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, 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 |
Promotions
LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON COSMOS TOURS
Why pay full price? Call us or click above for a quick quote and save money on Cosmos Tours.
Save an additional $100 on select 2023 Tours & Cruises
Save an additional $100 on select 2023 Tours & Cruises
Promotion Details
*Book two or more Cosmos vacations at once to receive an additional $50 off per person discount on the subsequent land-only portion of the core tour/cruise not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips or supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023, for travel in 2023. Multiple tours or cruises must travel within same calendar year and must be booked at the same time. Offer is combinable with applicable consumer promotions, Peace of Mind and/or Welcome Back Credits. Offer reliant on space availability. Not applicable to Custom, Charter, Sole Uses or Private Touring. Applies to new bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating offices only.
Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers
Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers
Promotion Details
The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion 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 2022 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 calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. 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.
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 Highlands Tortoise Reserve. 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 ISLANDThis morning, 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. This afternoon, visit 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. (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 24
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLANDThis morning, 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. A special treat is in store for you this afternoon at Punta Bowditch. Be one of the first people to visit this new site on Santa Cruz Island! Relax on a powdery beach, snorkel around turquoise water islets and hike beside salt pools and dried white corals. This area is also a common nesting site for marine turtles. (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 25
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)–GUAYAQUILAfter breakfast, disembark and head into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve. See and learn about the conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species found here. Continue to the airport 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
The world is waiting to be rediscovered! And Cosmos helps you reunite with your favorite destinations through our ongoing commitment to travel with the ease and confidence travelers have come to expect on tour with us. No matter where you travel, our global network of travel experts has you ready to reconnect.
And along the way, we’re step-for step with you to remove the worries and hassles that might make aspiring globetrotters hesitate when taking that first step in discovering dream destinations once again. With exceptional health and safety protocols and on-trip contingency plans for unexpected surprises, Cosmos travelers see more of the world with more peace of mind.
A SAFE & WARM WELCOMEWe will conduct tour check-in procedures and pre-trip health screenings to offer guests a safe start and peace of mind throughout the journey. This includes proof of vaccination for all guests. See our complete Health & Safety Pre-Trip Screening Instructions on our website for full details.
BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCEThere may be times on tour or on the motorcoach when social distancing is required. We will take care in assuring any local guidelines are followed in a safe and comfortable way for our guests. For any cases where masks are required due to local guidelines, we ask that guests bring their own approved N95 (FFP2) masks for their own comfort and safety. Our wireless listening technology enables safe distances between our guests and other travelers during excursions.
FOCUS ON GUEST AND TEAM MEMBER HEALTHTo ensure a healthy environment for each of our guests and our team, our Tour Directors, Local Hosts, and motorcoach drivers are fully vaccinated, and we are also requiring that all travelers are fully vaccinated before joining our trips. Additionally, we will conduct regular guest checks, and, when required by local guidelines, masks will be worn by our guests and by our team when accompanying guests. In all other cases, masks are optional for 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. And our motorcoaches are equipped with air filters that clean the air as well as provide constant ventilation.
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.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
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.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
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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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Wonderful way to travel.
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.
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Operator: GlobusStarts
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Operator: GlobusStarts
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$9601 -
Operator: CosmosStarts
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$6621
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