Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, many meals, touring and more!
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On sale prices include savings of up to $800 per couple if you reserve before November 20, 2009!
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Peruvian mom & daughter in traditional dress
Join us on a fascinating voyage of discovery as we visit some of the most splendid and awesome sites in the world. We'll travel first to Peru, which, like the Parthenon in Greece or the Pyramids of Egypt, provides an unforgettable glimpse of the genius of the lost world of the Inca People.
You'll have the opportunity to visit Lima, the City of Kings and the country's capital, Cusco, the 11,000 ft high Inca capital, Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas and among the most impressive archeological discoveries of all times, and Lake Titicaca on Peru's border with Bolivia, among the highest and most beautiful lakes in the world.
Tour itinerary map
In Ecuador, we'll visit Quito, the lovely colonial capital city, whose Old Town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Otavalo, whose colorful, charming market is known throughout the world, and the Galapagos Islands, a magical, unique, living laboratory, where Darwin, and those who followed, studied evolutionary changes that led to a new understanding of life on earth.
This is truly an unforgettable, once in a lifetime adventure, full of discovery, beauty, history, culture and more fun than you can imagine. And while there are no compromises in the quality of the hotels and the scope of touring included in our program, it's yours for a price that's as amazing as the trip itself!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting journey to Peru and the Galapagos begins this evening as you depart on your overnight flight bound for Lima.
Cathedral of Lima and the Government Palace, Plaza Major, Lima Photo by rruiz3960
Day 2: Lima, Peru. Arrive today in Peru's diverse capital, Lima, "City of the Kings." Transfer to your centrally located hotel for breakfast.
Plaza Major, Lima
Afterward, embark on a city tour of both modern and colonial Lima. See the Monastery of San Francisco, famous for its library and catacombs, and the historical city center, based around the beautiful and sprawling Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas). Lining the plaza are the grand Cathedral of Lima, the ornate Archbishop's Palace, and the Government Palace, or Casa de Pizarro.
Miraflores district, Lima
Both the Government Palace and the cathedral were first built by Francisco Pizarro when he founded the city in 1535 to govern the conquered Incan empire (though both have been rebuilt since).
Visit the fashionable districts of San Isidro and Miraflores with their beautiful parks and elegant residences facing the ocean. Sol de Oro or similar (B)
Pisac market Photo by Willem Proos
Day 3: Cuzco, Pisac Market & Sacred Valley. After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a short morning flight to Cuzco, capital of the Inca Empire and located 11,000 feet above sea level. Upon arrival, travel to nearby Pisac, a picturesque Andean village with a wonderful market. Here you'll have a chance to buy locally made ponchos, sweaters and other handcrafted clothing, ceramics and hand-painted beads. Enjoy browsing the "locals" section of the market, where villagers come from miles around, dressed in their traditional clothing, to barter and sell their produce.
Ollantaytambo, Peru
Continue to Ollantaytambo, located at the foot of spectacular Inca ruins which protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley. The temple area is at the top of a series of steep terraces which helped provide excellent defenses. Stone used for these buildings was brought from a quarry high up on the opposite side of the Urubamba river—an incredible feat involving the efforts of thousands of workers. The complex, still under construction at the time of the conquest by Spain, was never completed.
Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley or similar (B)
Ruins of Machu Picchu © Promperu
Day 4: Machu Picchu. It's a short drive from your hotel to the Ollanta railroad station where you'll board the train that will take you through the lush Urubamba Valley, passing through stunning scenery en route to Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular and enigmatic archeological sites in the world. Even those who aren't normally excited by archaeology will be impressed by this Lost City of the Incas.
Peruvian in traditional dress
Unknown to the outside world until archeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911, Machu Picchu is now the most recognizable symbol of the Inca Empire. Believed to have served as a country retreat town for Inca nobility, the complex consists of giant walls, terraces, and ramps constructed from precisely cut rock formations. This impressive architectural feat, in combination with its breathtaking natural setting amidst mist-covered green mountains above the rushing Urubamba River, makes for a visually stunning, and even mystical, experience. Return to Cuzco for overnight.
