Tour Itinerary |
| Day
1. Board your overnight flight to South America. |
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| Day 2. ARRIVAL IN MANAUS, BRAZIL :.
Welcome to South America's largest and most populous country. Rooms are ready for early
check-in upon arrival. Meet your tour director and traveling companions at 1 p.m. for your
afternoon city tour. While Manaus is located in the densest part of the Amazon Jungle, it
retains vestiges of its glory days from the rubber boom. This is evident during today's
stop at the famous OPERA HOUSE, built in 1896 with materials imported from Europe. You'll
also visit two museums documenting a way of life of a bygone era to the present time: the
MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES and the INDIAN MUSEUM. |
|
| Day 3. MANAUS : Today
experience one of nature's unique anomalies - the Meeting of the Waters. Cruise down river
along the yellow-gray Rio Solimoes to its confluence with the chocolate-colored Rio Negro,
where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles the differently colored bodies
of water flow side by side but never mix! After lunch on the river, explore a JUNGLE
ISLAND (if the water level is not too low) with fascinating native flora and fauna. Return
to the hotel in the late afternoon. (B,L) |
|
| Day 4. MANAUS-RIO DE JANEIRO :
This morning is free for you to explore Manaus on your own. At midday, your flight leaves
for fabulous Rio de Janeiro. (B) |
|
| Day 5. RIO DE
JANEIRO :. A full day to explore this lively, cosmopolitan city. Sunday is
the day of Rio's famous Hippie Faire, offering local goods such as leather, silver, and
lacework. This can also be combined with a visit to the historic town of Petropolis, a
mountain resort and the site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II. Another
option is a jeep tour to visit the Botanical Gardens with its splendid orchid exhibit, and
the bird sanctuary in Tijuca National Park. This evening don't miss the chance to visit a
churrascaria - a Brazilian specialty restaurant offering unlimited barbecued meats
marinated and roasted over charcoal. To complete the evening, visit a samba show. See how
the sheer vitality of this country explodes in a colorful extravaganza. (B) |
|
| Day 6. RIO DE JANEIR : A full day
dedicated to Rio's well-known sights. Drive along famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches to
the base of 1,300-foot SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN. Ascend by cable car to its summit for a
bird's-eye view of the sprawling city. From here proceed to bustling downtown Rio. View
the Sambodromo and visit the CATHEDRAL. Then on to CORCOVADO MOUNTAIN where the world
famous statue of Christ sits atop a peak rising 2,300 feet from the sea of houses below. A
scenic cog railway ride leads to the base of the statue, where a 360-degree panorama
affords sweeping views. (B) |
|
| Day
7. RIO DE JANEIRO-IGUASSU FALLS : A morning flight to Iguassu Falls, one of
the greatest natural wonders of the world. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the
Brazilian Falls, both higher and wider than Niagara Falls. The sight and sound of 275
waterfalls cascading down a sheer precipice is nothing short of hypnotic. (B) |
|
| Day 8. IGUASSU FALLS-BUENOS AIRES : Enjoy
a different perspective of this natural phenomenon this morning with a tour of the
Argentine side where you can actually walk behind and under the falls. Then on to Iguazu
International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. After checking into your hotel,
begin familiarizing yourself with the "Paris of South America" and its wide
boulevards, outdoor cafes, and charming shops.(B) |
|
| Day 9. BUENOS AIRES : Your included
sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, the colorful district where the city was
founded. A short walking tour of this unique neighborhood at the mouth of the river and
then on to San Telmo - famous for its late colonial buildings and a popular gathering spot
for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo you will see the president's Pink House and the
METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, housing San Martin's Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Colon Opera
House before reaching THE CEMETERY OF THE RECOLETA, the burial site of Eva Peron. End your
day with an optional dinner featuring Argentine steaks and regional specialties. Afterward
a nightclub revue starring Latin America's sensuous tango dancers. (B) |
|
| Day
10. BUENOS AIRES : The day is free for independent activities. For those who
wish to visit another South American country, we recommend a day excursion to nearby
Uruguay to visit Colonia. Founded by Portuguese settlers from Brazil in 1680, this town
held a strategic position as a smuggling outpost for transporting British goods across the
Rio de la Plata into the Spanish colonies throughout the 17th century. Today its charm
lies in its narrow streets and colonial buildings. Return to Buenos Aires by late
afternoon. (B) |
|
| Day 11. BUENOS AIRE : A visit to Argentina would not be
complete without a visit to one of its famous estancias. Today take part in our optional
excursion to the pampas and absorb the atmosphere of rural life and the surrounding
landscape. After a hearty steak lunch, enjoy lively entertainment by gauchos and a
folk-music show. Return to the city in the late afternoon. (B) |
|
| Day
12. BUENOS AIRES-BARILOCHE : Fly southwest into the heart of the Andean
Mountains to the Tyrolean village of Bariloche. Nestled on the shores of fjord-like Lake
Nahuel Huapi, this fashionable resort draws visitors year-round. Early this evening
acquaint yourself with the downtown area and its picturesque town square - perhaps visit a
chocolate supermarket! Tonight you may want to dine at one of the many fine Swiss, German,
or Austrian restaurants. (B) |
|
| Day
13. BARILOCHE : This alpine resort boasts some of the most remarkable
scenery in Argentina. View stunning vistas of lakes and jagged mountain peaks while
touring the Llao Llao Peninsula, Lago Moreno, and Lopez Bay. This afternoon be sure to
visit the local artisans displaying their wares of wool, leather, and wood. (B) |
|
| Day
14. BARILOCHE-PEULLA, CHILE : Travel through rugged wilderness via boat and
motorcoach. Spectacular vistas encompassing pristine lakes, towering forests, and
snow-capped peaks make this an unforgettable day. Cross over into Chile and spend the
night in the quaint village of Peulla. (B,D) |
|
| Day 15. PEULLA-PUERTO VARAS :
Continue through the Andean Mountains and board a launch for one of the world's great
scenic lake crossings. Reboard the coach and stop at PETROHUE FALLS. Watch in amazement as
bright green water gushes through a series of oddly twisted chutes formed by black
volcanic rock. Next, panoramic views of 8,900-foot Osorno Volcano, a perfectly shaped cone
that dominates the surrounding countryside.(B) |
|
| Day
16. PUERTO VARAS-PUERTO MONTT-SANTIAGO : Your morning orientation tour takes
you to the nearby fishing port of Puerto Montt - a pretty town with a bustling waterfront.
