Brazil, Argentina & Chile Unveiled with Brazil's Amazon & Easter Island

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!

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 Ecopark Jungle Lodge on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazonian rainforest. (B,L,D)

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 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)

Day 4

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)

Day 5

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro, home to white-sand beaches and sizzling nightlife! Settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free-time exploration.

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 Copacabana beaches. 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. 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)

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. (B)

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! (B,D)

Day 9

IGUASSU FALLS Cross the border 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. 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)

Day 10

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 familiarizes you with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafés, and charming shops. (B)

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 Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous Tango show. (B,D)

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. (B)

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. (B)

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. Also, see Club Hipico, one of the most renowned horse-racing tracks in South America. 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)

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. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your exciting Latin American vacation. (B,D)

Day 16

SANTIAGO–EASTER ISLAND Today, board a flight for Easter Island, considered the largest open-air museum and boasting more than 400 moais (giant sculptures), ruins, and temples. (B)

Day 17

EASTER ISLAND 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. (B,L)

Day 18

EASTER ISLAND Visit Rano Kau, the second-oldest volcano on the island with a freshwater lake in its caldera. Continue to the ceremonial village of Orongo to see the restored houses from the 16th century. At Ahu Vinapu, see the fallen remains of the broken moai—the figures here are slightly different and have short legs. Next stop is Ana Kai Tagata, a beautiful cave with wall paintings depicting the Manutara bird. This afternoon, visit Ahu Akivi, with seven restored moais built in the middle of the island. According to legend, these statues represent the seven scouts sent to Rapa Nui by King Hotu Matu’a. Finally, visit the Puna Pau topknot-quarry, where all the pukaos that were placed on top of the moais were made. (B)

Day 19

EASTER ISLAND–SANTIAGO Board your flight for a final night in Santiago. (B)

Day 20

SANTIAGO Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B)