Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos Cruise

Dec 25, 2018 - 2019
2018

Enchanting Lima, then to the Andes for Cusco & the lost world of Machu Picchu; plus picturesque Quito & a spectacular 4 night Galapagos Cruise

Overview

This package is currently unavailable.

Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures		Group Size	24 travelers max
Themes	History & Culture, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruises
What to Expect	This fast-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, and reaches high altitudes requiring a high level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops. The Galapagos cruise portion of this tour may have up to 90 passengers on board. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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Join us on a fascinating voyage of discovery as we visit some of the most splendid and awesome sites in South America. In Peru, you’ll see Lima, the City of Kings; Cusco, the ancient Incan capital; and Machu Picchu, the Lost City. In Ecuador, you’ll visit Quito, the lovely colonial capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site; Otavalo, with its colorful, charming market that is known throughout the world; and then cruise the Galapagos Islands, the magical place that inspired Charles Darwin to propose his theory of evolution. 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! LATAM Airlines

Package includes

Flights
Cruise
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round trip flights from Miami via LATAM Airlines including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees, with other gateways available on request
All flights within Peru & Ecuador
All ground transportation and transfers
Accommodations in Superior and Deluxe hotels with private bath
Vistadome train to/from Machu Picchu
Four-night Galapagos Cruise in Horizon Deck Explorer Cabin aboard the Santa Cruz II
Breakfast daily plus 5 lunches and 6 dinners
Galapagos National Park Fee ($100) & Transit Control Card ($20)
Comprehensive guided sightseeing tours including entrance fees
Snorkeling gear
Professional English-speaking tour directors and guides

Optional add-ons

Optional second visit to Machu Picchu or opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu
Exciting excursion from Cusco to Tipon & Andahuaylillas
Optional drink packages onboard the Santa Cruz II

Why you'll love it

Explore modern and colonial Lima and visit the Larco Herrera Museum
Wander through the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu
Experience real Peruvian culture in Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Cruise the Galapagos in style on the Santa Cruz II
See Quito’s most important landmarks and the Equatorial Monument
Shop for unique souvenirs at the famous indigenous market at Otavalo
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Center & the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Habitat

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA/Arrive Lima

2 nights Marriott Courtyard Miraflores, Lima. (Atton San Isidro on Apr 17, 2018 departure)

Depart USA on your flight bound for Lima, Peru

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel

Please refer to your flight schedule for departure times, you must check in at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight's departure

NOTE: Passengers from Miami must check-in the night before the scheduled departure

NOTE: New York (JFK) departs the night before the departure dates listed above for Miami

Day 2: Lima

Breakfast.

After breakfast visit the Larco Herrera Museum

Enjoy some free time for lunch

In the afternoon embark on a panoramic tour of Lima

Full Day Itinerary:After breakfast, your exploration begins with a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, boasting one of the greatest private collections of pre-Columbian artifacts. Its permanent exhibition includes a variety of colorful textiles, ceramics and jewelry, but perhaps its most interesting collection consists of ancient erotic artifacts. Next, enjoy some free time for lunch before embarking on a panoramic tour of Lima, driving by the Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima, the ornate Archbishop’s Palace and other buildings. You will also visit the fashionable districts of San Isidro and Miraflores with their beautiful parks and elegant residences overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Day 3: Sacred Valley

1 night Casa Andina Private Collection, Sacred Valley. Breakfast & dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco

Explore Pisac Market and shop for unique crafts

Continue to Ollantaytambo and tour the fortress and ruins

Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a short flight to Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire (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.

Continue to Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet above sea level), 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. Afterwards, check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

1 night El Mapi Hotel, Machu Picchu. Breakfast

Transfer to Ollanta station to board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu

Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu

Full Day Itinerary: It's a short drive from your hotel to the Ollanta railroad station where you'll board the Vistadome train that will take you through the lush Urubamba Valley, passing through stunning scenery en route to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular and enigmatic archaeological sites in the world. (8,000 feet above sea level)

Unknown to the outside world until archaeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911, Machu Picchu is now the most recognizable symbol of the Incan 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 amid mist-covered green mountains above the rushing Urubamba River, makes for a visually stunning, and even mystical, experience. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Day 5: Machu Picchu & Cusco

2 nights Novotel Cusco. Breakfast.

