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Ultimate South America with Santiago Stopover & Galapagos Cruise
Operated by Cosmos
Tripcode: 1210
Overview
Destination:
Chile,
Ecuador,
Duration:29 days
Type:Group tour (max 48)
Travel Period
April 2026 - November 2027
29 days from Santiago to Guayaquil
Discover some of South America's greatest cities - Santiago, 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 Santiago, 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.First, break up your journey to Brazil with a 2-night stay in Santiago, scenic capital of Chile. Your adventure begins with an included guided sightseeing tour that introduces you to the city and its sites, and you’ll also have plenty of free time to explore on your own. Next, fly from South America’s west coast to its east coast and arrive in cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Guided sightseeing in each of the cities features the must-see sites. In Rio, take the cog railway to the summit of Corcovado to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Your time in Buenos Aires includes a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial place for Eva Peron. In Lima, your sightseeing focuses on the city's colonial heritage.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 indigenous people, 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 Santiago’s Plaza de Armas, 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 travel lover who wants to experience it all!
All This. Included
The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, and air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!Your Tour Includes:•All internal flights•Guided city sightseeing in Santiago•Guided city sightseeing of Rio de Janeiro•Admission to Corcovado Mountain cog railway to the Christ the Redeemer statue•Entrance fees and guided sightseeing in both the Brazilian and Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls National Park•Guided city sightseeing of Buenos Aires includes admission to Recoleta Cemetery •Guided city sightseeing of Lima•Guided city sightseeing of the Sacred Valley includes a visit to Pisaq village market, Ollantaytambo ruins, a visit to a local Incan’s home, Seminario Ceramics Workshop, and a refreshing chicha tasting.•Tickets for Vistadome train to and from Machu Picchu•Guided walk of Machu Picchu•Guided city sightseeing of Cusco includes a guided walk of the Temple of Sacsayhuaman and a tree-planting experience with the local community•Scenic drive to Puno with visits including the Sistine Chapel of America, the Temple of Wiracocha, and more•Guided visit to Taquile and Uros Islands•Guided visit of Sillustani ruins and a local home•Guided city sightseeing of Quito•4-night cruise onboard the Galápagos Legend
Discover some of South America's greatest cities - Santiago, 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 Santiago, 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.First, break up your journey to Brazil with a 2-night stay in Santiago, scenic capital of Chile. Your adventure begins with an included guided sightseeing tour that introduces you to the city and its sites, and you’ll also have plenty of free time to explore on your own. Next, fly from South America’s west coast to its east coast and arrive in cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Guided sightseeing in each of the cities features the must-see sites. In Rio, take the cog railway to the summit of Corcovado to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Your time in Buenos Aires includes a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial place for Eva Peron. In Lima, your sightseeing focuses on the city's colonial heritage.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 indigenous people, 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 Santiago’s Plaza de Armas, 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 travel lover who wants to experience it all!
All This. Included
The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, and air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!Your Tour Includes:•All internal flights•Guided city sightseeing in Santiago•Guided city sightseeing of Rio de Janeiro•Admission to Corcovado Mountain cog railway to the Christ the Redeemer statue•Entrance fees and guided sightseeing in both the Brazilian and Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls National Park•Guided city sightseeing of Buenos Aires includes admission to Recoleta Cemetery •Guided city sightseeing of Lima•Guided city sightseeing of the Sacred Valley includes a visit to Pisaq village market, Ollantaytambo ruins, a visit to a local Incan’s home, Seminario Ceramics Workshop, and a refreshing chicha tasting.•Tickets for Vistadome train to and from Machu Picchu•Guided walk of Machu Picchu•Guided city sightseeing of Cusco includes a guided walk of the Temple of Sacsayhuaman and a tree-planting experience with the local community•Scenic drive to Puno with visits including the Sistine Chapel of America, the Temple of Wiracocha, and more•Guided visit to Taquile and Uros Islands•Guided visit of Sillustani ruins and a local home•Guided city sightseeing of Quito•4-night cruise onboard the Galápagos Legend
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 28 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 10 Dinners
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allARRIVE IN SANTIAGO, CHILE
Welcome to Santiago, where you will be met by a Cosmos representative. With a coastline more than 2,650 miles long, Chile is more than 10 times longer than it is wide. With a distinctly European flavor accented with Latin flair, Santiago is one of South America's most sophisticated and modern cities.Please note: The Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.
