They rank as two of South America’s greatest treasures, and a small group tour is the natural selection for both: the enigmatic ruins at Machu Picchu, where we spend the night at an intimate on-site hotel, and the fascinating Galapagos Islands, Darwin’s “living laboratory,” where we cruise aboard an intimate privately chartered boat. It’s an exhilarating discovery of lost worlds.
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Lima, Peru
Day 2: Arrive Lima Upon arrival in Lima very early this morning, we transfer to our hotel for breakfast and to rest until noon (rooms are ready for our early arrival). Then we tour the Larco Herrera Museum, whose ceramics collection includes a renowned set of erotic pre-Columbian pots. This afternoon we take a city tour of the Peruvian capital followed by dinner at local restaurant. B,D
Day 3: Lima/Cuzco/Sacred Valley Early today we fly to Cuzco, where upon arrival we stop for brunch then continue on to the beautiful Sacred Valley, a region of Inca sites and indigenous villages. After visiting the Indian market at Pisac, we reach our hotel mid-afternoon. Before dinner we attend a native Offering to the Earth ceremony. B,L,D
Day 4: Sacred Valley Today’s tour begins in the Incan farming town of Chinchero, where residents live much as their ancestors did, wearing traditional clothing and engaging in age-old customs. Next we tour the important salt pans in the lovely colonial town of Maras, where we also have lunch. We spend the afternoon exploring Ollantaytambo, a living town and site of massive Incan ruins that continue to inspire wonder to this day. B,L,D
Day 5: Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu Early this morning we travel by train for the 1½-hour journey to Aguas Calientes, where we board a bus for Machu Picchu. Our first guided visit of the stunning “Lost City of the Incas” begins late this morning. Thanks to its small size, our group will move nimbly through the ruins and have the leisure to absorb the beauty and mystery of this site whose original purpose has been lost to time. Following our tour, we check in at the 31-room Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, just 20 yards from the entrance to the ruins. While most visitors see Machu Picchu on a day trip, we have the rare privilege of spending the night and seeing the ruins after all the tourists have left. B,L,D
Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cuzco Today before the day trippers arrive we take our second guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Then we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time before our mid-afternoon train to Cuzco. B,L
Day 7: Cuzco This morning we tour the archaeological hub of the Americas, the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and UNESCO World Heritage site. We stop at the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an Incan masterpiece, then enjoy lunch in the home of a gracious Cuzco family. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. B,L
Day 8: Cuzco/Quito Early today we fly via Lima to Quito, arriving late afternoon. This evening we have a briefing and dinner at our hotel. B,D
Day 9: Quito/Baltra/Galapagos Cruising – Santa Cruz Island Our Galapagos adventure begins with an early departure for Baltra, where we board the privately chartered M/Y Coral II. After a briefing and lunch on board we head to Santa Cruz, where we visit a lagoon frequented by flamingos; ride a train up Dragon Hill for views of the bay; and take a dinghy ride to see land iguanas and Pacific green sea turtles, among other local residents. Back on board we enjoy a welcome cocktail party and dinner. B,L,D
Day 10: Galapagos Cruising – Rabida and Santiago Islands This morning we make a wet landing on a red-sand volcanic beach visited by sea lions, brown pelicans, boobies, and nine species of Darwin’s finches. Next up: a dinghy ride to a nearby reef for snorkeling (if we choose). This afternoon’s visit to Santiago reveals a landscape of tuffstone layers and lava flows. B,L,D
Day 11: Galapagos Cruising – Fernandina and Isabela Islands At Fernandina this morning we come face-to-face with the islands’ largest colony of marine iguanas, plus flightless cormorants, sea lions, and Galapagos penguins. This afternoon we visit Tagus Cove on Isabela, the largest of the 13 major Galapagos islands. B,L,D
Day 12: Galapagos Cruising – Bartolomé and Santa Cruz Islands On our first stop today we see a variety of volcanic formations on a guided walk to the summit. At Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz this afternoon we ride a dinghy through the primeval mangrove to observe marine turtles, white tipped reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and yellow rays. B,L,D
Day 13: Santa Cruz Island/Guayaquil/Quito This morning we see interpretive displays on Galapagos geology, marine and animal life, and climate at the Charles Darwin Research Station. After some free time to explore the town of Puerto Ayora we fly from Baltra back to Quito (via Guayaquil). B
Day 14: Quito Nestled in a valley surrounded by staggering Andes peaks, Quito boasts the largest historic center in the Americas and was the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage site. We discover this magnificent capital on today’s tour, including the main square of Plaza Grande, the Presidential Plaza, and San Francisco Church. After lunch at a local restaurant we visit Middle of the World Monument, where we can straddle two hemispheres. Tonight we toast our exhilarating adventure at a farewell dinner. B,L,D
Day 15: Depart for U.S. This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S. B
Please note: This trip involves considerable walking on uneven terrain. Also, there are both wet and dry landings in the Galapagos. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to the fullest. In addition, Cuzco’s high altitude (11,150 feet) could pose problems for travelers with certain health conditions. Please consult your physician if you have concerns.
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Nov 2 Nov 16 | Sep 25* Oct 5, 9* Oct 19 |
Aug 3 |
| Miami | $5,795 | $5,895 | $5,995 |
| Atlanta, Baltimore, Orlando, Tampa | $6,095 | $6,195 | $6,295 |
| Boston, Char, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleve, Hou, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Wash, DC |
$6,195 | $6,295 | $6,395 |
| Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Ang, Phoe, Port (OR), San Francisco, Seattle |
$6,295 | $6,395 | $6,495 |
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Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference. |
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