South American Discovery with Brazil's Amazon & Galápagos Cruise

South American Discovery with Brazil's Amazon & Galápagos Cruise

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27 Days From

$14653

$14277

South American Discovery with Brazil's Amazon & Galápagos Cruise

27 Days Starting in Manaus, Brazil and ending in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Visiting: Manaus, Amazon Jungle, Rio De Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Ranch Life, Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands, Española Island, Galapagos Islands, Floreana Island, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra (Disembarkation), Guayaquil

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

SDY-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Cruise

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $14653 $14277 Operator discount: -$376

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "South American Discovery with Brazil's Amazon & Galápagos Cruise" tour, exploring the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and Peru. Begin your adventure in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where you'll cruise the Rio Negro and visit indigenous villages. Experience the iconic sights of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Marvel at the majestic Iguassu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Discover the charm of Buenos Aires, the history of Lima, and the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu. Conclude your journey with a captivating Galápagos cruise, encountering unique wildlife and pristine beaches. This tour promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from bustling cities to serene natural wonders.

Highlights

  • - Cruise on the Rio Negro to its confluence with the Rio Solimões, forming the Amazon River.

  • - Explore a jungle island with native flora and fauna in the Amazon Jungle.

  • - Visit an Amazon native Caboclo Village and try piranha fishing.

  • - Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro for spectacular city views.

  • - Visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

  • - Experience the breathtaking Iguassu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides.

  • - Explore the historic and vibrant districts of Buenos Aires, including La Boca and San Telmo.

  • - Discover the ancient Inca sites in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

  • - Visit the Tortoise Reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos.

Places You'll See

Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus

Ecopark Jungle Lodge

Hilton Rio Copacabana

Bourbon Cataratas Hotel

Hotel Alvear Icon

Hotel Pullman Miraflores

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel And Villas

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Hilton Colon Quito (Sat)

Hilton Colon Guayaquil - Sat

Christ The Redeemer

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Manaus,Brazil

Location: Manaus

Accommodation Name: Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus

Meals Included: Dinner

Upon arrival, you will be met by your Globus representative. Please note: you will meet your Tour Director in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2: Manaus,Amazon Jungle

Location: Manaus

Accommodation Name: Ecopark Jungle Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

MANAUS–AMAZON JUNGLE Rivers of Life Today your “Meeting of the Waters” tour passes the impressive British-built Customs House and the floating port. Cruise on the chocolate-hued Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-gray Rio Solimões, where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles the different bodies of water flow side by side and never mix! After lunch, explore a jungle island (water level permitting) with native flora and fauna. Arrive at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazonian rainforest. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Stay in the Amazon Reserve on the banks of the Rio Negro at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge. Originally created as a scientific research facility, it has opened its doors to guest and invites them to stay in the rainforest surrounded by dense jungle, waterways, medicinal plants and a monkey rehabilitation facility. Bungalows feature air-conditioning, private bath, balcony, and a minibar. Each day spent here brings new adventures from guided nature walks, indigenous community visits, piranha fishing, to night-time canoe rides and much more.

Day 3: Amazon Jungle

Location: Amazon Jungle

Accommodation Name: Ecopark Jungle Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AMAZON JUNGLE Monkey Business Accompanied by a Naturalist, enjoy a 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 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 a canoe with your Naturalist to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night, with the possibility to spot small alligators (or other nocturnal creatures). (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCONSERVATION HEROES During your stay at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge you will have the chance to visit its Monkey Jungle Reserve, created in 1991 to rescue animals from illegal trade. Here, the rescued animals are evaluated and treated by veterinarians and rehabilitated to be reintroduced into the wild. At feeding time, you will have the opportunity to see these animals up close in a safe environment.

