Machu Picchu and the Galapagos

Day 1 - Lima, Peru
Your South America cruise and tour begins in Peru’s vibrant capital where you’ll check in to the deluxe Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel, handpicked for outstanding service, unique charm, and a terrific location in the lively seaside district of Miraflores.

Day 2 - Out and About with your Expert Guide in Lima #WHS#
See the city’s splendidly preserved Colonial-era architecture and visit the Larco Herrera Museum, located in a lovely Vice Royal’s mansion of the 18th century. The extensive pre-Columbian collection of this world-famous museum, including ancient gold and silver objects, offers an excellent introduction to the history and cultures you’ll explore throughout your exploration of Peru. In sharp contrast to these antiquities, your next stop reveals the lively 21st century spirit of the capital. The enchanting district of Barranco is beloved by city residents and visitors alike for its Bohemian ambience and trend-setting boutiques and cafes. Meals B

Day 3 - Fly into the high Andes... Cuzco awaits!
Fly to Cuzco, nestled high in the Andes, and transfer to the enchanting Aranwa Hotel. Your Deluxe Room is oxygenated ensure your comfort and to help you acclimate more quickly to the altitude. A free afternoon provides time to rest or you can step out from your city-center hotel to explore the nearby sites, shops and restaurants at your own pace. Meals B

Day 4 - A scenic journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu #WHS#
Step aboard the Vistadome Train for an unforgettable journey into the Sacred Valley. As you travel along the Urubamba River, the scenery is spectacular... snow-capped Andean peaks, Indian villages and terraced fields. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, ascend to the ancient citadel to explore its extensive ruins as your expert guide sheds light on the Inca, their once-great Empire and this fabled Lost City. A tranquil overnight awaits you at the Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel. Our deluxe resort enjoys a privileged location at the base of Machu Picchu, set in an Andean cloud forest along the banks of the fast-flowing Urubamba River. Meals B,L,D

Upgrade to the Hiram Bingham Train… Travel roundtrip between Cuzco and Machu Picchu aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham Train. Enjoy brunch en route to the legendary Lost City of the Inca as your travel in style through the beautiful Sacred Valley on this Orient Express Train. After departing Machu Picchu on the afternoon of Day 5, cocktails and a sumptuous dinner will be served onboard the train as you journey back toward Cuzco. Only $459 per person.

Day 5 - Sunrise at Machu Picchu for Early Risers
Arise early this morning and join your in-the-know Trip Leader for a return visit to Machu Picchu. Witness the first light of day as it breaks across the mountain peaks to cast its golden glow across the silent stones of this ancient Inca city. This early morning visit promises an unforgettable experience as you explore the site without the many day visitors who have yet to arrive. But please exercise caution as the paths and rocks can be slippery with morning dew. Return to Cuzco by afternoon train where you’ll be escorted back to the Aranwa Hotel. Meals B,L

Day 6 - In-depth sightseeing in Cuzco #WHS#
Today’s expertly guided sightseeing reveals the Colonial splendors and Inca treasures of this charming high-mountain town. Admire the Renaissance-style Cathedral that graces the Plaza de Armas; it’s built on the site of an ancient Inca palace and has been splendidly restored. Visit the Temple of the Sun and the Convent of Santo Domingo, perhaps the most architecturally fascinating site in Cuzco. At the Almudena Cemetery and San Pedro Market, you’ll gain fascinating insight into rich Andean traditions which endure to this day. Then head into the mountains outside of town to explore the amazing Inca site of Sacsayhuaman, famed for its impressive masonry and great views over the city. Meals B

Day 7 - Onward to Quito #WHS#, Ecuador
Fly to Quito where you’ll be warmly greeted! Your escorted city tour reveals the magnificent Colonial-era monuments of this UNESCO World Heritage Site… Exploring the historic heart of the city, you’ll admire finely-preserved, centuries-old architecture including the Metropolitan Cathedral, Church of the Compania de Jesus and the Church of San Francisco. Dine atop Itchimbia with fabulous views over the city and overnight at the 5-star JW Marriott Hotel. Meals B,D

