Itinerary Details
The Best Of Brazil & Argentina With Brazil's Amazon
Day 1: MANAUS, BRAZIL Welcome to the capital of the Amazonas region where you will be met by a Cosmos representative. Located in the dense Amazon Jungle area, Manaus preserves images of its opulent past and is still a major port—even 1,000 miles inland!
Please note: You will meet your Tour Director in Rio de Janeiro.
Day 2: MANAUS–AMAZON JUNGLE Cruise down the Rio Negro past riverside communities to the famed Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Rio Negro and milky Rio Solimões flow side by side to form the Amazon. Arrive this afternoon at an ecolodge nestled along the Rio Negro in the rainforest. Tonight, enjoy a guided caiman spotting float, drifting through silent waterways beneath a brilliant canopy of stars in one of the world’s darkest night skies. (B,L,D)
Please note: The itinerary in the Amazon is subject to favorable weather conditions and water levels. When conditions are unfavorable (draught season is generally September – November), alternative eco-lodging and excursions will be provided.
Day 3: AMAZON JUNGLE Join an expert Naturalist for a guided walk through the Amazon rainforest, where you’ll encounter an astonishing diversity of wildlife—from colorful macaws to medicinal plants, giant trees, and hidden insects that play a vital role in the ecosystem. Later, cruise upriver with a Caboclo local and gain insight into their traditions, culture, and deep connection to the river and surrounding rainforest. (B,L,D)
Day 4: AMAZON JUNGLE–RIO DE JANEIRO This morning, leave the ecolodge for a tour of Manaus, including the famed Opera House—completed in 1896 after 15 years of construction—and a local market. Then continue to the airport for your flight to Rio. (B)
Day 5: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro! Enjoy a day to rest from your Amazon adventure or explore Rio on your own. Your Tour Director will have tips for your free time. (B)
Day 6: RIO DE JANEIRO Sprawling between majestic granite peaks and the blue South Atlantic, Rio is a city of beauty, wonder, and energy. Guided sightseeing with a Local Guide begins with a drive along Rio’s famed Leblon, Ipanema, and more. Take the cog railway 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovada to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and enjoy 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay and the bustling city below. The famed statue was completed in 1931 becoming emblematic for both the city and the Brazilian nation as a whole. Your afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. (B)
Day 7: RIO DE JANEIRO A free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the famous beaches or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Petropolis to see the former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II. (B)
Day 8: RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS A morning flight takes you to Iguassu Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Upon arrival, journey to the Brazilian side of the falls to see the mammoth series of 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thundering roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience! (B,D)
Day 9: IGUASSU FALLS. EXCURSION TO IGUASSU FALLS, ARGENTINA Cross the Brazilian border by motorcoach and visit the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls. A series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down into the Devil’s Throat. Return to Brazil’s side of Iguassu Falls for free time, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds, as well as flora from the area. (B)
Day 10: IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA This morning, cross the Brazilian border into Argentina by motorcoach to transfer to the Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafés, and charming shops. (B)
Day 11: BUENOS AIRES Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city’s landmarks, including the Teatro Colón Opera House and Plaza de Mayo, site of La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), and Metropolitan Cathedral. Also, visit La Boca and San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods, and Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón is buried. Tonight, your evening is free. You may wish to explore one of the many vibrant restaurants or join an optional excursion for an Argentinean meal and sensuous Tango show highlighting the alluring dance that is so popular here. (B)
Day 12: BUENOS AIRES Today is free for independent activities, or you can take an optional excursion to visit a local estancia (ranch) to experience the life of the gauchos (cowboys), as well as traditional dance performances and a barbecue lunch. (B)
Day 13: BUENOS AIRES Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)