Ultimate South America With Brazil's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise

Tour/Cruise

30 days

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Ultimate South America With Brazil's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise
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$AUD 537 per day

Departure: Manaus, Brazil

Arrival: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Small group

Discover some of South America’s greatest cities—Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Quito—and some of its most spectacular ruins and scenic areas on this South America tour. Overnight in Manaus, the Amazon Jungle, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Quito, and Guayaquil, along with four nights cruising the Galápagos Islands. Highlights of this South America tour include Iguassu Falls, where you’ll hear the thundering roar from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, be amazed at the brilliant rainbows, and stand in awe as you witness these 275 falls spanning nearly two miles! You’ll also be amazed at Machu Picchu, set in a majestic mountainside with ruins dating back to the 15th century. Glimpse the ancient history and culture as you enjoy this stunning and mystical place. Visit the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, with stones weighing up to 350 tons. Time in Peru’s Lake Titicaca, a lake of floating islands maintained over centuries by the Indigenous people, gives you a chance to experience the world’s highest navigable lake and to learn about local practices. In each city, enjoy guided sightseeing of the cities’ must-see attractions, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio, Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery in Lima, and Quito’s La Compania Church. But that’s not all…you’ll also spend time in Brazil’s Amazon, where you’ll cruise on the river, take Naturalist-guided walks, visit a local village, and marvel at the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon. While cruising the Galápagos Islands, you’ll see sea lions, land iguanas, hybrid iguanas, boobies, Darwin’s finches, and much more. Ancient ruins, stunning scenery, guided sightseeing, native flora and fauna, and local experiences—this South America tour designed for the value-minded traveller has it all!



Traveller Notes

Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!



