1st Day Arrive Quito, Ecuador
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Arrive Quito | We’ll be waiting for you with a sign with your and our names on it. |
Transfer to your Hotel | Approx. one-hour Private Transfer to your Hotel in Quito. |
Luxury 5* Casa Gangotena Hotel – Quito
Situated in the heart of Quito, Casa Gangotena is within walking distance of San Francisco Church, Quito Cathedral, and Independence Square.
Hotel Features:
- This luxury hotel offers a restaurant and a bar/lounge.
- Guests are served a complimentary breakfast
- each morning.
- Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access is available in public areas.
- Business amenities
- including a business center and limo/town car service.
Luxury Rooms
Casa Gangotena’s Luxury rooms invite guests to relax in style, enjoying the peace created by the luxurious upholstery, plush carpets, fine linen and rich furnishings which adorn each room.
They either have views on to the bustle of Calle Cuenca to the west, on to the garden, or, in the case of the third floor, beautiful prospects to the south and the Virgin of Quito.
The 21 Luxury rooms are distributed in the following way: two on the ground floor, seven on the first floor, six on the second floor and two on the top third floor.
They have a range of bed configurations: 14 double beds (2 full-size beds) and seven king-size bed rooms. One room is equipped for guests with special physical needs.
2nd Day Quito Colonial City Tour (B)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Quito | We’ll be waiting for you with a sign with your and our names on it. |
Full Day Colonial Quito City Tour (Private) | We will pick you up from your Hotel foyer At 9:00 in the morning. |
5* Casa Gangotena Quito, Ecuador | Luxury Rooms |
Colonial Quito City Tour and Middle of the World Monument
- Visit the Independence Square flanked by the Presidential, the Archbishop’s palaces and, the Metropolitan Cathedral.
- Walk along the so called street of the seven crosses and pass by the Jesuit temple of La Compañía de Jesús, perhaps the most important monument of the baroque art, continue to the plaza of San Francisco. From there we head approximately 11 miles (18 Km.) north of downtown Quito, we visit “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) and the Equator Monument situated at 0º0’0” latitude.
- We also visit the Intiñan Solar Museum, where you’ll find scientific and experimental aspects of being right at the Equator.
3th Day Fly Galapagos – 5 Day / 4 Night inclusive Galapagos Cruise (B,L,D)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Arrive Galapagos | We’ll be waiting for you with a sign with your and our names on it. |
Transfer to your yacht | Approx. ten-minute transfer to your yacht. |
M/Y La Pinta | Double / Twin Cabins (Detailed Below) |
Daily meals | Breakfast and lunch buffet, served dinner and snacks. |
Galapagos Tour Begins | As described below. |
La Pinta Description – 48 Passengers
La Pinta boasts among the largest cabins of any Galápagos vessel with floor-to-ceiling windows in all cabins. Its social areas have almost permanent visual contact with the islands through panoramic windows, while its outside deck areas are also wonderful havens for observation and relaxation. La Pinta is considered an ideal yacht for families travelling together, with many connecting cabins.
Expedition Features:
- Snorkeling equipment: masks, snorkels, flotation vests.
- 2mm “shorty” wet suits rental
- Glass-bottom boat
- Sea Kayaks
- Natural History lectures & briefings
She’s the newest yacht in the fleet of three, accommodating 48 guests, with ample social areas, an observation deck towards the bow, wrap-around windows, Jacuzzi, cardio-gym, kayaks, glass-bottom boat, sun deck, sun loungers… ideal for travelers looking for a sophisticated, upscale experience of the islands.
Her exciting itineraries promise a complete immersion in this unique environment, with expert naturalist guides enriching wildlife encounters like few others on the planet.
Faultless service, delicious cuisine and stylish design complement the experience on the islands. Our staff embraces a spirit of adventure, while ensuring safety at all times.
Wherever we sail, whatever we do, all the crew aboard La Pinta will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.
Other services
- Central air conditioning with individual controls in each cabin.
- In-room safe deposit box
- Telephone with direct international dialing
- Coffee station (coffee, tea and water 24-hours-a-day)
- Multi-channel sound system for closed circuit music and connection for personal iPods, MP3, MP4
- Briefings and Lectures
- Boutique
- Satellite Internet connection and wireless in designated areas
Wellness
- Fitness room
- Hot Tub
- A Medical Officer is permanently on board
La Pinta Cabins
- Double Room
- Triple Room w/ sofa bed
Cruise Itinerary – 5 days / 4 nights
Northern Galápagos – Monday to Friday
Our itinerary together begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous of all the archipelago, where we meet giant tortoises in the wild and then venture to Eden Islet. From there, we hop over the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the icon sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolomé Island, with its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach and great snorkeling opportunities. Close-by, Sullivan Bay, gives us a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the Islands. We end with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa, far up in the east of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds.
All the crew aboard La Pinta will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.
Monday – Day 1 of the Galapagos Cruise – Baltra Airport
Following our morning arrival at Baltra Airport, we transfer to the Itabaca Channel, taking a small ferry across the Channel to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. We board our bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where we’ll learn about the unique montane ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Note: please dress with comfortable shoes and clothes, bring a small backpack with any medicine you might be taken, sunblock, insect repellent and anything you need during the excursion as you will go onboard Yacht La Pinta and the end of the day.
Highlands (Santa Cruz Island)
After lunch, we travel by bus to El Chato Reserve, one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. A short bus ride takes us down to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta.
4th Day La Pinta Galapagos Cruise (B,L,D)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Galapagos Tours Continue | As described below. |
Daily meals | Breakfast and lunch buffet, served dinner and snacks. |
Tuesday – Day 2 in the Galapagos – Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island)
After breakfast, a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather condition permits, ride in the glass-bottom boat.
Sombrero Chino Islet
The tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance: a Chinese hat. This islet, only formed fairly recently, makes a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent- shaped white sandy beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities with white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins.
5th Day La Pinta Galapagos Cruise (B,L,D)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Galapagos Tours Continue | As described below. |
Daily meals | Breakfast and lunch buffet, served dinner and snacks. |
Wednesday – Day 3 of the Cruise – Bartolomé Island
This morning, a Galápagos icon awaits: Bartolomé Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take to the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkeling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Sullivan Bay (James Island)
After lunch, we board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming and snorkeling, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galápagos while observing its wildlife.
6th Day La Pinta Galapagos Cruise (B,L,D)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Galapagos Tours Continue | As described below. |
Daily meals | Breakfast and lunch buffet, served dinner and snacks. |
Thursday – Day 4 in the Galapagos – Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
In the morning, we begin our exploration of this island with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks.
Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa Island)
The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs before we disembark for a steep climb up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a captivating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels and the elusive short eared owl.
7th Day Depart Galapagos – Depart Galapagos – Fly Guayaquil & Lima (B)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Depart Galapagos | Approx. ten-minute transfer to the Baltra airport For your flight to Guayaquil. |
Fly Guayaquil | Departs Baltra airport at approx. 12:00 And Arrives Guayaquil at approx. 15:00. |
Fly Lima | Flights leave at 18:15 and arrive to Lima between 20:00 and 21:00. |
Private Transfer in Cusco | We will be waiting for you outside of Lima Airport Arrival Hall with a sign with our and your names on it. An approx. 60-minute Private Transfer to your Hotel in Lima. |
Luxury 5* Miraflores Park Hotel Lima | Junior Suites with Ocean Views |
5* Miraflores Park Hotel Lima
Ideally located for business travelers and leisure visitors alike, the Miraflores Park Hotel is within walking distance from Lima’s financial district and the Larcomar Entertainment Center, boasting some of the city’s best shopping. The sleek, modern guestrooms feature all the comforts of home, but it is the rooftop that reveals the hotel’s true glamour, with a pool, spa and views of the Pacific Ocean.
The poolside restaurant, the Observatory, serves an innovative menu prepared by Chef Federico Ziegler, while the lively lobby bar, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, inspired by the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, feels traditionally British with a dark wood staircase, large paintings and leather-back sofas. Mesa18 is the newest restaurant.
Junior Suites with Ocean View Our Junior Suites are an indulgent sanctuary after a busy day in the Peruvian capital. Each suite is exquisitely decorated and features fine cotton linens. They offer a separate sitting space and a work area with a desk.
- City View Junior Suite
- City View Club Junior
- Suite
- Garden Junior Suite
- Ocean View Junior Suite
- Ocean View Club Junior
- Suite
8th Day Private Lima Gastronomic Tour (B,L)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
The Lima Gourmet Company Private Gastronomic Tour | Pick up in your Hotel Foyer at 09:45 drop off at around 15:00. Lunch is included. |
Luxury 5* Miraflores Park Hotel Lima | Junior Suites with Ocean Views |
The Lima Gourmet Company Gastronomic Tour
Tourism in Lima Peru, once omitted from travelers’ lists while visiting the country, has been steadily attracting the attention of globe- trotters and adventure-seekers.
