GRAND TOUR OF SOUTH AMERICA WITH BRAZILS AMAZON and PERUS AMAZON (ISHC2012)

Day 1:
Arrive Manaus, Brazil. Arrive in Manaus this afternoon, then meet for guided city SIGHTSEEING of Manaus to view the vestiges of its glory days during the rubber boom. Your first stop will be the famous OPERA HOUSE, built in 1896 with materials imported from Europe. Next, visit the Museum of Natural Sciences before a stroll through a bustling local market.

Day 2:
Manaus–Amazon Jungle. At the Ecopark Jungle Lodge: Today your “Meeting of the Waters” CRUISE passes by the impressive British-built Custom House and the floating port. Cruise along the chocolate-colored Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-gray Rio Solimões, where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles the differently colored bodies of water flow side by side and never mix! After lunch on the river, explore a JUNGLE ISLAND (if water levels permit) with fascinating native flora and fauna. Later this afternoon, arrive at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazonian rainforest. (B,L,D)

At Ariaú Amazon Towers: Depart Manaus and CRUISE the Amazon River to Ariaú Amazon Towers and come face to face with one of the greatest influences on the world’s ecosystem. On your jungle EXPEDITIONS, encounter 15,000 different species of animals and thousands of tree, fish, and bird species. Enjoy canoe rides in creeks, jungle treks, piranha fishing, alligator spotting, folkloric night shows, bird watching, and visit aboriginal dwellings. By the light of the moon, watch your guide snatch an alligator out of the dark Rio Negro. Learn medicinal secrets of the rainforest’s endangered indigenous tribes, drink water from trees, watch monkeys swing through branches, marvel at massive lily-pads, canoe through the Amazon waters, fish for piranhas, capture dazzling sunsets, and sleep in your treetop canopy lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 3:
Amazon Jungle. At the Ecopark Jungle Lodge: Accompanied by a Naturalist, enjoy a guided JUNGLE WALK that introduces you to the flora and fauna that thrives in the Amazon. After lunch, sail up the river to visit a Caboclo’s native Amazon VILLAGE to learn about their traditions and culture. Also try your hand at piranha fishing! Later, visit the MONKEY JUNGLE RESERVE, where researchers work to rehabilitate captive primates and reintroduce them to the jungle. Here, you have the opportunity to see a feeding of spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, woolly monkeys, and capuchin monkeys. This evening you may wish to venture back out on canoe with your Naturalist into the flooded forest to appreciate the jungle at night, with the possibility to spot small alligators and other night creatures. (B,L,D)

At Ariaú Amazon Towers: Continue your jungle exploration today with the many included activities at the Ariaú Amazon Towers. (B,L,D)



Day 4:
Amazon Jungle–Rio de Janeiro. This morning, depart your Amazon lodge for a flight to fabulous Rio. Welcome to South America’s capital of glamour—Rio de Janeiro! Your Local Host will be available with suggested activities during your free time. Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style, followed by a Samba show, where the sheer vitality of this country explodes in a colorful extravaganza. (B)

Day 5:
Rio de Janeiro. An included city TOUR takes you to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambodromo and the Cathedral before visiting 300-foot-high SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN. Ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can savor spectacular vistas of the city and beaches. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B)

Day 6:
Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest an optional Jeep tour to the rainforest in the middle of the city, Tijuca National Park and its bird sanctuary. This afternoon you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II. (B)

Day 7:
Rio–Iguassu Falls. Fly to IGUASSU FALLS at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. This masterpiece of nature encompasses 275 separate falls and spans almost two miles. The afternoon is dedicated to enjoying the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrential downpour. With some cataracts as high as 250 feet, it’s nothing short of hypnotic. The clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth make this an unforgettable natural wonder. (B)

Day 8:
Iguassu Falls. This morning, take the ECOLOGICAL JUNGLE TRAIN and tour the Argentine side of IGUASSU FALLS with numerous walkways that wind under the crashing water. (B)

Day 9:
Iguassu Falls–Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. After arriving at your central hotel you will have time to become acquainted with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)

Day 10:
Buenos Aires. Included SIGHTSEEING this morning starts in the colorful La Boca district, site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique neighborhood, then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Colon Opera House before reaching the CEMETERY of the Recoleta, burial site of Eva Peron. Spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, perhaps savor the city’s atmosphere on an optional dinner at a local restaurant followed by a performance of Latin America’s most sensuous dance—the Tango! (B)

Day 11:
Buenos Aires. Today is at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest an optional excursion to the Pampas. Experience Argentine country life as you visit an estancia (ranch). Get acquainted with the lifestyle of the gauchos and enjoy a barbecue lunch and the warm hospitality of your hosts before returning to the city. (B)

Day 12:
Buenos Aires–Lima, Peru. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, where you will be met by your Local Host. (B)

