Peru & Galapagos

Peru boasts the most dramatic Andean peaks and finest regional cuisine, but the

the jewel in its crown is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca ruins discovered

high in the clouds and in the deep forest.

 

Cuzco, the former Inca capital is filled

with fascinating history, museums and ruins. If that wasn't enough, Peru's long,

fertile territory was the starting point for many pre-Columbian civilizations.

Day 1 - Arrival - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

 

You will have a private transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in the Sacred

Valley with english speaking guide. On route to the hotel, the group will visit Pisac

Market.

Pisac Market (Half day)

The Pisac Market is one of the most famous markets in the Cusco region, drawing

many visitors to its famous Sunday market when indigenous Quechua communities

from the surrounding highlands come to Pisac to sell their produce and stock up on

supplies for the week.

A large section of the market is dedicated to tourist-oriented souvenir stalls where

you can find weaving, jewellery, ponchos, hats, Andean instruments, ceramics,

alpaca products and a whole range of other gifts and souvenirs to take home with

you. The handcraft market is open every day from 9am to 4.30pm and is a good

place to pick up some gifts all in the one place.

We continue the journey to your hotel for Overnight

 

Hotel Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado (Superior Room).

 

Day 2 - Sacred Valley Full Day ( L )

 

After breakfast, you are picked up from your hotel for a day full of culture and

beautiful nature. First, you visit Moray, a small community famous for its embedded

amphitheater that is formed by circular terraces which seem to disappear into the

ground. Scientist think that Moray has played an important role in the agricultural

research conducted by the Incas.

You head to the salt mines located near Maras dating from colonial times; a very

photogenic place. Then, you continue to Ollantaytambo, an ancient fort standing

proudly in the famous Sacred Valley. The many paths and irrigation canals create a

unique system telling you more about the development of Peru’s ancient cultures.

 

This wonderful day is concluded with a visit to Chinchero, believed to be the mythical

birthplace of the rainbow. On Chinchero’s main plaza, you find a colonial church built

 

in the 17 th  century. On Sundays, the mass takes place, but that day you can wander

around the market of the town.

 

Lunch at Tunupa Sacred Valley Restaurant. Overnight Sacred Valley

Hotel Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado (Superior Room).

 

Day 3 - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes -

Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco.( L )

 

- Transport from your hotel in Urubamba to the Ollantaytambo

 

station with guide.

 

The Vistadome train offers a unique connection with the scenery along the

way to Machu Picchu, making passengers feel as if they were somehow part

of the nature that surrounds them. The panoramic windows located beside

and above your seat will bring you close to nature unlike anything you’ve

experienced before.

.

*Luggage allowed: A day backpack with 5 kilos per person.

Rest of luggage , must be left at your hotel.

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes, who will then take you to Machu

Picchu and give you a guided tour through the archeological site.

Walk to the bus station to take your bus up to Machu Picchu.

Shared transfer from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and from Machu

Picchu back to Aguas Calientes.

TOUR MACHU PICCHU (3 hours)

Machu Picchu was only re-discovered in 1911 by the explorer Hiram

Bingham, this citadel is considered to be one of the most extraordinary

examples of landscapes architecture in the world. Located in an enclave on

the saddle of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba

River, in an area of lush tropical forest, it served as a place of worship, a site

for star-gazing and a private hacienda of the family of the Inca Pachacutec.

It consists of two main areas one agricultural, formed mainly by mountains

and food stores, and the other urban, which is noted for its sacred zone with

 

its temples, squares and royal tombs. The stairways and canals carved out of

stone are recurrent throughout this remarkable archaeological site.

Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a

UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, it was chosen as one of the

New Seven Wonders of the World.

Lunch at Tinkuy restaurant.

VISTADOME TRAIN ( MACHU PICCHU - POROY )

Return trips on the Vistadome also offer an onboard fashion show, featuring

the exclusive baby alpaca wool collection with the latest trends in alpaca

apparel, all available for sale. As an added bonus, you can enjoy live dances

inspired by the ancient culture of the Andes. Passengers also receive a snack

made from local ingredients, so you can get the full Andean experience

through our cuisine. The trip also includes non-alcoholic beverages for your

onboard refreshment.



