iExplore Galapagos & Peru Silver (12-day):
Featuring 3NT Galapagos Cruise
Day 01: Quito, Ecuador
Arrive Quito airport. You are met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Rich in history, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, founded in 1534 by Spanish Conquistador Sebastian de Benacazar. For nearly three centuries, the arts and intellectual societies flourished under Spanish colonial rule until 1809, when Quito established the first self-governing junta in the colonies. Liberator Simon Bolivar led the country as part of the Republic of Greater Colombia until 1830, when the Republic of Ecuador announced its independence with the adoption of the Constitution signed in Riobamba. Due to the city’s preservation of its blended past, UNESCO declared Quito a world cultural heritage site in 1978. Hotel Dann Carlton
Day 02: Quito
Enjoy a half-day city tour of Quito. This morning's sightseeing demonstrates some of the reasons why Ecuador's capital has earned its honor as a world cultural site. Marvel at the city’s ornate churches, cathedrals and baroque architecture, and experience a long history of local culture in Quito’s “Old Town” and in the San Francisco Church and Monastery. Rich in art treasures, fine woodcarvings and an altar of gold leaf, the church is a historical icon dedicated to Quito’s patron saint. Continue on to Panecillo Hill topped with a statue of Quito’s ‘Winged Virgin’, visible from almost anywhere in the city. You are welcomed by spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the city below before culminating your tour with a visit to the Equatorial monument - an irresistible opportunity to straddle both hemispheres. Enjoy a typical lunch at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel and enjoy balance of day at leisure. Hotel Dann Carlton (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 03: Quito - Galapagos National Park (Thursday Departures)
Private transfer to the airport for morning flight (quoted separately) to the Galapagos archipelago. Arrive Baltra airport, passengers are greeted by cruise guides at the airport and transferred to the pier. Board the ‘M/V Galapagos Legend’ - home for your four-night cruise. Settle in, enjoy an introductory briefing and become acquainted with the ship, its crew and passengers.
M/V Galapagos Legend: deluxe expedition ship for 100 passengers, fulfilling all passengers’ expectations in terms of nature encounter, adventure, comfort and privacy. All exterior cabins and suites with air conditioning, twin or queen size beds, private facilities, inter-connected cabins as well as triple accommodation facilities. The Galapagos Legend spacious outside decks will make a difference when enjoying the islands. Sea level embarkation gate offers security and comfort to senior passengers.
This afternoon make a dry landing at Seymor Norte. Encounter swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions. This site is a major nesting colony of blue footed boobies, and has the largest colony of the magnificent frigate bird. You will also spot both marine and land iguanas. Once back on the beach, you’ll have an opportunity to do some snorkeling.
Weather, water and wildlife conditions will affect your actual day to day itinerary throughout the week, but visits are planned for main islands and their landmarks. You land by panga on island beaches to wander among the Galapagos' unique species - where you are objects of curiosity rather than fear. For best viewing opportunities, your days start early with morning naturalist-led excursions often starting at 8am. After returning to the ship in time for lunch, you have time for a short ‘siesta’ before heading back out again in the late afternoon. Before dinner, the ship’s naturalists preview the next day’s activities and offer expert insight into the Galapagos Islands’ natural history and wildlife. M/V Galapagos Legend (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 04: Galapagos National Park
Santa Cruz (Dragon Hill or Venice): Wet landing. Walk to a saltwater lagoon behind the beach, where on occasion many pink flamingos can be observed. This trail leads up to Dragon Hill, which offers a lovely view of the bay. This is a nesting site for reintroduced land iguanas, and there is also a Scalesia tree forest.
Opt to take a dinghy to Venice islet and observe the vegetation and marine animals like spotted eagle rays, golden rays, mullets, sharks and sea turtles. Land iguanas have often been observed as well.
Floreana (Cormorant Point): Wet landing on a greenish colored sand beach. Hike from the black mangrove beds to a large, brackish lagoon, which holds one of the biggest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. The island is best known for its endemic plants like the Galapagos millwork, passion flower and button mangrove. Novice snorkelers can practice on the main beach with the playful sea lions; experienced snorkelers can roam around Devil’s Crown. Please keep in mind this is an open-water activity; there is nothing to step on. Cocktail of the day on the Sun Deck. Briefing by guides on next day’s activities. M/V Galapagos Legend (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 05: Galapagos National Park
Española Island (Suarez Point). Enjoy a dry landing at Suarez Point. Upon landing learn more about the lava terrain while crossing the inactive lava fields. Aside from the Sea Lion colonies, this is one of the most important sites for bird watching.
