South America Revealed with Brazilian Amazon and Galápagos Legend East Cruise

24 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Group Tour
Glide upstream through rainforests of Amazon in search of lone tapirs, grunting capybaras and the giant anaconda before you explore vibrant capitals of South America and the Inca heart of Peru. Then, immerse yourself in the natural splendour of Darwin's Galápagos.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Explore Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima and Cusco with a Local Specialist
    • Visit Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue, Iguassu Falls, Pisac, Ollantaytambo ruins, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman and the Larco Museum
    • See the Teatro Colon, Copacabana Beach and the Casa Rosada
    • Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
    • Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley
    • Connect with Locals
    • Connect with Locals
    • Connect with Locals
    • Dive into Culture
    • Dive into Culture

What's this trip about?

    Glide upstream through rainforests of Amazon in search of lone tapirs, grunting capybaras and the giant anaconda before you explore vibrant capitals of South America and the Inca heart of Peru. Then, immerse yourself in the natural splendour of Darwin's Galápagos.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityManaus
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Ecuador
  • Peru

Attractions

  • Buenos Aires
  • Cusco
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Manaus
  • Quito
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Sacred Valley

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Manaus

Fly to Manaus (not included in holiday price on pre-trip extension), the Brazilian gateway of the Amazon. You’ll be transferred to your hotel before embarking on a city tour that will reveal the wealth of the city’s former rubber barons. Visit the grand Palacio Rio Ne...

Day 2: The River of Manaus

We journey upstream today to see first-hand the tremendous 'Meeting of the Waters'. Watch how the dark waters of the Rio Negro merge with the sandy brown water of the Solimões and then flows eastward to the Atlantic. After lunch, consider joining an optional canoe tri...

Day 3: The Diverse Fauna of the Amazon

Walk beneath the towering canopy of the world’s largest rainforest – the life-source of Planet Earth and an area of exceptional biodiversity. We’ll embark on a guided walk this morning with our Local Specialist, keeping a keen eye out for shy capybara or the giant coi...

Day 4: From the Amazon to Rio de Janeiro

Visit Monkey Forest, a rehabilitation centre and wildlife refuge, as your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Then return to Manaus Airport as your Amazon experience comes to an end. Fly to Rio de Janeiro and meet a local host who will take you to your hotel where you’ll ...

Day 5: Enjoy Rio de Janeiro and Sugarloaf Mountain

Ease into your morning Rio-style before joining your Travel Director to delve into the captivating contrasts of Brazil’s cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city). See the 18th-century Carioca Aqueduct, the colonial Candelaria church and the home of the Rio Carnival, the S...

Day 6: Uncover the Sights and Flavours of Rio de Janeiro

The iconic Christ the Redeemer beckons this morning as we journey by cogwheel train to the summit of Corcovado for impressive panoramic views. Returning to the city, we visit the shores of Copacabana and Ipanema, spending the rest of the day at leisure to watch Rio’s ...

Day 7: Experience the Rhythms of Rio de Janeiro and off to Iguassu Falls

Spend the morning at leisure, then visit a Samba school where you’ll Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into how the school prepares for the pageantry of Carnival week. View the colourful costumes and sway your hips Rio-style as you learn how to Samba. We leave the city behind and fly to Iguassu Falls. This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

Day 8: Soak in the Brazilian Side of Iguassu Falls

Explore the Brazil side of Iguassu Falls, joining a Local Specialist in the UNESCO-listed Iguassu National Park for a walk through the rainforest to the base of the falls. Indulge in lunch at a local restaurant against the backdrop of the falls before returning to you...

Day 9: Discover the Argentinian Side of Iguassu Falls

Cross the border into Argentina to see the falls from a different perspective. Meet your Local Specialist, then board an open-air ecological jungle train through the rainforest and walk along the catwalk peering down into the swirling waters of Devil’s Throat Falls. We leave this force of nature behind for the sophisticated Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires.

Day 10: Explore Buenos Aires

Connect with the seamless mix of European elegance meets Latin energy, joining your Local Specialist for a guided tour of Buenos Aires’ most notable sites, including the iconic Casa Rosada and colourful neighbourhood of La Boca. Admire the opulent façade of Teatro Col...