Day 13:
Lima. Your included city TOUR focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the Cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin and with its eerie burial crypts. (B)

Day 14:
Lima–Cusco. Fly to Cusco high in the Andes. Your guided TOUR visits the Santo Domingo MONASTERY, previously the Koricancha Temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. In the Plaza de Armas, see the Cathedral before taking a short drive outside the city to the ruins of SACSAYHUAMAN with its intricate stone walls, amphitheatre of KENKO, and the Red Fortress of PUCA PUCARA. (B)

Day 15:
Cusco. Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, brings you to AWANAKANCHA, where you will learn about the importance of the alpaca (llama) for Inca cultures as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to the market town of PISAC. Handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry can be bought here at bargain prices. At the other end of the valley, visit OLLANTAYTAMBO. Here, some of the finest examples of Inca masonry can be seen. Tonight, try out area cuisine at one of the many Cusco restaurants recommended by your Local Host. (B,L)

Day 16:
Cusco–Machu Picchu. Board a TRAIN bound for MACHU PICCHU and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. On a guided tour, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas, or hike to the peak of Huayna Picchu. (B,L,D)

Day 17:
Machu Picchu–Cusco. A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over MACHU PICCHU. Return to Cusco, where your Local Host will recommend options for your free time. Perhaps visit the Inca Museum or wander through the artisan district of San Blas. (B)

Day 18:
Cusco–Puerto Maldonado. Fly to Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios and the entry to Peru’s Amazon Jungle. Embark on a MOTORBOAT for a journey up the Tambopata River to view turtles, caimans, monkeys, and river birdlife, such as capped herons, black skimmers, and kingfishers. Arrive at your unique Amazon Jungle Lodge within the Ese’ Eja Native Indian Community. After settling in, take a walk to the CANOPY TOWER to observe the forest and river and its inhabitants. (B,L,D)

Day 19:
Puerto Maldonado. A BOAT TRIP and walk brings you to Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake to search by canoe for resident giant river otters—the largest and most endangered of the otter species. This afternoon, learn about medicinal uses of the area’s endemic plants. Tonight, why not participate in a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife? (B,L,D)

Day 20:
Puerto Maldonado. For more insight into jungle life, visit the PARROT CLAY LICK and watch parrots and macaws perch to eat clay. Also visit a native slash-and-burn FARM, once thought to be wasteful but now a proven sustainable method. (B,L,D)

