ECUADOR, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS &
PERU (22 Days)

1st day: .. / Quito

Upon your arrival reception at the airport and transfer to the Hotel selected.

Overnight at the hotel selected.

2nd day: Quito

SCENIC TOUR AND MIDDLE OF THE WORLD:

A 4 hours visit to downtown Quito to relish in this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture. Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the temple of La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior. Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the greatest religious buildings of the New World; its impressive facade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) North of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs. You will get a certificate for having crossed the Equator.

Overnight at the hotel selectedl.

Meals included: Breakfast.

3rd day: Quito

OTAVALO - NATIVE FAIR - PEGUCHE:

This full day excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavaleños and South America’s most famous Indian fair. Early departure from Quito towards Calderón, a small village that keeps the tradition of making colorful dough figurines of Indian dolls, llamas, flowers and even great Christmas ornaments. Guests can observe how each figure is molded by hand, with dough of different colors carefully put together; then it is baked and varnished. Continue on the Pan-American Highway through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and beliefs. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area like Pinsaqui, Puerto Lago or Cusin.

Overnight at the hotel selected.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

4th day: Quito / Galapagos Islands

Transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Flight from Quito to Galapagos.

Galapagos Islands

SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND, LEÓN DORMIDO & CERRO BRUJO:

Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the MV SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands. Cabins assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill. Sail around Kicker Rock; rising 144 meters from the ocean, it is a spectacular rock formation off the northwest coast of San Cristobal. It is a volcanic tuff cone, of which just a minimum portion is left, as it has been eroded by thousands of years of sea and wind forces. Sea lions and fur sea lions may be observed too. The surrounding waters are clear for underwater viewing of rock walls and marine life. Afterwards, a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coralline beach. Wet landing. The area will show us good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds. Also, look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding bird watching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. Back on board for an ECO Moment and briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.

Overnight at Santa’s Cruz Galapagos Cruise.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

5th day: Galapagos Islands

PUNTA SUAREZ ISLAND:

Morning outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. For those planning not to walk the entire trail, there will be a dinghy ride arranged along the coastline of Punta Suarez, followed by a very short walk under easy walking conditions. Back on board for lunch. Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). Snorkeling can take place from the beach, and for those experienced marine enthusiasts, Devil's Crown can be an option. Non-snorkelers can enjoy an introduction to the Marine Reserve on the glass-bottom boat. ECO Moment, briefing and dinner.

Overnight at Santa’s Cruz Galapagos Cruise.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

6th day: Galapagos Islands

FERNANDINA ISLAND, PUNTA ESPINOZA, CANAL BOLIVAR, BAHÍA URBINA

This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. First, a dinghy ride to observe Galapagos penguins as well as flightless cormorants. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Snorkeling at this location depends on local sea conditions, and will be announced by the Expedition Staff. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales. Afternoon disembarkation (wet landing) for a walk at Urbina Bay. This area went through a volcanic uplifting event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons, which make the walk remarkably interesting, especially for understanding island colonization. This area is also home to large and very colorful Galápagos land iguanas, and with some luck, we may even find giant tortoises from the wild population of Alcedo Volcano. A refreshing swim can be accomplished after the walk. Farewell briefing and dinner.

Overnight at Santa’s Cruz Galapagos Cruise.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

7th day: Galapagos Islands / Quito

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, ITABACA CHANNEL & BALTRA ISLAND:

Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport in time for the 12h15 flight back to the continent.

Flight from Galapagos to Quito.

Quito

Reception at the airport and transfer to the Hotel selected.

Overnight at the hotel selected.

Meals included: Breakfast.