Casa Andina Private Collection Cuzco or similar (B)
Cuzco
Day 5: Cuzco. According to Incan legend, Cuzco was founded by Manco Cápac, whose golden sceptre disappeared into the ground on its own showing him where to establish the city of Cuzco (the navel of the world). This afternoon, a panoramic tour takes you to the main sites of this impressive city, including the Plaza de Armas, center of the Inca Empire, where Francisco Pizarro proclaimed the conquest of Cuzco and where you find the beautiful 16th century cathedral, built on the ruins of the Koricancha, an important Inca temple to the Sun God. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all taken as treasure for Spain. (B)
Day 6: Cuzco. Enjoy a full day at leisure for sightseeing and shopping in Cuzco. Your tour guide will gladly offer suggestions for independent exploration. (B)
Puno © casa Andina
Day 7: Cuzco & Puno. Take a drive of unbelievable beauty through the Andes and toward the Altiplano and Lake Titicaca. Driving from Cuzco to Puno through the Andes, you reach an elevation of more than 14,000 feet at La Raya (the apex between the Andes and Altiplano) as you pass through tiny villages of craftsmen, potters and weavers, farms, waterfalls, clear blue sky, deep blue water and dry, reddish-brown landscape. Have cameras charged and ready for the incredible panoramic shots you'll want to take along the way.
Later today, arrive in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, 12,500 feet above sea level. Casa Andina Private Collection Puno (B)
Lake Titicaca
Day 8: Lake Titicaca, Uros & Taquile. This morning you'll visit beautiful, Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and, according to Andean legend, the birthplace of civilization. Legend holds that Mama Ocllo and Manco Capac, the founders of the Inca Empire, appeared from the deep waters of this lake.
Houses on the Uros floating island
A highlight of your tour is a visit to the floating island of Uros, where many of the inhabitants still practice the old traditions of fishing, trapping birds, weaving and sailing in boats and living in houses made of totora reeds which grow abundantly in the lake.
Peruvian boy in traditional dress
Continue to Taquile, the largest island on the Peruvian side of the lake. Taquileños, the Island locals, are famous for their beautiful woven goods, widely regarded as some of the highest quality handicrafts in Peru. Here, you'll also be able to take in breathtaking views of the lake, which looks like an ocean surrounded by mountains. Return to Puno this afternoon. (B,L)
Aerial view
Day 9: Depart Peru/Arrive Quito, Ecuador. After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ecuador, via Lima. Begin your discovery of Ecuador with a panoramic tour of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose elevation gives it a wonderful springlike climate despite being very close to the Equator. Arguably among the loveliest of South American cities, Quito enjoys a spectacular setting surrounded by mountains and several snow-capped volcanoes, including the still-active Mt. Pichincha.
Old town Quito
The real beauty of Quito is in its wonderful Old Town, where you'll find blocks of colonial architecture, some of it dating from the mid-1500s when the Spanish founded the city. Before the Spanish arrived, Quito was an important Inca settlement, and before the Inca, other tribes lived at the site. Vintage facades line the streets and large open plazas are surrounded by cathedrals and stately public buildings, including the Government Palace, the first stop on your tour.
Even more breathtaking than the exteriors are the interiors of some of the buildings, particularly the churches, many of which gleam with real gold leaf. La Compania, the next stop on your tour, has the most ornate and richly sculptured facade and interior, complete with colored columns, 10-sided altars, and gilded balconies. Several of its most precious treasures, including a painting of the Virgen Dolorosa framed in emeralds and gold, are kept in the vault of the Banco Central del Ecuador and appear only at special festivals. Continue to the Monastery of San Francisco, Quito's oldest church. Built in the 16th century, the monastery is an exact replica of the Escorial Palace of Madrid. Gran Hotel Mercure Alameda or Sheraton Quito (B)
Otavalo market vendor
Day 10: Otavalo Excursion. After breakfast this morning, set out on a drive along the Panamerican Highway to Otavalo, whose beauty lies in its people, the Otavaleño Indians, and their market, undoubtedly one of the best in all of Latin America. Unlike other indigenous people who have given up their traditional dress for jeans and t-shirts, Otavaleños are still easily identified by their distinctive dress: women wear intricately embroidered blouses and a wealth of beaded necklaces, while men have long, braided hair and wear calf-length white trousers, ponchos and sandals.
