO DE JANEIRO This morning, depart the Ecopark for a Manaus city tour featuring the famous Opera House, completed in 1896 after 15 years of construction, and a local market. Continue to the airport for your flight to Rio. (B)
Day 5 RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro! Check in to your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free-time exploration. (B)
Day 6 RIO DE JANEIRO Sprawling between majestic granite peaks and the blue South Atlantic, Rio is a city of beauty, wonder, and energy. Guided sightseeing begins with a drive along Rio’s famed Leblon, Ipanema, and more. Take the cog railway 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovado to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay and the bustling city below. The famed statue was completed in 1931 becoming emblematic for both the city and the Brazilian nation as a whole. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. Tonight, perhaps opt for a dinner at a local churrascaria, serving prime meats, seafood, and fish. (B)
Day 7 RIO DE JANEIRO A free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the beaches or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Petropolis to see the former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II. (B)
Day 8 RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS A morning flight takes you to Iguassu Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Journey to the Brazilian side of the falls to see the mammoth series of 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thundering roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience! (B,D)
Day 9 IGUASSU FALLS Cross the Brazilian border by motorcoach and visit the Argentine side of the falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the rainforest. A series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down into the Devil’s Throat. Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds as well as flora from the area. (B)
Day 10 IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA This morning, cross the Brazilian border into Argentina by motorcoach to transfer to the Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafés, and charming shops. (B)
Day 11 BUENOS AIRES Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city’s landmarks, including the Teatro Colón Opera House and Plaza de Mayo, site of La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), and Metropolitan Cathedral. Also, visit La Boca and San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods, and Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Perón is buried. End your day with an optional excursion to enjoy an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous Tango show. (B)
Day 12 BUENOS AIRES Today is free for independent activities, or you can take an optional excursion to a local estancia (ranch) to experience the life of the gauchos (cowboys), as well as traditional dance performances and a barbecue lunch. (B)
Day 13 BUENOS AIRES–SANTIAGO, CHILE Fly over the majestic Andes to Santiago, Chile’s scenic capital between the Pacific and the Andes. With a coastline more than 2,650 miles long, Chile is more than 10 times longer than it is wide. With a distinctly European flavor accented with Latin flair, Santiago is one of South America’s most sophisticated and modern cities. (B)
Day 14 SANTIAGO Your guided city tour introduces you to Santiago—the country’s political, commercial, and cultural capital. View La Moneda Government Palace and San Cristobal Hill with its landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. Your tour ends at the city’s main square, Plaza de Armas, with a visit to the relic-filled Cathedral. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, consider the optional Chilean Folkloric Dinner Show. (B)
Day 15 SANTIAGO Today, enjoy a day at leisure. A trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar is highly recommended. A leisurely drive through the countryside and vineyards delivers you to Valparaiso, a city of 42 hills and the inspiration of many artists and poets. On to the chic seaside resort of Viña del Mar, full of unusual architecture and beautiful gardens. This evening, enjoy dinner on your final night in Santiago. (B,D)
Day 16 SANTIAGO–LIMA, PERU Board a flight for Lima, Peru where you will be met by a Cosmos representative. Heralded as the “City of Kings” by Spanish conquistadors, Lima retains vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums. (B)
Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.
Day 17 LIMA Sightseeing with a Local Guide today focuses on Lima’s colonial heritage. Visit the 11th-century San Francisco Monastery, with Spanish and Moorish architecture throughout. Continue to Plaza Mayor, where you will see the Government Palace that houses the presidential palace and the cathedral where the founder of Lima, Francisco Pizarro’s, remains are buried. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 18 LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley. Learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca cultures. Continue to Pisaq, a charming village with a famous market—a great place to buy souvenirs! Later, arrive at your hotel nestled in the Sacred Valley. (B,D)
Day 19 SACRED VALLEY Visit the village of Ollantaytambo and the Inca ruins of the same name. Explore the archaeological site that was the scene of the Inca resistance during the Spanish conquest. Next, visit a local Inca home to see life in a traditional village, which has been remarkably well preserved. Also, visit the Seminario Ceramics Workshop to learn about Peruvian ancient and modern art. End your day at a local chicheria for a taste of a typical Inca drink in Peru called chicha. (B)
Day 20 SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU Board the Vistadome train that cuts a path through the Urubamba Valley bound for Aguas Calientes, the town closest to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Ascend the mountainside to the sacred refuge of Machu Picchu. Your guide recounts the many accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the ruins dating back to the 15th century. (B,D)
Day 21 MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO This morning, enjoy some free time to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes; perhaps visit the local market, quaint boutiques, or take a walk along nearby trails. Later, return to Cusco on the Vistadome train to the former capital of the Inca Empire. (B)
Day 22 CUSCO A guided sightseeing tour of Cusco focuses on the city that was once the political, military, and cultural epicenter of the Incas. Visit Santo Domingo Monastery and the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, which houses a magnificent collection of artwork. Continue to the hillside overlooking Cusco for a visit to the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Roll up your sleeves to participate in a tree-planting project supporting the local community. Return to Cusco for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 23 CUSCO–LIMA A short flight brings you back to Lima. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to explore the city. (B)
Day 24 LIMA Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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