Maximum enjoyment of this holiday requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Maximum elevation on this tour is 13,000 ft. In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of metres to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven.
About
28 breakfasts.
7 lunches.
12 dinners.
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Itinerary
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-coloured Rio Negro and the light chocolate-coloured Rio Solims, 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 can 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! After arrival, settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration.
Day 6 - RIO DE JANEIRO
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 Christ the Redeemer statue and enjoy 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. (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. (B)
Day 8 - RIO DE JANEIRO-IGUASSU FALLS
Fly to Iguassu Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Journey to the Brazilian side of the falls to see the 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil's Throat Canyon, where clouds of mist, a thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you-an unforgettable experience! (B,D)
Day 9 - IGUASSU FALLS
Cross the Brazilian border by motorcoach for a visit of the Argentine side of Iguassu 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 cafes, and charming shops. (B)
Day 24 - QUITO
Included sightseeing with a Local Guide showcases Quito's treasures: Independence Plaza, the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and the Jesuit's La Compania Church with its stunning golden altars. (B)
Day 25 - QUITO-SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (EMBARKATION)-CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Fly to San Cristobal. Embark the Galapagos Legend for a 4-night cruise. This afternoon, visit the Galapagos Darwin Interpretation centre with your expert Naturalist and learn about ongoing conservation of the archipelago, its history, ecosystems, flora, and fauna. Next, a walk to Tijeretas Hill brings you to a frigatebird nesting colony. (B,L,D)
Day 26 - GALAPAGOS CRUISING: ESPANOLA ISLAND
Join your Naturalist for excursions to Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez on Espanola Island, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Here, you will see the famous blowhole, as well as unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April-December), Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and Darwin's finches. (B,L,D)
Day 27 - GALAPAGOS CRUISING: FLOREANA ISLAND
This morning, visit Post Office Bay, named for the wooden barrel that served as an informal post office for sailors passing through. Here, you may also encounter Darwin's finches, yellow warblers, and lava lizards, and take advantage of another chance for great snorkeling. This afternoon, visit Cormorant Point to see a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. The trail continues to a beautiful white-sand beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific sea turtles. Enjoy a chance to snorkel among sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions, and even white-tipped reef sharks. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - BUENOS AIRES
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city's well-known landmarks, including the Teatro Colon 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 Peron is buried. End your day with an optional excursion to enjoy an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous Tango show highlighting this alluring dance so popular here. (B)
Day 14 - LIMA
Sightseeing today focuses on Lima's colonial heritage. Founded in 1535, Lima was once the capital of Spain's South American Empire. Visit the baroque 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 was once the home of Francisco Pizarro, founder of Lima and conqueror of Peru. Nearby, see the cathedral where Pizarro's remains are buried. The remainder of your day is free to explore on your own. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)
Day 13 - BUENOS AIRES-LIMA, PERU
Board a flight for Lima, Peru. Heralded as the "City of Kings" by Spanish conquistadors, Lima still carries vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums. (B)
Day 12 - BUENOS AIRES
Today is free for independent activities, or you can take an optional excursion to visit a local estancia (ranch) to experience the life of the gauchos (cowboys) on a traditional Argentine ranch complete with a barbecue lunch. (B)
Day 23 - LIMA-QUITO, ECUADOR
Board a flight for Quito where you will be met by a Cosmos representative. (B)
Please note: the Tour Director ds not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.
Day 28 - GALAPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
This morning, visit Dragon Hill, where you will find a brackish lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the archipelago, as well as the chance to see land iguanas. A special treat is in store for you this afternoon at Punta Bowditch. Be one of the first people to visit this new site on Santa Cruz Island! Relax on a powdery beach, snorkel around turquoise water islets and hike beside salt pools and dried white corals. This area is also a common nesting site for marine turtles. (B,L,D)
Day 22 - PUNO-JULIACA-LIMA
En route to Juliaca, stop at the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani. See the above-ground tombs, chullpas, in which the Aymara people buried their high priests. You will be welcomed into a local home for an inside look at life here. Fly to Lima and transfer to your hotel. (B)
Day 15 - LIMA-CUSCO-SACRED VALLEY
Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and, upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuna, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca cultures. See them up close and learn how their coats are transformed into colourful weaving fibres that are then used in ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to Pisaq, a charming village with a famous market, where you have plenty of time to browse the many colourful stalls selling handicrafts ranging from alpaca sweaters and blankets to painted vases and sterling silver. Later, arrive at your hotel, nestled in the peaceful Sacred Valley. (B,D)
Day 20 - CUSCO-PUNO
Today, drive south to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Legend says the first Inca, Manco Capac, arose from the waters of the lake by the power of the sun god to create the Inca Empire. (B)
Day 19 - CUSCO
Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco that focuses on the city that was once the political, military, and cultural epicentre of the Incas. In fact, Inca foundations can still be found in Cusco, with the Spanish baroque structures built on top. Visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, where these two forms of architecture are melded together with the temple of both cultures atop one another. Also, see the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas before a visit to the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Some of the best examples of Inca masonry can be found at this fortress, where stones weighing up to 350 tons are pieced together to form a complex that could house up to 10,000 men. Learn about the ceremonies and battles that took place here on your tour. 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 18 - MACHU PICCHU-CUSCO
Enjoy some free time this morning to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes; perhaps visit the local market, quaint boutiques, or take a walk along nearby trails. Later this afternoon, return to Cusco on the Vistadome train to the former capital of the Inca Empire. (B)
Day 17 - SACRED VALLEY-MACHU PICCHU
Board the Vistadome train that cuts a path through the picturesque Urubamba Valley bound for Aguas Calientes, the quaint town closest to the "Lost City of the Incas." Ascend the mountainside through tropical forest to the sacred refuge of Machu Picchu. Your guide recounts the many accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century. Abandoned when the Inca Empire fell to the Spanish, these remarkable ruins remained undiscovered for nearly 400 years. For this reason, many of the mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu remain to this day. (B,D)
Day 16 - SACRED VALLEY
Start the day with a visit to 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-the only place ever to resist Spanish attacks. You will see how the temple area at the top of the terraces was the perfect defensive stronghold. Next, visit a local home to experience life in this traditional village, which has been remarkably well preserved. Then, 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 29 - GALAPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ-BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)-GUAYAQUIL
After breakfast, disembark and head into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve. See and learn about the conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species found here. Continue to the airport and fly to Guayaquil. Tonight is at leisure. (B)
Day 21 - PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA
Experience fascinating Lake Titicaca today as you embark on a motorboat tour of the highest navigable lake in the world and its manmade islands. On Taquile Island, see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past. Continue to the Uros floating islands, a group of approximately 40 artificially made islands. Learn how the Uros people construct their islands, homes, boats, and many other resources completely of tortora reed, a centuries-old practice. Enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 30 - GUAYAQUIL
Your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
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