For the Amazon adventure, guests should be prepared for eco-lodging due to their remote nature in the rainforest. The itinerary in the Amazon is subject to favorable weather conditions and water levels. Water levels are historically low during the draught months of September – November. When conditions are unfavorable, alternative eco-lodging and excursions will be provided. Further, guests should be prepared for sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and have the ability to get into/out of small watercrafts such as canoes and small fishing boats.
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-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 ecolodge on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazonian rainforest. Please note: The itinerary in the Amazon is subject to favorable weather conditions and water levels. When conditions are unfavorable (draught season is generally September – November), alternative eco-lodging and excursions will be provided.
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 with a Caboclo local to learn about their traditions and culture. Later, visit the Monkey Jungle Reserve (seasonal), 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).
Day 4 AMAZON JUNGLE–RIO DE JANEIRO
This morning, depart the ecolodge 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.
Breakfast
Day 5 RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro, home to sizzling nightlife! Settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free-time exploration.RIO-DE-JANEIRO-DANCER.jpg
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. RIO-DE-JANEIRO-CORCOVADO.jpg
Breakfast
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. RIO-DE-JANEIRO-IPANEMA-BEACH.jpg
Breakfast
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! IGUASSU-FALLS.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 9 IGUASSU FALLS. EXCURSION TO IGUASSU FALLS, ARGENTINA
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. Return to Brazil’s side of Iguassu Falls for free time, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds as well as flora from the area. IGUASSU-FALLS-MACAW.jpg
Breakfast
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. BUENOS-AIRES-RECOLETA-CEMETERY.jpg
Breakfast
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. BUENOS-AIRES-LA-BOCA.jpg
Breakfast
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. BUENOS-AIRES-GAUCHO.jpg
Breakfast
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. SANTIAGO-CITY-VIEW.jpg
Breakfast
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. SANTIAGO-PLAZA-DE-ARMAS.jpg
Breakfast
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. SANTIAGO-VINA-DEL-MAR.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 16 SANTIAGO
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. SANTIAGO-LOCAL-PERSON.jpg
Breakfast