The market takes place in the main Plaza, but don't hesitate to wander into the side streets, where the goods on display start to diversify and the prices get lower. Enjoy the cacophony of sounds as Spanish, and Quichua, the native language of the area, mix together with Andean pipe music and the explosion of color from the many fabric, fruit and craft stalls that line the plaza and side streets. Return to Quito this afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B,L)
Blue-footed Boobie
Day 11: Quito, Galapagos Cruise: Baltra & North Seymour Island. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra, gateway to the Galapagos Islands. Board your first class cruiser, the M/V Galapagos Legend, your home for the next three nights. Settle into your cabin and set sail for North Seymour Island, home to one of the largest colonies of magnificent frigate birds. Other island residents include playful sea lions and, from May to November, blue-footed boobies.
MV Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D)
Galapagos tortoise
Day 12: Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz & Punta Cormoran (Charles Island). Today, explore beautiful Santa Cruz Island. This is sure to be the highlight of your visit to the Galapagos Islands, as this is the place to see giant tortoises, both in the wild and in captivity. Follow the trail to Dragon Hill, which offers a breathtaking view of the bay. Thanks to the island's Charles Darwin Research Center, this area is also an important nesting site for a large population of land iguanas.
Male frigate bird
Later, land at Punta Cormoran (Charles Island), home to one of largest flamingo lagoons in the Galapagos. Be on the lookout for various other species of shorebirds, including common stilts and white-checked pintail ducks. This island is also unique for its high percentage of endemic plants and for its two distinct beaches: the "Green Beach," named after the olivine crystals in the sand; and the "Flour Sand Beach," a dazzling white coral sand beach. (B,L,D)
Sea lions
Day 13: Galapagos Cruise: Española & San Cristóbal Island. Land at Suarez Point on Espanola Island, where you'll walk over rugged volcanic rocks to see colonies of sea lions and throngs of marine iguanas sunning themselves. At an overlook, you'll see many sea birds, including fork-tail frigate birds, hawks and mockingbirds, but you'll have to look carefully to spot the saddleback tortoises, native to this island, which despite their large size manage to hide in the bushes. The most spectacular of the sea birds are the waved albatrosses, the largest birds in the Galapagos. From March through November, you can usually watch the birds' elaborate courtship ritual, as they bow, click their bright yellow bills, circle and honk at one another before mating for life. It's quite a show. After raising their young, the birds head out to sea, where they often spend three or four months without touching land. End this morning's excursion viewing the famous blowhole, where the water spurts about 75 feet into the air.
Pinnacle Rock, Galapagos Islands
This afternoon, continue to San Cristobal, the easternmost Galapagos Island. Stop for an informative visit at the island's Interpretation Center, located in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Province. Built with the cooperation of the Spanish Science Center, this center provides an excellent overview of the history and biodiversity of the Galapagos. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Quito. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito. Enjoy some final leisure time in Quito before joining your travel companions for dinner in town. Gran Hotel Mercure Alameda or Sheraton Quito (B)
Day 15: Depart Quito/Arrive USA. Bid adios to Ecuador as you board your return flight to the USA Your exciting South American adventure ends as you touch down in Miami today. (B)
Optional Ica Pre-Tour Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare by joining our pre-tour extension to Ica, Peru for a special opportunity to visit the Nazca Lines, one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient world!
Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting journey to Peru begins this evening as you depart on your overnight flight bound for Lima.