You will have a private transfer from Poroy Station to your selected Hotel in

Cusco with guide. Overnight Cusco

Hotel Casa Andina Premium Cusco. (Superior Room)

 

Day 4 - Cuzco City Tour and Surroundings - Half day ( B )

 

Time to explore magical Cusco! This beautiful city has an interesting history,

both from Inca and colonial times. You start this half-day tour at Cusco’s

main square, which was called Huacaypata (Warriors Square) by the Incas.

 

While the guide tells you more about the history of this special place, you can

admire the city’s cathedral that was built between 1560 and 1664 with the

red granite stones from the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The cathedral is

without doubt one of the most impressive buildings in Cusco, and not only

from the outside: the historical buildings hosts one of the most significant

collections of gold and silver work of the colonial period.

 

Next, you continue to Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo. The

convent was built on top of the most important Inca temple dedicated to the

worship of the sun, with walls covered with gold leaf. Wandering through the

streets of what once was the capital of the Inca Empire, you feel like you are

traveling through time.

 

 

After exploring Cusco, you head to the nearby ruins, such as the

Sacsayhuaman Fortress with its immense temple walls made out of huge

stones constructed in a zigzag pattern; the red fort Puca Pucara; the Qenko

Amphitheater, and Tambomachay, the Inca baths. Full of new knowledge

about the history of the Incas, you return to your hotel in Cusco.

Free afternoon to explore Cusco on your own and do some shopping.

Overnight Cuzco

Hotel Casa Andina Premium Cusco. (Superior Room)

 

Day 5 - Cuzco - Lima ( B )

 

Post breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the airport in Cusco with guide.

Transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Lima. 

 

LIMA CITY TOUR (Half day)

This half-day city tour starts at Lima’s main square, where you can admire

the Governmental Palace. You visit the Cathedral, where the conqueror

Francisco Pizarro is buried, and its religious museum. Then, your guide takes

you to the San Francisco Church and its monastery, which cloisters and

entrance hall are embellished with authentic tiles from Seville dating back to

1620. Also remarkable are the church’ museum, the Zubaran room, and the

library. The complex was built over underground catacombs which were used

as cemeteries during colonial times.

Cathedral of Lima

Construction for the cathedral began in 1535, the same year the city of Lima

was founded. Throughout the years it withstood various earthquakes and

underwent a lot of renovations. It is also where the conqueror Francisco

Pizarro is buried, and the visit you will have the chance to visit its religious

museum.

Today it stands towering over Lima's main square and is one the main

attraction of the colonial city center.

The San Francisco Church

The construction of the convent began in the mid-sixteenth century; today, it

remains one of the most exceptional legacies of the Vice-royal period. The

 

monastery has a library that features twenty-five thousand ancient texts, an

Islamic inspired dome, carved in wood and, the most chilling aspect, a series

of catacombs that have on display the bones of more than twenty-five

thousand people.

After being forgotten for a long time, the catacombs were rediscovered in

1943 and some believe they are connected to the city’s cathedral and other

churches through a network of underground tunnels. At the time of their

construction, the crypts were the burial grounds for members of guilds and

brotherhoods. Now visitors can observe them through the floors of the

church of San Francisco, held together by nets. The bones are laid out in

geometric shapes, especially in mandala patterns, suggesting that whoever

placed them favored a metaphysical purpose before a useful one.

At the end of your tour you will be transferred to your hotel for Overnight

 

Hotel Casa Andina Premium Miraflores (Traditional Room).

 

Day 6: Thursday  -  Lima Departure for Guayaquil , Ecuador (B,D )

 

Transfer from your hotel to the airport in Lima. The airport is located in the

district of Callao, about 16km from Miraflores and it will take approximately

45 minutes to one hour to arrive.

