Showing 2022 season
Overview
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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.
2022 Tour itinerary
Total meals included:
- 29 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 13 dinners
MANAUS, BRAZIL.
Day1
Welcome to the capital of the Amazonas region where you will be met by a Monograms 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).
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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! After arrival, settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
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.
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–JULIACA–LIMA.
Day22
En route to Juliaca, stop at the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani. See the above-ground tombs, chullpas, in which the Aymara Indians buried their high priests. You will be welcomed into a local home for an inside look at life here. Fly to Lima and transfer to your hotel.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR.
Day23
Board a flight for Quito.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
QUITO.
Day24
Included sightseeing showcases Quito’s treasures: Independence Plaza, the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and the Jesuit’s La Compania Church with its stunning golden altars.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
QUITO–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Day25
Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos and embark the Santa Cruz II. This afternoon, arrive at Santa Cruz Island and visit Dragon Hill, where you will find a brackish lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the archipelago, as well as the chance to see land iguanas.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: ISABELA & FERNANDINA ISLANDS.
Day26
Wake up on Isabela Island to search for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, fur seals, and boobies that call this island home. This is also a great place to snorkel due to its rich marine life. In the afternoon, explore the youngest island in the archipelago, Fernandina. This unique environment also boasts a high density of marine iguanas, sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and Galápagos hawks, penguins, and flightless cormorants.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND.
Day27
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, established to help conserve the Galápagos giant tortoises. Next up: you have a choice of activities, including visiting the highlands of Santa Cruz, walking on the beach, or kayaking.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: FLOREANA ISLAND.
Day28
Visit Post Office Bay on Floreana, named for the wooden barrel that served as an informal post office for sailors passing through. Here, you may also encounter Darwin finches, yellow warblers, and lava lizards. Take advantage of another chance for great snorkeling. Take a dinghy ride along Champion Islet in search of Galápagos penguins, sea lions, turtles, sharks, and dolphins. At Cormorant Point, 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 Pacific green sea turtles. Enjoy a chance to snorkel among sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions, and even white-tipped reef sharks.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)–GUAYAQUIL.
Day29
Disembark and fly to Guayaquil.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
GUAYAQUIL.
Day30
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.
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
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Pool
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Cable/Satellite
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Room Service
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Desk
- Voicemail
- 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
- Concierge desk
- Currency Exchange
- Gift Shop
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
Room Facilities
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Window Opens
- Smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Daily Housekeeping
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
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
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
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Voicemail
- Internet Access
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
Grand Mercure Alameda (SAT)
Superior First-Class
The Mercure Grand Hotel Alameda offers comfort combined with contemporary décor. The hotel features a restaurant with regional and international cuisine, bar, laundry service, business center, and fitness center.
Location
Roca N4-122 and Amazonas Ave, Quito, Ecuador
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Beauty Salon
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Currency Exchange
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- ATM
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Daily Housekeeping
- Coffee Maker
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Pay Movies
- Internet Access
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Television
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
Unipark Hotel Guayaquil
Superior First-Class
The Unipark Hotel Guayaquil sits directly in the heart of the commercial and cultural district of the city. Providing easy access to Guayaquil's highlights, parks, the riverfront, and nearby historical sites, this is the perfect place to settle in during your journeys. The hotel also offers ideal amenities, facilities, and first-class international cuisine.
Location
Clemente Ballén 406, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Currency Exchange
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Ice Machine
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
- Beauty Salon
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Internet Access
- Desk
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Mini-bar
- Voicemail
- Television
- Room Service
- Cable/Satellite
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