Day 4: Machu Picchu. Embark on a two-day expedition to Machu Picchu. Ride aboard the deluxe VistaDome train through the lush Urubamba Valley passing through stunning scenery. Arrive at "The Lost City of the Incas", rediscovered by accident in 1911 by Hiram Bingham in the foggy mountain jungle. The beauty of its location and the genius construction make Machu Picchu the jewel of all Inca settlements. With a local expert explore the mystery and beauty of this amazing site and learn about the fascinating story of Machu Picchu. While most visitors leave Machu Picchu in the afternoon you'll stay in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy some free time to further discover the mystical ruins and absorb the beauty of this enchanting site. Inti Inn Hotel. (B,D)

Day 5: Machu Picchu/Cuzco. Today you may return to Machu Picchu to explore and photograph at your own pace. To this day nobody can explain how the Incas managed to transport the huge blocks of limestone for the city's construction onto the mountain top. You'll also visit quaint Aguas Calientes before your afternoon train ride back to Ollantaytambo Station. Arrive in Cuzco this evening and transfer to your hotel, superbly located in the heart of the old town. Novotel Hotel. (B)

Day 6: Cuzco. Cuzco is a vibrant town, dotted with archaeological sites. On a guided morning tour visit the main Inca and Colonial monuments. See the Plaza de Armas, center of the Inca Empire and the impressive 16th century cathedral, built on the ruins of the Inca Palace. You'll also see the exceptionally crafted and most sumptuous temple in the Inca Empire, the Temple of the Sun in Koricancha. In the old town view magnificently restored colonial buildings. The afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. Tonight savor dinner complete with a colorful folklore show. (B,D)

Day 7: Cuzco/Lima. Today board a short morning flight to Lima, known as the City of Kings and the center of the Spanish Empire in the New World for three centuries after Pizarro's conquest. Today, Lima is Peru's capital. After checking into your upscale hotel enjoy a guided afternoon tour of both colonial and modern Lima, founded in 1535 and later dominated by the Inca nation. See the historical center and the San Francisco Church as well as Plaza de Armas and the Government Palace. Later, see the fashionable districts of San Isidro and Miraflores with their beautiful parks and elegant residences facing the ocean. Novotel Hotel. (B)

Day 8: Lima/Guayaquil (Ecuador). Today fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and main seaport, renowned for its "Caribbean soul". Your Ecuador tour director will greet you and escort you to your city-center hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a guided walking tour of this tropical metropolis. You will visit the pleasant Parque Simon Bolívar with its Cathedral and see the Palacio Municipal and the Governor’s Palace. Continue with a stroll along the Río Guayas and appreciate the beautiful Malecón, the city’s delightful promenade. En route back to your hotel view the Monument of La Rotonda dedicated to Simon Bolivar and San Martin, considered the Liberators of South America. The balance of the day is at leisure. Unipark Hotel. (B)

Day 9: Guayaquil/
Galapagos Cruise:
San Cristobal Island.
Over the next four days cruise along and visit the enchanted Galapagos Islands, where you'll see a variety of exotic wildlife. This morning, fly from Guayaquil to San Cristobal, the easternmost gateway to the islands. Board your upscale cruise boat, your base while exploring the islands and enjoy a welcome lunch onboard. This afternoon enjoy a guided shore excursion to spectacular Frigatebird Hill which is located a short hike from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The hill is often frequented by Frigatebirds and the trail leading up to the hill is where birds's nesting sites are located. Both Magnificent Frigatebirds and Great Frigatebirds as well as other bird species may be seen here. From the summit of the hill you'll also be treated to stunning views of the bay below. On the return hike walk along the woody path and the white sand beach. Reboard the ship. MV Galapagos Explorer II. (B,L,D)


Day 10: Galapagos Cruise: Española Island/Punta Suarez. Upon landing at Gardner Bay situated on the northern side of Española Island enjoy a guided visit to the beach that is one of the most magnificent in the Galapagos and is home to many sea lion colonies. Here you may also spot Galapagos hawks, American oystercatchers, Galapagos doves, Hood mockingbirds that are endemic to this island, three species of Darwin finches and yellow warblers, lava lizards and marine iguanas. It is also a great beach for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkelers in the turquoise colored water may encounter many of the Galapagos marine species such as king angelfish, creole fish, damsel fish, parrot fish, manta rays and white tipped reef sharks. Return to the boat for lunch and sail to Suarez Point on Española Island western side. Here, learn about lava terrain while crossing inactive lava fields. Aside from the sea lion colonies, this is a great site for bird watching. You may spot marine iguanas, lava lizards and colorful Sally Light Foot Crabs. You may also encounter a large colony of Waved Albatross. Later, visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots high into the air. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Galapagos Cruise: Charles Darwin Station/ Santa Cruz Island / South Plaza Island.
This morning dock in Santa Cruz Island and visit the fascinating Darwin Station where you'll learn about the conservation efforts and research conducted on the island. The station is a breeding and rearing center where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. Stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. You will also see giant tortoises from different islands. The tiny turtle babies are affectionately being cared for and as soon as they are old and strong enough prepared for their repatriation. After lunch onboard sail to nearby South Plaza Island. This island is an uplifted slab of sea floor, rather than a volcanic island like Santa Cruz. The island rises from a flat northern edge and tilts gently up to steep cliffs on the southern end. Although South Plaza is a tiny island, it supports an amazing variety of wildlife. Upon landing on the island you may see sea lions playing in the shallow water, as well as marine iguanas and sally light foot crabs. Walking along the trail with your naturalist, view cracks in the brittle lava that provide nesting sites for seabirds like the red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, common noddies, blue-footed boobies and occasionally Nazca boobies. Brown pelicans and magnificent frigate birds can also be seen here. Return to the boat for final dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Galapagos Cruise: Baltra Island/Quito. This morning bid farewell to your cruise boat, its wonderful crew and the magnificent Galapagos Islands as you disembark in Baltra Island and fly to Quito, the colonial capital of Ecuador, located just 15 miles from the equator and surrounded by ice-capped volcanoes. Enjoy a brief orientation tour en route to your deluxe, conveniently located hotel. Hilton Colon Hotel. (B)

