Ultimate South America with Brazil's Amazon & Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Ultimate South America with Brazil's Amazon & Arequipa & Colca Canyon" tour, a captivating journey through Argentina, Brazil, and Peru. Experience the wonders of the Amazon Jungle, cruising down the Rio Negro to the Meeting of the Waters, and explore the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro with its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Witness the breathtaking Iguassu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, and delve into the cultural richness of Buenos Aires. Discover the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. Marvel at the majestic Andean condor in Colca Canyon and explore the historic city of Arequipa. This adventure promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Manaus,Brazil
Location: Manaus
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus
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
Location: Manaus, Amazon Jungle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ecopark Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 3: Amazon Jungle
Location: Amazon Jungle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ecopark Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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).
Day 4: Amazon Jungle,Rio De Janeiro
Location: Manaus, Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ecopark Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Rio De Janeiro,Brazil
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro! After arrival, settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration.
Day 6: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Guided sightseeing begins with a drive along Rio’s famed Leblon, Ipanema, and more. Take the cog railway 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovado to view the 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.
Day 7: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Rio De Janeiro,Iguassu Falls
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Recanto Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Iguassu Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Journey to the Brazilian side of the falls to see the 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, where clouds of mist, a thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience!
Day 9: Iguassu Falls
Location: Iguassu Falls
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Recanto Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 surrounding rainforest. A series of boardwalks takes you above the falls for a look over the edge to see the water crashing down below into the Devil’s Throat. This afternoon, you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds as well as flora from the area.
Day 10: Iguassu Falls,Buenos Aires,Argentina
Location: Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kenton Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 11: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kenton Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city’s well-known 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 optional excursion to enjoy an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous Tango show highlighting this alluring dance so popular here.
Day 12: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kenton Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
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) on a traditional Argentine ranch complete with a barbecue lunch.
Day 13: Buenos Aires,Lima,Peru
Location: Buenos Aires, Lima
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Board a flight for Lima, Peru. Heralded as the “City of Kings” by Spanish conquistadors, Lima still carries vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums.
Day 14: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Sightseeing today focuses on Lima’s colonial heritage. Founded in 1535, Lima was once the capital of Spain’s South American Empire. Visit the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery, with Spanish and Moorish architecture throughout. Continue to Plaza Mayor, where you will see the Government Palace that houses the presidential palace and was once the home of Francisco Pizarro, founder of Lima and conqueror of Peru. Nearby, see the cathedral where Pizarro’s remains are buried. The remainder of your day is free to explore on your own. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Day 15: Lima,Cusco,Sacred Valley
Location: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and, upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca cultures. See them up close and learn how their coats are transformed into colorful weaving fibers that are then used in ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to Pisaq, a charming village with a famous market, where you have plenty of time to browse the many colorful stalls selling handicrafts ranging from alpaca sweaters and blankets to painted vases and sterling silver. Later, arrive at your hotel, nestled in the peaceful Sacred Valley.
Day 16: Sacred Valley
Location: Ollantaytambo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a visit to Ollantaytambo and the Inca ruins of the same name. Explore the archaeological site that was the scene of the Inca resistance during the Spanish conquest—the only place ever to resist Spanish attacks. You will see how the temple area at the top of the terraces was the perfect defensive stronghold. Next, visit a local home to experience life in this traditional village, which has been remarkably well preserved. Then, visit the Seminario Ceramics Workshop to learn about Peruvian ancient and modern art. End your day at a local chicheria for a taste of a typical Inca drink in Peru called chicha.
Day 17: Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu
Location: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Mapi by Inkaterra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Board the Vistadome train that cuts a path through the picturesque Urubamba Valley bound for Aguas Calientes, the quaint town closest to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Ascend the mountainside through tropical forest to the sacred refuge of Machu Picchu. Your guide recounts the many accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century. Abandoned when the Inca Empire fell to the Spanish, these remarkable ruins remained undiscovered for nearly 400 years. For this reason, many of the mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu remain to this day.
Day 18: Machu Picchu,Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu, Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy some free time this morning to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes; perhaps visit the local market, quaint boutiques, or take a walk along nearby trails. Later this afternoon, return to Cusco on the Vistadome train to the former capital of the Inca Empire.
Day 19: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco that focuses on the city that was once the political, military, and cultural epicenter of the Incas. In fact, Inca foundations can still be found in Cusco, with the Spanish baroque structures built on top. Visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, where these two forms of architecture are melded together with the temple of both cultures atop one another. Also, see the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas before a visit to the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Some of the best examples of Inca masonry can be found at this fortress, where stones weighing up to 350 tons are pieced together to form a complex that could house up to 10,000 men. Learn about the ceremonies and battles that took place here on your tour. Roll up your sleeves to participate in a tree-planting project supporting the local community. Return to Cusco for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 20: Cusco,Puno
Location: Cusco, Puno
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, drive south to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Legend says the first Inca, Manco Capac, arose from the waters of the lake by the power of the sun god to create the Inca Empire.
Day 21: Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca
Location: Lake Titicaca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience fascinating Lake Titicaca today as you embark on a motorboat tour of the highest navigable lake in the world and its manmade islands. On Taquile Island, see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past. Continue to the Uros floating islands, a group of approximately 40 artificially made islands. Learn how the Uros people construct their islands, homes, boats, and many other resources completely of tortora reed, a centuries-old practice. Enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director this evening.
Day 22: Puno,Colca Canyon
Location: Puno, Colca Canyon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Standard Colca Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
This morning, depart Puno for a scenic drive to Colca Canyon. Enjoy scenery of Pre-Columbian terraces populated with vicuñas and a variety of birds before stopping for lunch in the town of Chivay. This afternoon, arrive in Colca Canyon. Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.
