Day 1 Guayaquil
Depart the U.S.A. this morning for your flight to Guayaquil, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to the Hilton Colon, Guayaquil's most deluxe hotel, located minutes from the airport.
Overnight Hilton Colon Hotel (B)

Day 2 Galapagos Islands - Baltra, Las Bachas
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos. Upon arrival at Baltra, guides will meet you, collect your luggage and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbor. Motorized rafts, called 'pangas' will transport you to the M/V Eclipse, a deluxe small ship carrying 48 passengers, with a naturalist guide for every 12 passengers. The ship also has such amenities as a 20 ft. swimming pool, a poolside bar, a souvenir shop, and an observation deck. There is an infirmary, with an MD on board at all times. Eclipse's staterooms are among the largest of any vessel in Galapagos. This afternoon you will visit Las Bachas, a white sand beach that is a major egg-laying site for sea turtles; On shore are marine iguanas, and, in the lagoon, flamingos are common.
Overnight 7 nights on the Eclipse (all meals and excursions included)

Day 3 Galapagos Islands - James Bay, Bartolome
This island has several sites to visit: Puerto Egas with its black sand beaches was the site of small salt mining industry in the 1960s and a hike inland to the salt crater is an excellent opportunity to sight land birds such as finches, doves, and hawks. A walk down the rugged shoreline will turn up many marine species as iguanas basking on the rocks and sea lions lazing in the tide pools. At the end of the trail there is a series of grottoes or sea caves where fur seals and night herons are found resting on shady ledges.
Bartolomé is a small island that has beautiful white sand beaches, luxuriant green mangroves and a colony of penguins. Activities will include swimming and snorkeling, and a climb to the summit of the island for one of the most breathtaking views in all the Galápagos. From the summit you will have the best view of the often-photographed Pinnacle Rock.

Day 4 Galapagos Islands - Tower Island
Tower is a collapsed volcano and ships sail directly into its large breached caldera to anchor at the foot of the steep crater walls. Tower attracts vast numbers of pelagic seabirds that come here to nest and breed: great frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and storm petrels. A trail leads from a coral beach past tidal lagoons where lava gulls and yellow-crowned night herons are seen, then along the low shrubs populated by frigates and boobies, and eventually to a cliff edge where seabirds soar. In the afternoon, a second trail called Prince Philip Steps leads to an open area for masked boobies, frigates, and red-footed boobies.

Day 5 Galapagos Islands – Fernandina
Fernandina is the youngest and most active volcano in the Galápagos, with eruptions taking place every few years. The flat lava of Punta Espinosa offers a stark and barren landscape, but here flightless cormorants build their nests on the point, sea lions sprawl on the beach or play in the tide pools, and marine iguanas dot the sand. This afternoon, on the towering cliffs of Tagus Cove, 19th and early 20th century ships' graffiti can be seen. After hiking beyond Darwin Lake, a saltwater lagoon above sea level, you will be rewarded with extraordinary views of Darwin and Wolf volcanoes.

Day 6 Galapagos Islands - Urbina Bay
Urbina Bay is very interesting in that it is a perfect example of the geological activity of the islands. In 1954 over 3 miles (5 kilometers) of the marine reef at the edge of the shore were uplifted by 13 feet (4 meters). At Elizabeth Bay enjoy a panga ride through the mangrove area to see the rays, turtles, sea lions, and, circling overhead, Galápagos hawks. A colony of penguins inhabits a rocky islet at the entrance to Elizabeth Bay.

Day 7 Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the only inhabited island to be visited during this Galapagos cruise. Puerto Ayora, with a population of about 10,000 people, is the location of the Charles Darwin Research Station, world-famous for its tortoise breeding programs. After touring the Station, journey by bus into the highlands to Los Gemelos, the two deep pit craters situated in the Scalesia forest with lots of interesting bird life. Go for a walk through the giant lava tubes, or visit the Tortoise Reserve to search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. There will be some free time to explore the town of Puerto Ayora on your own.