Day 13: Otavalo Excursion. On today's guided excursion to the Ecuadorian countryside, descend into spectacular Guayllabamba Gorge before arriving at Otavalo, a sprawling Indian market. Here, you'll find unique handicrafts made by the indigenous locals. Later, visit the small town of Cotacachi, Ecuador's center of leatherworks. Return to Quito later this afternoon. (B)

Day 14: Quito. On a guided morning tour of Quito learn about its colonial past, history and culture. Visit the old town and see the Church of San Francisco, the first religious building constructed in South America by the Spanish. See La Compania, the city’s most ornate church. Admire the spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. On a clear day see the impressive volcanoes surrounding the city. Afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. This evening savor a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. After dinner transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight. (B,D)

Day 15: Arrive USA. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive Miami this morning.

return to top

• Round trip airfare from Miami via LAN Airlines
• Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
• Intra-South America flights, ground transportation and transfers
• Accommodations at First Class hotels with private bath
• Three-night Galapagos Cruise aboard
  MV Galapagos Explorer II
• Gratuities to cruise ship crew
• Galapagos Park fee
• 23 meals: 12 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
• Wine, beer, mineral water and soft drinks aboard Galapagos Explorer cruise
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions
• Professional English-speaking tour directors

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY JUN 6, 2013		RESERVE AFTER JUN 6
2013		w/check discount	sale
Oct 8	Oct 22	$ 4899	$ 4999	$ 5299
Nov 5	Nov 19	$ 4899	$ 4999	$ 5299
Dec 3	Dec 17	$ 4799	$ 4899	$ 5199
2014
Feb 7	Feb 22	Click here for Feb - Mar 2014 full details & itinerary
Mar 7	Mar 22
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement add $1499.
CABIN UPGRADE Rates are based on Classic outside cabin on Magellan or Columbus Decks. • Upgrade to Deluxe cabin with balcony on Marco Polo Deck: add $550 per person/ $950 single.
While every effort is made to adhere to the schedule outlined while cruising the Galapagos Islands, the final shore excursions mentioned are subject to change.
Reservations and Payments: Reservations can be made by phone 1 800 337 7773 and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable deposit (by check) which must be received within 7 days of reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.

About Machu Picchu Known throughout the world for its amazing ruins and stunning location high in the mountains, Machu Picchu was accidentally discovered in 1911 by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The beauty of its location and the genius construction make Machu Picchu – "lost city of the Incas" – the archaeological jewel of South America. Machu Picchu´s remains are comparatively well preserved because the Spaniards never reached the city. It was buried in the jungle for centuries, and even after its 1911 rediscovery, the city remained inaccessible until the 1940s, when an archaeological expedition working at the site discovered the Inca Trail cutting through the valley below. While most visitors spend only a few hours here, you’ll stay overnight and have ample time to absorb the mystery and beauty of this amazing, not-to-be-missed site!

About Galapagos Islands

Welcome to the enchanting Galapagos Island, a magical place like no other on earth! Charles Darwin turned these fascinating isles into a unique living laboratory to study evolutionary changes that led to a new understanding of life on earth. In order to protect the ecological balance, the number of visitors to the islands is limited. You’ll be one of those privileged guests to visit the islands and get to know a wide variety of exotic wildlife unique to this archipelago! Get close to animals less fearful of humans than those found elsewhere. This is a once in a lifetime adventure you’ll never forget!

About MV Galapagos Explorer II

The elegant MV Galapagos Explorer II is a modern first class cruiser especially adapted for Galapagos Cruises. The ship can accommodate up to about 100 guests in either classic ocean-facing cabins with portholes or higher deck cabins with large panoramic windows. All cabins are outside facing, spacious and have a private bath with shower and two lower beds. The ship has ample public facilities including a lounge, game room, library and a jacuzzi. The elegant restaurant serves delicious continental cuisine. There are several expert naturalists on board to enrich your visit to the Galapagos Islands. See MV Galapagos Explorer II website for additional pictures and description.