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Overview
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Highlights of this South America tour include time in locations with spectacular scenery: Brazil’s Amazon, Iguassu Falls, and Colca Canyon. In Brazil’s Amazon, cruise on the river, take Naturalist-guided walks, visit a local village, and marvel at the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon. At Iguassu Falls, hear the thundering roar from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, be amazed at the brilliant rainbows in the mist, and stand in awe as you witness these 275 falls! At Colca Canyon—an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon—witness condors soaring majestically above the canyon walls, marvel at the canyon, and relax at La Calera hot springs before time in Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its buildings made of volcanic rock.
You’ll also enjoy Machu Picchu, set in a majestic mountainside with ruins dating back to the 15th century. Glimpse the ancient history as you enjoy this stunning and mystical place. Other tour highlights include a visit to the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Time in Peru's Lake Titicaca, a lake of floating islands maintained over centuries by the local Indians, gives you a chance to learn about local practices.
Guided sightseeing in each of the cities features the must-see sites. In Rio, take the cog railway to the summit of Corcovado to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. In Buenos Aires, visit Recoleta Cemetery, Eva Peron’s burial place, and enjoy a Tango show. In Lima, sightseeing focuses on the city's colonial heritage.
This South America tour designed for the savvy traveler has it all!
Highlights
“Meeting of the Waters” cruise; visit a jungle island, monkey reserve, and a native Amazon village; guided canoe rides and jungle walks; Guided Manaus city sightseeing, visit the Manaus Opera House and a local market
RIO DE JANEIRO 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
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 PICCHUVistadome 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
LAKE TITICACA Guided sightseeing of Taquile Island and the Uros Floating Islands; farewell dinner
SILLUSTANI Guided sightseeing, visit a local home
AREQUIPA & COLCA CANYONGuided sightseeing of Arequipa & Colca Canyon including Condor’s Cross
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 23 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners
MANAUS, BRAZIL
Day1
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!
MANAUS–AMAZON JUNGLE
Day2
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
AMAZON JUNGLE
Day3
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). (B,L,D
AMAZON JUNGLE–RIO DE JANEIRO
Day4
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Day5
Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro, host of the 2016 Summer Olympics! After arrival, settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration.
RIO DE JANEIRO
Day6
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 Christ the Redeemer statue and enjoy 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay and the bustling city below. Your afternoon is free to explore. Perhaps join an optional excursion to a favela for a glimpse into the life of these colorful communities that nearly 20% of the people call home.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
RIO DE JANEIRO
Day7
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS.
Day8
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!
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
IGUASSU FALLS
Day9
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 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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA.
Day10
Fly 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.
Day11
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 Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous TANGO SHOW highlighting this alluring dance so popular here.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
BUENOS AIRES.
Day12
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
BUENOS AIRES–LIMA, PERU
Day13
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIMA
Day14
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY.
Day15
Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and, upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at AWANAKANCHA and 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 PISAC, a charming village with a famous INDIAN 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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
SACRED VALLEY.
Day16
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
Day17
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. Abandonded 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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO.
Day18
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, former capital of the Inca Empire.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CUSCO
Day19
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. Also, see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara before returning to Cusco.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
CUSCO–JULIACA–PUNO.
Day20
Fly to Juliaca, then transfer 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 found the Inca Empire.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA.
Day21
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 Indians 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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
PUNO–COLCA CANYON
Day22
This morning, depart Puno for a scenic drive to Colca Canyon. Enjoy scenery of Pre-Columbian terraces populated with vicuñas and a variety of birds, and stop for lunch in the town of Chivay. This afternoon, arrive in Colca Canyon.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
COLCA CANYON
Day23
Today, spend time in the COLCA CANYON, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Visit CONDORS’ CROSS, an observation point, where you can view the Andean condor in flight at eye level, followed by a visit to the town of Yanque. This afternoon is free for independent exploration.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
COLCA CANYON–AREQUIPA
Day24
Drive to Arequipa located in the Chili River Valley and flanked by three snowcapped volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Known as the “white city,” Arequipa definitely does justice to its nickname, as its buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock found throughout the area. The stone embellishes the facades of the city’s homes and churches.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
AREQUIPA
Day25
This morning, a city TOUR of Arequipa shows off the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral before visiting the Jesuit CHURCH, considered the best example of the mestizo baroque style. Continue to the residential districts of Yanahuara and Chilina, where you enjoy a magnificent view of Arequipa’s countryside and the Mount Misti volcano.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
AREQUIPA–LIMA
Day26
Fly to Lima today.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIMA
Day27
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B
Extend your stay
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus
First-Class
Located in the Adrianopolis district of Manaus nearby the Amazonas shopping center, the Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus features a rooftop pool with views of the city, on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and sauna.
