October 13- Arrive in Quito
Arrive in the Colonial City of Quito and transfer to your hotel downtown. Transfer in Quito with English Speaking Driver Guide. Hotel is in the artist district, the Ikala Quito. We begin our journey in Ecuador, the country that owns the Galapagos Islands. We land in Quito, a beautiful location about 9,000 feet above sea level. It is in the shadows of two giant volcanoes that we visit. The Spanish conquistadors established small villages on the coast but found the heat and humidity of this equatorial region oppressive. Soon they discovered the lush forest high up in the mountains and established their capitals in places like Quito. Ecuador's capital, sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m. Constructed in 1534 on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it’s known for its well-preserved colonial center, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, in the Plaza Grande square, and ultra-ornate Compañia de Jesús Jesuit church |
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Oct 14, Tuesday Full Day in Quito
Today, we hop aboard the aerial tram, one of the worlds highest aerial lifts that goes up the flanks of Volcán Pichincha to the top of Cruz Loma, overlooking Quito and the entire valley.
We drive to the Pululahua Reserve to see the crater of the extinct volcano; returning to the Old Town to explore the colonial heart of Quito, one of the world’s cultural heritage sites, where you see many historical buildings such as the Main Square and churches as the Basilica del Voto Nacional and Iglesia de Compania Church. In the later afternoon and evening is your free time to explore.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we hop aboard the aerial tram, one of the worlds highest aerial lifts that goes up the flanks of Volcán Pichincha to the top of Cruz Loma, overlooking Quito and the entire valley.
We drive to the Pululahua Reserve to see the crater of the extinct volcano; returning to the Old Town to explore the colonial heart of Quito, one of the world’s cultural heritage sites, where you see many historical buildings such as the Main Square and churches as the Basilica del Voto Nacional and Iglesia de Compania Church. In the later afternoon and evening is your free time to explore.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Oct 15 Wednesday Fly to San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands
Departure from Quito via Guayaquil to San Cristobal (2 1/2 hours flight). Naturalist guides take us to the pier to board the yacht M/Y Coral I. Nearby is the interpretation center that is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview to the formation of Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats, and conservation efforts. Followed by a hike to Frigate bird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) have a great look at both species of frigate bird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.
Difficulty level: easy /intermediate
Type of terrain: flat/stairs
Duration: 1-hour visit and 1-hour walk
Departure from Quito via Guayaquil to San Cristobal (2 1/2 hours flight). Naturalist guides take us to the pier to board the yacht M/Y Coral I. Nearby is the interpretation center that is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview to the formation of Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats, and conservation efforts. Followed by a hike to Frigate bird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) have a great look at both species of frigate bird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.
Difficulty level: easy /intermediate
Type of terrain: flat/stairs
Duration: 1-hour visit and 1-hour walk
Frigate bird Hill involves a high-intensity walk amidst beautiful landscapes and a magnificent view at the foot of a frigate bird nesting colony.
Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: rocky
An easier alternate route is available.
All meals are included aboard the Coral 1.
Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: rocky
An easier alternate route is available.
All meals are included aboard the Coral 1.
Oct 16 Thursday Kicker Rock | Cerro Brujo | Pitt Point
Kicker Rock Circumnavigation (San Cristobal Island) This ancient and eroded volcanic tuff lava named Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock was formed by two rocks approximately 148 m, named for its resemblance of a sleeping lion. From pangas, head to shore. You are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of Sorcererís Hill. Enjoy simply sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkeling from shore, or take a walk to a hidden lagoon where you might spot black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, and white-cheeked pintails. Difficulty level: easy Type of terrain: sandy Duration: 1-hour walk and 1-hour snorkeling 
Sea lions greet you as you land on the beach and prepare to climb to a high point on the steep eroded tuff cone. This is the only place on the islands where you enjoy the chance to see all three of the booby species in the same place. The red foots are perched on the Cordia lutea and small trees, the Nazcaís on the ground near the cliff edge and the blue-foots are a little further inland. Frigate birds are all around and the views are breathtaking. Difficulty level: difficult Type of terrain: rocky Duration: 2 1⁄2-hour walk and 40-minutes snorkeling or kayaking |
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Oct 17 Friday Suarez Point | Gardner Bay, Española
One of the highlight visits of the trip is Punta Suarez that seems to have everything - a naturalist's paradise. A slew of marine iguanas and sea lions greet us at the landing site from where the walk continues with close encounters of boobies, endemic lizards, gulls, and even a dramatic blow hole. The oldest extant island in the archipelago is our only opportunity to commune with the endemic waved albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, you can watch their complex courtship display. Difficulty level: difficult Type of terrain: rocky ground Duration: 2 1⁄2-hours walk |
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One of the most stunning beaches in all of Galapagos. The long, white, sandy beach, lapped by turquoise waters is home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions, indifferent to the humans that walk amongst them. The Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this island are eager to inspect the visitors and satisfy their innate curiosity. Darwin's finches may also join the throng including the reclusive warbler finch. You can also snorkel here from the beach, in the shallows of the bay.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk and 1-hour snorkeling
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk and 1-hour snorkeling
Oct 18 Saturday Cormorant Point or Champion Islet, Floreana
(determined by the elements) Wet landing, on an olivine green, sanded beach. You hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. The trail continues to a beautiful white sandy beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if accidentally stepped on. From the beach, one can spot sea turtles, blue-footed boobies plunging into the water, and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in the search for food. |
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This coral-sand beach marks the end of your trail, and you head back to the olivine beach you landed on, to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy & flat
Activities: 1-hour walk and 1-hour snorkeling
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy & flat
Activities: 1-hour walk and 1-hour snorkeling
Post Office, Floreana Wet landing.
Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay was named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel that served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them back to their destinations. Today, visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel, hoping that some other traveler, going to the letter destination, takes it back for free. The chances are that the letter posted can take a long time to arrive at its destination. However, there have been cases where it has arrived before the sender.
Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay was named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel that served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them back to their destinations. Today, visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel, hoping that some other traveler, going to the letter destination, takes it back for free. The chances are that the letter posted can take a long time to arrive at its destination. However, there have been cases where it has arrived before the sender.
You may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and Lava Lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles.
As well, the island is best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus Pinnatifidus, and the Galapagos Milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions. Difficulty level: easy Type of terrain: sandy Activities: 30-minute walk and 1-hour snorkeling |
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Oct 19 Sunday
Highlands Tortoise Reserve, Santa Cruz | Disembark | Baltra Dry landing. In the mountains of Galapagos it is possible to admire different kinds of birds, such as: tree and ground finches, vermilion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises shell). |
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The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers’ haven, since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.
Difficulty level: easy Type of terrain: flat & muddy (depending on the season) Activities: 45-minute drive and 1 1⁄2-hour walk After your visit to the reserve, transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Transfer to/from the ship to the airport to fly to Quito. Transfer from the airport to your Quito hotel, Ikala Quito. Oct 20 Monday Quito to Lima or fly back to USA
Flight from Quito to Lima or the USA. Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, our transportation service and a representative will take us to the Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores Meals included: Breakfast |
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Oct 21 Tuesday | Lima
We take a scenic bus tour of the built-up area, a World Heritage listed by UNESCO. We visit the historical San Martin Square before going to the Main Square with the Presidential Palace and Lima Cathedral. Don’t be surprised if you see light coming through the cathedral ceiling – it only rains a few inches a year so re-tarring the roof is not a priority or need. And, most of the moisture is just dew. You’ll see few downspouts on gutters in Lima.
We visit the Aliaga House, an ancient viceregal construction delivered by Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains (Jeronimo de Aliaga) when he founded the city. It may be the only house that still belongs to the same family until today.
We take a scenic bus tour of the built-up area, a World Heritage listed by UNESCO. We visit the historical San Martin Square before going to the Main Square with the Presidential Palace and Lima Cathedral. Don’t be surprised if you see light coming through the cathedral ceiling – it only rains a few inches a year so re-tarring the roof is not a priority or need. And, most of the moisture is just dew. You’ll see few downspouts on gutters in Lima.
We visit the Aliaga House, an ancient viceregal construction delivered by Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains (Jeronimo de Aliaga) when he founded the city. It may be the only house that still belongs to the same family until today.
Next, we visit the Santo Domingo Church, under construction for forty years and completed at the end of the 16th century. It has several viceregal sculptures, and exhibits different times and aesthetic expressions. From here we go to the San Marcos Manor House, before heading to the traditional Pueblo Libre district. Enjoy lunch at Café del Museo Restaurant.
Then on to the famous Larco Museum. Founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, the museum is located inside a viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid of the 7th century. The visit to this museum enables us to understand more than five thousand years of a highly developed culture that flourished before the Inca Empire. See the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts.·
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Then on to the famous Larco Museum. Founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, the museum is located inside a viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid of the 7th century. The visit to this museum enables us to understand more than five thousand years of a highly developed culture that flourished before the Inca Empire. See the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts.·
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Oct 22 Wednesday | Lima - Cusco
We head back to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima to fly to Cusco Airport. We first go to our hotel, the Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco, to get accustomed to the 11,200 ft. elevation. Then a major highlight: Sacsayhuaman (yep, pronounced like “sexy woman”), one of the most emblematic constructions of the Incas, built by Pachacutec in the 15th century. It is a huge fortress made of large stones. It’s a mystery how they transported these monster stones. |
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Return to the city to continue your tour along the San Blas neighborhood, originally inhabited by the Inca nobility who built impressive stone constructions within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas. Unmistakable Inca walls can still be seen at the base of many buildings. Today the neighborhood is a delightful cluster of cobblestone streets popular among artisans who sell their handcrafts on the street. Continue to the cathedral. This is the most impressive monument in the Plaza de Armas. Its construction began in 1560 and ended only in 1654. It took nearly a century to complete with stones from Sacsayhuaman.
The tour ends at the Coricancha also known as “The Temple of the Sun.” It was built by Inca Pachacutec but became the foundation of the Santo Domingo Convent by the Spaniards. During the Inca Empire, the whole building was covered with gold.
Meals included: Breakfast.
The tour ends at the Coricancha also known as “The Temple of the Sun.” It was built by Inca Pachacutec but became the foundation of the Santo Domingo Convent by the Spaniards. During the Inca Empire, the whole building was covered with gold.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Oct 23 Thursday | Sacred Valley of the Incas
On to one of the most beautiful areas of Peru – another highlight! At some of the villages, we’ll stop and, based on market days, and the weather, test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area.
You may also hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today. We visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. (Many crops we take for granted today were first cultivated in the New World including tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, popcorn, many melons, avocados, and many more.
On to one of the most beautiful areas of Peru – another highlight! At some of the villages, we’ll stop and, based on market days, and the weather, test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area.
You may also hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today. We visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. (Many crops we take for granted today were first cultivated in the New World including tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, popcorn, many melons, avocados, and many more.
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Hard to image Italy without tomatoes and Ireland and Idaho without potatoes, but it took the post-Columbus merchants to bring those goods to Europe. Sweet potatoes ended the famine in China! And the huge supply of silver ended inflation in China as well.)
Lunch at Casa Hacienda Orihuela, where the Orihuelas, a family of great collectors, will be your hosts. The house has a varied collection of popular and colonial art ceramics, paintings, weapons, photography, ceremonial vessels and the ceramic bulls of Pucara. The environs include a forest of eucalyptus trees and other native species and here the famous giant white corn is cultivated for export.
We stay at the picturesque Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch.
Lunch at Casa Hacienda Orihuela, where the Orihuelas, a family of great collectors, will be your hosts. The house has a varied collection of popular and colonial art ceramics, paintings, weapons, photography, ceremonial vessels and the ceramic bulls of Pucara. The environs include a forest of eucalyptus trees and other native species and here the famous giant white corn is cultivated for export.
We stay at the picturesque Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch.
