Itinerary

Day 1 - Lima

Upon arrival at the airport in Lima, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Day 2 - Lima / Cusco

Flight from Lima to Arequipa and by road to Cusco. Arrive and start your city tour of Cusco. Cusco is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range. It was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 3 - Cusco / Machu Picchu / Cusco

Travel by bus and train to visit Machu Picchu, “Lost city of the Incas” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Incas built the site around 1450, but left it a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Although known locally, it was unknown to the outside world until its discovery in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Return to Cusco and overnight at your hotel. (BL)

Day 4 - Cusco / Lima / Quito, Ecuador

Transfer to the airport in Arequipa for your flight to Quito via Lima. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 5 - Quito

Start your tour of the Colonial city of Quito, bustling streets and squares in the largest historical old town of the Americas, a multi-ethnic, artistic and cultural heritage destination. Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, and at an elevation of 9,350 feet (2,800 meters above sea level), it is the highest official capital city in the world. Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 6 - Quito / Peguche / Cotacachi / Magdalena Karanki Community

In the morning, enjoy sightseeing in the village of Peguche. Continue to Magdalena, once home to Atahualpa, the last of the Incan emperors. The Karanki community inhabit a paradise lost in time amongst llamas and condors, peaceful lagoons and the patchwork slopes of Imbabura Volcano. Overnight at your hotel. (BD)

Day 7 - Magdalena Karanki Community / Train Ride / Salinas

Visit the Otavalo market where craft fairs can be found, then drive to Ibarra to take the train that crosses mysterious tunnels through the mountains, astonishing bridges spanning wide ravines. Arrive in the Afro-Ecuadorian community of Salinas whose inhabitants are well-known for their agricultural activity. Return to Quito and overnight at your hotel. (BL)

Day 8-11 - Galapagos cruise

Domestic flight to Galapagos. All-inclusive 3-night deluxe cruise. Only a special few have the chance to travel through this paradise, sailing on a charming ship, with nautical interior decoration featuring ample outer decks and sea-view cabins. Set out to explore remarkable island ecosystems as you inch past lounging sea lions, scout for breaching whales offshore and pink flamingos in hidden lagoons. See prehistoric iguanas, giant tortoises, exotic birds, plants and beautiful landscapes of volcanoes, lava cones and magma flows. Swim and snorkel at any time of the year in the warm clear waters among tropical fish, manta rays, sea lions, swordfish, sea turtles and other marine wildlife. Naturalist guides lead shore excursions daily to a place unlike any other full of wildlife that has no fear of man. Lectures explaining the geology, history, evolution, flora and fauna of the islands are provided in several languages. A fine selection of meals will delight you, from buffet breakfast to dinners. (BLD)
Back to Quito or Guayaquil and overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 12 - Quito or Guayaquil

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)