Ultimate South America with Galapagos Cruise 2023 - Small Group
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
12053
Start City:
Rio de Janeiro
End City:
Guayaquil
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
Budget
Tour Length:
26 days
Physical Rating:
3 - Explorer
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Jan 20, 2023 | Tuesday, Feb 14, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Feb 03, 2023 | Tuesday, Feb 28, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Mar 17, 2023 | Tuesday, Apr 11, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Apr 28, 2023 | Tuesday, May 23, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, May 12, 2023 | Tuesday, Jun 06, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Jul 21, 2023 | Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Aug 18, 2023 | Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Sep 01, 2023 | Tuesday, Sep 26, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Oct 27, 2023 | Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
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To receive the Young Traveler discount, the age of the traveler must qualify at start date of the vacation. Does not apply to custom groups. Child reduction is not available on all packages, contact your Travel Consultant for full details. Reductions are off the base land price only and do not include airfare. No reductions on Escapes by Globus. Additional restrictions may apply.
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Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers
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The Welcome Back Credit will be awarded upon completion in 2019 onward of Globus family of brands vacations. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands vacation (excluding Escapes by Globus, Oberammergau, select Cosmos tours, Monograms City Getaways, and Custom/Charter vacations). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future vacation with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by contacting your preferred travel agent. Passenger name or past invoice number is required to redeem the credit. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs of the vacation price. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.
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Tour Itinerary
Discover some of South America's greatest cities—Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Quito—and some of its most spectacular ruins and scenic areas on this South America tour. You'll overnight in Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Quito, and Guayaquil, along with four nights cruising the Galápagos Islands aboard the Santa Cruz II. Highlights of this South America tour include time at Iguassu Falls on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Experience the falls, hear the thundering roar, be amazed at the brilliant rainbows created by the clouds of spray, and stand in awe as you witness these 275 falls spanning nearly two miles! You’ll also be amazed at Machu Picchu, set in a majestic mountainside with ruins dating back to the 15th century. Glimpse the ancient history and culture 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, with stones weighing up to 350 tons. Time in Peru's Lake Titicaca, a lake of floating islands maintained over centuries by the local Indians, gives you a chance to experience the world's highest navigable lake and to learn about local practices. Guided sightseeing in each of the cities features the must-see sites, including Rio’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue, the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Lima’s baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery, and Quito’s La Compania Church. But that’s not all…you’ll take a 4-night Galápagos Islands cruise. Explore the islands, snorkel, swim, and enjoy seeing rays, starfish, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, land iguanas, and much more. Learn about conservation efforts for the famous giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. All of this—and more—are included on this South America tour designed for the value-minded traveler who wants to experience it all!
Buenos Aires , Cusco , Guayaquil , Iguassu Falls , Juliaca , Lake Titicaca , Lima , Machu Picchu , Puno , Quito , Rio de Janeiro , Sacred Valley , Santa Cruz Island
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Day 1
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZILWelcome 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.
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Day 2
RIO DE JANEIROGuided 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
RIO DE JANEIROA free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the beaches or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Petropolis. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLSFly 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! (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 5
IGUASSU FALLSCross 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINAFly 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
BUENOS AIRESMorning 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. (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 8
BUENOS AIRESToday 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
BUENOS AIRES–LIMA, PERUBoard 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
LIMASightseeing 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. (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 11
LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEYFly 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. (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 12
SACRED VALLEYStart 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 13
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHUBoard 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. Abandoned 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. (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 14
MACHU PICCHU–CUSCOEnjoy 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 15
CUSCOEmbark 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. (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 16
CUSCO–JULIACA–PUNOFly 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 17
PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACAExperience 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. (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 18
PUNO–JULIACA–LIMAEn 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 19
LIMA–QUITO, ECUADORBoard a flight for Quito. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 20
QUITOIncluded 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 21
QUITO–SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (EMBARKATION)–CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLANDFly to San Cristobal. Embark the Galápagos Legend for a 4-night cruise. This afternoon, visit the Galápagos Darwin Interpretation Center with your expert Naturalist and learn about ongoing conservation of the archipelago, its history, ecosystems, flora, and fauna. Next, a walk to Tijeretas Hill brings you to a frigatebird nesting colony.. (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 22
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: ESPAÑOLA ISLANDE SPAÑOLA ISLANDJoin your Naturalist for excursions to Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española Island, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Here, you will see the famous blowhole, as well as unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April-December), Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and Darwin’s finches. (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 23
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: FLOREANA ISLANDVisit 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 among sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions, and even white-tipped reef sharks. This afternoon, 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 for great snorkeling. (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 24
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLANDDrive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and visit the Tortoise Reserve where giant tortoises are found in their natural habitat. This afternoon, visit Charles Darwin Research Station, where the Galápagos giant tortoise breeding program helps preserve the fragile Galápagos environment. Learn how eggs are brought from the nearby Galápagos Islands, incubated artificially until the galápaguitos (little turtles) are born and then at the age of five are returned to their native areas. (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 25
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)–GUAYAQUILDisembark and fly to Guayaquil. Tonight is at leisure. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 26
GUAYAQUILYour vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
Meals: Breakfast
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Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on 2023 South America dates. A Small-Group Discovery 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 tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
25 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 11 dinners
Health and Safety Protocols for Cosmos Tours
Today's world has changed, but what remains certain is Cosmos' commitment to guest safety, comfort and peace-of-mind while traveling with us. To that end, Cosmos has established a worldwide Assurance program, with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures, to ensure the health – and happiness – of guests throughout their travels with us.
