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
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. (B,L,D)
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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
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)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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. (B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Today, board a flight for Easter Island where you will be met by a Cosmos representative. Marvel at the mystery of Easter Island, considered the largest open-air museum and boasting more than 400 moais (giant sculptures), ruins, and temples. (B)
Please note: The Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Your first stop is Ahu Vaihu, where eight large moais lie in ruins, followed by Ahu Akahanga, said to be the site where bones of the first king of Easter Island (Hotu Matu’a) were buried. Next up: Rano Raraku, where 95% of all moai were carved and you will find 394 statues remaining in various stages of completion. It seems as if production was abruptly abandoned, leaving a frozen snapshot of time. Visit the beautifully restored Ahu Tongariki, the largest platform on the island with its 15 moai. See Ahute Pito Kura, the largest moai ever transported and erected on an ahu (stone ceremonial platforms). Last stop is the beach of Anakena, where King Hotu Matu’a first landed on Rapa Nui
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, visit the Rano Kau Volcano, with a caldera that contains one of the island’s freshwater lakes. Head to Ana Te Pahu, a tube formed by the flow of volcanic lava thousands of years ago, which the ancient Rapa Nui are believed to have used as a dwelling and refuge during times of social instability. Here, you can see archaeological remains that will allow you to imagine what life was like. Next, visit Vinapu, an impressive ceremonial platform known for the precision and quality of its stonework. Observe remains of moai and pukao that reflect the remarkable craftsmanship of the ancient Rapa Nui civilization. The day concludes at the Tahai ceremonial complex, one of the most important archaeological ensembles on the island, featuring three restored platforms and moai with distinctive features that represent different periods of Rapa Nui history
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Board your flight for a final night in Santiago
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