While there is an abundance of tours in Lima that follow the typical tourist circuits led by traditional guided monologues, we believe that a hands-on experience, savoring the food, chatting with real limeños and visiting the top restaurants, districts and historical points the locals prefer is a much more dynamic and exciting way to see the city.
We’ve designed this Lima Peru tour to be an ideal introduction to the city and Peruvian culture so that you can get a good feel of the city in just five hours.
Now you have no excuse not to fall in love with the city before heading to Machu Picchu, the Amazon or even if you’re just here for work.
This Lima Peru tour starts at a local roastery, where they hand-pick the coffee beans daily, for an organic Peruvian coffee. You will also tour the colonial streets of the bohemian district, Barranco, home to artists, musicians and the city’s top art galleries.
From here you’ll visit a traditional market in the San Isidro district to try exotic fruits and local products and learn the ancient myths and legends associated with them.
The third stop is one of the city’s top seafood restaurants (cebichería), Embarcadero 41 Fusión, on Avenida La Mar in the Miraflores district – a stop other tours in Lima won’t take you. You’ll discover the secrets to the perfect Ceviche and Pisco Sour as you prepare the dish and cocktail yourself with the head chef and bartender.
The last stop is for lunch at la Huaca Pucllana, a restaurant within a pre-Incan archeological complex – undoubtedly a highlight of tourism in Lima Peru. This prestigious restaurant is so impressive that the King of Spain, Mick Jagger, Bill and Hillary Clinton, just to name a few, have made sure not to miss it during their trips to Lima. You’ll enjoy a variety of gourmet Peruvian dishes as well as four different desserts and another pisco-based cocktail.
9th Day Fly Cusco & Private Tour of Cusco (B)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Fly Cusco | We pick you up from your Hotel Foyer at 07:00 for an approx. 60 minute Private Transfer back to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Flights depart at 10:00 and arrive to Cusco at 11:20. |
Private Transfer in Cusco | We will be waiting for you outside of Cusco Airport Arrival Hall with a sign with our and your names on it. An approx. 15-minute Private Transfer to your Hotel in Cusco. |
Luxury 5* Palacio Nazarenas Hotel – Cusco | Junior Suites |
Afternoon Private Cusco City Tour | Pick up in your Hotel Foyer at approx. 13:45. Returns at approx. 18:00. |
Luxury 5 * Palacio Nazarenas
No. 1 Hotel in South America – Tripadvisor 2015
No. 5 Hotel in the World – Tripadvisor 2015
Set in a tranquil plaza behind Cusco’s main square, this former palace and convent emerged from years of restoration to become one of the city’s most exclusive hotels.
Step past walls of Inca stones and into a cloistered courtyard with an ancient fountain at its heart. Then be surprised as contemporary Cusco comes to the fore: a fabulous spa, the city’s first outdoor pool and stylish restaurants serving cutting-edge local cuisine.
This intimate urban retreat has just 55 suites, each enriched with oxygen and with its own private bar where guests can create drinks accented with fresh ingredients grown at and around the hotel.
Senzo Restaurant
A destination Bistro, Senzo Restaurant offers exceptional cuisine in a vibrant yet refined atmosphere. By adding a modern twist to fresh regional ingredients Chef Virgilio Martinez presents diners with exquisite tastes and unique textures.
The à la carte and individual table buffet breakfasts feature a nutritious, balanced and creative selection. The dining menu showcases contemporary Andean cuisine and can be tailored to suit the diners’ personal preferences.
Specialty dishes feature indigenous herbs and are decorated with edible flowers, many grown throughout the hotel.
Dining at the Monasterio
While staying at Palacio Nazarenas, enjoy the renowned restaurants at Hotel Monasterio, our sister hotel. Sample the Mediterranean cuisine and distinctive charm of Illariy Restaurant.
At El Tupay, French- inspired dishes and Bohemian Nights with local singers are not to be missed. The relaxed atmosphere of the Lobby Bar is ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Hotel Monasterio is located right next to Palacio Nazarenas and you may add any dining expense to your suite’s account.
