QUITO, GALAPAGOS & MACHU PICCHU
(13 days)

1st day: ../ Quito

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

Overnight at the selected hotel.

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 selected.

Meals included: Breakfast.

3rd day: Quito / Galapagos Islands

Transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Flight from Quito to Galapagos.

Islands Galapagos

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, an 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.

4th 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.

5th 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 a 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.

6th 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

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

Overnight at the hotel selected.

Meals included: Breakfast.

7th day: Quito / Lima

Quito Transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Peru flight from Quito to Lima.

Lima

Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel selected.

Overnight at hotel selected.

Meals included: Breakfast.

8th day: Lima / Cusco

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport.

Flight to Cusco city.

Cuzco

Transfer from the hotel to the airport. 13:30.

CITY TOUR & NEIGHBORING RUINS:

City tour for 3 hours through the beautiful city’s Cusco 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 a panoramic visit of Puca Pucara Ruins and the temple of Qenqo.

Overnight at hotel selected.

Meals included: Breakfast.

9th day: Cusco

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 animal, 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 La Casona de Yucay Hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

10th 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 the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the most renowned examples of Inca architecture. The city of Machu Picchu is the most important touristic attraction of Cusco’s department 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.

11th day: Cusco

SECOND DAY IN MACHU PICCHU:

Entrance fee to visit Machu Picchu ruins or 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 back 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 selected hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

12th day: Cusco / Lima

Transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Flight to Lima city.

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

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.

13th day: Lima / ..

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport.

Meals included : Breakfast.