Highlights: Journey from the Land of the Incas to the Galápagos archipelago, enjoying a 4-night cruise aboard a personal yacht. Delve deep into ancient cultures at Machu Picchu – the fabled lost city. Explore UNESCO-designated Spanish colonial cities and stand between two hemispheres at the Equatorial Line. Experience the best of the Galápagos archipelago, where an abundance of natural wildlife recalls Darwin’s theories in a pristine world that’s virtually unspoiled. You’ll encounter hidden wonders in Peru, the “Middle of the World” in Ecuador, and see ethereal wildlife on a cruise along Eden-like islands.
Lima Sacred • Valley of the Incas • Machu Picchu • Cuzco • Quito • 4-Night Galápagos Cruise
DAY 1: Lima, Peru
We touch down in Lima, the “City of Kings.” Across ancient lands and earthly legends, experience the mysticism of the Peruvian Andes.
DAY 2: Lima
Today, we explore Lima’s history on a fascinating tour through the historic center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, where the elegant Cathedral at Plaza de Armas stands out among the colonial architecture. We visit the former home of a conquistador and feel the surge of colonial and republican life. Our welcome dinner tonight features a menu of artful Peruvian dishes. (B, D)
DAY 3: Lima – Cuzco – Sacred Valley of the Incas
This morning, we’ll take flight over the Andes on our way to Cuzco – the heart of the Inca civilization. A local guide will lead us through this Andean paradise to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will see and learn of the centuries-old methods of traditional textiles at Awana Kancha – known as the “palace of weaving.” Next, we explore Pisac village and browse a handicraft market full of vibrant colors. To experience why Peru has consistently been named the world’s top food travel destination, we will enjoy a fun-filled interactive cooking class where we will learn how to master ceviche and pisco sours. We return to our hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley and relax in the calming surroundings of the Andes. (B, D)
DAY 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Ollantaytambo – Sacred Valley of the Incas
We start our day in the terraced ruins of Ollantaytambo, the only Incan settlement that has remained continually inhabited since its inception. At the ceramic studio of artist Pablo Seminario, we will see how he utilizes the intricate techniques inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Then, it’s time to mix with a nearby community and delve deep into the cultures of modern Andean people. We learn traditional methods of growing, harvesting and weaving, listen to their music and learn their dances before enjoying a farm-to-table meal of local specialties. (B, L)
DAY 5: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Machu Picchu
Today, we hop aboard the train to Machu Picchu, where views of the Andes astound us through panoramic windows as we climb toward the “Lost City of the Incas.” Uncover the mysteries of this “Lost City” at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin. Wrapped inside a semi-tropical jungle and hidden by mountains, Machu Picchu or La Ciudadela, (the Citadel), is one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites. (B)
DAY 6: Machu Picchu – Cuzco
We have leisure time this morning. Choose an optional excursion to Machu Picchu at sunrise, or maybe explore the local markets before boarding our train back to the Sacred Valley. Next, we continue to Cuzco and feel the local culture at a special community dining experience. (B, D)
DAY 7: Cuzco
Start your morning with a local guide as we tour Cuzco, visiting the San Pedro Market, the Koricancha Temple, the central Plaza de Armas, and the Cuzco Cathedral. Later, it’s your choice! Travel above the city to discover the Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress -OR- embark on a walking tour of San Blas, the traditional old quarter of Cuzco, lined with restaurants and artisan shops. The rest of the afternoon is yours. This evening, enjoy flexible dining at a popular local restaurant featuring the local flavors of Cuzco. (B, D)
DAY 8: Cuzco – Quito, Ecuador
This morning, we fly to Ecuador’s stunning capital city – Quito, our home for the next two nights. An intersection of mountains and colonial architecture, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of lively culture and vibrant history. (B)
DAY 9: Quito
Today, we tour the Presidential Palace in Quito’s colonial center. After lunch, stand at the “Middle of the World,” situated between two hemispheres, at the Equatorial Line Monument and Museum. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B, L)
DAY 10: Quito – Baltra – Embark Ship – Santa Cruz Highlands, Galápagos
