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: Windsor Plaza, Located near Copacabana Beach, this hotel features spacious rooms with modern facilities, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, gym, and business center.

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: Howard Johnson Recoleta, The Recoleta is centrally located near the Colon Theatre, Recoleta Cemetary, and other popular sites-a perfect base for exploring the city.

Lima: Jose Antonio Executive, The Jose Antonio Executive is located in Miraflores-walking distance from shopping centers, the best restaurants, parks, and art galleries, and just three blocks away from the Pacific Ocean.

Cuzco: Novotel Cuzco, The Novotel Cuzco is located in the heart of the city center, close to Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and Inca Museum. The hotel is built around an early 16th-century house.

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.