Day 21:
Puerto Maldonado–Lima. Fly to Lima, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 22:
Lima. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/19/2012 - 6/9/2012	$4,399
5/20/2012 - 6/10/2012	$4,399
5/21/2012 - 6/11/2012	$4,399
5/22/2012 - 6/12/2012	$4,399
5/23/2012 - 6/13/2012	$4,399
5/24/2012 - 6/14/2012	$4,399
5/25/2012 - 6/15/2012	$4,399
5/26/2012 - 6/16/2012	$4,399
5/27/2012 - 6/17/2012	$4,399
5/28/2012 - 6/18/2012	$4,399
5/29/2012 - 6/19/2012	$4,399
5/30/2012 - 6/20/2012	$4,399
5/31/2012 - 6/21/2012	$4,399
6/1/2012 - 6/22/2012	$4,399
6/2/2012 - 6/23/2012	$4,399
6/3/2012 - 6/24/2012	$4,399
6/4/2012 - 6/25/2012	$4,399
6/5/2012 - 6/26/2012	$4,399
6/6/2012 - 6/27/2012	$4,399
6/7/2012 - 6/28/2012	$4,399
6/8/2012 - 6/29/2012	$4,399
6/9/2012 - 6/30/2012	$4,399
6/10/2012 - 7/1/2012	$4,399
6/11/2012 - 7/2/2012	$4,399
6/12/2012 - 7/3/2012	$4,399
6/13/2012 - 7/4/2012	$4,399
6/14/2012 - 7/5/2012	$4,399
6/15/2012 - 7/6/2012	$4,399
6/16/2012 - 7/7/2012	$4,399
6/17/2012 - 7/8/2012	$4,399
6/18/2012 - 7/9/2012	$4,399
6/19/2012 - 7/10/2012	$4,399
6/20/2012 - 7/11/2012	$4,399
6/21/2012 - 7/12/2012	$4,399
6/22/2012 - 7/13/2012	$4,399
6/23/2012 - 7/14/2012	$4,399
6/24/2012 - 7/15/2012	$4,399
6/25/2012 - 7/16/2012	$4,399
6/26/2012 - 7/17/2012	$4,399
6/27/2012 - 7/18/2012	$4,399
6/28/2012 - 7/19/2012	$4,399
6/29/2012 - 7/20/2012	$4,399
6/30/2012 - 7/21/2012	$4,399
7/1/2012 - 7/22/2012	$4,399
7/2/2012 - 7/23/2012	$4,399
7/3/2012 - 7/24/2012	$4,399
7/4/2012 - 7/25/2012	$4,399
7/5/2012 - 7/26/2012	$4,399
7/6/2012 - 7/27/2012	$4,399
7/7/2012 - 7/28/2012	$4,399
7/8/2012 - 7/29/2012	$4,399
7/9/2012 - 7/30/2012	$4,399
7/10/2012 - 7/31/2012	$4,399
7/11/2012 - 8/1/2012	$4,399
7/12/2012 - 8/2/2012	$4,399
7/13/2012 - 8/3/2012	$4,399
7/14/2012 - 8/4/2012	$4,399
7/15/2012 - 8/5/2012	$4,399
7/16/2012 - 8/6/2012	$4,399
7/17/2012 - 8/7/2012	$4,399
7/18/2012 - 8/8/2012	$4,399
7/19/2012 - 8/9/2012	$4,399
7/20/2012 - 8/10/2012	$4,399
7/21/2012 - 8/11/2012	$4,399
7/22/2012 - 8/12/2012	$4,399
7/23/2012 - 8/13/2012	$4,399
7/24/2012 - 8/14/2012	$4,399
7/25/2012 - 8/15/2012	$4,399
7/26/2012 - 8/16/2012	$4,399
7/27/2012 - 8/17/2012	$4,399
7/28/2012 - 8/18/2012	$4,399
7/29/2012 - 8/19/2012	$4,399
7/30/2012 - 8/20/2012	$4,399
7/31/2012 - 8/21/2012	$4,399
8/1/2012 - 8/22/2012	$4,399
8/2/2012 - 8/23/2012	$4,399
8/3/2012 - 8/24/2012	$4,399
8/4/2012 - 8/25/2012	$4,399
8/5/2012 - 8/26/2012	$4,399
8/6/2012 - 8/27/2012	$4,399
8/7/2012 - 8/28/2012	$4,399
8/8/2012 - 8/29/2012	$4,399
8/9/2012 - 8/30/2012	$4,399
8/10/2012 - 8/31/2012	$4,399
8/11/2012 - 9/1/2012	$4,399
8/12/2012 - 9/2/2012	$4,399
8/13/2012 - 9/3/2012	$4,399
8/14/2012 - 9/4/2012	$4,399
8/15/2012 - 9/5/2012	$4,399
8/16/2012 - 9/6/2012	$4,399
8/17/2012 - 9/7/2012	$4,399
8/18/2012 - 9/8/2012	$4,399
8/19/2012 - 9/9/2012	$4,399
8/20/2012 - 9/10/2012	$4,399
8/21/2012 - 9/11/2012	$4,399
8/22/2012 - 9/12/2012	$4,399
8/23/2012 - 9/13/2012	$4,399
8/24/2012 - 9/14/2012	$4,399
8/25/2012 - 9/15/2012	$4,399
8/26/2012 - 9/16/2012	$4,399
8/27/2012 - 9/17/2012	$4,399
8/28/2012 - 9/18/2012	$4,399
8/29/2012 - 9/19/2012	$4,439
8/30/2012 - 9/20/2012	$4,439
8/31/2012 - 9/21/2012	$4,439
9/1/2012 - 9/22/2012	$4,439
9/2/2012 - 9/23/2012	$4,439
9/3/2012 - 9/24/2012	$4,439
9/4/2012 - 9/25/2012	$4,439
9/5/2012 - 9/26/2012	$4,439
9/6/2012 - 9/27/2012	$4,439
9/7/2012 - 9/28/2012	$4,439
9/8/2012 - 9/29/2012	$4,439
9/9/2012 - 9/30/2012	$4,439
9/10/2012 - 10/1/2012	$4,439
9/11/2012 - 10/2/2012	$4,439
