Click for larger view.
Transportation:
As outlined in the day-by-day itinerary below and private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights; Galápagos intra-vacation flights and taxes are included
Buffet breakfast daily; 5 lunches; 4 three-course dinners
Day 1
Arrive in Quito
Day 2
Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows
BreakfastDay 3
Fly to Baltra and transfer with your expert Naturalist to the Galápagos Legend for your 3-night cruise. Sail to Bartolomé Island to discover a fascinating moonscape formed by volcanic parasitic cones. Hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands and Pinnacle Rock. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Bartolomé offers some of the best snorkeling, thanks to clear waters and abundant sea life, including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and maybe even Galápagos penguins
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 4
Wake up at South Plaza and take a walk through an impressive cactus forest populated with land and marine iguanas. Due to the proximity of land iguanas and marine iguanas here, this is the only place on Earth where you will find the Galápagos hybrid iguana. From the summit, watch for tropicbirds, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. After lunch on board, visit North Seymour, a landmass formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. Take a walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in-depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas and, on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Galápagos snake
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 5
Arrive at Pitt Islet on San Cristobal and walk to the top of a volcanic tuff to be rewarded with several magnificent viewpoints. This is one of the few sites where the Galápagos’ three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) can be seen together. You will also find the two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. The island waters are excellent for dinghy rides to see a range of seabirds—and great for snorkeling, too. At Cerro Brujo, visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and white-cheeked pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast. Your visit includes time to swim with the sea lions and other marine life
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 6
After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal. Learn about the national park’s conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species. Also, visit the port village for a last chance at souvenirs before bidding farewell to the enchanted Galápagos Islands. Transfer to San Cristobal Airport and fly to Quito. Later, fly to Lima, Peru. (B)
BreakfastDay 7
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 the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias
BreakfastDay 8
Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes. Your guided tour visits the Santo Domingo Monastery, 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. At Plaza de Armas, see the cathedral before taking a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman with its intricate stone walls, the amphitheater of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara
BreakfastDay 9
Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, brings you to Awanakancha to learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to the market town of Pisac, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry at bargain prices. At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry
BreakfastLunchDay 10
Embark on a train trip 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
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 11
A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. Return to Cusco by train
BreakfastDay 12
Fly to Lima
BreakfastDay 13
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning
BreakfastDay 14
ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR
Day 15
QUITO
Day 16
QUITO–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND
Day 17
CRUISING: SOUTH PLAZA & NORTH SEYMOUR ISLANDS
Day 18
CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Day 19
CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL (DISEMBARKATION)–QUITO–LIMA, PERU
Day 20
LIMA
Day 21
LIMA–CUSCO
Day 22
CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY
Day 23
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
Day 24
MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO
Day 25
CUSCO–LIMA
Day 26
LIMA
Day 27
Breakfast
Day 28
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 29
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 30
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 31
Breakfast
Day 32
Breakfast
Day 33
Breakfast
Day 34
BreakfastLunch
Day 35
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 36
Breakfast
Day 37
Breakfast
Day 38
Breakfast
Day 39 ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR.
Arrive in Quito
Day 40 QUITO.
Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows
BreakfastDay 41 QUITO–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND.
Fly to Baltra and transfer with your expert Naturalist to the Galápagos Legend for your 3-night cruise. Sail to Bartolomé Island to discover a fascinating moonscape formed by volcanic parasitic cones. Hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands and Pinnacle Rock. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Bartolomé offers some of the best snorkeling, thanks to clear waters and abundant sea life, including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and maybe even Galápagos penguins
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 42 CRUISING: SOUTH PLAZA & NORTH SEYMOUR ISLANDS.
Wake up at South Plaza and take a walk through an impressive cactus forest populated with land and marine iguanas. Due to the proximity of land iguanas and marine iguanas here, this is the only place on Earth where you will find the Galápagos hybrid iguana. From the summit, watch for tropicbirds, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. After lunch on board, visit North Seymour, a landmass formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. Take a walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in-depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas and, on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Galápagos snake
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 43 CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND.
Arrive at Pitt Islet on San Cristobal and walk to the top of a volcanic tuff to be rewarded with several magnificent viewpoints. This is one of the few sites where the Galápagos’ three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) can be seen together. You will also find the two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. The island waters are excellent for dinghy rides to see a range of seabirds—and great for snorkeling, too. At Cerro Brujo, visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and white-cheeked pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast. Your visit includes time to swim with the sea lions and other marine life
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 44 CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL (DISEMBARKATION)–QUITO–LIMA, PERU.
After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal. Learn about the national park’s conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species. Also, visit the port village for a last chance at souvenirs before bidding farewell to the enchanted Galápagos Islands. Transfer to San Cristobal Airport and fly to Quito. Later, fly to Lima, Peru. (B)
BreakfastDay 45 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 the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias
BreakfastDay 46 LIMA–CUSCO.
Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes. Your guided tour visits the Santo Domingo Monastery, 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. At Plaza de Armas, see the cathedral before taking a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman with its intricate stone walls, the amphitheater of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara
BreakfastDay 47 CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY.
Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, brings you to Awanakancha to learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to the market town of Pisac, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry at bargain prices. At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry
BreakfastLunchDay 48 SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU.
Embark on a train trip 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
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 49 MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO.
A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. Return to Cusco by train
BreakfastDay 50 CUSCO–LIMA.
Fly to Lima
BreakfastDay 51 LIMA.
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
Grand Mercure Alameda (SAT)
Superior First-Class
Roca N4-122 and Amazonas Ave Quito Ecuador
The Mercure Grand Hotel Alameda offers comfort combined with contemporary décor. The hotel features a restaurant with regional and international cuisine, bar, laundry service, business center, and fitness center.
Hilton Colon Quito (SAT)
Superior First-Class
Ave Amazonas N 1914 Y Patria Avenida 1 Quito Ecuador
The Hilton Colon Quito hotel is 10 minute walk from the colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This modern hotel enjoys spectacular views of the city. Amenities include a fitness center, spa, outdoor heated pool, 5 restaurants/lounges, laundry service, concierge, florist, barber shop, and gift shop.
Galapagos Legend Balcony Suite
Superior First-Class
Av Eloy Alfaro N34-151 & Catalina Aldaz Quito Ecuador
Designed specifically for cruising the Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos Legend offers all the amenities of a larger cruise liner yet still has the intimate feel of family-style cruising. This 300-foot Galapagos cruise ship provides all the facilities and services to make your cruise around the islands enjoyable and comfortable. The Galapagos Legend has a capacity for 90 passengers and all the services of a cruise liner while remaining small enough for that intimate experience with nature that first attracted you to the Galapagos Islands. Its fully carpeted luxurious cabins have ocean views, closets, their own private bathrooms, hot and cold water, hair dryers, safe deposit boxes and other amenities.
Galapagos Legend - Standard Plus Cabin
Av Eloy Alfaro N34-151 & Catalina Aldaz Quito Ecuador
Designed specifically for cruising the Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos Legend offers all the amenities of a larger cruise liner yet still has the intimate feel of family-style cruising. This 300-foot Galapagos cruise ship provides all the facilities and services to make your cruise around the islands enjoyable and comfortable. The Galapagos Legend has a capacity for 90 passengers and all the services of a cruise liner while remaining small enough for that intimate experience with nature that first attracted you to the Galapagos Islands. Its fully carpeted luxurious cabins have ocean views, closets, their own private bathrooms, hot and cold water, hair dryers, safe deposit boxes and other amenities.
Galapagos Legend - Junior Suite
Av Eloy Alfaro N34-151 & Catalina Aldaz Quito Ecuador
Designed specifically for cruising the Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos Legend offers all the amenities of a larger cruise liner yet still has the intimate feel of family-style cruising. This 300-foot Galapagos cruise ship provides all the facilities and services to make your cruise around the islands enjoyable and comfortable. The Galapagos Legend has a capacity for 90 passengers and all the services of a cruise liner while remaining small enough for that intimate experience with nature that first attracted you to the Galapagos Islands. Its fully carpeted luxurious cabins have ocean views, closets, their own private bathrooms, hot and cold water, hair dryers, safe deposit boxes and other amenities.
Jose Antonio Deluxe
First-Class
Calle Bellavista 133 Lima Peru
The sophisticated and contemporary Jose Antonio Bellavista hotel features modern furnishings and amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, outdoor pool and terrace, and two restaurants, as well as 84 bright and spacious guestrooms.
Dazzler Hotel Lima
Superior First-Class
Av Jose Pardo 879 Lima Peru
The Dazzler Hotel Lima is a modern hotel offering a variety of services including an onsite restaurant and bar, rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, solarium deck, and sauna.
Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
First-Class
Ave 28 de Julio 398 Lima Peru
Located in the exciting Miraflores district, the Jose Antonio Hotel features comfortable guestrooms, a business center, souvenir shop, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Aranwa Hotel Cusco Boutique
Deluxe
San Juan de Dios 255 Cusco Peru
Luxury in the heart of the Inca city, this hotel is superior in every way. Built on a completely restored 16th century manor, the exquisite rooms, each with a unique feel and architecture surround the elaborate courtyards and lush inner gardens. Mestizo restaurant and tapas bar complete the gastronomic offer. Antique paintings from the Cuzco School, colonial carvings and sculptures with high cultural value line up the corridors, encompassing a design that brings back its grandeur and lets history speak for itself.
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Moderate First-Class
Plaza Santo Domingo 259 Cusco Peru
The Palacio del Inka is located opposite the Temple of the Sun. Enjoy excellent local and international cuisine in the Inti Raymi restaurant while watching spectacular Andean dances.
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
First-Class
Plazoleta Limacpampa Chico 473 Cusco CUS Peru
A beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house is located 3 blocks from Cusco's Plaza de Armas. The hotel is distinguished by its 3 interior patios with wooden balconies. The principal patio, featuring a gurgling stone fountain, is one of Cusco's emblematic colonial courtyards. Amenities include a gourmet restaurant, bar, reading room, room service, gift shop, and laundry service.