Ecuador

 

Ecuador may be relatively small, but in addition to its many giant volcanoes,

Amazon destinations, beach towns and cloud forest resorts, the Country’s

mainland is also the exclusive gateway to a true natural wonder of the world:

the enchanted Galapagos Islands. Train routes pass through the dramatic

highlights of the Andes, including the impeccably preserved colonial centers

of Quito and Cuenca, then descending thousands of feet towards the coastal

metropolis of Guayaquil. Several points of access to the rainforest, and its

mighty rivers, lead to the treasured Yasuni jungle reserve and its mega-

biodiversity. 

 

You will have a transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Guayaquil. 

 

GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR (Half day)

 

Guayaquil is the main port and the largest city of Ecuador. It is situated on

the banks of the Guayas River and beaches are located less than two hours

driving distance.  You will feel the difference of Guayaquil and the ambience

it boasts as a coastal city. What is more, in Guayaquil there is a unique mix

of modern and historical buildings that create an attractive atmosphere. Your

guide will pick you up at your hotel for an interesting tour of this port-city.

The visit will include the boulevard located on the waterfront, also known as

the “malecon”, which has just recently been renovated.  Additionally, you will

visit the neighborhood of Las Peñas, dating back to the 16th century and

declared as a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.  This district of the city is

located on a hill, overlooking the boardwalk and the city. Furthermore, you

will also see the Seminarian Park or Iguana Park, named so after the many

iguanas that inhabit the area. They are not frightened of visitors and come

and go as they please. Don’t be shy to ask your guide to take some photos

for you!

You will spend the night at Grand Hotel Guayaquil (Standard Room).

 

Day 7 - Guayaquil - Baltra - Santa Cruz Island ( B,L )

 

Transfer from your hotel to the airport in Guayaquil for your flight to Baltra

Visit Highlands of Santa Cruz Island

Our private transportation and English speaking guide will pick you up from

Baltra´s airport to go ahead to the higher elevations of Santa Cruz.Along the

way you will experience different vegetation zones. The first stop is at The

Twins “Los Gemelos”, these are two large craters in the middle of the island,

either side of the one road crossing the island. They are the remains of

volcanic magma chambers which collapsed and the vertical sides are now

covered with vegetation.

Afterwards visit a local ranch which provides the opportunity to marvel at the

celebrated Giant Galapagos Tortoise roaming in its natural habitat. At this

place you can also explore a cavernous underground Lava Tunnel where you

can view one of the geological wonders of our volcanic islands.

Charles Darwin Research Station visit

 

Here, you visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Founded in 1959, the

center has an interpretation center where you can learn more about the

ecosystems and species of the archipelago, as well as the conservation

efforts of the government and NGOs. Also, you can admire the tortoises, land

iguanas, and other species that are part of the programs of the research

station.

 

You will spend the night at Ikala Galapagos Hotel (Standard Room).

 

Day 8 - Bartolome & Sullivan Bay Excursion ( B,L )

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Bartolome Island: 

Here is the home of the Iconic Pinnacle Rock. Climbing to the lookout point of

this island rewards you with a panoramic view of varied lava formations,

volcanic peaks, and surreal landscapes with Sullivan Bay of Santiago Island

in the distance. Bartolome Island also provides the opportunity to swim and

snorkel, with possibilities to view the unique Galapagos penguins.

You will spend the night at Ikala Galapagos Hotel (Standard Room).

 

Day 9 - Santa Cruz - Isabela Island ( B,L )

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Transport from your selected hotel in Santa Cruz Island to the port.

You will take Public Speedboat from Santa Cruz Island to Isabela´s Island.

Transport from the Port to your selected hotel in Isabela.

 

Visit the Wetlands and Flamingo lagoons

Wetlands, located just outside of Puerto Villamil, consist of lagoons where a

number of flamingos live among swamps and mangroves. A variety of unique

bird species, such as common stilts, gallinules and white-cheeked pintails

also inhabit the area.

