Day 1
Flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & The Equator
The tour begins with a visit to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. We will also visit the Church of La Compańía (1605), with its amazing gilt altars. This is considered the finest example of baroque art in America and the Moorish influence can also be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red and gold columns and ceilings. Afterwards, we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Finally, we will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, " El Panecillo" where we will have a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see the only winged virgin in South America.
After visiting the colonial and modern areas of the city of Quito, a 30-minute drive will take us to "La Mitad del Mundo" ("the Middle of the World") with its 30-metre-high monument marking the equatorial line, and excellent ethnographical museum.
Day 3
Sunday only
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to the Galapagos. Morning flight from Quito to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos. Arrive to Baltra airport. Upon arrival transfer to the Canal of Itabaca to board the Yacht, and go to the Bachas Beaches. The Bachas Beaches: These two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel. (The metal is rusty and sharp, so it is not a good place for swimming). Return to the yacht before the 6:00 pm. Start sailing at 3:00 am.
Day 4
Arrive to Plazas in the morning.
Plazas: These are two small islets that were uplifted a short distance from the east coast of Santa Cruz. The unusual vegetation and location of the island create an interesting landscape in which the fauna and flora of Galapagos are enhanced. Moreover despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the archipelago occur here. It is possible to guarantee the observation of land iguanas that often are in the shade of a cactus. Nesting on the rugged southern cliffs, are usually swallow -tailed gulls, which seen along with various other sea birds. The protected rocky seashore is a prime habitat for a large colony of noisy sea lions.
The principal attraction of Plazas are the land iguanas, the sea lions and the swallow - tailed gulls, Also we can see yellow - tailed mullets, Audubon 's shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds gliding past the cliff, brown pelicans gliding past the cliff.
After the visit to Plazas we will continue our trip to Santa Fé Island, approximately 11:30 am. When we arrive to this island we take a lunch on board the yacht. Santa Fe (Barrington): The small bay on Barrington's northeast coast is an extremely picturesque anchorage. There are two different trails at this site. One leads to a scenic viewpoint on top of a cliff where it is possible to find land iguanas, endemic to the island. The other trail is near the beach and is a short circular trail where it is possible to see land iguanas, but early in the morning or in the afternoon when the sun is low. A particular attraction is the unusually tall forest of prickly cactus. End of the visit, return to the yacht, Start sailing at 3:00 am.
Day 5
Arrive to Espańola. In the morning visit Punta Suarez and in the afternoon Bahia Gardner. Return to the yacht; start sailing at 3:00am
Punta Suarez: Is a rocky point of land sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. A long is southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow whole, where water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf. Being and ¨outpost¨ Island.
Bahia Gardner: Located on the northeastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming and an opportunity to observe sea lions.
Day 6
Arrive to Floreana. Visit Bahia Post Office - Corona del Diablo Start to sail early (more or less 3 in the afternoon) because in the way from Floreana to Santa Cruz we will have the opportunity to see dolphins and waves. Arrive to Puerto Ayora at 7:00pm
Post Office Bay: Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists.
Devil's Crown: This islet consists of an eroded volcanic crater, which owes its present from to the strong wave action. The interior is excellent for snorkeling and the exterior is considered one of the prime areas for scuba, especially when the current is strong. It is very important to note that only competent divers should dive in these conditions.
Day 7
In the morning visit to the Charles Darwin Station and in the afternoon visit to the Highlands of Santa Cruz. Return to the Yacht; Start sailing at 12:00 pm. Interpretation Center: Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders. It is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands is carried out. One of the principal attractions are: National Park information center, Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, Lonesome George (tortoise from Pinta), adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity. Highlands: The trail to the highlands leaves from Bellavista and passes through the agricultural zone, near the National Park boundary, the Miconia Zone and then goes to the Fern and Sedge zone. With clear weather (unpredictable) this area affords beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all year round. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Quito. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.
Day 8
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima. Upon Arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 9
Afternoon city tour of Lima—always one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. Journey through the historic center of the city. Admire the beauty of San Martín and Major squares, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and visit San Francisco Convent, religious building from the late 16th century, and its catacombs. Also drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Note: check-in is normally after 2 pm. Early check-in may be granted subject to availability (not confirmed).
Day 10
Morning transfer to the airport to take the flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon city tour of Cuzco, visit the Korikancha Temple or Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. After your visits, you will continue to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko and finally the Sacsahuaman Fortress. After the tour, return to your hotel.
Note: Because of the altitude in Cuzco, we recommend that this tour be done privately at your own pace, at an additional cost of $28 per person, based on two people.
Day 11
Morning transfer to the train station. The train takes us through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, we will board a bus to Machu Picchu. We will then have a guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cuzco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca royal family and priests. You will have time to enjoy a light lunch or snack and return to your hotel at your leisure. In the evening, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in Aguas Calientes.
Note: Government regulations limit the number of visitors to Machu Picchu daily. Entrance is subject to availability. Please book with plenty of notice so we may confirm your entrance to the ruins.
Day 12
Day at leisure. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, we will board the train to return to Cuzco. Upon arrival, train station reception and transfer to your hotel.
Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Please contact your Yampu travel consultant if you think you would like to go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability).
Day 13
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima for connecting flight to Cancun. (overnight flight)
Day 14
Upon arrival in the Cancun airport transfer to your hotel in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Enjoy a day at leisure.
Day 15
In the morning head to the ancient archeological site of Chichen-Itza. The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza are more than 1,500 years old. The site is divided into three sections. The north grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as “The Old Chichén.” You will find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok, full of symbolism and drama. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 16
Today you will take a boat tour of Isla Mujeres, a small island, a short distance off the coast of the northeast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea. While on the boat enjoy an included lunch and an open bar.
Day 17
In the morning, head to the archaeological site of Tulum. Mounted on the edge of a cliff, this abandoned city towers above the deep turquoise of the Caribbean and a beautiful white sandy beach. Although the site dates back to earlier times, Tulum reached its peak in the Post-classic period between 1,000 and 1,600 AD. Originally called Zama or City of the Dawn, the sun rises from the sea above the city walls and for the ancient Maya, begins her dance across the sky. The city within the walls was only inhabited by the nobles, high priests and esteemed citizens such as astronomers whereas the lower classes lived in simple wood and thatch huts beyond. The buildings in the city were originally covered with brilliant paintings and carvings – stark white, deep red or vibrant blue, but only faint remnants of these now remain.
Day 18
Enjoy a day of leisure to explore on your own or add additional optional activities.
Day 19
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or overlap with another Yampu program.
Mexico, Central, South America Combined
Tulum
Guantanamera
Machu Picchu