Day 11: Buenos Aires Your Way

Enjoy a full day at leisure to pursue your own interests in the 'Paris of South America'. Admire the works of Degas, El Greco and Van Gogh at the Museum of Belles Artes or sample delicious dulce de leche ice-cream at the famous Café Tortoni. Feeling adventurous? Consi...

Day 12: Venture to Lima, the City of Kings

We leave one capital behind for another, travelling to Peru’s capital, Lima. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in San Isidro.

Day 13: Savour the Flavours of Lima

Francisco Pizarro’s 'City of Kings' is ours to explore this morning as we discover the colonial heritage of Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre with our Local Specialist. Admire the ornate baroque façades of the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacom...

Day 14: Admire the Local Culture of Cusco and Sacred Valley

Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Dive Into Culture and visit the Pisac market displaying Quechua arts and crafts. Connect With Locals and meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver, and the first person from her village to attend univ...

Day 15: Journey to Machu Picchu

The Sacred Valley reveals its mysteries today as we encounter the remains of the mighty Inca empire. Our first stop this morning is the famous Inca hilltop fortress, Ollantaytambo, built from massive blocks of stone. We board the Vistadome train (light snack included)...

Day 16: Continue in Machu Picchu then Return to Cusco

We return to Machu Picchu this morning with an opportunity to explore this mythical fortress on our own terms. If you’re feeling energetic, consider hiking up to the Gate of the Sun for thrilling views over the fortress and valley below. Then it’s off to Cusco, stoppi...

Day 17: Explore Cusco and Sacsayhuaman

Explore the Incan and Spanish roots of the 'Imperial City', unlocking its best kept secrets, including the 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo, built atop the foundations of the Inca Temple of the Sun. Later, we’ll venture with our Local Specialist beyond the city to...

Day 18: Onward to Lima

A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima late this morning. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, then Dive Into Culture with your Local Specialist at the Larco Museum for an evening exploration of its collection of pre-Columbian art. We’ll indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner in the museum’s garden.

Day 19: Travel to Quito

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Ecuador (flight not included in holiday price). Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.

Day 20: Uncover Historic Quito

Visit the historical centre of Quito, which was the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel to the 'Middle of the World' to stand on the Equator. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 21: Bartolome Island and Galapagos penguins

Discover a land that inspired Darwin to form his Theory of Natural Selection. On arrival at Baltra airport, transfer to the M/V Galápagos Legend. Sail to Bartolomé Island, hiking to its summit for soul-stirring views, then snorkel in the midst of Galápagos penguins.

Day 22: South Plaza Islet and the Famous Galapagos Sea Lions

Our first destination today is South Plaza Island, home to the famed Galápagos sea lions and the unusual prickly pear cactus tree which dot the island’s red landscape. Next is North Seymour Island, on whose long sandy beach and rocks, the resident sea lions and marine iguanas sun themselves.

Day 23: Uncover San Cristobal Island

We journey to Pitt Point this morning, ascending to a high point on the steep volcanic tuff hill to see if we can spot all three of the booby species simultaneously. Cerro Brujo’s coral sand beach is our next destination, where we can connect with the resident sea lions or snorkel in the shadow of Witch’s Hill.

Day 24: Depart San Cristobal Island

Enjoy a first-hand encounter with the giant tortoises of La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a tortoise reserve that protects the island’s tortoise population. Your Galápagos exhibition at its end, transfer to San Cristobal Airport for your return flight to Quito. Airport arrival time in Quito will be at 7 p.m.; please be aware when booking your flights.  

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Dates & Availability

Price From $11,223
Price per day$468
Last Updated: 7/19/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

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Logistics

Accommodation

M/V Galápagos Legend,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 1 Farewell Dinner
  • 1 Welcome Reception
  • 2 Be My Guests
  • 23 Breakfasts
  • 3 Regional Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 8 Dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Lima, Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports All hotel tips, charges and local taxes All porterage and restaurant gratuities An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras Optional Experiences and free time Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Trip ID
trafalgar-LSBRECPN18

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