Day 23: Colca Canyon
Location: Colca Canyon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Standard Colca Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, join your Local Guide to spend time in the Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Visit Condors’ Cross, an observation point, where you can view the Andean condor in flight at eye level, followed by a visit to the town of Yanque. This afternoon is free for independent exploration.
Day 24: Colca Canyon,Arequipa
Location: Colca Canyon, Arequipa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Select Arequipa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to Arequipa located in the Chili River Valley and flanked by three snowcapped volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Known as the “white city,” Arequipa definitely does justice to its nickname, as its buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock found throughout the area. The stone embellishes the facades of the city’s homes and churches.
Day 25: Arequipa
Location: Arequipa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Select Arequipa
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, a city tour of Arequipa shows off the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral before visiting the Jesuit church, considered the best example of the mestizo baroque style. Continue to the residential districts of Yanahuara and Chilina, where you enjoy a magnificent view of Arequipa’s countryside and the Mount Misti volcano.
Day 26: Arequipa,Lima
Location: Arequipa, Lima
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Lima today.
Day 27: Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Guided Tours
Guided tours in various locations including Manaus, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Colca Canyon, and Arequipa.
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Transportation
Flights between major destinations and transportation to various tour locations are included.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including City of Cusco, Historic Center of Lima, Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa, and Iguazu National Park.
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Cruise Experience
Cruise down the Rio Negro to the Meeting of the Waters in the Amazon Jungle.
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Cultural Experiences
Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, explore both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguassu Falls, and tour Buenos Aires, including the Teatro Colón Opera House and Recoleta Cemetery.
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Inca Heritage
Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the village of Pisaq, and tour the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.
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Lake Titicaca
Experience Lake Titicaca and its manmade islands.
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Colca Canyon
Explore the Colca Canyon and view the Andean condor in flight.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as visiting the Bird Park in Iguassu Falls, a Tango show in Buenos Aires, and a local estancia in Buenos Aires are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Brazil, Argentina, and Peru are not included.
Meals
26 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 8 Dinners
UNESCO Sites
City of Cusco|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu|Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa|Iguazu National Park
Accommodation
Stay at a variety of accommodations including Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus, Ecopark Jungle Lodge, Windsor Plaza Copacabana, Recanto Park, Kenton Palace, Jose Antonio Lima Hotel, Sonesta Posadas del Inca, El Mapi by Inkaterra, Jose Antonio Cusco, Jose Antonio Puno, Casa Andina Standard Colca Hotel, and Casa Andina Select Arequipa. ...more ...less
Notes
Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge.
Guests should be in relatively good shape to visit Arequipa and Colca Canyon due to sustained high altitudes. Arequipa is approx. 7,808 feet and the road to Colca Valley has mountain passes which are approx. 16,000 ft. In Colca, where guests will overnight, the altitude is approx. 11,800 ft. Maximum elevation on this tour is approx. 16,000 ft.
For the Amazon adventure, guests should be prepared for eco-lodging due to their remote nature in the rainforest. Further, guests should be prepared for sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and have the ability to jump in/out of small watercrafts such as canoes and small fishing boats. Itinerary is subject to change in low or high-water situations.
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Mode of Transport
Transportation includes flights between major destinations and transfers to various tour locations, ensuring a seamless travel experience across South America.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the Amazon Jungle offer during the tour?
In the Amazon Jungle, you will have the opportunity to cruise down the Rio Negro to the Meeting of the Waters, marvel at the confluence of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões, and visit a jungle island with native flora and fauna. You can also enjoy a Naturalist-guided walk, visit an Amazon native Caboclo village, try piranha fishing, and explore the Monkey Jungle Reserve. ...more ...less
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What can I expect to see at Iguassu Falls?
At Iguassu Falls, you will visit both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. On the Brazilian side, you will see the 275 waterfalls cascading over a wide precipice and walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon. On the Argentine side, you will take a ride on the Ecological Jungle Train and walk above the falls to see the water crashing down into the Devil’s Throat. ...more ...less
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What activities are included in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
In the Sacred Valley, you will visit the village of Pisaq, explore the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, and visit a local home to experience traditional village life. You will also visit the Seminario Ceramics Workshop and taste a typical Inca drink called chicha at a local chicheria. ...more ...less
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What is the significance of Machu Picchu on this tour?
Machu Picchu is a highlight of the tour where you will ascend the mountainside through tropical forest to the sacred refuge. Your guide will recount the accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins, which were abandoned when the Inca Empire fell and remained undiscovered for nearly 400 years. ...more ...less
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What cultural experiences are offered in Cusco?
In Cusco, you will embark on a guided sightseeing tour that includes the Santo Domingo Monastery and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. You will also participate in a tree-planting project supporting the local community.
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What can I expect during the visit to Lake Titicaca?
During the visit to Lake Titicaca, you will embark on a motorboat tour of the lake and its manmade islands. You will visit Taquile Island and the Uros floating islands, learning about the Uros people's centuries-old practice of constructing islands, homes, and boats from tortora reed.
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What is unique about the Colca Canyon experience?
In Colca Canyon, you will join a Local Guide to explore the impressive geological formation, visit Condors’ Cross to view the Andean condor in flight, and visit the town of Yanque. The canyon is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Ultimate South America with Brazil's Amazon & Arequipa & Colca Canyon
27 Days Starting in Manaus, Brazil and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Manaus, Amazon Jungle, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, Arequipa ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1209-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided