Highlights Of Ecuador And Peru

Make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Enjoy inflight meals and services. Upon arrival at the Quito Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.




Overnight in Quito

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, one of the world-famous Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel on the island of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the highlands where you will get the opportunity to see the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural environment. After lunch in the highlands, you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora to check in to your hotel.




Overnight on Santa Cruz Island

In the morning you will travel with your guide on a public speedboat to Isabela Island. From there, you will enjoy a short boat ride to Tintoreras Islet, where you may see sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, and Galapagos Penguins. As the island is one of the main breeding sites for marine iguanas, this is an excellent place to see these creatures from up close. After a hike through the islet, you may snorkel* in the nearby waters with multicolored fish, sharks, sea lions, and maybe even manta rays.



*Note that masks and tubes will be provided. Wetsuits will be available for rent.




Overnight on Isabela Island

After breakfast, your guide will take you to visit the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon in the Galapagos. This is an approx. 2km trail where you will receive an explanation of the vegetation and geology of Isabela Island. Arriving in the Flamingo Lagoon, you may be able to see flamingos feeding. This is an artificial lake, as due to the excavation for construction the lake was made up by the rain. From there, the trail will end in the tortoise breeding center. Here you will learn more about the reproduction and breeding of Tortoises. The Tortoise Center of Isabela was completed in 1994 and houses tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela, many of which have experienced relatively high levels of poaching within the last 10-20 years. Visitors may see both hatchling tortoises and older breeding animals. In the afternoon you will return by boat to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz.




Overnight on Santa Cruz Island

In the morning, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Quito. Quito is the largest colonial town in the Americas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure in this lively city.




Overnight in Quito

After breakfast, you may enjoy a guided city tour of Quito. You will explore the Colonial District of the city, learn more about Quitos long and fascinating past, and visit Plaza de la Independencia, the citys main square. Here you may see the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and several historic churches. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the city and its surroundings from the viewpoint of Penecillo Hill before you return to your hotel, where you may relax and unwind.




Overnight in Quito

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima.  Known as the \"City of Kings\", Lima is famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture, extraordinary museums, and exquisite cuisine. Upon arrival at the International Airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Lima.




Overnight in Lima

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport for your domestic flight to Cusco; a short yet spectacular flight over the snow-capped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. Drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac, where an Indian Market takes place every day. During your visit to the bustling marketplace, you will have the opportunity to bargain with natives for many different types of Peruvian handicrafts and jewellery. Continue to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex. The Incas built this structure as a fort featuring a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: The religious and worship zone, and the residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one considers the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a \"Living Inca Town\" since the inhabitants preserve very old practices and customs. You will enjoy lunch at the “Tunupa Valle” restaurant, in this beautiful country estate along the shores of the Urubamba River.




Overnight in Urubamba

This morning you will travel on the Premium Economy train of the “Inca Rail” company through the sacred Urubamba Valley to the \"Lost City of the Incas\": Machu Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until it was finally discovered by Hiram Bingham from Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe the Inca \"Virgins of the Sun\" took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, you will transfer to shuttle service for a drive up the switchback road to the ruins. A knowledgeable tour guide will share the history of this mystical place of the Inca. You will enjoy a buffet lunch in a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. This afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo rail station, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.




Overnight in the Urubamba

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Cusco. You will enjoy a tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, Cusco, and the nearby ruins. Take the chance to see how the Andean and Spanish cultures co-existed and influenced the city. This tour will begin at Santo Domingo Convent, built on the site of Koricancha, which was a significant ancient Inca palace and center of worship of the Sun God. The tour will continue to the Main Square and Cathedral from the early 17th century and is a fine example of colonial baroque art. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.




Overnight in Cusco

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend a full day at leisure or consider joining the optional tour below:




Overnight in Cusco

Today, you will be transferred to the Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. From there, start your half-day tour of Lima. The tour will visit both the colonial and modern sections of Lima. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace and City Hall (exterior views), and entry to the Cathedral of Lima and the convent of Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo Convent is a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints, as well as written accounts of the endeavors of the Dominican Order across the country. Visit modern Lima and drive along with the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro.




Overnight in Lima

This morning you will be transferred back to the Lima International Airport for your return flight home.