Ecuador
and Peru
15 Days / 14 Nights
Galapagos Islands, Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu
Including a seven night cruise aboard the Santa Cruz
Day 1 Saturday
- Arrival in Quito
Upon arrival at the airport a host will meet and assist you in transferring
to the hotel and help you in registering. Overnight in Quito.
Day 2 Sunday -
Otavalo Indian Market
Breakfast at your hotel. Early morning departure for a drive along the
Pan-American Highway to visit one of South America's most famous Indian
fairs, the Otavalo Market. En route to the market, a quick stop at Calderon
allows the opportunity to see how the popular marzipan "bread dolls" are
made and to make "bargain price" purchases of them. Arriving at Otavalo,
take a walk through the bustling produce market where the Indians meet
to trade among themselves. Continue to the tourist market, which is piled
high with colorful ponchos, tapestries, woolen goods, and Indian jewelry.
In the afternoon drive to the woodcarving center of San Antonio de Ibarra
and to the village of Cotacachi, famous for its leather handicrafts. Lunch
is provided en route.Overnight in Quito. (B,L)
Day 3 Monday -
Quito / Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
Arrival by plane to Baltra Island and immediate transfer by bus (5 minutes)
to the dock to board the MV SANTA CRUZ. Cabin assignment and introductory
welcome talk. Later, lunch, and ship's boat drill.
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). A dinghy
ride among mangrove-lined islets allows the observation of the dramatic
landscape and coastline, an area of amazing past volcanic activity. While
exploring the nearby waters, various types of birds can be seen, such
as boobies, frigates, pelicans. Quite commonly, the black lava will reveal
the presence of marine iguanas. The navigation in shallow turquoise colored
water gives the chance to see marine turtles, rays and sharks.
Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented
by greater flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and a variety of shore
/ lagoon birds. Further along the trail, we head to Dragon Hill, which
offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago.
This area is a natural nesting site of a fairly large number of land iguanas,
which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research
Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for birdwatching,
where Darwin's finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos
flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Tuesday -
Bartholome Island / Puerto Egas (Santiago Island)
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit.
Great way to start the day. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase;
the view from the top is worth the effort. Panga ride around colossal
Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance
to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to
ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Lunch on board. Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is
a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can
be observed a little more inland. The pitch black shores are great places
for watching sea birds and their foraging duties. The trail brings us
to a colony of the endemic Galápagos fur-sea lions. At low tide, marine
iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and
swimming from the beach before the walk. ECO Moment and briefing before
dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing on deck. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Wednesday
- Darwin Bay / North Seymour Island / Genovesa Island
Before breakfast, early morning entrance into Darwin Bay. Wet landing
at a small white-coralline beach for an easy stroll observing hundreds
of birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies,
lava gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Later, the trail leads to
an area of sharp lava and uneven terrain, but you may return to the beach
or continue observing wildlife within the sandy portions of the walk.
Those more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs while looking for
colorful tropical fish, and hopefully some Hammerhead Sharks. Lunch on
board.
During navigation, spend some time on deck looking for dolphins or possibly
whales. This is one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos. In previous
times, this was the ocean's bed. Today's afternoon walk includes a dry
landing for a view of the coast and the interior of the island, while
exploring colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds,
and swallowtail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galápagos sea lions
and marine iguanas. A shorter walk may be also offered. ECO Moment, Naturalist's
briefing, and dinner.
As we explore the coastline of Darwin Bay, the cliffs of this eroded caldera
will reveal its past geological power, with features like lava tubes where
red-billed tropic birds nest, and some odd ones like cactus next to a
tropical ocean. Then, disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb
(90 feet) and then a leveled walk for about a mile to the other side of
this small island observing large colonies of Nazca (masked) boobies,
frigate birds, storm petrels and the well camouflaged short-eared owl.
ECO Moment, Naturalist's briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Thursday
- Santa Fe Island / Puerto Ayora(Santa Cruz Island)
Early morning (pre-breakfast) visit to Santa Fé (Barrington) Island. This
island, according to the latest geological studies, shows the islands'
oldest rocks. The small bay on Santa Fe's northern coast provides one
of the most picturesque harbors within the archipelago. A large sea lion
colony inhabits most of the surrounding landing site. Follow the trail
among a very tall forest of opuntia cacti, where large and somewhat pale
land iguanas, that are island endemics, can be seen. A variety of finches
and the Galápagos mockingbird abound. Back to the ship for breakfast,
as we sail to Santa Cruz Island.