8th day: Quito

RAIL & ROAD JOURNEY IN THE ECUADORIAN ANDES:

The adventure starts at the Station of Chimbacalle in southern Quito, which has been restored to its old glory, to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of the first steam train of the Guayaquil & Quito Railway Co. to Quito in 1908, an event that joined Ecuador’s main cities (Guayaquil and Quito) and became the backbone that would forever change the politics, economy and the lives of the Ecuadorians. Here awaits the "Autoferro", a one coach train, like a bus on tracks, ready to take guests on a trip along the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. The first leg of the rail ride goes from Quito to the Station at El Boliche. A stop is made along the way at dairy Hacienda La Alegría, where guests are welcomed by the owner, observe the milking process, horses and llamas and enjoy a snack. Then its up the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano to the El Boliche Station, up high, where guests are transferred to a bus to continue along the Pan American Highway, down into the fertile Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation to observe the beautiful variety of Ecuadorian roses, ready for exportation, and a taste of the products of the land, specially broccoli and potatoes- harvested that same morning- with lima beans and fresh cheese. Continue by bus to Urbina Train Station, up high, at the foot of imposing Chimborazo Volcano, visit a Tagua workshop and warm up with a canelazo (a typical drink that is served hot) and rolls by the fireplace and, if the Chimborazo is clear, you will appreciate an amazing sunset. Then continue by bus to Riobamba for dinner and overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

9th day: Riobamba

RAIL & ROAD JOURNEY IN THE ECUADORIAN ANDES:

After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station in Riobamba to board the "Autoferro". Leisurely enjoy the ever-changing scenery along the ancient tracks in an astonishing ride, twisting and turning over the Andes, along bridging ravines and river gorges. Stop at Guamote, an Indian town, for a short visit to an Educational Center for Adults’ Development and Sustainability. Continue to Alausí, and prepare to go down the Devil’s Nose switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world, and back to Alausí, where a snack is served. From Alausí, continue south along the Andes by motorcar to Cuenca, visiting the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca to arrive at dusk, with a stop for lunch. Accommodations and all meals at the hotel in Cuenca.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

10th day: Cuenca

RAIL & ROAD JOURNEY IN THE ECUADORIAN ANDES:

Today guests will enjoy a full day to discover, at a leisurely pace, the beauty and charm for which Cuenca has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special. Lunch is served at a cozy restaurant.

Meals included : Lunch.

11th day: Cuenca / Quito

RAIL & ROAD JOURNEY IN THE ECUADORIAN ANDES:

The day starts with a ride along the Santa Ana valley and then high in the mountains, through very scenic landscapes, which change at every curb. Stops are made at the small towns that produce a variety of handcrafts, such as artistic handmade guitars at San Bartolo and alongside orchards and sugar cane plantations, on to Chordeleg, famous for gold and silver jewelry. Then past the village of Gualaceo, follow the road along the banks of the Santa Barbara River, lined with weeping willows, to Bulcay where shawl and scarves are woven with the ancient technique of Ikat (tie dyed warp to form specific designs, on ancient shuttle looms. Visit lovely orchid gardens with over 2500 species and then lunch at an attractive hostel, surrounded by flowery gardens, close to the Paute River. After lunch, return to Cuenca on time to catch the return flight from Cuenca to Quito.

Quito

Quito Reception at the airport and transfer to the selected Hotel.

Overnight at the hotel selected.

12th day: Quito / Lima

Transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Lan Peru flight from Quito to Lima.

Lima

Upon your arrival, reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel selected.

Meals included : Breakfast.

13th day: Lima (14:00)

LIMA CITY TOUR (COLONIAL AND MODERN):

Guided visit through Lima's Historical Center: the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the City Hall and old streets with colonial mansions and Moorish balconies. You will also visit the San Francisco Convent, which has the most magnificent collection of colonial art in America. The tour will continue through the most traditional residential areas of Lima, including San Isidro, Miraflores and LarcoMar, a shopping center of international thematic attractions which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Overnight at the hotel selected.

Meals included : Breakfast.

14th day: Lima / Cusco

At the appropriate time, transfer to the Airport to take your flight.

Flight to Cusco city.

Cusco

Upon your arrival at the airport you will be carried to the selected hotel.

CITY TOUR & NEIGHBORING RUINS:

City tour for 3 hours through the beautiful Cusco city and its nearby ruins. The tour will show you the amazing colonial city built on the foundations of the Inca palaces. You will visit the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral with its carved woodworks, altars and paintings. Then you will be driven to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman and to Tambomachay known as the Baths of the Inca. You will also have panoramic visits of Puca Pucara Ruins and the temple of Qenqo.

Overnight at the hotel selected.

Meals included : Breakfast.

