South America:Galapagos
Peru & Ecuador With Galapagos
Tour Highlights:
- Enjoy the colonial cities of Lima, Quito and Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas.
- Visit outstanding Inca monuments including Sacsayhuaman.
- Overnight visit at the great Machu Picchu, reached by panoramic Vistadome train.
- Immerse in the culture of traditional Indian villages and famous market of the Otavalo Highlands.
- Explore classic Galapagos environments on a 4 night cruise with thrilling views of many animals.
Day 1, Arrive Lima, Peru
Begin your holiday with a flight to Peru, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in fashionable San Isidro. Choice of Hotels
Day 2, Lima
Founded by Pizarro in the 16th century, Lima preserves a fascinating past that you’ll explore on an afternoon tour of the colonial district and the Larco Herrera Museum. Choice of Hotels (B)
Day 3, Lima / Cusco
Fly over the Andes Mountains to Cusco, ancient capital of the Incas, and transfer to your hotel to acclimatize. Spend the afternoon touring Cusco and the outlying Inca ruins of Qenqo and Tambomachay, the watchtowers of Puca Pucara, and the wondrous Sacsayhuaman, built of huge geometric blocks fit together with amazing precision. Choice of Hotels (B)
Day 4, Cusco / Machu Picchu
Transfer to Ollanta for a thrilling train ride aboard the Vistadome carries you through breathtaking vistas to Machu Picchu. Walk with your guide through this remarkable “lost city” of stone. Compare the simplicity of its civil dwellings with the high degree of perfection found in its religious temples and royal houses. Stop frequently to simply absorb the mountaintop setting. Choice of Hotels (B,L,D)
Day 5, Machu Picchu / Cusco
A free morning allows time for you to return to Machu Picchu on your own. A hike up Huayna Picchu for grand panoramas of the valley and ruins is also recommended, if the weather is clear. Return to Ollanta by train this afternoon, then transfter to your Cusco hotel. Choice of Hotels (B,L)
Day 6, Cusco / Lima / Quito, Ecuador
Fly to Lima and connect onward to Quito, a city of perpetual spring in an exceptional mountain setting. You are welcomed on arrival and transferred to your world-class hotel. This evening enjoy a dinner of Ecuadorian specialties. JW Marriott Hotel (B,D)
Day 7, Quito
A full-day private tour of Quito, Ecuador begins in the colonial heart of the old center along its narrow, winding cobblestone streets, magnificent churches and wide-open squares. The architecture reveals the Spanish colonial influence in the balconies, tile roofs, thick columns and central patios. Discover the incomparably rich La Compania church and San Francisco Square. Drive up Panecillo Hill for glorious views of the city and surroundings. Enjoy a typical Ecuador lunch overlooking the serene countryside. Visit the Equatorial Monument, where you can stand in the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time. JW Marriott Hotel (B,L)
Days 8-11, Galapagos Islands Cruise
Fly this morning 600 miles offshore to the enchanted Galapagos Islands. You are welcomed aboard the Galapagos Explorer II, a deluxe, passenger ship offering upscale adventure and spacious, all-suite comfort. Soon you set sail on your four-night journey among the isles that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Your daily itinerary depends upon seasonal factors, but you’ll be briefed daily on the events ahead, and are sure to see an abundance of animals from incredibly close range. Snorkel among sea lions, observe giant tortoises, explore remote cliffs and mangroves on panga boats, hike the volcanic terrain, and enjoy the unique mix of tropical and polar wildlife found only here. Galapagos Explorer II (B,L,D)
Day 12, Galapagos / Quito
Step ashore to explore one more amazing wilderness area if there’s time, before bidding farewell to your crew and flying back to Quito. Transfer back to your hotel. JW Marriott Hotel (B,L)
Day 13, Quito – Otavalo Highlands & Indian Market
Set out through green terraced hills to the land of the Otavalos. Stop at colorful villages along the way such as Calderon, famed for its whimsical bread dough dolls; and a village of weavers at work on pre-Columbian backstrap looms. Arrive in Otavalo and visit its famous Indian market, where you can browse the heaps of textiles and crafts. Return to Quito on another scenic road through the highlands. JW Marriott Hotel (B,L)
Day 14, Depart Quito
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to home. (B)
| Superior | Deluxe | |
| Lima | Swissotel (Business Advantage Room) | Miraflores Park Plaza (Executive Ocean View Suite) |
| Cusco | Libertador Palacio del Inka (Superior Room) | Hotel Monasterio (Deluxe Oxygenated Room) |
| Machu Picchu | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (Superior Deluxe Room) | Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Classic Room) |
Rates/Departures:
All rates are land/cruise basis only. Airfare between Ecuador mainland and Galapagos is additional: $520 per person (subject to change). International airfares are available upon request. All rates are based on a minimum of 2 guests traveling. The single supplements indicated are based on a single room supplement after the two passenger minimum is met. For solo travelers, additional supplements will apply. Please note that a Galapagos Fuel Surcharge may apply.