Mid morning disembarkation (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research
Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises.
Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be
also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow
you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise. We believe
that our presence should benefit local communities too. Lunch at beautiful
Finch Bay Hotel. In the afternoon drive up to the lush highlands, including
the Scalesia (an endemic giant daisy tree) forest and the twin pit craters
Los Gemelos. The trip to the highlands includes the islands' most-famous
reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to
see an endangered species roving in this lush environment. The vermilion
flycatcher will delight all participants with its scarlet feathers against
an emerald green forest. Look for the Darwin's finches of the highlands
(most of them from the tree-finch group), particularly the famous Woodpecker
Finch. Return aboard the MV SANTA CRUZ for tonight's ECO Moment, briefing
and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Friday -
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno(San Cristobal Island)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive port is the
provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population 4,000), along
a crescent-shaped bay. This morning we visit the breeding center for tortoises
(La Galapaguera) at Cerro Colorado, including a 45-minute bus ride. Seeing
the semi-saddle back shape of the tortoises can be a great way to understand
adaptation to dry-tropical environments. The rewarding fauna of this island
may not only be the giant tortoises, since many island-specific endemics
are found here. It includes mockingbirds, lava lizards, and the vermilion
flycatchers. If time allows, a quick visit to El Junco Lagoon (the only
permanent freshwater lagoon of the islands) could bring many surprises.
Return to the MV SANTA CRUZ for lunch. Today, new guests will join our
voyage.
If you plan not to take our official morning program at San Cristóbal,
an "at your own pace option" is to visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation
Center, located in a natural setting, where visitors can obtain information
that will help them understand more the natural history of the Galápagos,
with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Afterwards, you
can stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where souvenir shops and Internet
cafés welcome world travelers who are willing to catch up with the world,
and share the many wonders witnessed so far. Return to the MV SANTA CRUZ
for lunch.
Exploring the Coastline of Stephen's Bay, San Cristóbal (Chatham) Island
As we navigate the irregular coastline adjacent to Stephen's Bay, an odd-shaped
rock called León Dormido (Sleeping Lion or Kicker Rock) will delight our
first contact with this island. Later, our Expedition Staff will carefully
select this afternoon's site for some rewarding wildlife observation.
Some of the animal highlights to be encountered include a small sea lion
colony, whose shores are also home to many sea birds, including frigate
birds and blue-footed boobies. The chosen landing beach will offer a coraline
white beach, and a little inland walking may give us a close look at Darwin's
Finches, and the island endemic San Cristóbal (Chatham) Mockingbird. Lava
lizards are also examples of an island endemic species. Great landscape
photography. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin sailed and
walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristóbal was the first island
where he set foot in the Galápagos. ECO Moment and briefing on the next
day's activities, followed by a welcome cocktail offered by the Captain
and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Saturday
- Gardner Bay / Punta Suarez(Española Island)
After breakfast, disembark at Gardner Bay (wet landing) for a short walk
along the whitest coral beach you can possibly imagine. As you walk along
the sand, the many tractor-like marks is evidence of sea turtle nesting.
There is much to do here, and you can observe the sea lions' behavior,
mockingbirds, finches, enjoy the beach, snorkel, or ride the glass-bottom
boat around nearby islets. Rewarding snorkeling at these locations. Back
on board for lunch.