Day 2: Lima & Ica, Peru. Morning arrival in Lima, Peru's diverse capital. After arrival formalities and breakfast, depart for Ica, an oasis city that lies in the dune-filled desert coast of Southern Peru. Hotel Las Dunas or similar. (B)
Image of a dog, Nazca Lines
Day 3: Nazca Lines & Ica. The Nazca Lines remain one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient world. Debate surrounds the origin, function, and creators of these large-scale geoglyphs. However, consensus exists on at least two characteristics of these designs-that they are pre-Inca, and that they are fascinating. Ranging in size from about 300ft to several miles in length, these designs depict not only abstract geometrical figures, but also different plants and animals, such as fish, hummingbirds, and condors. Because of their large size, the designs are best viewed from above. You'll have the opportunity to experience this superb vantage point on a small plane that flies over the Nazca Lines. After this unforgettable experience, return to Ica for overnight.
(Note: The Nazca Lines flight excursion is subject to weather conditions.) (B,D)
La Catedral cliff, Paracas
Day 4: Paracas & Lima. Set out early this morning along the South Panamerican Highway to Paracas. Upon arrival at Paracas Bay, board your boat to the Ballestas Islands. As you sail, be on the lookout for the strange cactus-like engraving on the sand cliffs, believed to be created by the designers of the Nazca Lines. Disembark at the Paracas National Reserve, the best shorebird sanctuary in South America. Numerous species of birds (cormorants, gannets, gulls, terns, pelicans, Humboldt penguins and other species), as well as a large colony of sea lions, populate these islands.
(Note: The boat excursion to Ballestas Islands is subject to weather conditions).
This afternoon, return to Lima in preparation for the next exciting leg of your journey. (See Day 2 of the tour itinerary above for the continuation of your touring program). Sol de Oro or similar. (B)
* Passengers taking the pre-tour extension will depart the U.S. 2 days before the departure dates shown at right.
Important Notes
- The high altitudes reached on this trip (Cusco is at 11,000 feet above sea level) and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, requires that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. We strongly suggest that you consult your physician if you have any concerns regarding your ability to handle these conditions.
- In order to visit so many of Peru's must-see sights, this tour requires several long bus rides as well as early morning departure times in order to comply with flight and train schedules. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.
About your ship, MV Galapagos Legend
MV Galapagos Legend
The recently refurbished M/V Galapagos Legend is one of the most talked about additions to the expanding Galapagos cruising fleet. The 5-star, expedition-style Legend offers all of the comfort and amenities of a larger cruise vessel, but is small and specially designed to navigate the waters of the Galapagos. With a passenger capacity of only 100, the Legend provides an intimate cruising adventure that allows you to experience up-close the unrivalled beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
The Legend's bright and spacious cabins are comfortable and well-appointed. All cabins feature adjustable climate controls, closet, safety deposit box, and a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer. Click here for information about your ship.
Destination FAQs
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Peru, click here.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Ecuador, click here.
This trip was great. We had so much fun and adventure. Food and hotels were great. People should take this trip just to stay in the two hotels that had live fireplaces. Patricio, our guide, and Jaime, our driver, were outstanding. Jaime did a great job driving the mountain roads and keep the bus very clean. Ecuador is a "Hidden Treasure". Viva South America!
— Lois and Warren Martinek, New Gretna, New Jersey
We traveled to many places and enjoyed many tours before, but this was so special. Your tour guide was by far the best we have ever had. He made our trip extra special, attended to all the details and treated us with great respect. He made the trip effortless and took the worry totally out of the trip. We were surprised by the quality of service provided to us. All the arrangements were made with our comfort in mind; the hotel rooms were the nicest we have stayed in. We would definitely use Friendly Planet for our next vacation and recommend this service to all our friends.
— Raksha Patel, Pinellas Park, FL
I returned last night from my first trip with Friendly Planet. What a glorious adventure this was. Our guide, Dennis, is a remarkable, knowlegable, and patient man with a great sense of humor. (He humored me when--after our first stop--I saw the need to feed stray dogs along the way.) Food and hotels were all magnificent. I learned so much. Ecuador and the beautiful people will be forever in my heart. Thank you very much, Friendly Planet.
— Liesel Appel, Asheville, NC