It all starts with Cosmos' Global Health & Safety Team, dedicated to ensuring that cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s travel standards—from start to finish. The following areas address Cosmos' commitment to providing a safe and clean environment for guests.
A SAFE & WARM WELCOMECosmos will enact new tour check-in procedures and pre-trip health screenings to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including adherence to social distancing requirements.
BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCECosmos will ensure safe distances for guests throughout the journey, on coach and during excursions. This includes providing masks for guests use at any time where social proximity could be an issue as well as the possibility of reducing group sizes, if required. And wireless listening technology – including Cosmos' Go Beyond Devices in Europe – enables safe distances between guests and other travelers on excursions.
FOCUS ON GUEST AND TEAM MEMBER HEALTHTo ensure a healthy environment for team and guests, Cosmos will conduct regular temperature checks for both guests and team, and when necessary, masks will be worn by Cosmos' team members when with guests.
TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDSTraveling with Cosmos removes many of the “touch points” of travel, including luggage handling, check in/out, expedited entry into attractions and more. Cosmos are further reducing risk with hands-free service, meaning all self-services replaced by staff, including buffet meals replaced with table service. Cosmos will also ensure hand sanitizing is available throughout each trip, on coach and in hotels.
COMMITMENT TO CLEANAs a part of Cosmos' commitment to clean, Cosmos is requiring enhanced cleaning procedures with hotel partners, on motorcoaches, vehicles and throughout every trip, including additional daily disinfecting procedures that go above-and-beyond already strict health and safety procedures.
PARTNERS IN DISCOVERY AND IN HEALTHCosmos has strict health and safety protocols, which have been in place for years, focused on ensuring all aspects of operation- from vehicles and equipment used on trip to excursions and hotel procedures. This process will continue with new, elevated health and safety checks, to maintain their promise that each touch-point on tours and cruises are considered in their commitment to guest and team member well-being.
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Galápagos cruise price does not include Galápagos National Park entrance fee and transit card ($120 value) but are additional and mandatory. These fees will be added to your Vacation Estimate.
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I have taken about 18 wonderful tours with Cosmos. I am sold on Cosmos!
Excellent itinerary that matched the description. Knowledgeable, helpful, patient & courteous tour director, competent driver. Coach had ample leg room. Most hotel rooms were better than expected for this discount tour operator.
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Our accommodations were above our expectations... the tour director was outstanding... very enjoyable vacation
It was an amazing trip the pick up and return to airport was taken care of the cosmos was really good. The tour director so kind, lots of knowledge and take a good care with the group. Overall tour was amazing and excellent.
The services we experience thru Cosmos were so wonderful, our tour guide was very knowledgeable, he did extra miles in effort to make our trip convenient and unforgettable. I would love to book with them in the next trip i'm going to have in the furure. Thank you AFFORDABLE TOUR and COSMOS. I definitely will book again with your company. Have a wonderful day and GOD BLESS US ALL Herminia
The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable and informative. She made the trip very pleasurable.
Trip was Terrific!! Our Tour Guide, Julie was the best we have encountered in 40 years of travel.
Our tour director Deborah is exceptional. She knows the culture and history of places visited inside and out. She made sure that the group is comfortable and well-informed of schedules. Our driver Lee is excellent. He is professional and very skillful in his job. Thumbs up to both of them.
My husband and I appreciate the hard work of the people from Cosmos. Everything was well planned. Our tour director, Debra stayed with us up to the last hour of the tour. We enjoyed this tour so much. We are looking forward to another tour with Affordable Tours.
The tour was very complete. It included all the places I wanted to visit. It was extremely well organized. The Tour Director was very professional and didn't miss one detail. The guides were knowledgeable. It was a fantastic experience and I can't wait to book my next tour with Cosmos.
Our guide was very professional and our bus driver outstanding. Our driver was courteous, always polite and very helpful getting on and off the bus.
I would recommend this trip to anyone. Clyde, our tour guide was knowledgeable and kept things running smoothly. David, our driver was excellent also. I very much enjoyed the whole trip.
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