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 Compańia (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. Afterward 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 an old church with the famous “winged virgin” of Quito. After visiting the colonial and modern areas of the city, a 30-minute drive will take us to La Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World) with its 30-meter-high monument marking the equatorial line and excellent ethnographical museum.
Day 3
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to the Galapagos. Morning flight from Quito to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos. Flight travels via Guayaquil to Baltra, and then bus and ferry take you to Puerto Ayora, which is on the island of Santa Cruz. You will be accommodated in the Hotel Red Mangrove; a peaceful, waterfront hotel nestled in the middle of a wild, red mangrove. In the afternoon it is possible to go for a walk to the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, where the oldest and largest tortoises are being kept. In this unique research program, which is essentially financed by donations, the attempt is being made to save the various species from dying out. In the evening, dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 4
Today you will enjoy a full-day trip on boat to visit one of the islands; Isabela, Sante Fe, Bartolomé, Floreana, Plazas or North Seymour Islands. Lunch is served aboard the yacht and you will return to the hotel in time for dinner.
Day 5
Today you will enjoy a full-day trip on boat to visit one of the islands; Isabela, Sante Fe, Bartolomé, Floreana, Plazas or North Seymour Islands. Lunch is served aboard the yacht and you will return to the hotel in time for dinner.
Day 6
Today you will enjoy a full-day trip on boat to visit one of the islands; Isabela, Sante Fe, Bartolomé, Floreana, Plazas or North Seymour Islands. Lunch is served aboard the yacht and you will return to the hotel in time for dinner.
Day 7
Transfer to the airport in Baltra, where the return flight leaves for Guayaquil for connecting flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 8
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 9
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 10
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 11
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel. 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 12
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or overlap with the add-on of your choice.