Ultimate South America with Brazil's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Ultimate South America with Brazil's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise" for an unforgettable journey through the heart of South America. This tour takes you from the vibrant cityscapes of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro to the natural wonders of the Amazon Jungle and Iguassu Falls. Discover the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and explore the Sacred Valley's Inca heritage. Experience the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands with a 4-night cruise, visiting Española and Floreana Islands. Enjoy guided tours, naturalist-led excursions, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all while staying in comfortable accommodations. With included meals and transportation, this adventure promises a comprehensive exploration of South America's cultural and natural treasures. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Manaus,Brazil
Location: Manaus
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Name: Kenton Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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,Juliaca,Lima
Location: Puno, Juliaca, Lima
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
En route to Juliaca, stop at the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani. See the above-ground tombs, chullpas, in which the Aymara people buried their high priests. You will be welcomed into a local home for an inside look at life here. Fly to Lima and transfer to your hotel.
Day 23: Lima,Quito,Ecuador
Location: Lima, Quito
Accommodation Name: Grand Mercure Alameda (SAT)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Board a flight for Quito where you will be met by a Cosmos representative. Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.
Day 24: Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Grand Mercure Alameda (SAT)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Included sightseeing with a Local Guide showcases Quito’s treasures: Independence Plaza, the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and the Jesuit’s La Compania Church with its stunning golden altars.
Day 25: Quito,San Cristobal Island (Embarkation),Galápagos Cruising: San Cristobal Island
Location: Quito, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to San Cristobal. Embark the Galápagos Legend for a 4-night cruise. This afternoon, visit the Galápagos Darwin Interpretation Center with your expert Naturalist and learn about ongoing conservation of the archipelago, its history, ecosystems, flora, and fauna. Next, a walk to Tijeretas Hill brings you to a frigatebird nesting colony.
Day 26: Galápagos Cruising: Española Island
Location: Española Island, Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join your Naturalist for excursions to Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española Island, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Here, you will see the famous blowhole, as well as unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April-December), Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and Darwin’s finches.
Day 27: Galápagos Cruising: Floreana Island
Location: Floreana Island, Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, visit Post Office Bay, named for the wooden barrel that served as an informal post office for sailors passing through. Here, you may also encounter Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and lava lizards, and take advantage of another chance for great snorkeling. This afternoon, visit Cormorant Point to see a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galápagos. The trail continues to a beautiful white-sand beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific sea turtles. Enjoy a chance to snorkel among sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions, and even white-tipped reef sharks.
Day 28: Galápagos Cruising: Santa Cruz Island
Location: Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, visit Dragon Hill, where you will find a brackish lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the archipelago, as well as the chance to see land iguanas. A special treat is in store for you this afternoon at Punta Bowditch. Be one of the first people to visit this new site on Santa Cruz Island! Relax on a powdery beach, snorkel around turquoise water islets and hike beside salt pools and dried white corals. This area is also a common nesting site for marine turtles.
Day 29: Galápagos Cruising: Santa Cruz,Baltra (Disembarkation),Guayaquil
Location: Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Baltra Island, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil
Accommodation Name: Unipark Hotel Guayaquil
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark and head into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve. See and learn about the conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species found here. Continue to the airport and fly to Guayaquil. Tonight is at leisure.
Day 30: Guayaquil
Location: Guayaquil
Accommodation Name: Unipark Hotel Guayaquil
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Guided Tours
Guided sightseeing tours in various locations including Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Quito, and the Galapagos Islands.
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Transportation
Flights between major destinations including Manaus, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Juliaca, Quito, and the Galapagos Islands.
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Cruise
4-night cruise on the Galápagos Legend with excursions to various islands.
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Naturalist Guides
Naturalist-guided walks and excursions in the Amazon Jungle and the Galapagos Islands.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the City of Cusco, City of Quito, Galapagos Islands, Historic Center of Lima, Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and Iguazu National Park.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as a visit to the Bird Park in Iguassu Falls and a trip to a local estancia in Buenos Aires are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages not listed in the inclusions are not covered.
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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 and other entry/exit fees are not included.
Meals
29 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 12 Dinners
UNESCO Sites
City of Cusco|City of Quito|Galapagos Islands|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu|Iguazu National Park
Accommodation
Stay at a variety of hotels including Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus, Ecopark Jungle Lodge, Windsor Plaza Copacabana, Recanto Park, Kenton Palace, Jose Antonio Lima Hotel, Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay, El Mapi by Inkaterra, Jose Antonio Cusco, Jose Antonio Puno, Grand Mercure Alameda, and Unipark Hotel Guayaquil. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes flights between major destinations such as Manaus, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Juliaca, Quito, and the Galapagos Islands, along with a 4-night cruise on the Galápagos Legend.
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. Maximum elevation on this tour is 12,200 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.
In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven. Itinerary in the Galápagos are subject to change.
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Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Amazon Jungle excursion?
During the Amazon Jungle excursion, you can expect to see a variety of native flora and fauna, including primates like spider, squirrel, woolly, and capuchin monkeys at the Monkey Jungle Reserve. You may also have the opportunity to try piranha fishing and observe small alligators and other night creatures during a canoe trip. ...more ...less
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What activities are included during the visit to 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 can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?
At Machu Picchu, you will board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and ascend the mountainside to the sacred refuge. A guide will recount the accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century. You will have time to explore the site and learn about its history and mysteries. ...more ...less
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What is the experience like on the Galápagos Islands cruise?
The Galápagos Islands cruise includes a 4-night stay on the Galápagos Legend with excursions to various islands. You will visit the Galápagos Darwin Interpretation Center, see unique sea bird colonies on Española Island, and explore Post Office Bay on Floreana Island. You will also have opportunities for snorkeling and observing wildlife such as flamingos, sea turtles, and land iguanas. ...more ...less
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
Cultural experiences include visiting an Amazon native Caboclo village to learn about their traditions, exploring the historic city of Buenos Aires with its famous landmarks, and visiting a local estancia to experience the life of gauchos. In Cusco, you will participate in a tree-planting project supporting the local community. ...more ...less
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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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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
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Ultimate South America with Brazil's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise
30 Days Starting in Manaus, Brazil and ending in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Visiting: Manaus, Amazon Jungle, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Juliaca, Quito, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands, Española Island, Galapagos Islands, Floreana Island, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Baltra Island, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1208-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99