Oct 24 Friday | Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
In the morning, visit the under-rated ruins of Ollantaytambo before the larger groups of tourists arrive. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo served as a royal estate and later a refuge after the Spanish conquered Cusco.
The ruins feature expansive terraces, giant building blocks and well-preserved architecture. Even the town itself is still laid out as it was during the Inca empire, allowing its visitors to glimpse the history which still exists within its boundaries.
In the morning, visit the under-rated ruins of Ollantaytambo before the larger groups of tourists arrive. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo served as a royal estate and later a refuge after the Spanish conquered Cusco.
The ruins feature expansive terraces, giant building blocks and well-preserved architecture. Even the town itself is still laid out as it was during the Inca empire, allowing its visitors to glimpse the history which still exists within its boundaries.
Your journey to Machu Picchu will begin aboard the train with amazing views of the valley as we go DOWN to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). From here, we take a bus to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas.
It is believed that the archaeological site was built around 1450 by the Inca Pachacútec as his vacation residence. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, saving itself from the destruction that reached other Inca settlements. Overnight at nearby Aguas Calientes and the El Mapi Hotel Byinkaterra
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.
It is believed that the archaeological site was built around 1450 by the Inca Pachacútec as his vacation residence. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, saving itself from the destruction that reached other Inca settlements. Overnight at nearby Aguas Calientes and the El Mapi Hotel Byinkaterra
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.
Oct 25 Saturday | Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
This morning we arise early to enjoy the morning on the mountain. We start at a new entrance to Machu Picchu and enjoy some time at the Citadel. Another unforgettable experience! Explore at your leisure – hike the sugar loaf! We then board the train to go UP to Ollanta station where we’re met and transferred to our hotel in Cusco -- Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco. A bit of free time to explore Cusco. |
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Oct 26 Sunday | Cusco FREE DAY
LDS Church with a local congregation and enjoy a free day to explore with a local guide at your disposal for further help in further exploration of the city. Transportation not included. Meals included: Breakfast
LDS Church with a local congregation and enjoy a free day to explore with a local guide at your disposal for further help in further exploration of the city. Transportation not included. Meals included: Breakfast
Ideas for what to do:
Start early by heading to the San Pedro market. There you can grab a freshly made juice for breakfast, just like the locals. Markets are busy especially in the morning and you can see brightly colored locals going about their business. Don’t miss the fresh fruits section and see if you can buy some fruits you’ve never seen before. You’ll also want to check out the stalls that sell ancient Andean remedies. Visit the church of San Cristobal with its amazing view over the Plaza de Armas, and then over to the artisan quarter of San Blas. You can spend half a day in San Blas alone, wandering from cute boutique to funky art shop and soaking up the colorful atmosphere of the narrow streets. |
Or… if your appetite is more chocolate-inclined, then a chocolate making class at the Choco Museo might be perfect for you!
Cusco is also known for its colorful and intricately woven traditional textiles. To learn more about this tradition you can visit the Center for Traditional Textiles on Avenida Sol where they have a museum that explains the traditional weaving process and a shop full of gorgeous textiles to take home. They often have visiting artisans, too, who demonstrate their skills inside the store.
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For History Buffs
For Inca history, head down to Q’oricancha. Meaning “Temple of Gold” in Quechua, Q’oricancha later became the Church of Saint Dominic (Santo Domingo) in Spanish colonial times. If you are into museums and history now’s your chance to head to that amazing site which layers Colonial architecture on top of Incan roots. Q’oricancha is also the starting point for the annual Festival of the Sun, Inti Raymi. Next up, we highly recommend a visit to the Cathedral, the jewel of the Plaza de Armas, filled with Colonial art and architecture, including Cusco-school oil paintings. Nearby, we also love the Museo de Arte Precolombino, the Museo Inka, and Santa Catalina. 
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Oct 27 Monday | Cusco to Lima to USA
Enjoy a pleasant transfer from the selected hotel to the airport for your flight back to Lima to connect with your flight to the USA. A representative will assist you along the way. Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy a pleasant transfer from the selected hotel to the airport for your flight back to Lima to connect with your flight to the USA. A representative will assist you along the way. Meals included: Breakfast