Location
Av Umberto Calderaro Filho, 817 - Adrianopolis, Manaus, Brazil
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Spa Services
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Wake-Up Calls
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Mini-bar
- Television
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
Ecopark Jungle Lodge
Best Available
Inside the Amazon Jungle on the Rio Negro, enjoy daily excursions to learn about the flora, fauna, and indigenous tribes. Rooms feature private facilities and air-conditioning.
Location
Amazon, Manaus, Brazil
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Daily Housekeeping
- Hair Dryer
- Climate Control
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Smoking Rooms
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
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Spa Services
- ATM
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
- Pool
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Wake-Up Calls
- Window Opens
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Daily Housekeeping
- Mini-bar
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Climate Control
- Pay Movies
- Cable/Satellite
- Desk
- 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
- Beauty Salon
- Business Center
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Fitness Room
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Alarm Clock
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Voicemail
- Room Service
- Complimentary Toiletries
- In-Room Safe
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Phone
- Daily Housekeeping
- Television
- Air Conditioning
- 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
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
- Pool
- Hot Tub
- Bar/Lounge
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Mini-bar
- Phone
- Internet Access
- Voicemail
- Room Service
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
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
- Gift Shop
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Mini-bar
- Wake-Up Calls
- Alarm Clock
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Television
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
La Casona Yucay
Moderate First-Class
Constructed as a private family home in the 18th century, this beautiful mansion has been transformed into a comfortable hotel set around a colorful courtyard with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, spa, communal fireplace, and organic garden.
Location
Av San Martin 104, Yucay, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Spa Services
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Climate Control
- In-Room Safe
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Television
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Complimentary Toiletries
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
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Voicemail
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Daily Housekeeping
- Desk
- 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
- Concierge desk
- Currency Exchange
- Gift Shop
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
- Hot Tub
- Business Center
- Spa Services
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- ATM
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Desk
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Mini-bar
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Phone
Xima Puno Hotel
First-Class
Just five minutes from the town of Puno and in front of Lake Titicaca, Eco Inn Puno provides an ideal base for discovering Peruvian culture and exploring the surrounding areas. With a restaurant that is open from early morning to late night and a lounge with a grand fireplace, the hotel has a constant feeling of comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. Not to mention the beautiful grounds you'll enjoy every day!
Location
Sector Huaje, Puno, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
- Hair Dryer
Casa Andina Standard Colca Hotel
First-Class
Rustic, relaxed & intimate, with individual stone casitas, plant-lined walkways, an open-air patio with center fountain, and the hotel's own vegetable garden, the Casa Andina offers guests a breathtaking experience. Amenities include an on-site planetarium and restaurant, local musicians and dancers performing Andean and Colca musical traditions, chaman hut, bar, fireplace lounge, and business center.
Location
Calle Huayna Capac s/n, Colca Canyon, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Smoking Rooms
- Daily Housekeeping
- Air Conditioning
- Voicemail
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Window Opens
Casa Andina Select Arequipa
Moderate First-Class
Perfectly positioned amongst the buildings of the "White City," the Casa Andina Select Arequipa features a traditional exterior with updated and stylish interiors. Offering a wealth of services like room service, laundry, an outdoor pool, business center, and modern rooms, this hotel provides the comforts you'd expect at home in a unique, colonial setting that is distinctly Peruvian.
Location
Portal de Flores 116, Arequipa, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Beauty Salon
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Pool
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Television
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Alarm Clock
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