Begin your 20-day exploration in Manaus with guided city sightseeing and a "Meeting of the Waters" cruise that takes you along the chocolate-colored Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-gray Rio Solimoes. See them flow side by side for four miles without mixing! Stay at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge inside the Amazonian Rainforest, with jungle walks, canoe explorations, and visits to a Monkey Reserve and a Caboclo's Native Amazon Village to learn about traditions, costumes, and culture. Three nights in Rio allow for free time and guided city sightseeing. Next, fly to Iguassu Falls and explore both the Brazilian and Argentine sides before heading to Buenos Aires. Your 3-night stay includes guided sightseeing and time to discover the "Paris of South America" on your own. Next stop is Lima for guided city sightseeing and free time. In Cuzco, guided city sightseeing highlights several ancient sites. Enjoy an excursion to Pisac to visit with locals and buy local wares before visiting the Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo. Next day, a train ride through the Sacred Valley ends in Machu Picchu. You may want to walk up to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. After a morning at leisure in Machu Picchu, return to Cuzco for free time followed by a free day in Lima. Combine Quito with guided city sightseeing and five days of cruising aboard the Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands. Your first stop takes you to Cerro Dragon, a bird-lover's paradise, where stilts, pintail ducks, Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and the endemic Galapagos flycatcher are regular sightings. At Bartolome Island you have the chance to snorkel next to Galapagos penguins before cruising to Puerto Egas, known for its numerous shore birds, Galapagos fur seals, and marine iguanas. On Rabida and North Seymour Islands, observe sea lions, marine iguanas, bluefooted boobies, frigate birds, and even greater flamingos! After seeing the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz Island, enjoy a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

HOTELS
Manaus: Tropical Manaus, The Tropical Manaus situated on the banks of the Rio Negro offers 2 pools, tennis and volleyball courts, beauty parlor, shopping arcade, two restaurants, and several bars.

Brazilian Amazon: Ecopark Jungle Lodge, Inside the Amazon Jungle on the Rio Negro, enjoy daily excursions to learn about the flora, fauna, and indigenous tribes. Rooms feature private facilities and air-conditioning.

Rio de Janeiro: The Windsor Excelsior, The Windsor Excelsior-Copacabana is located in the very best area of Copacabana, facing the ocean, at one of the most elegant addresses in Rio. The hotel offers a rooftop terrace, pool, sauna, restaurant, and bar.

Iguassu Falls: Mabu Thermas, Mabu Thermas, near Iguassu Falls National Park, offers four thermal pools, tennis courts, fitness center, gift shop, and several restaurants and bars.

Buenos Aires: Sheraton Libertador, The Libertador is close to shopping and nightlife. The Skyline Pool & Health Club is a highlight of the deluxe facility. The top floor offers spectacular views of the city.

Lima: Melia Lima, The Melia Lima is located in the prestigious San Isidro area of Lima and offers all the comforts a discerning guest expects in a home. Enjoy the hotel's international restaurant, coffee shop, bar, pool, health club, and gift shop.

Cuzco: Hotel Libertador, The Hotel Libertador is located opposite the Temple of the Sun. Enjoy excellent local and international cuisine in the Inti Raymi restaurant while watching spectacular Andean dances.

Machu Picchu: Sumaq Hotel, The Sumaq Hotel is located at the foot of the Machu Picchu ruins and boasts an Andean health spa, bar, restaurant, gift shop, and business center.

Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz, The 46-cabin Santa Cruz was built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising. The ship features a bar and Jacuzzi, along with an observation platform for dolphin and whale watching on the top deck. The dining room, lounge, and bar are elegantly appointed, as is the well-stocked library/reading room. All cabins are outside and feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, hairdryer, and safety deposit boxes. As an alternative to snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat offers another opportunity to observe marine life. The Santa Cruz has gained worldwide recognition for its excellent standards, including superb service, expert crew, the most knowledgeable multilingual Naturalist/guides, and menus that feature the very best international cuisine and celebrated Ecuadorian dishes.