Senzo Bar
Cocktails and other refreshments can be enjoyed at the only open-air heated pool in Cuzco. The pool menu features nutritious options consisting of light, colorful dishes and a selection of South American wines. A traditional fruit and vegetable cart also sits by the pool bringing the color and fun of a Peruvian market to Palacio Nazarenas. Choose your perfect combination for a freshly-prepared juice or an exotic fruit salad.
Junior Suites
Junior Suites are located in both the ancient part of the hotel and the new section – close to the pool.
A choice of bedding includes one king or two twin poster beds. Suite amenities include complimentary full buffet breakfast or are room only – depending on the rate plan selected. Also included are complimentary wireless Internet access, butler service, widescreen LED satellite TV with premium channels, CD and DVD players, iPhone and iPad for guest use, iPod dock, personal safe large enough for a notebook PC and a well-stocked mini-bar.
The sumptuous marble bathroom is equipped with a separate bath and shower, dual wash basins and luxurious bath amenities.
Private Afternoon Cusco City Tour
The Private Half Day Cusco City Tour Visits all of the Principal Inca & Colonial Attractions in Cusco
Tambomachay – This was an Inca sanctuary dedicated to the cult of water, a place reserved for Inca Royalty.
Puca Pucara – This is an Inca archaeological site located again on the peak of a hill and is thought to be a military position and an administrative center.
Qenko – A sanctuary dedicated to the adoration of animals, and consists of ruins formed by a rocky site with stairs in a zigzag, and a main building similar to a circular amphitheater where 19 window sills are located as a way of seats.
Sacsayhuamán – Its construction took over seven decades and required the work of 20,000 men approximately, both for the foundations and hewn stone works, the transportation of materials, carving and stones setting.
Cusco Cathedral – One of the finest Colonial Cathedrals in the Americas.
Coricancha – Originally named Inti Qancha (‘ Temple of the Sun’) was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God.
10th Day Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu (B,Br,D)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Private Transfer out Cusco and Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu | Pick Up in your Hotel Foyer at 8:00 for the thirty-minute private transfer to Poroy train station. Catch the 09:05 Luxury Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu, arriving at 12:24. Gourmet Brunch is included on board. |
Private Machu Picchu Tour | 2-3 Hours with plenty of time to ask questions. |
Afternoon Tea | Afternoon tea is served in the 5* Sanctuary Lodge Hotel. |
Belmond Luxury 5* Sanctuary Lodge Hotel (All-Inclusive) | Superior Mountain View Rooms with Terraces Gourmet Dinner is included in the Hotel. |
Luxury Hiram Bingham Train
Both to and from Machu Picchu
The Hiram Bingham is an exclusive Luxury Orient Express service operated by Peru Rail, all service inclusive where you will enjoy a full day of unforgettable experiences.
The service includes:
- Champagne Reception
- Brunch and dinner on board.
- Exclusive Bus return to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour in the citadel.
- Afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
- Gourmet Dinner & Small Show included on the return journey
Observation Car: At the back of the Hiram Bingham is the Observation car, offering a space in which to truly appreciate the stunning Peruvian landscape. Observations cars are a great addition to any train and this one is furnished with dark wood, polished brass and large cushioned seats, thus making it the perfect place to sit, relax and watch the unfolding Peruvian landscape.
Carriages: The carriages are luxurious with elegant decoration in the style of the 1920′s Pullman trains. Each of the four carriages has been furnished in polished wood and brass, with large chairs and plenty of space.
Luxury 5* Sanctuary Lodge Hotel
All Inclusive | A la Carte Full Board | Beverages & Minibar
Superior Mountain View Room with Terrace
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located adjacent to this ancient Inca citadel. It offers its guests exceptionally easy access from early morning to late afternoon, when most of the day visitors and buses have left.
Sit out on a terrace and savor Peruvian cuisine based on produce grown on the Lodge’s own plot: This delightful Orient-Express hideaway is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the shadow of the Lost City.
We include for you a Superior Mountain View Room with Private Terrace for your night of Luxury at Machu Picchu.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (2 – 3 Hours)
The ‘Holy Grail’ for lovers of Inca monuments, the enigmatic lost city of Machu Picchu is the most famous archaeological site in all of South America and possibly the world. The spectacular collection of temples, terraced hills and plazas was the mountain-top citadel of the Inca under Pachacutec and Tupac Yupanqui, until the coming of the Europeans with Pizarro.
