Enjoy a 27-day extravaganza that takes you from the depths of the Brazilian Amazon, south through Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, and Buenos Aires, then north to Peru and culminates in Ecuador's Galapagos. In Manaus, enjoy guided city sightseeing, visit a LOCAL MARKET, and take a "Meeting of the Waters" CRUISE 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 the Caboclo's NATIVE AMAZON VILLAGE to learn about traditions, costumes, and culture. The next three nights in Rio give you plenty of free time plus guided city sightseeing and a visit to SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN. Next, fly to IGUASSU FALLS to explore both the Brazilian and Argentine sides before heading to Buenos Aires. Your 3-night stay includes guided city sightseeing and time to discover the "Paris of South America." Peru is introduced with guided city sightseeing of Lima as well as in Cuzco where you'll visit the MONASTERY, CATHEDRAL, and SACSAYHUAMAN. In the market town of PISAC, visit with locals and buy some local wares before visiting the Incan fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO. Next day, a train ride through the Sacred Valley ends in MACHU PICCHU for time to explore the intact fortress. You may even want to walk up to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. Top off your vacation in Ecuador, featuring Quito guided city sightseeing and five days on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. Visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION and each day take a naturalist-guided cruise to explore various outlying islands. Island visits include Santa Fe, South Plazas, Punta Carrion, and North Seymour. Keep an eye out for endemic land iguanas, sea lions, marine iguanas, nesting swallow-tailed gulls, giant tortoises, masked boobies, bluefooted boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and Audubon's shearwaters-and that's just on land! In the ocean, you may find sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, rays, and even hammerhead sharks!

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

AMAZON JUNGLE: 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 JANIERO: OLINDA OTHON, Located on Copacabana Beach, this hotel features spacious rooms with modern facilities, a restaurant, bar, and business center.

IGUASSU FALLS: BOURBON CATARATAS, Bourbon Cataratas, near Iguassu Falls National Park, offers two pools, a health club, and two restaurants.

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 16thcentury 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, and business center.

QUITO: DANN CARLTON, The Dann Carlton is located in the new commercial district and offers all modern facilities, including a health spa and hot tub.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: FINCH BAY HOTEL, The Finch Bay Hotel offers a seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Amenities include a bar, lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool, and Jacuzzi-and beachfront access. All rooms offer twin beds, private facilities, and air-conditioning.