Day 8 Galapagos Islands - Hood Island, Punta Suarez
One of the oldest of the islands, Hood offers Gardner Bay is on the eastern shore with a magnificent beach that is frequented by a transient colony of sea lions, and is a major nesting site for marine turtles. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will find lots of fish and sometimes turtles and sharks. On a trail leading to the western tip of the island you'll pass the only nesting sites in the Galápagos of the waved albatross, huge birds with a 6-foot wingspan. These huge birds nest here from April to December and represent the majority of the world's population of this species. This afternoon, Punta Suarez is one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago, with a long list of species found along its cliffs and sand or pebble beaches. In addition to five species of nesting seabirds there are the curious and bold Hood Island mockingbirds, Galápagos doves and Galápagos hawks. Several types of reptiles, including the brilliantly colored marine iguana and the oversized lava lizard, are unique to this island.

Day 9 Galapagos Islands/Quito
This morning you have a ride through a tidal lagoon on a panga to view mangrove plants and various rays and sharks, and turtles. Return to Baltra and disembark in time for your flight to Quito. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the colonial district. Surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments, the Hotel Patio Andaluz is located in the heart of the historical centre of Quito. After check in, you will enjoy a delightful walking tour of this wonderful city, including La Compañía Church with its breathtaking gold-plated altars, considered the finest baroque jewel of America.
Overnight Patio Andaluz Hotel (B)

Day 11 Quito/Depart
This morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight back to the U.S.A.
(B)
Hide this <<

Read more right here >>

Day 1 Quito
This morning you leave the U.S.A for your flight to Quito, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival you will taken to your hotel. Stay at the deluxe Swissotel, a modern hotel with excellent views of the city and its surroundings, and a wide range of dining experiences.
Overnight Swissotel

Day 2 Quito
Today, a city tour will introduce you to charming colonial Quito. The tour will include La Compañía Church with its breathtaking gold-plated altars, considered the finest baroque jewel of America. Then, head for Equator Monument which really does allow you to have one foot in each hemisphere at the same time! It also has a very interesting museum which spotlights the many different cultural groups of Ecuador and their colorful costumes, traditions, and lifestyles.
Overnight Swissotel (B)

Day 3 Galapagos Islands - San Cristobal
You'll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos, arriving San Cristóbal early afternoon. You’ll be met at the airport by the crew of the Galápagos Explorer II. Probably the most deluxe cruise ship in the Galápagos, the Explorer offers roomy accommodations and excellent cuisine in addition to a commitment to nature. Expert naturalist guides present informative daily lectures or slide shows; your group to explore the islands is limited to 16. For your explorations, you’ll be transported on motorized dinghy boats. Snorkeling is offered nearly every day, and equipment is provided. This afternoon you will have an opportunity to hike and snorkel around San Cristobal.
Overnight Explorer II (B/L/D)

Day 4 Galapagos Islands - Bartolome
A tiny island, Bartolomé offers one of the most spectacular views of the Archipelago. Here you have a moderate hike to the top or an easy hike to Shark's Beach. You're likely to see penguins and sea lions. There is also snorkeling and swimming. Puerto Egas is a wet landing on dark sands. There's a trail to the remains of a salt mining operation, and if your group is energetic you might visit Sugarloaf Volcano. The highlight will be the fur seal grotto, where you can get very close to both fur seals and sea lions.
Overnight Explorer II (B/L/D)

Day 5 Galapagos Islands - Fernandina
Fernandina Island has one of the most pristine areas of the Galápagos. It is an impressive island, with a broad variety of wildlife and volcanic features. Punta Espinosa, at the northeast coast of the island, is the only area open to visitors and is formed by lava and sand. It harbors one of the largest communities of marine iguanas as well as sea lions and flightless cormorants. On Isabela, Urbina Bay has one of the most important concentrations of Galapagos land iguanas in the entire archipelago. Giant tortoises from Alecedo are also in the wild. This island has the largest marine iguanas. On the northwestern tip of Isabela, you will visit Punta Vicente Roca by zodiacs, reaching a rocky pile of large basalt, where there are colonies of fur-seals and marine iguanas in groups, basking in the sun. Along the caves there are Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked boobies, brown noddies, blue-footed boobies, and unparalleled breathtaking scenery.
Overnight Explorer II (B/L/D)

Day 6 Galapagos Islands - North Seymour
North Seymour is a small flat island, with rocks and a long sandy stretch where sea lions and marine iguanas hang out next to a surf wave. The interior has a small Palo Santo and Opuntia (prickly pear) cactus forest with blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate bird colonies. About 40 giant tortoises live here in the wild. By approaching quietly, you can find and observe a tortoise on your own.
Overnight Explorer II (B/L/D)

Day 7 Galapagos Islands/Quito
Return to San Cristóbal and disembark in time for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival Quito you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight Swissotel (B/L)

Day 8 Avenue of the Volcanoes
The Saquisili Market is an authentic indigenous market, and the economic and social center for the local people. Very un-touristy, you will find fruits, vegetables, live animals, and household goods. The locals come from remote villages to trade goods and gossip. You will find everything for sale from beautiful woolens to squealing pigs. After a stop for lunch at a country inn, you head for Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. Hike in the national park to discover the flora and fauna of the area - with a good chance of seeing the Andean condor.
Overnight Swissotel (B/L)

Day 9 Quito/Depart
This morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight back to the U.S.A.
Hide this <<

Read more right here >>

Day 1 Quito
You will depart the U.S.A. today on a flight that will arrive Quito in the evening. You will be met at the airport and transferred to one of Quito's most delightful colonial hotels, the Mansion del Angel. This small 15-room inn is an old mansion built at the turn of the century that has been restored and turned into a bed and breakfast.
Overnight Mansion del Angel (B)

Day 2 Quito
Today, a city tour to introduce you to Quito, including La Compañía Church with its breathtaking gold-plated altars, considered the finest baroque jewel of America. Then, head for Equator Monument which really does allow you to have one foot in each hemisphere at the same time! It also has a very interesting museum which spotlights the many different cultural groups of Ecuador and their colorful costumes, traditions, and lifestyles.
Overnight Mansion del Angel (B)

Day 3 Galapagos Islands - San Cristobal
You'll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos, arriving San Cristóbal early afternoon. You'll be met at the airport by the crew of the Galápagos Explorer II. Probably the most deluxe cruise ship in the Galápagos, the Explorer offers roomy accommodations and excellent cuisine in addition to a commitment to nature. Expert naturalist guides present informative daily lectures or slide shows; your group to explore the islands is limited to 16. For your explorations, you'll be transported on motorized dinghy boats. Snorkeling is offered nearly every day, and equipment is provided. This afternoon you will have an opportunity to hike and snorkel around San Cristobal.
Overnight Explorer II (B/L/D)

Day 4 Galapagos Islands - Bartolome
A tiny island, Bartolomé offers one of the most spectacular views of the Archipelago. Here you have a moderate hike to the top or an easy hike to Shark's Beach. You're likely to see penguins and sea lions. There is also snorkeling and swimming. Puerto Egas is a wet landing on dark sands. There's a trail to the remains of a salt mining operation, and if your group is energetic you might visit Sugarloaf Volcano. The highlight will be the fur seal grotto, where you can get very close to both fur seals and sea lions.
Overnight Explorer II (B/L/D)

Day 5 Galapagos Islands - Fernandina
Fernandina Island has one of the most pristine areas of the Galápagos. It is an impressive island, with a broad variety of wildlife and volcanic features. Punta Espinosa, at the northeast coast of the island, is the only area open to visitors and is formed by lava and sand. It harbors one of the largest communities of marine iguanas as well as sea lions and flightless cormorants. On Isabela, Urbina Bay has one of the most important concentrations of Galapagos land iguanas in the entire archipelago. Giant tortoises from Alecedo are also in the wild. This island has the largest marine iguanas. On the northwestern tip of Isabela, you will visit Punta Vicente Roca by zodiacs, reaching a rocky pile of large basalt, where there are colonies of fur-seals and marine iguanas in groups, basking in the sun. Along the caves there are Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked boobies, brown noddies, blue-footed boobies, and unparalleled breathtaking scenery.
Overnight Explorer II (B/L/D)

Day 6 Galapagos Islands - North Seymour
North Seymour is a small flat island, with rocks and a long sandy stretch where sea lions and marine iguanas hang out next to a surf wave. The interior has a small Palo Santo and Opuntia (prickly pear) cactus forest with blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate bird colonies. About 40 giant tortoises live here in the wild. By approaching quietly, you can find and observe a tortoise on your own.
Overnight Explorer II (B/L/D)

