Day 1
Flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Full-day colonial Quito tour and 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 also a fine example of baroque carving. Its collection of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and furniture, dates back to the 16th century. Finally, we will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, “El Panecillo,” for a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see the Winged Virgin, the only such statue of the Virgin Mary in South America.
After we visit the colonial and modern areas of the city of Quito, a short drive will take us to “La Mitad del Mundo” (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. Upon arrival, transfer to the Canal of Itabaca to board the yacht and go to the Bachas Beaches. These two small beaches are found to the west of Turtle Cove. Their sand is white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches, there is a small brackish lagoon, where occasionally you may 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 World War II, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategic point to protect the Panama Canal. (The metal is rusty and sharp, so it is not a good place for swimming.) Return to the yacht before 6 p.m. Start sailing at 3 a.m.
Day 4
Arrive at Plazas in the morning. These two small islets a short distance from the east coast of Santa Cruz have unusual vegetation. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the archipelago can be found here. You can observe land iguanas lounging 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. We can also see yellow-tailed mullets, Audubon’s shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans gliding past the cliff.
After the visit to Plazas, we will continue our trip to Santa Fé Island, departing at approximately 11:30 a.m. When we arrive at this island, we will have lunch on board the yacht. Santa Fe, 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 the land iguanas so endemic to the island. The other, near the beach, is a short circular trail where it is possible to see land iguanas early in the morning or in the afternoon when the sun is low. A particular attraction is the unusually tall forest of prickly cactus. After the visit, return to the yacht and start sailing at 3 a.m.
Day 5
Arrive in Espańola. In the morning, visit Punta Suarez and in the afternoon Bahia Gardner. Return to the yacht and start sailing at 3 a.m.
Punta Suarez is a rocky point of land sustaining one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. A long southern shore with high cliffs rises up from the sea, affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow whole, where water spouts up to 75 feet into the air. Bahia Gardner, an “outpost” island, is located on the northeastern coast of Hood. It provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming and an opportunity to observe sea lions.
Day 6
Arrive in Floreana. Visit Bahia Post Office - Corona del Diablo. Start to sail early (about 3 p.m.). On the way from Floreana to Santa Cruz, we will get to see dolphins and waves. Arrive at Puerto Ayora around 7 p.m. Post Office Bay is where, legend has it, a wooden barrel 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, an eroded volcanic crater, is excellent for snorkeling and the exterior is considered one of the prime areas for scuba, especially when the current is strong. Note: only competent divers should dive in these conditions.
Day 7
In the morning, we visit the Charles Darwin Station. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Guayaquil, and connect with the 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. Visits to the Cathedral and its Art Museum and the artisans’ quarter of San Blas. After your visits, you’ll 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. 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. 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 the mountaintop citadel of 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 the hotel at your leisure. In the evening, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in the village of Aguas Calientes.
Day 10
Day of 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, transfer to your hotel.
Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Tickets are available for purchase only in the town of Aguas Calientes. Please ask your travel consultant if you would like these to be included for you.
Day 11
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima. Upon arrival, 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.
Day 12
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home.
Machu Picchu
Galapagos Islands
Cuzco