This morning, we’ll fly to the gateway of the Galápagos, Baltra, to launch our eco-adventure aboard the M/Y Coral II, an exclusive yacht that will be our home for the next four nights. After dry landing on Santa Cruz Island, we explore the coast to the dense humid forests and the Highlands Tortoise Reserve. In addition to famed Galápagos Giant Tortoises, we may spot many different kinds of birds, such as tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets – usually found standing on the tortoises’ shells. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Isabela Island – Fernandina Island
On Isabela Island, we will soak in the wonders of one of the richest marine havens on earth during deep-water snorkeling at the Bolivar Channel. Then, take a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds: Nazca and blue-footed boobies, noddies, brown pelicans, penguins, and flightless cormorants. Continuing on, we make a dry landing on Fernandina Island, where the largest, most primitive-looking marine iguanas are found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. We may even encounter flightless diving birds at their nesting sites, Galápagos penguins and the “King” of predators on the islands, the Galápagos hawk! (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Isabela Island
Today, we will experience a wet landing on the volcanic black beaches of Urbina Bay. Here, colorful varieties of plants and flowers attract unusual insects, birds, and reptiles. Enjoy time to snorkel, possibly swimming alongside with sea turtles, sea lions, and countless tropical fish. Don’t miss the remarkable views of the Alcedo Volcano from the island’s uplifted coral reef. Next, we travel from Urbina to Tagus Cove for a dry landing. Consider taking the trail that leads to Darwin’s salt-water crater lake, offering excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. A dinghy ride along the shoreline full of marine wildlife highlights a variety of seabirds, such as Blue-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, terns, and – depending on the season – a large number of Galápagos Penguins which are only 35 cm tall and the only penguin species to live in the tropics. Keep an eye out for graffiti believed to have been left by 19th-century pirates. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: Santiago Island
This morning, we will walk in Darwin’s footsteps on Santiago Island. After a wet landing at Egas Port’s black volcanic sand beach, visited by Darwin in 1835, we take a unique trail formed of volcanic ash that transitions halfway to uneven terrain of volcanic basaltic rock. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago is home to the bizarre yellow-crowned night heron and marine wildlife such as lobster, starfish and marine iguanas that graze on algae alongside Sally light-foot crabs. Colonies of fur seals swim in volcanic rock pools. After landing in Sullivan’s Bay on southeastern Santiago Island, we walk through the otherworldly landscape of solidified pa-hoe-hoe lava flows, formed during the last quarter of the 19th century. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Santa Cruz – Disembark Ship – Quito – Tour Ends
Today, our last flight lands in the Galápagos, on the north side of Santa Cruz at Bachas Beach. Ponds entice Galápagos Flamingo’s to visit, iguanas to sunbathe, and coastal birds such as Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls to flit among the red and black mangroves. This beach is also one of the main sea turtle nesting sites in the Galápagos and home to the remains of barges that sank during World War II. We bid the Galápagos goodbye and return to Quito, where a day room will be available close to the airport before our flight home. (B)
Price Per Person: (Book before June 30, 2023 and save $200)
Double (Lower Outside) $10,298 $10,098
Double (Upper Deck) $10,898 $10,698
Single (Lower Outside) $13,498 $13,298
Single (Upper Deck) $14,698 $14,498
For bookings made after June 30, 2023, call for rates.
$1,497 deposit per person is due with reservation; final payment due November 1, 2023.
All Rates are Per Person. Air prices are subject to change until final payment is made.
Reservations made after the deposit due date of June 26, 2023 are based upon availability. Deposits are refundable up until July 3, 2023.
*This tour has a 16-passenger maximum.
Includes:
- Galápagos Archipelago
- Machu Picchu
- Lima
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Quito
- 4-night Galápagos Cruise
- Cuzco
- Baltra
- Santa Cruz Highlands
- Isabela Island
- Fernandina Island
- Santiago Island
- Inter-flights from Lima and Quito Airports
- Round Trip Air from Lambert STL
- Air taxes and fees/surcharges
- Hotel Transfers
- Round trip transportation to STL
- Fully Escorted by Jane’s Journeys
- *Onboard gratuities are not included in the price of the tour