Day 7 Galapagos Islands/Highlands
Return to San Cristóbal and disembark in time for your flight back to Quito. You will be met at the airport by Arasha personnel and transferred to the resort, located in the Highlands, less than a two hour drive northeast of Quito. The Arasha Resort and Spa is located in the tropical rainforest, in the richest biodiversity "Hotspot" on the planet, with more than 35,000 species of plants, 664 distinct species of amphibians and probably more bird species than any other place on Earth. Tropical forests are located east of the Andes and differ from rain forests in that they are less humid and have little or no mosquitoes. Accommodations are in bungalows, offering the finest in tropical comfort and service.
Overnight Arasha Resort and Spa (B/L/D)

Day 8 Highlands
Today you are free to set your own schedule. You can relax in the spa followed by a swim in the natural spring fed pool, or you can take enjoy one of the guided activities such as making your own chocolate from the cocoa bean, touring the tropical forest at night by torchlight, or playing miniature golf with the toucans, literally!
Overnight Arasha Resort and Spa (B/L/D)

Day 9 Highlands/Quito
This morning you are free to enjoy the facilities of Arasha. This afternoon you will be transferred back to Quito in time to enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the colonial restaurants.
Overnight Mansion del Angel (B/L)

Day 10 Quito/Lima
Leave Quito for your flight to Lima, the City of Kings. You will be met and transferred to your deluxe hotel, the Miraflores Park Plaza, located in the lively Miraflores section of the city.
Overnight Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel (B)

Day 11 Sacred Valley
Depart early this morning on a short and very scenic flight over the Andes Mountains to Cusco. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred by land to the Sacred Valley, less than an hour away. This fertile valley of the Urubamba River was used by the Inca nobility for their country homes. Visit Pisaq's famous Sunday market which takes over the town and the market of Chincheros. You'll find handicrafts of all qualities but you'll also find today's residents bartering potatoes, herbal remedies, or kitchen utensils, and trading gossip. Stop for lunch in one of the country hotels, then continue on to explore the magnificent ruins of Ollantaytambo. You'll sleep tonight in the Sacred Valley at the charming Hotel Sol y Luna. There's a pool and lovely grounds.
Overnight Sol y Luna (B/L)

Day 12 Machu Picchu *
Early this morning you'll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the train station. You'll be riding on the first class Vistadome train. Machu Picchu is reached by a three-hour train ride through the spectacular scenery of the Urubamba Valley. High on jungle-covered hilltops in the midst of the cloud forest, Machu Picchu was not known to the Spanish Conquerors, so much of the ancient city remains - temples, palaces, and astronomical observatories of intricate stonework, all surrounded by a verdant landscape.
On arrival at the train station, a shuttle bus takes you up the mountain for a guided visit to the ruins. You'll be spending the night at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, spectacularly located at the entrance to the ruins.
Overnight Sanctuary Hotel (B/L/D)
*Enroute to Machu Picchu, passengers have the option to disembark the train early and take a guided Baby Inca trek for 4 hours arriving Machu Picchu through the fabled Sun Gate, as did the ancient Incas.

Day 13 Machu Picchu
This morning you are free to greet the dawn at the ruins of Machu Picchu, a mystical experience! After lunch at the Sanctuary, you will make your way down to the train station to board your late afternoon train back to Cusco. Upon arrival at the train station you will be taken to the Monasterio, a beautiful hotel in a renovated 16th century monastery, located in the heart of the ancient city. There will enjoy a deluxe room with oxygen.
Monasterio Hotel - (B/L)

Day 14 Cusco
This afternoon you'll have a tour of Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere! The tour includes important landmarks of Cusco and the nearby ruins of Kenko, Pucapucara, 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.
Overnight Monasterio Hotel (B)

Day 15 Cusco/Lima/Depart
In early afternoon you board your short flight back to Lima where you will be met at the airport and taken for a city tour of Lima's historical heart, which is filled with beautiful colonial churches and buildings. After the tour you will be taken back to the airport to board your late evening overnight flight back to the U.S.A.
(B)
Hide this <<

Read more right here >>