Day 8 - Experience the true colors of Ecuador!
Today’s full day excursion starts with a magnificent morning drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes. First stop is La Estacíon Hosteria, a charming hacienda in the heart of the picturesque Machachi Valley. Learn about life on the estate as you enjoy a refreshing beverage or coffee. Continue your drive to the quiet village of Saquisilí, the site of a very authentic indigenous market. Farther from the Pan-American Highway and the more frequently-visited market towns, you’ll have an amazing opportunity to witness true Andean traditions as highlanders from across the region come to barter locally-caught fish, produce, handmade household goods, masks, carpets and textiles of fine alpaca wool. Sit down to a fine lunch of traditional Ecuadorian fare at La Ciénaga Hosteria and then visit La Victoria, a charming town celebrated for the skill of its ceramic artisans. Return to Quito and spend another night at the fabulous JW Marriott Hotel. Meals B,L

Day 9 - Fly to the Galapagos Islands #WHS#
We’ve included your transfer to the airport and your flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll be met and escorted to the deluxe, all-suites MV Galapagos Explorer II. This afternoon, your first excursion takes you to the Charles Darwin Research Center, one of the world’s most respected scientific research facilities. Your visit continues in the thriving town of Puerto Ayora, an opportunity to see how island residents live and work here in the Galapagos. Dinner onboard is followed by a briefing from the ship’s engaging staff of experienced naturalists. Each night you can attend these informative and entertaining talks which preview the next day’s activities. Meals B,L,D

Day 10 - Bachas Beach and onward to Santiago Island
Step ashore with your Naturalist Guide this morning to explore along the lovely white sands of Bachas Beach. See the nesting sites of marine tortoises and hike to a nearby lagoon where you can spot migratory birds, herons and pelicans. Don’t forget your bathing suit… Bachas Beach offers great swimming and snorkeling.

As you enjoy lunch onboard, the Explorer II charts a course for Santiago Island, where you’ll make an afternoon landing at Puerto Egas. Hiking over ancient lava flows offers an opportunity to site sparrows, hawks, several varieties of finches and lava lizards. During low tide, you’ll also be able to see a wide variety of marine life in the teeming tidal pools – Sally Lightfoot crabs, lava herons, sea lions and marine iguanas. Meals B,L,D

Day 11 - Genovesa Island
With little rainfall, Genovesa Island’s vegetation is unique and characteristic of an arid environment. Except for Marine iguanas, reptiles are few – but the island is a paradise for sea birds including large colonies of red-footed boobies, masked boobies, Galapagos storm petrals and great frigate birds. With hardly any “introduced” species, Genovesa Island is one of the most pristine in all of the Galapagos. Your morning excursion on Genovesa finds you at the El Barranco landing site. In the afternoon, you’ll explore Darwin Bay on the southern side of the island. This bay offers excellent swimming and snorkelers have a good chance of seeing Hammerhead sharks. Meals B,L,D

Day 12 - Ashore on North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands
After breakfast, make a dry landing on North Seymour Island, home to sea lions and large colonies of resting marine iguanas. A pleasant hike to the interior of this flat island brings you to a small forest with Prickly Pear cactus and numerous nesting sites of Blue-footed boobies.

In the afternoon, you’ll have an excursion into the interior highlands of Santa Cruz. A one-hour hike through the lush and dense vegetation brings you to a remote area where you will be able to observe a variety of giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. Meals B,L,D

Day 13 - Ashore on San Cristóbal Island
Go ashore on San Cristóbal Island this morning to visit the Galapagos Interpretation Center. Then transfer to the airport for your included flight back to the mainland. You can return to Quito and the terrific JW Marriott Hotel or fly to the bustling Pacific port of Guayaquil for a night at the deluxe Hilton Colon Hotel. Meals B

