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/Quito (Ecuador). Today fly to Quito, the colonial capital of Ecuador. This attractive city, located just 15 miles from the equator, is surrounded by ice-capped volcanoes. Your Ecuador tour director escorts you to your deluxe, conveniently located hotel with a brief orientation tour en route. Hilton Colon Hotel. (B)

Day 9: On a guided 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. (B)


Day 10: Quito / Galapagos Cruise : San Cristobal Island.
Over the next five days cruise along and visit the enchanted Galapagos Islands, where you'll see a variety of exotic wildlife. This morning, fly from Quito 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 shore excursion to Cerro Brujo, a volcanic crater with an unique crater landscape, located on a marvelous white-sand beach. It's the home of sally light foot crabs, marine iguanas and sea lions. A naturalist guide will lead you on a short walk with plenty of opportunities for rewarding bird watching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham mockingbird and the Chatham lava lizard, species that are endemic to this island. Free time to stroll on the beach, snorkel or swim before returning to the boat. MV Galapagos Explorer II. (B,L,D)

Day 11: 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 12: Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island/ Rabida Island. This morning arrive in Santa Cruz Island where you'll visit Whale Bay, a rocky island where you may observe the Galapagos hawk and many different species of finches. The vegetation consists of acacias, thorn shrubs and salt bushes. One of the main attractions is the attractive beach with its olivine crystals and pottery remains from the year 1846. Later sail to Rabida Island, a small island covered with dry coastal vegetation. This is a beautiful island with stunning contrast between the red-tinted sand of its beaches and the vivid green of its mangroves. It is home to sea lions, blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Enjoy a short walk to the top of the trail where you may take photos of the clear waters and the volcanic peaks. Snorkeling is available. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Galapagos Cruise: Charles Darwin Station/ Santa Cruz 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, of which the most famous is "Lonesome George", the last survivor of the tortoises from La Pinta Island. 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 14: Galapagos Cruise: Baltra Island/Quito. This morning bid farewell to your cruise boat, its wonderful staff and the magnificent Galapagos Islands as you disembark in Baltra Island and fly back to Quito. Upon arrival transfer to your upscale hotel. Hilton Colon Hotel. (B)

Day 15: 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. This evening savor a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 16: Depart Quito. Morning at leisure for independent pursuits. Later transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight. (B)

Day 17: Arrive USA. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive Miami this morning.

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• 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
• Four-night Galapagos Cruise aboard
  MV Galapagos Explorer II
• Galapagos Park fee
• 27 meals: 14 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D)
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions
• Professional English-speaking tour directors

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY MAY 31, 2012		RESERVE AFTER MAY 31
2012		w/cash discount	sale
Jul 15	Jul 31	$ 4969	$ 5069	$ 5369
Aug 12	Aug 28	$ 4969	$ 5069	$ 5369
Oct 7	Oct 23	$ 4969	$ 5069	$ 5369
Oct 21	Nov 6	$ 4969	$ 5069	$ 5369
Nov 18	Dec 4	$ 4799	$ 4899	$ 5199
Dec 2	Dec 18	$ 4799	$ 4899	$ 5199
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement add $1699. 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.

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 $599 per person/ $1099 single.
Important travelers note The high altitudes reached on this trip (Cuzco is at 11000 feet above sea level) and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, requires that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. We strongly suggest that you consult a physician regarding any concerns prior to making a reservation.

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. To enrich your visit to the Galapagos Islands, there are several expert naturalists on board as well as a glass-bottom boat available for those not wishing to snorkel. See MV Galapagos Explorer II website for additional pictures and description.