Day 4: Amazon Jungle,Manaus,Rio De Janeiro

Location: Manaus

Accommodation Name: Hilton Rio Copacabana

Meals Included: Breakfast

AMAZON JUNGLE–MANAUS–RIO DE JANEIRO Brazilian Boomtown This morning, depart the Ecopark for Manaus. Take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the city’s vestiges of its glory days during the rubber boom. See the famed Opera House, built in 1896 with materials imported from Europe. Visit a local market, abundant with local foods and wares. Continue to the airport for your flight to Rio and an overnight stay. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITIONS Experience an authentic local market in Manaus. See the fresh fish brought in daily, fruit, spices, and indigenous medicines all locally sourced from the Amazon Basin.

Day 5: Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio De Janeiro

Accommodation Name: Hilton Rio Copacabana

Meals Included: Breakfast

RIO DE JANEIRO Reaching New Heights After free time this morning, meet your Tour Director at 3:30pm for a drive to the base of 1,300-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain. Ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can take in spectacular vistas of the city. Next, toast the start of a memorable vacation with [LF] caipirinhas, a traditional Brazilian cocktail, during a cocktail party. (B)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits atop Sugarloaf Mountain overlooking Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views followed by a private cocktail party with your fellow travel companions. Toast with a traditional caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with fresh lime, cachaça, and sugar. Deliciosa!

Day 6: Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio De Janeiro

Accommodation Name: Hilton Rio Copacabana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

RIO DE JANEIRO Heavenly Views The city’s landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns Corcovado Mountain, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From here, proceed to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambodromo and visit the Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure for you to experience this vibrant city on your own. Tonight, it’s a fun outing to a churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Soar to the summit of Corcovado Mountain by cog railway to reach the site of the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. This crowning jewel of Rio and Brazil was constructed between 1922 and 1933. The statue of Jesus Christ stands 98 feet high (124 feet including the pedestal) with an arm span of 92 feet wide. Towering over the city, this piece of art is truly an engineering marvel and was voted a New7Wonders of the World.

Day 7: Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio De Janeiro

Accommodation Name: Hilton Rio Copacabana

Meals Included: Breakfast

RIO DE JANEIRO Beaches, Boutiques & Bites A full day at leisure to enjoy Rio. Relax on one of the world-famous beaches or take advantage of the world-class shopping or fine dining. (B)FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Spend free time in Rio de Janeiro with an optional excursion to Petropolis, (mountain resort and former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II). This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO app.

Day 8: Rio De Janeiro,Iguassu Falls

Location: Iguassu Falls

Accommodation Name: Bourbon Cataratas Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS What a Rush! A flight from Rio takes you to Iguassu Falls. Experience the clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth that make this an unforgettable natural wonder. Head into Brazil’s Iguassu National Park to enjoy the magnificent panorama of waterfalls from the Brazilian side. Your Local Guide introduces the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide rushing torrent. With some cataracts as high as 250 feet, Iguassu Falls is nothing short of hypnotic! (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Explore incredible Iguassu National Park (Brazilian side) and walk the pathways skirting Iguassu Falls. Watch for amazing wildlife in this protected area, including toucans, agoutis, giant otters, anteaters, tapir, and even jaguars!

Day 9: Iguassu Falls

Location: Iguassu Falls

Accommodation Name: Bourbon Cataratas Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

IGUASSU FALLS Taking the Plunge Today, journey across the Brazilian border by motorcoach to the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls, where you will enjoy a closer perspective on a walking tour of the falls. Meander along the walkways from atop the falls and enjoy an exhilarating view looking over the precipice of the falls as the water plunges to the rocks below. You will also have the chance to walk through the rainforest on the lower falls trails that will bring you up close to some of the smaller cataracts. Return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Visit Iguassu National Park (Argentinian side) where, from this side of the falls, you get a bird’s-eye view from the catwalks perched over part of the Devil’s Throat, where 14 waterfalls drop more than 300 feet into the Devil’s Gorge below. From this completely different perspective compared to Brazil’s side, you’ll understand why you must see both sides of the falls!

