Showing 2021 season
Overview
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Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, and Cusco. Take the cog railway 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovado Mountain to see the infamous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio; visit Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón is buried, in Buenos Aires; explore the 18th-century Cathedral in Santiago; visit Lima's 11th-century San Francisco Monastery; and explore Cusco’s Cathedral, with its important collection of artwork. Also, enjoy a spectacular Tango show in Buenos Aires. You’ll also have a free day in Rio, Buenos Aires, and Santiago to explore on your own.
Tour highlights include Iguassu Falls and Machu Picchu. Witness Iguassu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. You'll marvel at the 275 waterfalls spanning almost two miles, the thundering roar of the falls, and the 180-degree rainbows that surround you. At Machu Picchu, stand in awe as you witness these 15th-century ruins and learn about the Incas' accomplishments. Set in a majestic setting, it is nothing short of spectacular!
While in Peru, you'll also visit other Inca ruins, including Ollantaytambo and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, where you'll see an amazing example of Inca masonry. You’ll also have a chance to visit an Indian market, a local's home and to learn why camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) are important for Inca cultures.
Historic sites, beautiful scenery, vibrant cities, and time to explore on your own—all of this and much more await you on this value-minded South America tour. It's a vacation of a lifetime!
Small Group Discovery
Each Cosmos South America tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted vacation, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Highlights
Guided sightseeing, visit Corcovado to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer
IGUASSU FALLS Guided sightseeing of the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of the falls; Ecological Jungle train ride
BUENOS AIRES Guided sightseeing, visit Recoleta Cemetery; Tango show and dinner
SANTIAGO Guided sightseeing, visit the Cathedral
LIMA Guided sightseeing, visit San Francisco Monastery
SACRED VALLEY Guided sightseeing of Awanakancha and Pisac Indian Market; Visit Ollantaytambo, a local home, Seminario Ceramics Workshop, and a chicheria
MACHU PICCHU Vistadome train to Machu Picchu; Guided sightseeing of the Machu Picchu ruins; stay overnight in Machu Picchu region
CUSCO Guided sightseeing, visit Santo Domingo Monastery, the Cathedral, and Sacsayhuaman, see Kenko and Puca Pucara
2021 Tour itinerary
Total meals included:
- 19 breakfasts, 7 dinners
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Day1
Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro! Check in to your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free-time exploration.
RIO DE JANEIRO
Day2
Sprawling between majestic granite peaks and the blue South Atlantic, Rio is a city of beauty, wonder, and energy. Guided sightseeing begins with a drive along Rio’s famed Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana beaches. Take the cog railway 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovado to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay and the bustling city below. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
RIO DE JANEIRO
Day3
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 to see the former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS
Day4
A morning flight takes you to Iguassu Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. 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, thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience!
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
IGUASSU FALLS
Day5
Cross the border for a visit to the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the rainforest. A series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down into the Devil’s Throat. Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds as well as flora from the area.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Day6
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, an orientation tour familiarizes you with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafés, and charming shops.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
BUENOS AIRES
Day7
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. End your day with an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous Tango show.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
BUENOS AIRES
Day8
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
BUENOS AIRES–SANTIAGO, CHILE
Day9
Fly over the majestic Andes to Santiago, Chile’s scenic capital between the Pacific and the Andes. With a coastline more than 2,650 miles long, Chile is more than 10 times longer than it is wide. With a distinctly European flavor accented with Latin flair, Santiago is one of South America’s most sophisticated and modern cities.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
SANTIAGO
Day10
Your guided city tour introduces you to Santiago—the country’s political, commercial, and cultural capital. View La Moneda Government Palace and San Cristobal Hill with its landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. Also see Club Hipico, one of the most renowned horse-racing tracks in South America. Your tour ends at the city’s main square, Plaza de Armas, with a visit to the relic-filled Cathedral. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, consider the optional Chilean Folkloric Dinner Show.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
SANTIAGO
Day11
Today, enjoy a day at leisure. A trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar is highly recommended. A leisurely drive through the countryside and vineyards delivers you to Valparaiso, a city of 42 hills and the inspiration of many artists and poets. On to the chic seaside resort of Viña del Mar, full of unusual architecture and beautiful gardens. This evening, enjoy dinner on your final night in Santiago.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
SANTIAGO–LIMA, PERU.
Day12
Board a flight for Lima, Peru. Heralded as the “City of Kings” by Spanish conquistadors, Lima retains vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIMA.