9/12/2012 - 10/3/2012	$4,439
9/13/2012 - 10/4/2012	$4,439
9/14/2012 - 10/5/2012	$4,439
9/15/2012 - 10/6/2012	$4,439
9/16/2012 - 10/7/2012	$4,439
9/17/2012 - 10/8/2012	$4,439
9/18/2012 - 10/9/2012	$4,439
9/19/2012 - 10/10/2012	$4,439
9/20/2012 - 10/11/2012	$4,439
9/21/2012 - 10/12/2012	$4,439
9/22/2012 - 10/13/2012	$4,439
9/23/2012 - 10/14/2012	$4,439
9/24/2012 - 10/15/2012	$4,439
9/25/2012 - 10/16/2012	$4,439
9/26/2012 - 10/17/2012	$4,439
9/27/2012 - 10/18/2012	$4,439
9/28/2012 - 10/19/2012	$4,479
9/29/2012 - 10/20/2012	$4,479
9/30/2012 - 10/21/2012	$4,479
10/1/2012 - 10/22/2012	$4,479
10/2/2012 - 10/23/2012	$4,479
10/3/2012 - 10/24/2012	$4,479
10/4/2012 - 10/25/2012	$4,479
10/5/2012 - 10/26/2012	$4,479
10/6/2012 - 10/27/2012	$4,479
10/7/2012 - 10/28/2012	$4,479
10/8/2012 - 10/29/2012	$4,479
10/9/2012 - 10/30/2012	$4,479
10/10/2012 - 10/31/2012	$4,479
10/11/2012 - 11/1/2012	$4,479
10/12/2012 - 11/2/2012	$4,479
10/13/2012 - 11/3/2012	$4,479
10/14/2012 - 11/4/2012	$4,479
10/15/2012 - 11/5/2012	$4,479
10/16/2012 - 11/6/2012	$4,479
10/17/2012 - 11/7/2012	$4,479
10/18/2012 - 11/8/2012	$4,479
10/19/2012 - 11/9/2012	$4,479
10/20/2012 - 11/10/2012	$4,479
10/21/2012 - 11/11/2012	$4,479
10/22/2012 - 11/12/2012	$4,479
10/23/2012 - 11/13/2012	$4,479
10/24/2012 - 11/14/2012	$4,479
10/25/2012 - 11/15/2012	$4,479
10/26/2012 - 11/16/2012	$4,479
10/27/2012 - 11/17/2012	$4,479
10/28/2012 - 11/18/2012	$4,479
10/29/2012 - 11/19/2012	$4,479
10/30/2012 - 11/20/2012	$4,479
10/31/2012 - 11/21/2012	$4,479
11/1/2012 - 11/22/2012	$4,479
11/2/2012 - 11/23/2012	$4,479
11/3/2012 - 11/24/2012	$4,479
11/4/2012 - 11/25/2012	$4,479
11/5/2012 - 11/26/2012	$4,479
11/6/2012 - 11/27/2012	$4,479
11/7/2012 - 11/28/2012	$4,479
11/8/2012 - 11/29/2012	$4,479
11/9/2012 - 11/30/2012	$4,479
11/10/2012 - 12/1/2012	$4,479
11/11/2012 - 12/2/2012	$4,479
11/12/2012 - 12/3/2012	$4,479
11/13/2012 - 12/4/2012	$4,479
11/14/2012 - 12/5/2012	$4,479
11/15/2012 - 12/6/2012	$4,479
11/16/2012 - 12/7/2012	$4,479
11/17/2012 - 12/8/2012	$4,479
11/18/2012 - 12/9/2012	$4,479
11/19/2012 - 12/10/2012	$4,479
11/20/2012 - 12/11/2012	$4,479
11/21/2012 - 12/12/2012	$4,479
11/22/2012 - 12/13/2012	$4,479
11/23/2012 - 12/14/2012	$4,479
11/24/2012 - 12/15/2012	$4,479
11/25/2012 - 12/16/2012	$4,479
11/26/2012 - 12/17/2012	$4,479
11/27/2012 - 12/18/2012	$4,479
11/28/2012 - 12/19/2012	$4,479
11/29/2012 - 12/20/2012	$4,479
11/30/2012 - 12/21/2012	$4,479
12/1/2012 - 12/22/2012	$4,479
12/2/2012 - 12/23/2012	$4,479
12/3/2012 - 12/24/2012	$4,479
12/4/2012 - 12/25/2012	$4,479
12/5/2012 - 12/26/2012	$4,479
12/6/2012 - 12/27/2012	$4,479
12/7/2012 - 12/28/2012	$4,479
12/8/2012 - 12/29/2012	$4,479
12/9/2012 - 12/30/2012	$4,479
12/10/2012 - 12/31/2012	$4,479
12/11/2012 - 1/1/2013	$4,479
12/12/2012 - 1/2/2013	$4,479
12/13/2012 - 1/3/2013	$4,479
12/14/2012 - 1/4/2013	$4,519
12/15/2012 - 1/5/2013	$4,519
12/16/2012 - 1/6/2013	$4,519
12/17/2012 - 1/7/2013	$4,519
12/18/2012 - 1/8/2013	$4,519
12/19/2012 - 1/9/2013	$4,519
12/20/2012 - 1/10/2013	$4,519
12/21/2012 - 1/11/2013	$4,519
12/22/2012 - 1/12/2013	$4,519
12/23/2012 - 1/13/2013	$4,519
12/24/2012 - 1/14/2013	$4,519
12/25/2012 - 1/15/2013	$4,519
12/26/2012 - 1/16/2013	$4,519
12/27/2012 - 1/17/2013	$4,519
12/28/2012 - 1/18/2013	$4,519
12/29/2012 - 1/19/2013	$4,579
12/30/2012 - 1/20/2013	$4,579
12/31/2012 - 1/21/2013	$4,579
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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