SANTIAGO
Step back into the 16th Century as your Local Guide traces the city's history and heritage. Your guided city tour introduces you to Santiago-the country's political, commercial, and cultural capital. View La Moneda Government Palace before visiting the Plaza de Armas, the main square, with a visit to the 18th Century Cathedral. This afternoon and evening are at your leisure. (B)
SANTIAGO-RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Today, Fly to Rio de Janeiro, home to white-sand beaches and world-famous Carnival! Relax this afternoon in spectacular Rio. (B)
RIO DE JANEIRO
Today, meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration. (B)
RIO DE JANEIRO
Guided sightseeing begins with a drive along Rio’s famed Leblon, Ipanema, and more. 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. The famed statue was completed in 1931 becoming emblematic for both the city and the Brazilian nation as a whole. Your afternoon is free to explore. (B)
RIO DE JANEIRO
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. (B)
RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS
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! (B,D)
IGUASSU FALLS. EXCURSION TO IGUASSU FALLS, ARGENTINA
Cross the Brazilian border by motorcoach and visit 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. Return to Brazil’s side of Iguassu Falls for free time, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds as well as flora from the area. (B)
IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
This morning, cross the Brazilian border into Argentina by motorcoach to transfer to the Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafés, and charming shops. (B)
BUENOS AIRES
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 optional excursion to enjoy an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous Tango show highlighting this alluring dance so popular here. (B)
BUENOS AIRES
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. (B)
BUENOS AIRES–LIMA, PERU
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. (B)
LIMA
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. (B,D)
LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY
Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and, upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. 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 Pisaq, a charming village with a famous 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)
SACRED VALLEY
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 provided 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 chichería for a taste of a typical Inca drink in Peru called chicha. (B)
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
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. 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)
MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO
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 on the Vistadome train to the former capital of the Inca Empire. (B)
CUSCO
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. Roll up your sleeves to participate in a tree-planting project supporting the local community. Return to Cusco for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
CUSCO–PUNO
Today, drive south along the Route of the Sun, one of Peru’s most beautiful scenic drives. Stops along the way include visits to the stunning Sistine Chapel of America, the Temple of Wiracocha and more. Arrive in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca where the legend says the first Inca, Manco Capac, arose from the waters of the lake by the power of the sun god to create the Inca Empire. (B,L)
PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA
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 people 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)
PUNO–JULIACA–LIMA
En route to Juliaca, stop at the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani. See the above-ground tombs, chullpas, in which the Aymara people 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)
LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR
Board a flight for Quito where you will be met by a Cosmos representative and transfer to your hotel for a free evening. (B)Please note: The Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary.
QUITO
On an included city tour with a Local Guide, see Independence Square with its Cathedral and San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica. Return to your hotel for a free afternoon and evening to explore Quito at leisure. (B)
QUITO–SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Return to Quito airport and fly 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)
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
Join 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)
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: FLOREANA ISLAND
This 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)
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
This 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)
GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)–GUAYAQUIL
After 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)
GUAYAQUIL
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates
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Operator
Cosmos
For more than 60 years, Cosmos has done something remarkable: Bringing the world to people; and people to the world. By pioneering value touring holidays, Cosmos enjoys a long and storied history of turning travel dreams into reality. We make possible “never thought I would” or “never imagined I could” moments by making travel attainable and easy. And in doing that, we help you expand your horizons, clear your head and open your heart to the world around you. Cosmos understands that adventure is waiting for us – all of us – out in the world. And there simply is no better time than the present to discover new sights, new sensations and new experiences. That’s why we pride ourselves in turning “what if” moments into “I did” realisations by providing wayfarers and wanderers unparalleled access to the globe with value-centric holidays in 67 countries, on six continents. Let the unexpected begin. Let awe-inspiring take over. Adventure is knocking. Cosmos travellers are answering by exploring the world that’s always within reach.
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