The Best of Brazil & Argentina with Brazil's Amazon & Uruguay

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!

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-coloured Rio Negro and the light chocolate-coloured Rio Solimoes, 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. (B/L/D)

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)

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. (B)

Today meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration. (B)

Sprawling between majestic granite peaks and the blue South Atlantic, Rio is a city of beauty, wonder, and energy. Guided sightseeing with a Local Guide begins with a drive along Rio's famed Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana beaches. Take the cog railway 701 metres (2,300 feet) up to the summit of CORCOVADO to view the famous 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 nearby favela for a glimpse into the life of these colourful communities that nearly 20% of the people call home. (B)

A free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the famous beaches or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Petropolis to see the former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II. (B)

A morning flight takes you to IGUASSU FALLS, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Upon arrival, 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 84 metres (250 feet) deep. Walk into Devil's Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thundering roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you- an unforgettable experience! (B/D)

Cross the border for a visit of 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. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina's cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, an orientation tour familiarises you with the "Paris of South America" and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafes, and charming shops. (B)

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city's landmarks, including the Teatro Colon 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 neighbourhoods, and RECOLETA CEMETERY, where Eva Peron is buried. End your day with an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous TANGO SHOW highlighting the alluring dance that is so popular here. (B/D)

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. (B)

Board a high-speed catamaran bound for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Your Local Guide takes you on a guided tour of this colonial city founded by Portuguese settlers in 1680. Later, board a bus for Uruguay's capital city, Montevideo. (B)

On a city tour of Montevideo, drive along the Atlantic Coast to the city centre and visit Constitution Square, the cathedral, the colonial Town Hall, and Independence Square. Other areas visited include the Prado area, Batlle y Ordonez Park, the residential area of Carrasco, and Plaza Virgilio. (B)

Your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. (B)