It may have the most familiar name, but Machu Picchu has refused to reveal many of its mysteries, including the secrets of its construction, function, and demise. The overgrown ruins were discovered by US historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, and the quality of the stonework hints that it was an extremely important ceremonial site.
The remains are thought to date from around 1450, built at the height of the Inca Empire, and as they escaped being plundered by the Spanish they include semi-intact icons and shrines that were defaced or removed at other sites.
Entering the site, a set of steps leads to the ruined Temple of the Sun and a series of altars and niches. Highlights include the remains of ceremonial baths, the Sacred Plaza with its tremendous view across the Urubamba River valley, a rare shrine to the sun, and a labyrinth of passageways and cells.
11th Day Revisit Machu Picchu & Hiram Bingham Train to Cusco (B,L,D)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Private Machu Picchu Tours | There are 4 additional Machu Picchu Tours you may choose from. There are no additional charges, you are only limited by your time and energy. |
Lunch | Buffet Lunch is included at the 5* Sanctuary Lodge Hotel. (12:00 – 15:00) |
Luxury Hiram Bingham Train | Catch the 17:50 Hiram train returning to Poroy Train Station at 21:13. A Four Course Gourmet Dinner & Small Show on the train tonight. |
Private Transfer in Cusco | Approx. 30 minutes to your Hotel. |
Luxury 5* Palacio Nazarenas Hotel – Cusco | Junior Suites |
Private Machu Picchu Tours
Today you will enjoy further Private Guided Tours of Machu Picchu.
You may start at Dawn or as you wish. All tours are included and you are only limited by your time and energy.
The Sun Gate (2 Hours)
Inti Punku the Sun Gate marks the entrance to Machu Picchu. It is a one-hour uphill hike to the southeast of the Sanctuary, climbing more than 300 meters. The hike is on the original Inca trail and is paved with Inca stones.
Apu Machu Picchu (4 to 5 Hours Roundtrip)
The hike to the summit of Apu Machu Picchu is 2 ½ hours and can be quite steep in places.
This trail, accessed from Machu Picchu, joins parts of the Inca trail leading to the Sun Gate before climbing to the mountain’s highest point. From there, enjoy the view of soaring eagles as well as Machu Picchu and other significant ruins in the area, such as Putukusi, Huayna Picchu, Salkantay mountain and the Vilcanota River view.
This is a breathtaking hike, lot of orchids along the way, birds in the bushy areas, and with every stop the view is gets better and better. The climb is 600 meters uphill, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
*** Access to Apu Machu Picchu is controlled by special tickets which need to be purchased in advance by us. Access is 07:00 – 11:00. Please ask to have these tickets included in your tour if desired***
Inka Bridge (Bridge 1 Hour Round Trip)
This hike is to the south west of Machu Picchu, a nice original trail that overlooks the Aobamba valley and the Hydro-electric plant.
This Inca Bridge is a part of a mountain trail that heads west from Machu Picchu. The trail is a stone path, part of which is cut into a cliff face. A twenty-foot gap was left in this section of the carved cliff face, over a 1,900 feet drop that could be bridged with two tree trunks. When the tree trunks were removed then the trail became impassable to outsiders. The path is narrow and paved with original Inca stones.
The steep trail continues on and climbs the side of the mountain, leading adventurous travelers to a remote corner of this archaeological site. In addition to a magnificent bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu, the summit also offers a perfect vantage point to the canyon of the Vilcanota River, the mountain of Putukusi and the distant snow-capped Andean peaks.
Huayna Picchu (3 – 4 Hours)
Huayna Picchu is the mountain you see behind Machu Picchu. Towering above the north end of Machu Picchu this steep mountain is often seen in the backdrop to the classic photos of the ruins.
The mountain is steep, but stone steps are laid along most of the way and where the mountain is steeper you will find steel cables used as handrails. For fit people it is not a difficult climb.
Very Limited Access!
Only 400 people are allowed to hike Huayna Picchu each day. You have to sign in at the entrance gate. The first 200 tickets are available for the 8:00am hike. The second 200 are available at 10:00am.
***You should buy these special tickets in advance with us to be sure you will have space for this hike***
12th Day Fly Lima & Home (B)
Service | Notes / Instructions |
Private Transfer to Cusco Airport | We pick you up at the appropriate time for an Approx. 15 minute Private Transfer to the airport. |
Fly Lima | We will choose your flight time to meet as closely as possible with your international flight Home. |
Fly Home | Have a nice flight. |
At this time our services end with your arrival to Lima Airport. |