Day13
Sightseeing today focuses on Lima’s colonial heritage. Visit the 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 the cathedral where the founder of Lima, Francisco Pizarro’s, remains are buried.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY.
Day14
Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley. Stop at Awanakancha and learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca cultures. Continue to Pisac, a charming village with a famous Indian market—a great place to buy souvenirs! Later, arrive at your hotel nestled in the Sacred Valley.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
SACRED VALLEY.
Day15
Visit the village of 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. Next, visit a local Inca home to see life in a traditional village, which has been remarkably well preserved. Also, 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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU.
Day16
Board the Vistadome train that cuts a path through the Urubamba Valley bound for Aguas Calientes, the town closest to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Ascend the mountainside to the sacred refuge of Machu Picchu. Your guide recounts the many accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the ruins dating back to the 15th century.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO.
Day17
This morning, enjoy some free time to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes; perhaps visit the local market, quaint boutiques, or take a walk along nearby trails. Later, return to Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CUSCO.
Day18
A guided sightseeing tour of Cusco focuses on the city that was once the political, military, and cultural epicenter of the Incas. Visit Santo Domingo Monastery and the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, which houses a magnificent collection of artwork. Continue to the hillside overlooking Cusco for a visit to the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Also, see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara before returning to Cusco.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
CUSCO–LIMA.
Day19
A short flight brings you back to Lima. Transfer to your hotel, and enjoy time to explore the city.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIMA.
Day20
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Extend your stay
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
First-Class
Perfectly positioned on the beaches of the Copacabana in Rio, the Windsor Excelsior welcomes guests through a softly lit lobby and provides exceptional accommodations. With a restaurant serving International fare with Brazilian flourishes, the rooftop pool and poolside bar, and complimentary towels, umbrellas and lounge chairs for use on Copacabana Beach, the Excelsior provides all of the details and services you'd expect for the perfect stay in Rio de Janeiro.
Location
Av. Atlantica, 1800 Copacabana, Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Bar/Lounge
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
- Pool
- ATM
- Parking/Valet
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Spa Services
- Currency Exchange
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Pay Movies
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Mini-bar
- Television
- Window Opens
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Climate Control
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Daily Housekeeping
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Alarm Clock
- Phone
- Voicemail
Recanto Park
First-Class
Recanto Park features spectacular architecture that is integrated with the natural exuberance of an area set aside as a native conservation area. With sophisticated surroundings, comfortable guestrooms, and a wide variety of amenities, guests will enjoy a relaxing stay in Iguassu Falls.
Location
Av Costa e Silva 3500, Iguassu Falls, Brazil
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Fitness Room
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Beauty Salon
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Internet Access
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Wake-Up Calls
- Daily Housekeeping
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Climate Control
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
Kenton Palace
First-Class
Ideally located in the San Telmo district nearby some of Buenos Aires' most prominent attractions, Kenton Palace features a wine cellar with hand-picked local wines, fitness center, wireless internet access, and on-site restaurant.
Location
Defensa 383, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hotel Facilities
- Hot Tub
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Spa Services
- ATM
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Pool
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Climate Control
- Voicemail
- In-Room Safe
- Desk
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
Best Western Premier Marina Las Condes
Superior First-Class
Situated northeast of the city center, Marina las Condes is a modern hotel featuring an on-site restaurant, bar, rooftop pool, fitness room, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Location
Av. Alonso de Cordova 5727, Santiago, Chile
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Spa Services
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Hot Tub
- Pool
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
- Air Conditioning
- Cable/Satellite
- Mini-bar
- Voicemail
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
First-Class
Located in the exciting Miraflores district, the Jose Antonio Hotel features comfortable guestrooms, a business center, souvenir shop, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Location
Ave 28 de Julio 398, Lima, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- In-Room Safe
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Mini-bar
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
El Mapi by Inkaterra
First-Class
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo. The hotel welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, hot-water pond, gift shop, Internet, and laundry service.
Location
Av Pachacutec 109, Machu Picchu, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Gift Shop
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Pool
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Climate Control
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
- Hair Dryer
- Mini-bar
- Desk
- Voicemail
- Daily Housekeeping
- Alarm Clock
- Wake-Up Calls
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
Jose Antonio Cusco
Moderate First-Class
Located in the heart of the archaeological center of America's oldest city. A few minutes from the Plaza de Armas, this hotel has modern architecture with fine colonial details.
Location
Av. Pardo 1080, Cusco, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Concierge desk
- ATM
- Parking/Valet
- Gift Shop
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Television
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Mini-bar
- Wake-Up Calls
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Internet Access