Morning at leisure or optional second visit to Machu Picchu

Return to Ollanta station by Vistadome train then transfer to Cusco by bus

Full Day Itinerary: Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore the quaint town of Aguas Calientes, revisit the citadel at Machu Picchu or trek to the top of Huayna Picchu on an optional excursion. This afternoon, journey back to Ollanta station by Vistadome train, then continue to Cusco by motor coach. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for overnight.

Optional Excursion: Second Visit to Machu Picchu, $95 or $110. Early this morning, there will be an opportunity to independently visit Machu Picchu for a second time, and for the more adventurous, to test their limits by climbing Huayna Picchu, the sharp peak which towers above the citadel. Entrance to Machu Picchu: $95 per person. Entrance to Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu: $110 per person. Price includes reserved ticket and roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Please contact us to reserve this option in advance as availability is limited.

Day 6: Cusco

Breakfast.

Morning at leisure or join the Tipon & Oropesa optional excursion

Afternoon city tour of Cusco

Visit the Sacsayhuaman Fortress & Puka Pukara

Full Day Itinerary:
After breakfast, enjoy the morning at leisure or take advantage of an optional excursion to Tipon & Oropesa. This afternoon, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Cusco. You'll see the Plaza de Armas, center of the Inca Empire, where Francisco Pizarro proclaimed the conquest of Cusco. Here, you'll visit Cusco's beautiful 16th century cathedral. Then, just a few blocks away, you will discover the ruins of the Koricancha, an important temple built to honor Inti, the Incan sun god. When the conquistadors first arrived in Cusco, the temple was covered in sheets of solid-gold and adorned with golden statues, but within months of their arrival, the temple was stripped and the gold plundered as treasure for Spain.

Next, visit Sacsayhuaman fortress, an emblematic Inca construction built in the 15th century. The size of the fortress and its massive stones are remarkable, and the manner in which they were transported, cut, and laid is still a mystery. Next, travel to Puka Pukara, also known as the "red fortress", which is thought to have been a military stronghold. It has many rooms, courtyards, bathrooms, aqueducts, and towers to explore.

Optional Excursion: Tipon & Andahuaylillas, $75. This morning’s optional excursion begins with a scenic drive to Tipon, an impressive complex located 15 miles outside of Cusco. Tipon is an ancient marvel of engineering consisting of twelve agricultural terraces and an advanced irrigation system that is still used by the local population to this day. Next, continue to Andahuaylillas and visit the Church of San Pedro Apostol, considered the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” because of its ornate gold-leaf altar and beautiful artwork adorning its ceiling and walls.

Day 7: Cusco & Lima.

1 night Hotel Costa del Sol Lima Airport. Breakfast.

Day at leisure or join the Chinchero & Maras or Moray excursion

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima

Full Day Itinerary: Enjoy the day at leisure in this beautiful town in the high Andes Mountains. You may stroll through the main square, or wander through the many charming side streets. Alternatively, take advantage of an optional excursion to Chinchero and Maras or Moray. This evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, independently make your way to the hotel, located just across the street.

Optional Excursion: Chinchero & Maras or Moray, $89 This morning’s optional excursion begins with a visit to the ancient village of Chinchero and its beautiful colonial church built upon the original foundations of Tupac Yupanqui Palace. Explore Chinchero’s artisan weaver’s complex, and discover the traditional techniques of weaving, dyeing and spinning. Next, depending on your departure date, you will visit Maras or Moray. During the dry season (May through late-November) visit the salt mines of Maras, consisting of about 3000 small pools, constructed on a mountain side. The ancient Inca would irrigated these pools with brackish spring water and allow them to evaporate to produce salt for the empire. During the rainy season (late-November through April), visit the archaeological site of Moray consisting of enormous terraces in concentric rings which allowed ancient farmers to create diverse microclimates and harvest a variety of crops.

Day 8: Lima & Quito, Ecuador.

2 nights Hilton Colon, Quito. Breakfast.

Independently return to the airport for your flight to Quito

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel

Full Day Itinerary: Today bid adiós to Peru as you make your own way back to the airport for your flight to Quito, Ecuador's capital city (9,350 feet above sea level). Upon arrival and after customs formalities, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Day 9: Quito

Breakfast.

Panoramic city tour of Quito and Equatorial Monument

Full Day Itinerary: Today, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Quito. Arguably one of the loveliest of all South American cities, Quito enjoys a spectacular setting surrounded by mountains and several snow-capped volcanoes, including the still-active Mt. Pichincha. Begin your walking tour at Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and the Archbishops’ Palace. The next stop, La Compañía de Jesús, has an ornate and richly sculptured facade and interior, with colored columns, 10-sided altars, and gilded balconies. Continue to the Monastery of San Francisco, Quito's oldest church and the largest colonial building constructed in Latin America.

