Date

Itinerary

14 Sep 20

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!

15 Sep 20

Manaus – Amazon

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 Solimoes, 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)

16 Sep 20

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)

17 Sep 20

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)

18 Sep 20

Rio De Janeiro

Today meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration. (B)

19 Sep 20

Rio De Janeiro

Sprawling between majestic granite peaks and the blue South Atlantic, Rio is a city of beauty, wonder, and energy. Guided sightseeing with a Local Guide begins with a drive along Rio's famed Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana beaches. Take the cog railway 701 metres (2,300 feet) up to the summit of CORCOVADO to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and enjoy 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay and the bustling city below. Your afternoon is free to explore-perhaps join an optional excursion to a nearby favela for a glimpse into the life of these colourful communities that nearly 20% of the people call home. (B)

20 Sep 20

Rio De Janeiro

A free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the famous beaches or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Petropolis to see the former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II. (B)

21 Sep 20

Rio De Janeiro – Iguassu Falls

A morning flight takes you to IGUASSU FALLS, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Upon arrival, 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 84 metres (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)

22 Sep 20

Iguassu Falls

Cross the border 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)

23 Sep 20

Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina's cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, an orientation tour familiarises you with the "Paris of South America" and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafes, and charming shops. (B)

24 Sep 20

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city's 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 neighbourhoods, and RECOLETA CEMETERY, where Eva Peron is buried. End your day with an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous TANGO SHOW highlighting the alluring dance that is so popular here. (B,D)

25 Sep 20

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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), as well as traditional dance performances and a barbecue lunch. (B)

26 Sep 20

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)

27 Sep 20

Lima

Sightseeing 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. (B,D)

28 Sep 20

Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley

Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and, upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at AWANAKANCHA and 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 PISAC, a charming village with a famous INDIAN 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)

29 Sep 20

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)

30 Sep 20

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)

01 Oct 20

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, former capital of the Inca Empire. (B)

02 Oct 20

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. Also, see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara before returning to Cusco. (B,D)

03 Oct 20

Cusco – Juliaca – Puno

Fly to Juliaca, and then transfer 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 found the Inca Empire. (B)

04 Oct 20

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 Indians 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)

05 Oct 20

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 Indians 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)

06 Oct 20

Lima – Quito, Ecuador

Board a flight for Quito. (B)

07 Oct 20

Quito

Included sightseeing 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)

08 Oct 20

Quito – Galapagos Cruising: Santa Cruz Island

Fly to Baltra in the Galapagos and embark the Santa Cruz II. This afternoon, arrive at SANTA CRUZ ISLAND and 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. (B,L,D)

09 Oct 20

Galapagos Cruising: Isabela & Fernandina Islands

Wake up on ISABELA ISLAND to search for flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, and boobies that call this island home. This is also a great place to snorkel due to its rich marine life. In the afternoon, explore the youngest island in the archipelago, FERNANDINA. This unique environment also boasts a high density of marine iguanas, sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and Galapagos hawks, penguins, and flightless cormorants. (B,L,D)

10 Oct 20

Galapagos Cruising: Santa Cruz Island

Visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Galapagos giant tortoises. Next up: you have a choice of activities, including visiting the highlands of Santa Cruz, walking on the beach, or kayaking. (B,L,D)

11 Oct 20

Galapagos Cruising: Floreana Island

Visit POST OFFICE BAY on Floreana, named for the wooden barrel that served as an informal post office for sailors passing through. Here, you may also encounter Darwin finches, yellow warblers, and lava lizards. Take advantage of another chance for great snorkelling. Take a dinghy ride along CHAMPION ISLET in search of Galapagos penguins, sea lions, turtles, sharks, and dolphins. At CORMORANT POINT, 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 Pacific green sea turtles. Enjoy a chance to snorkel among sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions, and even white-tipped reef sharks. (B,L,D)

12 Oct 20

Galapagos Cruising: Baltra (disembark) – Guayaquil

Disembark and fly to Guayaquil. (B)

13 Oct 20

Guayaquil

Your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. (B)