15th day: Cusco (09:00)

PISAC MARKET & OLLANTAYTAMBO

Full day excursion to Sacred Valley, 31 km (19 miles) far from Cusco is Pisac, at the entrance of the Sacred Valley. Visit the colorful market that on sundays, tuesdays and thursdays a craft fair took place where you can buy beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. The tour continues towards Ollantaytambo, an archaeological site that the Incas built as a fort and includes a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: Araqama Ayllu, the religious and worship zone, and Qosqo Ayllu, the residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions due to the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a Living-Inca-Town, since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. This excursion will finish around 3:00 in the afternoon, after which you will be transferred to your hotel. During your trip, you will stop to visit the Wildlife Rescue Center of Cochahuasi. This project is dedicated to rescue and rehabilitate endangered species. You will have the chance to admire those rescued animals, which they will never return to nature, as well as to know how to elaborate "chicha" a traditional Inka beverage and to learn of the life style of the villagers from the Sacred Valley.

Overnight at the hotel selected.

Meals included : Breakfast and Lunch.

16th day: Cusco

Transfer to the train station.

MACHU PICCHU VISIT:

Arrival by Vistadome class train to Machu Picchu ruins. From Aguas Calientes station you will be transported by bus to the top of the mountain and to citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the most renowned examples of Inca architecture. The city of Machu Picchu is the department of Cusco’s most important tourist attraction and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Discovered in 1911 by the American explorer, Hiram Bingham, this city is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of scenic architecture in the world, built at the top of a granite mountain. The Incas, using ingenious engineering techniques, were able to transport heavy stone blocks up the mountain side, and once there, they used their excellent masonry skills to produce amazingly polished stones that fit together perfectly. After two hours guided visiting the ruins, you will have lunch at a restaurant of the area.

A private guide will assist you through the visit in Machu Picchu from the train station.

Overnight at the hotel selected.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

17th day: Cusco

SECOND DAY IN MACHU PICCHU

Entrance fee to visit Machu Picchu ruins or to climb the Huayna Picchu peak, the great mountain behind the citadel. The guide is not included.

Enjoy the lunch at the Inkaterra Cafe at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

At the appointed time, you should return to the station to take your train ride to Cusco. Luggage porters from your hotel to the station are available for free. The ride lasts for four hours. Transfer from the Poroy train station to the hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel Selected.

Meals included: Breakfast and Buffet Lunch.

18th day: Cusco

FREE DAY

Day at leisure to enjoy the wonders of Cusco city.

Meals included : Breakfast.

19th day: Cusco / Puno

You will be transferred from Cusco to Puno by bus.

You will visit some places on the road such as Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya and Pukará. You will enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Andean highlands where you will find alpacas and vicuñas, and several villages along the way. The lunch will be served in a local restaurant. The arrival to Puno is in the late afternoon.

Puno

Upon your arrival, meeting on the bus station and transfer to the hotel selected. Overnight in 1 Room Double, category Standard.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

20th day: Puno(07:00)

UROS & TAQUILE ISLANDS (TITICACA LAKE):

After breakfast, you will take a two-hour motor boat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique Floating "Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the "Water Tribe", have built their own "islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed unique to the area called "totora". Their homes and boats are also made from this material. After having experienced some of the ancient traditions of the local people, you continue your motor boat trip to Taquile Island. You will arrive by the back side of the island and start a hike to appreciate the wonderful natural sightseeing, the ascending through a regular pendant slope you will arrive at the town. There you will visit the Handicraft Center to buy a great variety of fine colored hand made weaves. At in a proper time, transfer to Puno. Upon arrival, transfer to selected hotel.

Overnight in 1 Room Double, category Standard.

Meals included : Breakfast and Lunch.

21th day: Puno / Lima

SILLUSTANI TOMBS:

Transfer from Puno to the airport in Juliaca city. On the way, visit the famous Chullpas Sillustani, 12 m/40ft high stone cylinder burial chambers, used by the Aymaras to bury their important leaders.

Arrival to the airport.

Lima

Upon your arrival reception at the airport and transfer to the selected Hotel.

Overnight at the selected hotel.

Meals included : Breakfast.

22th day: Lima/...

Transport to the airport to take your international flight.

Meals included : Breakfast.