Day 10: Iguassu Falls,Buenos Aires,Argentina

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation Name: Hotel Alvear ICON

Meals Included: Breakfast

IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA The Boulevards of Buenos Aires 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. After arriving, acquaint yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS Elegant European architecture, epicurean cuisine, and a café culture to rival any rue de Paris, Buenos Aires is a city of leisurely afternoons sipping café con leche or the choicest Argentinian wines.

Day 11: Buenos Aires

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation Name: Hotel Alvear ICON

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

BUENOS AIRES Dining, Dancing, Dazzling Your included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a vibrant district and site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique enclave at the mouth of the river and then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and as a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Teatro Colón opera house before reaching Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón. After an afternoon at leisure, top off the evening at a famous Tango club. Start with a [LF] dance lesson, followed by dinner of Argentine steaks and other local specialties, and end with a show featuring flawless performances of Latin America’s most sensuous dance—the Tango! (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS Like two dancers entwined in perfect sync, the Tango and Argentina go hand in hand. Tonight, feel the passion of this iconic dance at a local milonga (Tango house), where professional tango dancers teach you the traditional techniques of the Argentine Tango. After learning some of the key dance moves, the professionals will delight you in Tango Show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages. Plus, dine on Argentine specialties and wine too!

Day 12: Buenos Aires Ranch Life

Location: Buenos Aires Ranch Life

Accommodation Name: Hotel Alvear ICON

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

BUENOS AIRES Ranch Life Today, head into the heart of the pampas (grasslands) and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of rural, country life at a working Argentina estancia (ranch). After a traditional welcome with empanadas and local beverages, get acquainted with the lifestyle of real gauchos (cowboys) on a carriage ride through the pampas. Later, at lunch, enjoy an authentic feast, complete with world-renowned Argentine beef, salad, desserts, and live music and dance by the gauchos themselves. Top off the day with an equestrian demonstration by the gauchos before saying adios to the countryside and heading back to the city. (B,L) LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Argentinean Estancias date back to the 16th Century during Spanish colonization when conquistadors where gifted land to raise and breed cattle. Today, these lands and traditions that go along with them have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, you step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinian heritage.

Day 13: Buenos Aires,Lima,Peru

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores

Meals Included: Breakfast

BUENOS AIRES–LIMA, PERU Adiós, Argentina. Hola, Peru! After a morning at leisure to enjoy Buenos Aires on your own, fly to Lima, the capital of Peru located on the country’s arid Pacific Coast. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMECULTURAL TREASURE Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima is a modern melting pot of food fusion, fashion, and fascinating finds in art, culture, and architecture. From the central square of Plaza Mayor to the ceviche and pisco sours to tempt the palate, you’ll find feasts for the eyes and the appetite in this capital city of Peru.

Day 14: Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

LIMA Legendary Lima Your city sightseeing tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. See the 18th-century San Francisco Monastery with its unique cloisters, Government Palace, and the cathedral situated around the vast Plaza de Armas. Tonight, visit the [LF] Larco Herrera Museum, which houses the largest private collection of Pre-Columbian Peruvian art in the world. Enjoy dinner at the museum’s restaurant. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE ART & ARCHITECTURE This evening, an exclusive guided tour of Lima’s Larco Herrera Museum, on the site of a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid, introduces you to the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art. See 5,000 years of art, artifacts, and archaeological treasures followed by a special dinner in the beautiful Peruvian café here.

Day 15: Lima,Cusco,Sacred Valley

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY Empire of the Andes Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages, and see the ancient site of Puca Pucara. Also, in the Sacred Valley, experience an [LF] El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman. Continue to Pisaq, a historic mountain village and famous market. Here, [LF] taste an empanada and enjoy free time to shop for local wares, such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases at its famous market. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Feel the earth, smell the coca leaves, and taste the chicha today as you make payment to Mother Earth. Participate in an El Pago a la Tierra, an ancient ceremony led by a shaman thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health, wealth, and safe travels. These mystical ceremonies have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas.