Then transfer to the airport for a short flight to Santiago. Located between the Pacific
and the Andes, Chile's provincial capital has a surprisingly European flavor. During your
city tour, view La Moneda, the official government palace, and nearby San Cristobal Hill
with its landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. At the impressive ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, study
the vast collection of pre-Columbian art. Your tour ends at the city's main square, Plaza
de Armas, with a visit to the relic-filled CATHEDRAL. Tonight an optional dinner outing:
drive through floodlit downtown Santiago to the popular Los Adobes de Argomedo restaurant
for a sumptuous four-course dinner with Chilean wine, followed by a lively folkloric show.
(B) |
|
| Day 17. SANTIAGO :
The day is free for you to rest or sightsee. Highly recommended is the optional trip to
Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Enjoy a leisurely drive through rolling countryside and
vineyards to the seaport of Valparaiso, a city of 42 hills and inspiration for many
artists and poets. On to Vina del Mar, a chic seaside resort with tree-lined avenues,
unusual architecture, and beautiful gardens. Tonight your tour director hosts a festive
farewell dinner to celebrate the success of this exciting Latin American vacation. (B,D) |
|
| Day 18.
SANTIAGO-LIMA, PERU : This morning, board your flight to Lima, Peru. Today's
sightseeing focuses on Lima's colonial heritage. Founded in 1535, the "City of
Kings" was once the capital of Spain's South American empire. See the 11th-century
SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its unique cloisters, the elegant CASA ALIAGA mansion, and
the Government Palace and CATHEDRAL situated around the vast Plaza de Armas. Then a short
drive south to visit the upscale seaside residential suburb of Miraflores. (B) |
|
| Day 19. LIMA-CUZCO
: Enjoy an early morning flight to Cuzco, the grandiose Andean city that was
once the capital of the Inca empire. Proceed into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit
the fortress village of OLLANTAYTAMBO with its almost intact Inca canchas or corral
enclosures. After lunch drive to Pisac, a charming village whose buildings also reflect
the brilliant precision of Inca stonemasonry. Plenty of free time here to shop for local
wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and
vases. (B,L) |
|
| Day 20.
CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO : This morning board your train for the scenic,
zigzagging journey into the lush Urubamba Valley. Then transfer to a motorcoach for the
ascent to the sacred refuge of Machu Picchu, "The Lost City of the Incas."
Listen as your guide recounts the many accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the RUINS
of towers, temples, and ceremonial baths. After your visit, enjoy a buffet lunch before
returning to Cuzco in the late afternoon. (B,L) |
|
| Day 21. CUZCO : This
morning discover the mysteries surrounding the Incas. Visit the CATHEDRAL, the SANTO
DOMINGO MONASTERY, the baths of TAMBOMACHAY, and the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with
its stone altars and labyrinth of passageways. See the ancient site of Puca Pucara and the
FORTRESS OF SACSAYHUAMAN, towering high above Cuzco. With many of the stone blocks
weighing over 350 tons, it remains a mystery how and when this fortress was constructed.
The balance of the day is free to explore or shop on your own. (B) |
|
| Day 22.CUZCO-LIMA
: This morning a short flight brings you back to Lima. Some free time before
a visit to the famed GOLD MUSEUM, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to
celebrate the success of this exciting Latin America vacation. (B,D) |
|
Cosmos Hotels |
| MANAUS Novotel
Manaus (ST), RIO DE JANEIRO Hotel Luxor Regente (F), IGUASSU FALL San Martin Hotel (T),
BUENOS AIRES Hotel Presidente (F), BARILOCHE Panamericano Bariloche (SF), PEULLA Hotel
Peulla (F), PUERTO VARAS Hotel and Cabanas Los Alerces (ST), SANTIAGO Leonardo da Vinci
(F), CUZO Hotel Picaga (ST). |
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Departure Dates
& Prices Tour
Itinerary |
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