Next, drive 16 miles north of Quito to the Equatorial Monument, the Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World"), commemorating the exact place where Charles Marie de la Condamine established the Equator, where you can stand with one foot in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere.

Day 10: Quito, Galapagos Cruise: Baltra & Santa Cruz Island

4 nights Santa Cruz II . Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos

Continue to the dock to board your cruise ship, the Santa Cruz II

Settle into your cabin, and enjoy an introductory briefing and lunch

In the afternoon, visit Dragon Hill on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island

Full Day Itinerary: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos Islands to begin your adventure. Upon arrival, transfer to the dock to board your cruise ship, the Santa Cruz II, your home for the next 4 nights. Settle into your cabin, and enjoy an introductory briefing and lunch.

In the afternoon, arrive at Santa Cruz Island. The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Dragon Hill. The first part of a walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks and flamingos, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas.

Day 11: Galapagos Cruise: Isabela Island & Fernandina Island

Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

After breakfast, explore the coast of Isabela Island by panga

Depending on weather conditions, snorkel or swim along the cliffs

Continue to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island

Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, explore the coast of Isabela Island by panga, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, a nesting place for several Galapagos highlights: flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, and boobies. Depending on weather conditions, snorkel or swim along the cliffs of this area rich in marine life, seasonally-visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sun fish.

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which, having no introduced mammals, boasts a very unique environment with a very high density of marine iguanas, who share their space with sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorants.

Day 12: Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island

Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

This morning disembark and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

Enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island

In the afternoon, enjoy one of a variety of activities available on Santa Cruz Island

Full Day Itinerary: In the morning, disembark (dry landing followed by a brief bus ride) for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise breeding center within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following the visit, board a transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.

There are several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. Options include beach walks, kayaks, walks along the tortoise reserve, etc. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.

Day 13: Galapagos Cruise: Floreana Island

Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

This morning, enjoy a panga ride along Floreana’s north shore

Land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic post office barrel

Explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet

Enjoy a walk around Punta Cormorant

Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, enjoy a panga ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore. Continue to Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views of Floreana. Land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries and where postcards are traditionally left for guests from other vessels to hand-deliver to their destinations. Head back on board for lunch.

Following lunch and a siesta, take a panga or glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s on to Punta Cormorant, beginning with a wet landing on the beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish-water lagoon where bird species such as American flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others gather. Continue the walk over to a white-sand beach, where sea turtles emerge from the sea at night to nest (from December to May).

Day 14: Galapagos Cruise: Baltra Island & Quito

2 nights Hilton Colon, Quito. Breakfast & dinner.

Disembark and transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for your flight back to Quito

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel

Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner

Full Day Itinerary: Disembark and transfer to the airport to take your flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

After some time to relax, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 15: Otavalo Market & Quito

Breakfast & lunch.

Drive along the Pan-American Highway to Otavalo

Explore the famous market at Otavalo

Continue to Peguche, a nearby indigenous village

Full Day Itinerary: This morning, set out on the Pan-American Highway to Otavalo. After driving through dramatic Andean scenery, arrive at the famous indigenous fair and the textile market of Otavalo.

Enjoy a visit to the charming Otovalo Market, showcasing brightly colored and unique handicrafts. Stroll by their many stalls filled with paintings, woven ponchos, scarves and blankets. You'll also see traditional hats, handbags, beaded jewelry and more. Try your hand at bargaining for something special to bring home, or just enjoy people watching in this bustling and historic environment.

Then proceed to Peguche, a nearby indigenous village, where local artisans weave in their homes. Learn about their culture and everyday life. Next, have lunch in one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area.

Later, return to Quito to finish any last minute packing.

Day 16: Depart Quito/Arrive USA

Breakfast.

Shortly after midnight, transfer to the airport for your return flight

Arrive in the USA later today

NOTE: Passengers returning to MIA will have breakfast on board the flight

NOTE: Passengers returning to JFK will depart Quito later this morning

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, require 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.

Please remember that the exact route and program may vary according to weather and ocean conditions, and the wildlife encountered. There is no guarantee that all the possible species mentioned will be seen.

Itineraries and program are subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes or safety reasons.

Dry landing: guests step from a dinghy onto rocks or a dock.

Wet landing: as a dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Ecuador? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Peru? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about the Galapagos? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.