Day 16: Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU Mystery on the Mountain This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by [LF] a visit to a local home, meet some of the area’s families, and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. Tonight, learn how to make the perfect Pisco Sour at a Peruvian cooking demonstration before your included dinner. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITETIMELESS TRADITIONS Today, you are invited into a local family’s home in the Sacred Valley. Learn about their traditions like weaving that has been passed down for centuries from ancestors. See how they cook, live, sleep, work, and maybe ask about the cuy (guinea pigs), they keep in their house.ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHTThe Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, named one of South America’s best hotels and the recipient of the Rainforest Alliance sustainability certification is located at the foot of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu near the beautiful Vilcanota River, and offers impressive views of the mountains and landscapes. A hotel with a contemporary Andean style inspired by the ancient Peruvian cultures, offering personalized luxury service and innovative Peruvian cuisine. Offering regional gastronomy experiences, the Sumaq uses local ingredients in partnership with communities located high in the Andes, such as Quishuarcancha, Parcaraqui, and Huatata in Chinchero, as well as the small community of Ccorca that is home to fewer than 200 people.

Day 17: Machu Picchu,Cusco

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO Here Comes the Sun A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & MYSTERY Staying overnight in Machu Picchu allows you to rise early and experience the ruins at their most pristine before the crowds arrive. Watch as the mist slowly burns off and the sun rays illuminate the ruins. While you are there, you may even want to try and get a selfie with one of the local llamas or alpacas!

Day 18: Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

CUSCO Sun Worship & Spanish Conquests On your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in 1550 and was finally completed 100 years later. Continue to Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery and see how the two sites have become one. The Temple of the Sun at Koricancha was once the most important Inca site, dedicated to the worship of the Sun. The walls, altars, and decorations were all said to be covered in gold—until the Spaniards looted the temple and then built the contrasting Baroque Santo Domingo Monastery on top of the temple’s foundations. Also, visit the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore on your own. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Built in the 15th Century by the Incas, the Temple of Sacsayhuaman complex is considered to be one of the Inca’s greatest architectural creations. It is believed the site was originally constructed as a ceremonial site and later a fortress when the Spanish invaded. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. During your guided tour, learn some of the theories on how the massive stones used were carved, carried, and placed.

Day 19: Cusco,Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores

Meals Included: Breakfast

CUSCO–LIMA Hasta Luego, Cusco A short morning flight returns you to Lima. For a special treat, make a stop at a local [LF] Peruvian food market to get a real taste of the life of the local people. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Stop for a real taste of Peru at a local market. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetable that aren’t found in other parts of the world. You can also find spices, meats, seafood, and even a souvenir or two. And you’ll definitely want to take some photos of the beautiful, brightly hued displays.

Day 20: Lima,Quito,Ecuador

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR Welcome to Quito! Fly to Quito, where you will be met by a Globus representative. Free time this evening. (B)Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary. TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Centrally located across from the nightly craft market in El Ejido Park and near the Casa de la Cultura Museum, the Hilton Colon Quito is the ideal spot for your time in Quito. Amenities include a fitness facility, spa, pool, 3 restaurants and bars.

Day 21: Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

QUITO Quintessential Quito On an included city tour with a Local Guide, see Independence Square with its Cathedral and San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Ecuador’s capital city of San Francisco de Quito stands on the ruins of an Inca city as one of the largest and best-preserved historic landmarks in the Americas. Here, a monument marks "Mitad del Mundo" (the middle of the world)–very fitting as Ecuador is Spanish for equator. You’ll be in the middle of it all in Independence Square, called Plaza Grande by the locals, in the historic city reaching an altitude of 2,850m in the foothills of the Andes.

