Galapagos & Incas

Transfer in Guayaquil. English speaking assistance.

*Note that this first night can be changed to Quito for an extra cost.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take flight to Galapagos.

Arrival in the Galapagos. English speaking assistance.

Today we arrive on Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. This tiny island was a military base during the Second World War and hosts the Islands’ principal airport. The airport was built using the most advanced environmental techniques to reduce emissions and energy use, some of which you’ll notice as you transit through the facility. It was the first ecological airport in the world. Ferry to Santa Cruz Island.

Our guide will pick you up at the airport, in order to start the visit to the highlands. You will visit the shelters for the giant tortoises, the lava tunnels and the Twins – geological formations formed by the lapse of time.

Visit a local farm that provides the opportunity to marvel at the celebrated Giant Galapagos Tortoise roaming in its natural habitat. You will have the option to visit geological formations like natural lava tunnels or twin pit craters (los Gemelos) or both, depending on your energy levels.  The Gemelos or Twin Pitt Craters, located in Scalezia zone of the island, are a great place for bird watching. Look out for Darwin Finches, Galapagos Doves, and Cattle Egret.

Drive to Puerto Ayora for overnight.

Half-day excursion to Bay Exploration (SIB – shared service)

This morning we will join a Puerto Ayora’s bay exploration, at the main dock we will have a quick 10-minute navigation to la Loberia Island named after a sea lion colony that inhabits there. This small island is a great place to snorkel in amongst sea turtles and a great variety of colorful fish, and for playing with the ever-friendly and inquisitive sea lions.

Our next stop will be a hike to the Túnel del Amor (lover’s tunnel) with a great viewpoint from where if lucky you can watch resting white-tip sharks. On the way back we will visit Punta Estrada’s dock, where we’ll go on a walk to watch marine iguanas.

OPTIONAL FULL DAY EXPERIENCE WITH EXTRA COST: Full Day Visit to Cerro Meza and kayak at  Garrapatero Beach, (This tour replaces the Bay Exploration. Minimum 2 passengers.)

Overnight in Puerto Ayora

Daily Tour on board a motor yacht (shared basis excursion)

Embark our motor yacht and enjoy of a daily excursion with a welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide, and experience the remote islands in comfort and style.

Our daily excursions will take you to experience the Galapagos Islands in a safe and comfortable manner. Check the boat´s weekly itinerary. We may visit North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe Island or Bartolome and Sullivan Bay, according to boats’ schedules allowed by the National Park.

** These excursions are subject to availability and change without prior notification.

Overnight at Puerto Ayora.

After breakfast, transfer to Baltra´s airport to board connection flight to Lima-Peru.

Upon arriving in Lima, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel. Our representative will give you a documentation kit with detailed program explanation. Luggage and hotel registration assistance will be offered.

Visit the modern and colonial parts of the city of Lima the “City of Kings”, beginning in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. Pass by a Huaca or sacred pre-Inca site. There will then be a stop at Parque del Amor (Lovers Park) in Miraflores for its magnificent view over the Pacific Ocean. The tour also includes the Historic Centre based on the Main Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop´s Palace, the Municipality of Lima and the Cathedral are located, as well as a visit to one of the largest colonial-era convents.

Upon arrival in Cuzco one of our representatives will meet you and then you will be transferred to your hotel. Have the rest of the day at leisure to rest and get used to the altitude.

Optional tours:

PM HD CITY TOUR VISIT TO SAN PEDRO MARKET AND RUINS (Regular Basis)– (MINIMUM 2 PASSENGERS)
You will visit the city of Cusco, known as the Imperial City and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you will start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavors and traditions of modern Cusco. The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church, which remains standing to this day. You will continue ascending to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place. Finally, you will arrive to the Plaza de Armas (main square), where you will visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city.

FULL DAY HISTORY AND CULTURE IN MARAS, MORAY & MISMINAY
You will head in the direction of the Maras salt mines, an amazing place where the finest salt in the world is extracted: Maras salt. On the way, you will make a stop at the Raqchi viewpoint, from where you will have an impressive view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Then, you will visit the Misminay community. Upon arrival, the villagers will give you a warm welcome with music and typical dances. There, you will be able to learn about the Andean families’ lifestyle, by sharing some of their daily activities with them. Then, you will enjoy a delicious and traditional lunch prepared with local products. You will continue with a visit to Moray, a fascinating archeological site with huge concentric terraces, which the Incas used as a botanical laboratory.
Overnight at the hotel of your choice in Sacred Valley
Meals included: breakfast & lunch

Transfer to Ollantaytambo railway station to board your Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Tour (SIB)

You are going to visit one of the most important energy centres of the world: Machu Picchu. You will be driven to the archaeological site, the visit of which will be an unforgettable experience, with a professional tour guide to impart to you all the history that surrounds this mysterious and enchanting place. Once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, to relax, or to meditate. At the agreed upon hour, you will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train* later that afternoon for the return trip. Once you have arrived at Poroy Station, you will be driven to your hotel.

(*) Timetables are subject to confirm

Overnight at the hotel in Cuzco

Enjoy the charm of this beautiful colonial city that was built upon the remains of amazing Inca buildings. Not to miss: Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), San Blas artisan’s neighborhood, the Cathedral and the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH EXTRA COST:

PM CITY TOUR, SACSAYHUAMAN, AND NEARBY ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES (SIB)

The afternoon is set aside for a tour of the incredible colonial city, whose buildings the Spanish constructed on top of the foundations of Incan palaces. You begin at Korikancha, the Temple of the Sun, to witness the exquisite stonework achieved by the Incas. Next stop is the Main Square for a tour of the Cathedral to see its fabulous woodcarvings and impressive altars and the lovely Church of La Compañia de Jesus (Society of Christ). Next, head upwards to Sacsayhuaman, a fortress located in a strategic spot high above the city with a view that is absolutely stunning. You will also visit the archaeological complex of Kenko, and you will have a panoramic view of Puca Pucara.

OR

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH EXTRA COST:

FULL DAY VINICUNCA RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SIB) – (MINIMUM 2 PASSENGERS)
You will leave your hotel in Cusco early in the morning, crossing the South Valley, towards Cusipata. From there, you will be transferred to Phulawasipata where you will begin your walk. After some time to prepare, you will start with the ascending route to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. The place will amaze you with its vivid colors and natural beauty. There, you will have time to take photos and fill yourself with the energy of the place. At the end of this visit, you will walk back to the starting point. Finally, you will be taken back to your hotel in Cusco

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.