As soon as visitors put foot on this island many species can be spotted and observed closely. Among the many species, the Hooded Mocking bird and Red Billed Tropic After crossing the nesting grounds you will reach the world's largest colony of Waved Albatross (15000 approx.) Their mating rituals are a highlight of the visit. Nearing the end of this excursion, passengers will visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots into the air at almost 23 mts. (75 ft.)
La Galapaguera (San Cristobal). This afternoon arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla San Cristóbal and visit the Interpretation Center inaugurated in 1998. This state-of-the-art facility offers complete education on both the islands and its human population. Continue to Galapagos Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. The most important breeding center in the Archipelago as measured by the number of tortoises. Galapagos Giant Tortoises and their newly hatchlings are raised in the Center as part of the National Park's Tortoise Reintroduction Programs. Return to the ship for your cocktail of the day on the Sun Deck. Briefing by guides on next day’s activities. M/V Galapagos Legend (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 06: Baltra - Guayaquil - Lima, Peru
Visit Santa Cruz (Carrión Point). During this visit you can snorkel and seen a variety of fish, rays, and perhaps the harmless white tip reef sharks. From Punta Carrion navigate through the beautiful turquoise waters of Itabaca Channel. Return to the Galapagos Legend and check-out. Transfer to the airport for your flight (quoted separately) to the mainland. Landing in coastal city of Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil you will be met and assisted in connection with your international departure flight (quoted separately) to Lima, Peru.
On arrival at Lima International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The city of Lima was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 5, 1535, the eve of the Epiphany of the Magi – from which it derived its evocative original name of La Ciudad de los Reyes or “The City of Kings”. It is a city of rare fascination and unexpected pleasures. Lima has decaying colonial splendor and the teeming vitality of an oriental bazaar; melancholy cloudy winters and warm breezy summers; impoverished urban sprawl and quiet elegant corners among ancient buildings where the night air is scented with jasmine. Casa Andina Private Collection (Breakfast)
Day 07: Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning transfer to the airport for your flight (quoted separately) to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you are met by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to the “Sacred Valley of the Incas” for a city tour.
At an elevation of 8,500 feet, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, was a historic heart of the Inca Empire. Small villages lined the valley floor, while the stone fortresses of Ollantaytambo and Pisac served the dual purpose of providing protection as serving and religious centers.
Visit the small village of Pisac with its colorful market. After lunch, continue on to the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo The fortress, a formidable stone structure that climbs massive terraces reaching the top of a high peak, was the valley’s main defense against the Antis and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest. Constructed of rose-colored granite, this huge installation was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks. Below the fortress lies a complete Incan town, also called Ollantaytambo, still inhabited and with its original architecture and layout preserved. Check-in to your hotel for overnight. Sol y Luna (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 08: Sacred Valley
Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Optional excursions in the Sacred Valley (including rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding and visits to villages or ruins) may be arranged. Sol & Luna (Breakfast)
Day 09: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will be transferred to the Ollanta station where you will board the Vistadome train bound for Machu Picchu.
The 1.5 hour journey follows the ever-narrowing gorge of the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Outside the window, watch the picturesque Andean scenery as you pass the traditional villages. As you approach Machu Picchu Sanctuary, the valley turns into a canyon and the vegetation changes to a cloud forest. A late morning arrival gives you time to begin your exploration of this breathtaking Incan citadel.
Accompanied by your guide, explore the city's ruins, and feel its pulse as you visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this seemingly uninhabitable citadel. Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artifacts and woolen clothing, but no gold. The same precision of assembled stones exists here as in other Incan sites. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its destruction - the Incas left no written record. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge before returning to your hotel. Dinner is at your hotel this evening. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you may return to the ruins for a visit on your own.
It is said that Machu Picchu is a place of great spirituality, and the ultimate spiritual moment of the day happens at sunrise. This morning therefore there is an option to rise early and view the world’s most spectacularly situated ruins at sunrise.
Board a shuttle bus down to the Machu Picchu Village, where you’ll have a short walk to the train station. Here, board the train and return to Cusco (Note: trains terminating in Ollanta Station provide shuttle transfers to Cusco.) Upon arrival you will be met by an iExplore representative and transferred to your hotel. Casa Andina Private Collection (Breakfast)
Day 11: Cusco
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a guided tour of the nearby Inca ruins including Kenko “The Labyrinth”, the ceremonial bath of Tambomachay, and the amazing Sacsayhuaman, a huge fortress of stones (one stone weighs 125 tons!) and a true testimonial to Incan architectural skills.