Day 22: Quito,San Cristobal Island (Embarkation),Galápagos Cruising

Location: San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

QUITO–SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING Adventure on the Horizon Take a morning flight to San Cristobal, one of the remote Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, board the Galápagos Legend for your 4-night cruise. On San Cristobal, visit the Interpretation Center with your Naturalist and learn about ongoing conservation of the archipelago, its history, ecosystems, flora, and. Next, a walk to Tijeretas Hill brings you to a frigatebird nesting colony and beautiful views of the bay below. (B,L,D)NOTE: Itinerary in the Galápagos are subject to change. TOUR HIGHLIGHTSHIP SPOTLIGHT The M/V Galapagos Legend, with a capacity for 100 guests, has the charm of The Enchanted Islands. With her three different decks, the Galapagos Legend offers a great variety of comfortable and spacious social areas without losing a sense of intimacy. The ship features a restaurant serving fresh international and local cuisine, outdoor BBQ area, a lounge with full bar, 24-hour snack and coffee station, a pool bar, Jacuzzi, pool, boutique, science corner, fitness facility, auditorium, library, glass bottom boat, kayaks, and doctor’s office. On top of the numerous amenities, the Galapagos Legend has the top Naturalists in the archipelago who will lead you on every excursion and bring the islands to life!

Day 23: Cruising: Española Island

Location: Española Island, Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CRUISING: ESPAÑOLA ISLAND Survival of the Fittest Join your Naturalist guide for excursions to Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española Island, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. At Gardner Bay, see one of the most stunning beaches in all of Galapagos that is home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions and offers a great place to snorkel. You will also see the Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this island, along with Darwin Finches. Next, on Punta Suárez, you will find a slew of marine iguanas and sea lions that greet you upon landing. From there, come into close encounters of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, endemic lizards, gulls and even a dramatic blow hole. On this island, it is your only opportunity to see the endemic waved albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, we can watch their complex courtship display. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWONDERS OF NATURE Española Island is an ecological laboratory all its own as one of the oldest of the Galápagos islands -some 400 million years old. Española is home to a variety of Darwin’s finches here – an inspiration for the scientist’s research into evolution. Nearly identical to mainland finches in every way but their beaks, these tiny birds played an enormous role in Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection, concluding their unique assortments of beaks had adapted over time for the species to survive in this strange landscape.

Day 24: Cruising: Floreana Island

Location: Floreana Island, Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CRUISING: FLOREANA ISLAND Kaleidoscope of Life 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 to snorkel. 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 at Devil’s Crown, an eroded volcanic cone, home to sea turtles, reef fish, spotted eagle rays, sea lions, and even white-tipped reef sharks. You may also see boobies, noddies, tropicbirds and frigates roosting nearby. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL ATTRACTION Pink flamingos, blue-footed boobies, red-breasted frigate birds, great blue herons, and green sea turtle are just a few of the creatures that make up a kaleidoscope of life along the white and green sands of Floreana’s Cormorant Point. Hike, snorkel, or simply gaze upon this extraordinary island sanctuary.

Day 25: Cruising: Santa Cruz Island

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND A View from the Top This morning, visit Dragon Hill, where you will find a brackish lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and flamingos. Further inland, the trail heads up the hill and 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. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTWHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE Recently added as a visitor site in the Galápagos archipelago, Punta Bowditch is an undiscovered treasure on Santa Cruz. The white-sand beach is the perfect place to snorkel in search of colorful reef fish, turtles, and much more!

Day 26: Cruising: Santa Cruz,Baltra (Disembarkation),Guayaquil

Location: Baltra (Disembarkation)

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

Meals Included: Breakfast

CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)–GUAYAQUIL Gentle Giants Drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and visit the Tortoise Reserve where giant tortoises are found in their natural habitat. 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. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCONSERVATION HEROES Visit the Tortoise Reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to many wild Galápagos giant tortoises. Here, these magnificent creatures wander the pastures in their native habitat. The population is booming mainly because they are completely protected here.

Day 27: Guayaquil

Location: Guayaquil

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at various hotels including Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus, Ecopark Jungle Lodge, Hilton Rio Copacabana, Bourbon Cataratas Hotel, Hotel Alvear ICON, Hotel Pullman Miraflores, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Hilton Colon Quito, and Hilton Colon Guayaquil.

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast, selected lunches, and dinners are included throughout the tour.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided sightseeing tours in various locations including Manaus, Amazon Jungle, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Quito, and the Galápagos Islands.