Casa Andina Standard Koricancha
Calle San Agustín 371 Cusco Peru
Casa Andina Classic Koricancha is a comfortable and welcoming hotel located just 4 blocks from the Plaza Mayor of the city of Cusco. It extends over 2 large colonial houses with 2 peaceful interior courtyards. Offering a restaurant on site and within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Church, you'll have access to everything you need to enjoy your time in this great city. Rest peacefully in the hotel's updated rooms with comfortable bedding and private en suite bathrooms.
Jose Antonio Cusco
Moderate First-Class
Av. Pardo 1080 Cusco Peru
Located in the heart of the archaeological center of America's oldest city. A few minutes from the Plaza de Armas, this hotel has modern architecture with fine colonial details.
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Superior First-Class
Av. El Sol 954 Cusco CUS Peru
The Sonesta Hotel Cusco features a modern contemporary décor and a fine dining restaurant serving classic Peruvian cuisine. It is within blocks of a handicraft market, Plaza de Armas, shops, and restaurants.
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Deluxe
Esquina de la Calle Ruinas 432 y San Agustin Cusco Peru
In the heart of the city's historical center, the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco combines the needs of today's luxury traveler with the design elements of an architecturally stunning archaeological site. History-seekers will find Peruvian cultural artifacts in the hotel's two exhibition halls. Accommodations are equipped with the latest technology and comfortable features. Designed around a colonial convent, this hotel in Peru features resort-like amenities including a Cusco restaurant with excellent Peruvian cuisine, a bar and a full-service spa offering a relaxation heated pool, sauna, steam room and treatments inspired by ancient techniques.
Novotel Cusco
San Augustin 239 - Esquina Cusco Peru
Novotel Cusco, located in the historic city center of Cusco, is in the perfect spot for discovering the Inca civilization. The hotel is in a 16th century building, and is an ideal starting point for visiting the cathedral and other hotspots of Cusco. Guests can enjoy international and local cuisine in La Cave Restaurant, or on the heated patio covered with a spectacular glass ceiling. The bar serves a wide variety of drinks and snacks, and you'll enjoy modern en suite furnishings with simple lines and restful amenities.
Hotel Aranwa Sacred Valley
Moderate Deluxe
Antigua Hacienda Yaravilca Urubamba Valley Peru
The riverside lands of an 18-century colonial hacienda have been restored into an exclusive 115-room hotel, comprising rural elegance within the hacienda and minimalist design in modern deluxe rooms. Complete with three restaurants, a 2,500 sq meter spa & wellness center with three hydrotherapy pools, art gallery, on-site museum, orchid pyramid and movie room, this hotel offers superior service and comfort, both inside your room and out of it - the perfect way to spend your time in this mystical part of the world.
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Sacred Valley
Deluxe
Av. Ferrocaril s/n Urubamba Urubamba Valley Peru
Experience Peru's Sacred Valley with stunning sophistication and repose. After enjoying the rugged terrain and mystery of Peru, settle into first-class accommodations, striking scenery, and all the comforts a traveler could need. Tambo del Inka is a sanctuary - a peaceful and refined spot designed with luxury and adventure in mind. Between the authentic Peruvian cuisine of the Hawa restaurant, a stylish hotel bar, the luxurious spa, and a pool that allows you the warmth of the hotel and the chance to swim out into the open air of the Sacred Valley, you will be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of this divine haven of mystery and wonder.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay
First-Class
Plaza Manco 11 De Yucay 123 Sacred Valley Peru
Bursting with character, the Sonesta Posadas del Inca hotel is the leader in boutique hotels in the Sacred Valley. Featuring a rustic ambiance with modern comforts, dynamite local cuisine, and friendly service, it makes for a memorable stay in one of the most remarkable places in the world. The colonial-style former monastery is surrounded by views of the Andes and beautiful gardens - a leisurely and soothing escape.
Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas
Superior First-Class
5to Paradero Yanahuara Urubamba Valley Peru
The Casa Andina Premium Collection hotel in the Sacred Valley is a luxurious and satisfying retreat. Combining fine food, comfortable rooms, and personalized attention, it is the Valley's most complete hotel. In addition to a spa, a fitness center, and romantic dining, this hotel is best known for providing panoramic views of the Andes in every room. This charming mountain chalet-style hotel adds style and comfort to the already stunning atmosphere of Peru's Sacred Valley.
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu
Moderate Deluxe
Prolonacion Imperio de Los Incas E - 34 Machu Picchu Peru
This is one of the newest hotels to come to the Machu Picchu area and offers Casa Andina's fine standards and everything you'll need for a comfortable stay. Clean lines, modern colors, and friendly staff welcome you as you settle in for your adventures to the ruins. With every part of the hotel brand new you'll feel refreshed and well cared for during your visit.
El Mapi by Inkaterra
First-Class
Av Pachacutec 109 Machu Picchu Peru
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo. The hotel welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, hot-water pond, gift shop, Internet, and laundry service.
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Moderate Deluxe
Av Hermanos Ayar Mz 1 Lote 3 Machu Picchu Peru
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.