After arriving at your hotel, meet up for private city sightseeing to view vestiges of Manaus’ glory days during the rubber boom. Your first stop will be the famous opera house, built in 1896, with materials imported from Europe. Next, visit a bustling local market filled with regional foods and wares
Today, your “Meeting of the Waters” cruise passes by the impressive British-built Customs House and the floating port. Cruise along the chocolate-hued Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-gray Rio Solimões, where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles, the differently shaded bodies of water flow side- by- side and never mix! After lunch on the river, explore a jungle island (seasonal) with fascinating native flora and fauna. Later this afternoon, arrive at the eco-lodge, situated on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazon rainforest.
(B,L,D)
Please note:
The itinerary in the Amazon is subject to favorable weather conditions and water levels. When conditions are unfavorable (drought season is generally September – November), alternative eco-lodging and excursions will be provided
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accompanied by a naturalist, enjoy a guided jungle walk that introduces you to the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon. After lunch, depart the lodge and sail up the river to visit with a Caboclo native to learn about their traditions and culture. Later, visit the Monkey Jungle Reserve (seasonal), where researchers work to rehabilitate captive primates and reintroduce them to the jungle. Here, you have the opportunity to see the feeding of spider, squirrel, woolly, and capuchin monkeys. This evening, maybe venture back out with your naturalist via canoe into the flooded forest to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. Keep watch for small alligators (and other night creatures)!
(B,L,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, depart your Amazon lodge for a flight to fabulous Rio. Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel, where your Local Guide will be available with suggested activities during your free time.
(B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Today, your private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This rounded peak, rising 2,300 feet from the bay, is one of the New7Wonders of the World and home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below. The afternoon and evening are free. Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats that are marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style.
(B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest some options for your free time.
(B)
INSIDER PICKS
This afternoon, you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II, or take an optional excursion to visit iconic Sugarloaf Mountain
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls, one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, featuring 275 individual cascades stretching nearly two miles across the border of Brazil and Argentina. Upon arrival, meet your Local Guide for a private tour on the Brazilian side, offering sweeping panoramic views of this immense spectacle. Witness powerful waterfalls plunging over a vast precipice nearly two miles wide and 250 feet deep, and venture into the legendary Devil’s Throat Canyon, where thundering water, swirling mist, and brilliant 180-degree rainbows surround you for an unforgettable sensory experience.
(B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Cross the border with your Local Guide for a private tour of the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls, beginning with a scenic ride aboard the open-air Ecological Jungle Train as it winds through the rainforest. From there, explore a network of boardwalks that lead you out over the falls, offering dramatic views as torrents of water plunge more than 300 feet into the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat below. Later, return across the border to Brazil and enjoy a free afternoon and evening.
(B)
INSIDER PICKS
Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of indigenous birds as well as flora from the area
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, the proud capital of Argentina, and the vibrant heart of South America. After transferring to your centrally located hotel, enjoy time at leisure to become acquainted with the “Paris of South America,” celebrated for its grand boulevards, elegant architecture, and lively outdoor cafés.
(B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
After breakfast, set out on a private city tour of Buenos Aires, traveling along the world’s widest avenue for views of the iconic Teatro Colón Opera House, one of the city’s greatest cultural treasures. Continue to Avenida de Mayo and Plaza de Mayo, framed by historic landmarks, including La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), the Cabildo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, home to the mausoleum of national hero José de San Martín. Explore the charming streets of San Telmo, the city’s oldest neighborhood, followed by stops in colorful La Boca and elegant Palermo. Conclude your tour at Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Eva Perón, and one of Buenos Aires’ most memorable highlights. This evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional dinner paired with a traditional tango show, showcasing Argentina’s world‑famous dance of passion and drama.
(B)
INSIDER PICKS
The tango and Argentina go hand in hand. Tonight, perhaps opt to visit a local tango house, where professional tango dancers will delight you with a tango show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages. Plus, dine on Argentine specialties and wine too!
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day to further discover this extraordinary city at your own pace. You may wish to enhance your experience with an optional excursion to a traditional estancia (ranch), where you’ll gain insight into the authentic lifestyle of the legendary gauchos, or choose a scenic cruise along the Tigre River, gliding past lush landscapes and impressive waterfront homes.
(B)
INSIDER PICKS
Estancias date back to the 16th century during Spanish colonization, when conquistadors were gifted land to raise and breed cattle. Today, the lands and traditions that go along with them have been passed down from generation to generation. Here, you have the chance to step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinean heritage during an optional trip to a traditional estancia
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
(B)