At Sacsayhuaman, you are challenged to try to slip a piece of paper through the cracks in between these blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This ancient fortress (where the greatest battle between the Spanish and Incas took place) overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco and the breathtaking countryside surrounding the city. Return to the city for a walking tour. Sights include the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas; and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican Church and convent built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas principal religious building, dedicated to the worship of the sun. Lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Casa Andina Private Collection (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 12: Cusco - Lima - Depart
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight (quoted separately) to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, connect with your international flight home. (Breakfast)
iExplore Galapagos & Peru Silver (13-day):
Featuring 4NT Galapagos Cruise
Day 01: Quito, Ecuador
Arrive Quito airport. You are met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Rich in history, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, founded in 1534 by Spanish Conquistador Sebastian de Benacazar. For nearly three centuries, the arts and intellectual societies flourished under Spanish colonial rule until 1809, when Quito established the first self-governing junta in the colonies. Liberator Simon Bolivar led the country as part of the Republic of Greater Colombia until 1830, when the Republic of Ecuador announced its independence with the adoption of the Constitution signed in Riobamba. Due to the city’s preservation of its blended past, UNESCO declared Quito one of a world cultural heritage site in 1978. Hotel Dann Carlton
Day 02: Quito
Enjoy a half-day city tour of Quito. This morning's sightseeing demonstrates some of the reasons why Ecuador's capital has earned its honor as a world cultural site. Marvel at the city’s ornate churches, cathedrals and baroque architecture, and experience a long history of local culture in Quito’s “Old Town” and in the San Francisco Church and Monastery. Rich in art treasures, fine woodcarvings and an altar of gold leaf, the church is a historical icon dedicated to Quito’s patron saint. Continue on to Panecillo Hill topped with a statue of Quito’s ‘Winged Virgin’ which is visible from almost anywhere in the city. You are welcomed by spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the city below before culminating your tour with a visit to the Equatorial monument - an irresistible opportunity to straddle both hemispheres. Enjoy a typical lunch at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel and enjoy balance of day at leisure. Hotel Dann Carlton (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 03: Quito - Galapagos National Park (Thursday Departures)
Private transfer to the airport for morning flight (quoted separately) to the Galapagos archipelago. Arrive Baltra airport, passengers are greeted by cruise guides at the airport and transferred to the pier. Board the ‘M/V Galapagos Legend’ - home for your four-night cruise. Settle in, enjoy an introductory briefing and become acquainted with the ship, its crew and passengers.
M/V Galapagos Legend: deluxe expedition ship for 100 passengers, fulfilling all passengers’ expectations in terms of nature encounter, adventure, comfort and privacy. All exterior cabins and suites with air conditioning, twin or queen size beds, private facilities, inter-connected cabins as well as triple accommodation facilities. The Galapagos Legend spacious outside decks will make a difference when enjoying the islands. Sea level embarkation gate offers security and comfort to senior passengers.
This afternoon make a dry landing in Bartolomé. See volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. Hike to the summit and view the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the ascent watch for the large colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti all add to the experience. Back at the beach, enjoy a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Here you can see the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance.
Weather, water and wildlife conditions will affect your actual day to day itinerary throughout the week, but visits are planned for main islands and their landmarks. You land by panga on island beaches to wander among the Galapagos' unique species - where you are objects of curiosity rather than fear. For best viewing opportunities, your days start early with morning naturalist-led excursions often starting at 8am. After returning to the ship in time for lunch, you have time for a short ‘siesta’ before heading back out again in the late afternoon. Before dinner, the ship’s naturalists preview the next day’s activities and offer expert insight into the Galapagos Islands’ natural history and wildlife. M/V Galapagos Legend (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 04: Galapagos National Park
Isabela Island (Urbina Bay). Wet landing. Visit the fossil beach and coral area. Depending on the season, you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants. Back at the beach you’ll have a chance to do some snorkeling.
Fenandina (Espinosa Point). After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, see the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs. Also enjoy the flightless cormorants and see their nesting sites, the Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations. You’ll also have a chance to see recent lava flows from a safe distance as well as numerous mangrove beds extending into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system. Return to the ship for a cocktail on the Sun Deck. Briefing by guides on next day’s activities. M/V Galapagos Legend (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 05: Galapagos National Park
Santiago Island (Egas Port.) Visit the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas during a wet landing. Most of the landscape are tuff-stone layers and lava flows, the surrounding area is prime for spotting and observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron.
Watch the Marine Iguanas graze upon the algae beds at low tide and sharing space with Red Sally Light-Foot Crabs. There is also a colony of Fur-Seals swimming in deep pools of cool water called “grottos”.
This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling in search of Octopuses, Sea Horses, Star Fish and other sea life caught in the small tidal pools. From a safe distance travelers can admire Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo, Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles. All located in the back drop of cold water and warm water corals, fans, and sponge.