Afternoon outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on
lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including
the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), and
the famous blowhole. Great hike for observing blue-footed boobies, swallowtail
gulls, the Hood island mockingbird, red-green-black marine iguanas, and
of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. For those
planning not to walk the entire trail, there will be a dinghy ride arranged
along the coastline of Punta Suarez, followed by a very short walk under
easy walking conditions. ECO Moment, briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Sunday -
Isabela Island / Fernandina Island
Breakfast and disembarkation (wet landing) for a walk at Urbina Bay. This
area went through a volcanic uplifting event back in 1954 leaving gaunt
marine skeletons, which make the walk remarkably interesting, specially
for understanding island colonization. This area is also home to large
and very colorful Galápagos land iguanas, and the famous giant tortoises
from the population of Alcedo Volcano. Swimming and snorkeling will depend
on local sea conditions. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the
Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos' youngest volcanoes
can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises
like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
The afternoon brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. First, a dinghy
ride to observe Galápagos penguins, as well as flightless cormorants and
then disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an
amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced
mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density
of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light
foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Snorkeling
at this location depends on local sea conditions, and will be announced
by the Expedition Staff. Farewell briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Monday -
Baltra / Guayaquil / Lima
Arrival to Baltra and transfer by bus to the airport for the flight back
to the continent. Flight to Lima.Upon arrival a host will meet and assist
you for transferring to your hotel and help you in registering. Overnight
in Lima. (B)
Day 11 Tuesday
- Lima
Breakfast at your hotel. Tour of Colonial and Modern Lima and a Visit
to the Gold Museum - This half-day tour visits both the colonial and modern
sections of this "City of Kings." Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza
de Armas with its cathedral and palace, and the exquisite Torre Tagle
Palace modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In modern Lima,
drive along the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro.
Then visit Peru's famous museum, which houses a priceless collection of
pre-Colombian gold artifacts as well as the private armory of Miguel Mujica
Gallo. Some of the cultures represented in this collection include the
Chavin, Paracas, Nazca, Tiahuanaco and Inca. (B)
Day 12 Wednesday
- Lima / Cusco
Breakfast at your hotel. Flight to Cusco.Upon arrival at the airport a
host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and help you
in registering.Tour of Cusco and its Ruins – This afternoon tour of the
oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere includes
important landmarks of enchanting Cusco and also the nearby ruins of Kenko,
Puca-Pucará, Tampumachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress.Once the
center of the Inca civilization, modern Cusco is a delightful combination
of Inca and colonial architecture.During the tour, you will visit Cusco´s
Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church and the Plaza de Armas. Overnight in Cusco.
(B)
Day 13 Thursday
- Cusco / Machu Picchu
Breakfast at your hotel. Full day excursion to Machu Picchu with overnight
stay – Early wake up for a train ride through the sacred valley of the
Urubamba 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 discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in
1911. Archaeologists believe that Inca “Virgins of the Sun” took refuge
from the Spanish Conquistadors here.Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival.All
transfers are included. Lunch is included.Overnight in the area. (B,L)
Day 14 Friday -
Machu Picchu / Cusco
Breakfast at your hotel. Free morning to enjoy one of the most incredible
sights on earth, the ruins of Machu Picchu.Take as much time as you need
to study the mysterious ruins, hike the Huayna Picchu, stroll to the Inca
Bridge or walk toward the Inca Trail to find the legendary Sun Gate.Afternoon
shuttle bus to the train station for your return trip to Cusco.Upon arrival
transfer from rail station to hotel.Overnight in Cusco. (B)
Day 15 Saturday
- Cusco / Lima / Home
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima and
your connect flight home. (B)
**
End of our services**
The Galapagos Islands
Cruise: The prices listed are based using the M/V Santa Cruz, Main Deck,
Standard Outside cabin, lower/lower deck. Upgrades are available. For
more information on the Santa Cruz, please
click here.
Prices available upon
request.
Hotels
to use |
Luxury |
Country
Club in Lima, Monasterio in Cusco, Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu
|
Deluxe |
Plaza
del Bosque in Lima, Libertador in Cusco, Machu Picchu Pueblo in Machu
Picchu |
First
Class |
Jose
Antonio Executive in Lima, Picoaga in Cusco, Hatuchay Towers in Machu
Picchu |
Tourist
Superior |
Jose Antonio in Lima, Ruinas in Cusco, Machu Picchu Inn in Machu Picchu
|
Included:
All airport-hotel-airport transfers, all listed tours and excursions,
all tours are guided by licensed bilingual tour guides, all transportation
needed (bus, train, boat) for the operation of the itinerary, all
entrance fees to places visited, hotel accommodation at indicated
hotels, 7 Nights aboard M/V Santa Cruz, meals indicated in the itinerary,
baggage handling at airports and hotels, hotel taxes and service charge,
24-hour emergency phone numbers.
Not included: Peru international airport departure tax : $30.25,
Peru domestic airport departure tax : $6.050 each city, Expenses of
personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, bottled water, etc,
Tips to tours guides, waiters and bellboys, Galapagos National Park
entrance fee, gratuities, bar, gifts and additional items, Services
not listed in the itinerary. |
All our tour packages include: Please
click here
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