  • Transportation

    Flights between major destinations and transportation within cities and to various tour sites.

  • Special Activities

    Special activities such as a visit to the Monkey Jungle Reserve, a churrascaria dinner in Rio, a tango lesson and show in Buenos Aires, and a Peruvian cooking demonstration.

  • Cruise

    4-night cruise on the Galápagos Legend with guided excursions to various islands.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to various attractions and national parks including Iguassu National Park, Machu Picchu, and the Galápagos Islands.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks not included in the itinerary.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and activities not included in the main itinerary.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and other entry/exit fees are not included.

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 water crafts 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.

UNESCO Sites

City of Cusco|City of Quito|Galapagos Islands|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu|Iguazu National Park

Accommodation

Manaus: Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus, Brazilian Amazon: Ecopark Jungle Lodge, Rio de Janeiro: Hilton Rio Copacabana, Iguassu Falls: Bourbon Cataratas Hotel, Buenos Aires: Hotel Alvear ICON, Lima: Hotel Pullman Miraflores, Sacred Valley: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas, Machu Picchu: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Cusco: Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Quito: Hilton Colon Quito (SAT), Guayaquil: Hilton Colon Guayaquil - SAT

Meals

26 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 14 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Amazon Jungle?

    In the Amazon Jungle, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including native flora and fauna, primates like spider, squirrel, woolly, and capuchin monkeys at the Monkey Jungle Reserve, and possibly small alligators or other nocturnal creatures during night-time canoe rides.

  • What activities are included during the stay at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge?

    During your stay at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge, you can enjoy guided nature walks, visits to indigenous communities, piranha fishing, and night-time canoe rides. The lodge also features a monkey rehabilitation facility.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Iguassu Falls?

    At Iguassu Falls, you will experience the magnificent panorama of waterfalls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. You will see the falls from various perspectives, including a bird’s-eye view from catwalks perched over part of the Devil’s Throat. You may also walk through the rainforest on the lower falls trails.

  • What unique experiences are offered in Buenos Aires?

    In Buenos Aires, you will visit vibrant districts like La Boca and San Telmo, see historic sites such as La Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral, and enjoy a Tango club experience with a dance lesson, dinner of Argentine steaks, and a Tango show.

  • What is included in the visit to Machu Picchu?

    At Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the intact fortress, including its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. You will also have a second entrance to the ruins to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu.

  • What can I expect during the Galápagos cruise?

    During the Galápagos cruise, you will visit various islands including San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, and Santa Cruz. Activities include visiting the Interpretation Center, snorkeling, seeing unique wildlife like marine iguanas, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies, and exploring sites like Dragon Hill and the Tortoise Reserve.

  • What kind of accommodations are provided during the tour?

    Accommodations include stays at Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus, Ecopark Jungle Lodge, Hilton Rio Copacabana, Bourbon Cataratas Hotel, Hotel Alvear ICON, Hotel Pullman Miraflores, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Hilton Colon Quito, and Hilton Colon Guayaquil.

  • What are some of the highlights of the city tour in Lima?

    The city tour in Lima includes visits to the 18th-century San Francisco Monastery, Government Palace, the cathedral around Plaza de Armas, and the Larco Herrera Museum, which houses the largest private collection of Pre-Columbian Peruvian art.

  • What special activities are included in the Sacred Valley?

    In the Sacred Valley, you will visit the Kenko Amphitheater, Puca Pucara, and experience an El Pago a la Tierra ceremony performed by a local shaman. You will also visit a local home to meet families and experience their way of life, and taste an empanada at the Pisaq market.

  • What is the significance of the visit to the Tortoise Reserve in the Galápagos?

    The visit to the Tortoise Reserve in the Galápagos is significant as it allows you to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and learn about the conservation and breeding programs aimed at protecting these endangered species.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Operator discount: -$376

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Nov 05, 2026 - Dec 01, 2026
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Operator discount: -$564

Prices last published on 24-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus 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.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus 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.

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