Rábida Island / Jervis. Wet landing at the dark red colored beach of volcanic origin, frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the Islands. Here a short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon, where we find small colonies of Flamingos feeding. The brown pelican nests in the mangrovesan be found at the far side of the lagoon. Also to be observed are boobies and 9 species of Darwin 's finches. Optional dinghy ride by the reefs with an excellent opportunity to snorkel. M/V Galapagos Legend (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 06: Galapagos National Park
Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin station.) Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also admire Giant Tortoises, which are part of the breeding program.
Travelers can also admire the impressive Giant Prickly-Pear Cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes. After this you will have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
Cross the Highlands of Santa Cruz, passengers will observe the twin pit craters, Los Gemelos and later visit Cerro Chato. It's likely that another of the famous Giant Tortoises that gave the name to these islands will appears. Additionally, travelers can literally get into the Galapagos by walking in the dormant lava tubes. M/V Galapagos Legend (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 07: Baltra - Guayaquil - Lima, Peru
Visit Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach). Located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. After a wet landing, you will encounter many sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles. You’ll also have an opportunity to swim on the white sand beach.
Return to the Galapagos Legend for check-out. Transfer to the Baltra airport for your flight (quoted separately) to the mainland, landing in the coastal city of Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil you will be met and assisted in connection with your international departure flight (quoted separately) to Lima, Peru.
On arrival at Lima International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The city of Lima was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 5, 1535, the eve of the Epiphany of the Magi – from which it derived its evocative original name of La Ciudad de los Reyes or “The City of Kings”. It is a city of rare fascination and unexpected pleasures. Lima has decaying colonial splendor and the teeming vitality of an oriental bazaar; melancholy cloudy winters and warm breezy summers; impoverished urban sprawl and quiet elegant corners among ancient buildings where the night air is scented with jasmine. Casa Andina Private Collection (Breakfast)
Day 08: Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning transfer to the airport for your flight (quoted separately) to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you are met by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to the “Sacred Valley of the Incas” for a city tour.
At an elevation of 8,500 feet, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, was a historic heart of the Inca Empire. Small villages lined the valley floor, while the stone fortresses of Ollantaytambo and Pisac served the dual purpose of providing protection as serving and religious centers.
Visit the small village of Pisac with its colorful market. After lunch, continue on to the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo The fortress, a formidable stone structure that climbs massive terraces reaching the top of a high peak, was the valley’s main defense against the Antis and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest. Constructed of rose-colored granite, this huge installation was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks. Below the fortress lies a complete Incan town, also called Ollantaytambo, still inhabited and with its original architecture and layout preserved. Check-in to your hotel for overnight. Sol y Luna (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 09: Sacred Valley
Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Optional excursions in the Sacred Valley (including rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding and visits to villages or ruins) may be arranged. Sol & Luna (Breakfast)
Day 10: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will be transferred to the Ollanta station where you will board the Vistadome train bound for Machu Picchu.
The 1.5 hour journey follows the ever-narrowing gorge of the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Outside the window, watch the picturesque Andean scenery as you pass the traditional villages. As you approach Machu Picchu Sanctuary, the valley turns into a canyon and the vegetation changes to a cloud forest. A late morning arrival gives you time to begin your exploration of this breathtaking Incan citadel.
Accompanied by your guide, explore the city's ruins, and feel its pulse as you visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this seemingly uninhabitable citadel. Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artifacts and woolen clothing, but no gold. The same precision of assembled stones exists here as in other Incan sites. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its destruction - the Incas left no written record. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge before returning to your hotel. Dinner is at your hotel this evening. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you may return to the ruins for a visit on your own.
It is said that Machu Picchu is a place of great spirituality, and the ultimate spiritual moment of the day happens at sunrise. This morning therefore there is an option to rise early and view the world’s most spectacularly situated ruins at sunrise.
Board a shuttle bus down to the Machu Picchu Village, where you’ll have a short walk to the train station. Here, board the train and return to Cusco (Note: trains terminating in Ollanta Station provide shuttle transfers to Cusco.) Upon arrival you will be met by an iExplore representative and transferred to your hotel. Casa Andina Private Collection (Breakfast)
Day 12: Cusco
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a guided tour of the nearby Inca ruins including Kenko “The Labyrinth”, the ceremonial bath of Tambomachay, and the amazing Sacsayhuaman, a huge fortress of stones (one stone weighs 125 tons!) and a true testimonial to Incan architectural skills.
At Sacsayhuaman, you are challenged to try to slip a piece of paper through the cracks in between these blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This ancient fortress (where the greatest battle between the Spanish and Incas took place) overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco and the breathtaking countryside surrounding the city. Return to the city for a walking tour. Sights include the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas; and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican Church and convent built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas principal religious building, dedicated to the worship of the sun. Lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Casa Andina Private Collection (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 13: Cusco - Lima - Depart
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight (quoted separately) to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, connect with your international flight home. (Breakfast)