Day 14 - Farewell to Ecuador
Your escorted South America vacation ends this morning. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/8/2012 - 3/22/2012	$6,399
3/8/2012 - 3/22/2012	$6,799
3/8/2012 - 3/22/2012	$6,999
3/8/2012 - 3/22/2012	$7,399
3/8/2012 - 3/22/2012	$7,599
4/19/2012 - 5/3/2012	$6,399
4/19/2012 - 5/3/2012	$6,799
4/19/2012 - 5/3/2012	$6,999
4/19/2012 - 5/3/2012	$7,399
4/19/2012 - 5/3/2012	$7,599
5/17/2012 - 5/31/2012	$6,099
5/17/2012 - 5/31/2012	$6,499
5/17/2012 - 5/31/2012	$6,699
5/17/2012 - 5/31/2012	$7,099
5/17/2012 - 5/31/2012	$7,299
5/31/2012 - 6/14/2012	$6,399
5/31/2012 - 6/14/2012	$6,799
5/31/2012 - 6/14/2012	$6,999
5/31/2012 - 6/14/2012	$7,399
5/31/2012 - 6/14/2012	$7,599
6/28/2012 - 7/12/2012	$6,399
6/28/2012 - 7/12/2012	$6,799
6/28/2012 - 7/12/2012	$6,999
6/28/2012 - 7/12/2012	$7,399
6/28/2012 - 7/12/2012	$7,599
7/26/2012 - 8/9/2012	$6,199
7/26/2012 - 8/9/2012	$6,599
7/26/2012 - 8/9/2012	$6,799
7/26/2012 - 8/9/2012	$7,199
7/26/2012 - 8/9/2012	$7,399
8/9/2012 - 8/23/2012	$6,699
8/9/2012 - 8/23/2012	$7,099
8/9/2012 - 8/23/2012	$7,299
8/9/2012 - 8/23/2012	$7,699
8/9/2012 - 8/23/2012	$7,899
9/20/2012 - 10/4/2012	$6,699
9/20/2012 - 10/4/2012	$7,099
9/20/2012 - 10/4/2012	$7,299
9/20/2012 - 10/4/2012	$7,699
9/20/2012 - 10/4/2012	$7,899
10/4/2012 - 10/18/2012	$6,399
10/4/2012 - 10/18/2012	$6,799
10/4/2012 - 10/18/2012	$6,999
10/4/2012 - 10/18/2012	$7,399
10/4/2012 - 10/18/2012	$7,599
10/18/2012 - 11/1/2012	$6,699
10/18/2012 - 11/1/2012	$7,099
10/18/2012 - 11/1/2012	$7,299
10/18/2012 - 11/1/2012	$7,699
10/18/2012 - 11/1/2012	$7,899
11/1/2012 - 11/15/2012	$6,699
11/1/2012 - 11/15/2012	$7,099
11/1/2012 - 11/15/2012	$7,299
11/1/2012 - 11/15/2012	$7,699
11/1/2012 - 11/15/2012	$7,899
11/29/2012 - 12/13/2012	$6,099
11/29/2012 - 12/13/2012	$6,499
11/29/2012 - 12/13/2012	$6,699
11/29/2012 - 12/13/2012	$7,099
11/29/2012 - 12/13/2012	$7,299
1/10/2013 - 1/24/2013	$6,699
1/10/2013 - 1/24/2013	$7,099
1/10/2013 - 1/24/2013	$7,299
1/10/2013 - 1/24/2013	$7,699
1/10/2013 - 1/24/2013	$7,899
2/7/2013 - 2/21/2013	$6,199
2/7/2013 - 2/21/2013	$6,599
2/7/2013 - 2/21/2013	$6,799
2/7/2013 - 2/21/2013	$7,199
2/7/2013 - 2/21/2013	$7,399
3/7/2013 - 3/21/2013	$6,399
3/7/2013 - 3/21/2013	$6,799
3/7/2013 - 3/21/2013	$6,999
3/7/2013 - 3/21/2013	$7,399
3/7/2013 - 3/21/2013	$7,599
3/21/2013 - 4/4/2013	$6,699
3/21/2013 - 4/4/2013	$7,099
3/21/2013 - 4/4/2013	$7,299
3/21/2013 - 4/4/2013	$7,699
3/21/2013 - 4/4/2013	$7,899
4/18/2013 - 5/2/2013	$6,699
4/18/2013 - 5/2/2013	$7,099
4/18/2013 - 5/2/2013	$7,299
4/18/2013 - 5/2/2013	$7,699
4/18/2013 - 5/2/2013	$7,899
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• Travel Improves Your Health
• Quito : Gateway to the Galapagos
• Costa Rica and Panama Ecotourism
• Places to Visit in Brazil
• Places to Visit in Chile
• About Trafalgar Tours
• Independent Travel Simplified :: Globus Monograms
• PERSONALIZE YOUR HONEYMOON - STRESS-FREE - WITH MONOGRAMS
• MAKING THE MOST OF A “MINI”: PACK FUN INTO QUICK GETAWAYS WITH MONOGRAMS
• Independent Vacation 2010 Prices Down 10 Percent Worldwide
• Spectacular South America
• CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night
• Family Tour Vacations
• Spectacular South America
• First Time Around Cape Horn
• France Family Tours
• Places to Travel in October
• Where Can Globus Take you in 2012