 

You will spend the night at Albemarle Hotel (Standard Room).

 

Day 10 - Isabela Island to Sierra Negra ( B,L )

 

Excursion to Sierra Negra Volcano

Today a adventures trip awaits! The hike to Sierra Negra Volcano takes

approximately 45 minutes by bus to begin the 12 km hike (appx. 3 hours).

The hike is long in terms of distance, but not very difficult as the inclines and

declines are quite gradual. There is an option to ride horses for an additional

 

cost, and if interested please let us know beforehand. Sierra Negra Volcano

has the second largest crater in the world, measuring approximately 6 miles

in diameter and 300 feet deep.

We will see as well Volcano Chico, which should provide a spectacular view of

the incredible moonlike terrain. Finally back to the hotel (5-6 hours).

 

You will spend the night at Albemarle Hotel (Standard Room).

 

Day 11 - Isabela Island - Baltra - Quito ( B )

​

Private transportation from your select hotel to the port.

You will take Public Speedboat from Isabela´s Island to Santa Cruz Island.

Transport from Santa Cruz to Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito

Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Quito

. 

You will spend the night at NH Collection Quito Royal Hotel (Standard Room).

 

Day 12 - Quito - Middle of the World - Teleferico ( Cable Car )-(B D)

 

Quito Historical City Tour and Pichincha Visit With The Teleferico

With this historical city tour you explore the beautiful colonial center of Quito.

Your first stop is at Basilica Church, considered to be one of the most

important pieces of neo-gothic architecture in Ecuador. The tour continues

to Plaza Grande (also called Independence Square), to admire its historical

buildings, among which the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the

Archbishop's Palace. You walk through the lively colonial streets of the old

town to visit other historical highlights, such as the famous Compañia

Church, with its interior covered with gold. Finally, you visit the famous

Panecillo Hill, from where you will have a wonderful view of the city and see

the contrast between colonial and modern Quito from above.

 

Subsequently, you go up the Pichincha Volcano with the Teleferico. This cable

car brings you up to an altitude of 4050 meters, from where you have a

spectacular view of the Ecuadorian capital and the valleys in the east. From

this unique spot, you can perfectly see how Quito stretches from north to

south and, on a clear day, you can even spot several volcanoes surrounding

the city.

 

Middle of the World Visit

A must-see stop during your visit in Ecuador is the Middle of the World. Here

an Equator Monument was built to honor the 18th century French Geodesic

Mission, led by French scientists Condamine, Bouguer, Godin, and the

Ecuadorian geographer, Pedro Vicente Maldonado, who studied the curvature

of the planet and determined the supposed location of the equator. This

unique place allows you to be a part of a historic landmark in what was once

thought as the exact equator line.  Have fun with the family taking playful

photos with the monument in the background, such as the popular takes with

one foot in each hemisphere or pretending to hold the monument ball in your

hands!   Additionally, the complex offers an Ethnographic museum, a

planetarium, artisanal stores, great for picking up souvenirs, coffee shops,

and restaurants that serve local food.

 

Entrance fee La Compañia Church



One of the highlights of the city tour is the visit to La Compañia Church,

considered to be a Baroque masterpiece. The facade is made of volcanic

stone and the interior is all covered with gold.

 

Entrance fee Intiñan Museum

Intiñan is a small interactive museum located right next to Mitad del Mundo

Monument. It features outdoor exhibits of astronomical geography and

explanations of the importance of Ecuador’s geographical location. One of the

highlights is the ‘solar chronometer,’ a unique instrument made in 1865 that

shows precise astronomical and conventional time, as well as the month, day

and season – all by using the rays of the sun. Additionally, you can learn

about Ecuadorian pre-Columbian cultures and enjoy from fun experiments

that reveals some of the singularities that takes place at the equator.

You will spend the night at NH Collection Quito Royal Hotel (Standard Room).

 

Day 13 - Departure

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Post breakfast , check out and head to the airport for your flight home

OR Extend your trip to the Amazon