The Best of Brazil and Argentina with Brazils Amazon (10022027)

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!

Please note: You will meet your Tour Director in Rio de Janeiro.



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 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.



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 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). (B,L,D)



Day 4:
AMAZON JUNGLE-RIO DE JANEIRO 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. (B)



Day 5:
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro, home to the world-famous Carnival! Today, meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration. (B)



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 with a Local Guide begins with a drive along Rio 's famed Leblon, Ipanema, and more. Take the cog railway 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovada to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and enjoy 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 the city on your own. (B)



Day 7:
RIO DE JANEIRO A free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the famous 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. Upon arrival, 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. EXCURSION TO IGUASSU FALLS, ARGENTINA Cross the Brazilian border by motorcoach and visit the Argentine side of Iguassu 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)



Day 10:
IGUASSU FALLS-BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA 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)



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. Tonight, your evening is free. You may wish to explore one of the many vibrant restaurants or join an optional excursion for an Argentinean meal and sensuous Tango show highlighting the alluring dance that is so popular here. (B)



Day 12:
BUENOS AIRES Today is free for independent activities, or you can take an optional excursion to visit 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 Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)