First Class Galapagos Islands Cruise and Machu Picchu Vacation

4* Patio Andaluz Hotel

Hotel Patio Andaluz Quito, elegant Boutique hotel located to only 150 meters (490 ft.) from the Main Square also known as the Independence Plaza, offers a particular surrounding in the center of the Colonial borough of Quito, the first city declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978.

Located in a colonial style house of the end of the XVI Century, this hotel that displays great arcs and inner Patios lies at only 7 minutes walk of the recognized Church and Square of San Francisco; at 5 minutes walk from the famous “La Compañia” Church with its impressive gold leaf inner decoration; at 6 minutes walk to the “Theater Sucre”, stage of important events; among other places of great interest within the Colonial Quito such as museums, churches and historical sites.

Luxury, efficiency, and great location.

• 21 rooms and 11 suites, cable TV, mini-bar and telephone.
• Gift shop.
• 24-hour room service.
• Special services for executives and computers available.
• Lobby bar.
• Laundry services.
• Restaurant Rincon de Cantuña.

• M/Y Coral I 36 passengers
• M/Y Coral II 20 passengers
• M/V Legend 100 passengers

These unique luxury yachts are a perfect combination of classic beauty and exquisite style. The materials used in their decoration convey a pleasing sensation of warmth and comfort that will transport you automatically into a marine environment. You will be a part of nature thanks to the ample panoramic windows. Every single detail has been taken into consideration to make your stay on board unique and unforgettable. The Jacuzzi, sun and shadow decks will give you a perfect space to relax. The social areas and the bar will be a place to enjoy.

Relax

To relax in the sun or even bathe in the whirlpool, head to the M/Y Coral I outside decks, where the natural wonders of the Galapagos will be enjoyed from a completely different perspective, whether by the handrail of their decks, the comfort of a sun-lounger or from the balcony at the bow. There is a space for everyone on these deceptively large yachts.

Enjoy

Enjoy the various activities ship, nights are magical, full of bright stars and countless constellations.

Learn

The Galapagos National Park certifies all of our highly qualified multi-lingual naturalist guides. On visits to the islands, they will accompany you every step of the way, taking time to explain the highlights as you wonder through this new and magical land. Every evening, these same guides will give you a lecture illustrated with multimedia presentation, imparting and sharing with you their knowledge of geology, history, evolution, flora and fauna of the islands.

Junior Cabins

• 8 on Coral I and 6 on Coral II.
• Located on the Earth and Sky Decks.
• 3 interconnected cabins.
• Average area: 12 m2 / 128 ft2.
• Panoramic windows.
• Low twin beds or a queen-sized bed.
• Air conditioning with remote control.
• Phone service for internal, local and international calls.
• Video system with LCD TV, music, activities, itineraries and consumption on board.
• Safe-deposit box.
• Private bathroom.

Day 1 of the Cruise:  AM – Baltra airport

Departure from Quito to Baltra (2 ½ hours flight). Passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten-minute bus ride to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend or M/Y Coral I or Coral II.

PM – Highlands – Pit Craters (Santa Cruz)

Dry landing. A 45-minute bus ride will take us to the Santa Cruz highlands, located to the northwest of Puerto Ayora, where we will find a natural reserve with giant tortoises. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles are responsible for the island’s name and therefore approaching them in their humid and forested abode is always an inspiring adventure.  They can weigh between 250 and 300 kg and can live up to 150-200 years. Additionally, travelers can walk inside surprising lava tubes; we also visit Pit Craters created from the collapse of surface materials into chamber fissures underground.  It’s a great place spot to spot Vermilion Flycatcher as we walk inside an endemic Scalesia forest.

• Difficulty level: easy
• Type of terrain: flat & muddy sometimes (depending on season)
• Duration: 45 minutes drive / 1h30 walk

Day 2 of the Cruise:  Egas Port / Salt Mines (Santiago)

Wet landing on a beach of black volcanic sand, visited by Darwin in 1835. The first section of the trail is comprised of volcanic ash (eroded tuff) and the other half of partially uneven terrain is comprised of volcanic basaltic rock lounging the shoreline.

The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago’s shores is home to a variety of resident and migrant birds, including the bizarre Yellow- crowned Night Heron and astounding array of marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally Light-foot Crabs. Colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water pools formed by volcanic rocks are also a highlight.

Snorkeling here offers rarities such as octopus and squid. We organize optional visits to the Salt Mines where you can observe the two species of sea lions:  fur and Galapagos sea lions.

• Difficulty level: intermediate
• Type of terrain: the first part flat and then semi rocky.
• Duration: 1h 30 walk / 1 hour snorkeling If Salt Mines is chosen
• Duration: 2h 30 walk / 30 minutes snorkeling

Day 3 of the Cruise:  Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz)

Dry landing. We walk by a brackish lagoon where feeding flamingos can be occasionally found. The trail leads across typical dry zone vegetation up to Dragon Hill, an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the anchorage and neighboring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warblers and Galapagos Doves.

• Difficulty level: intermediate
• Type of terrain: rocky
• Duration: 2 hours walk

PM – North Seymour

Dry landing. This is perhaps one of the busiest tourist destinations on the archipelago. Off Baltra Island (where the airport is located) and not far from Santa Cruz, North Seymour is the most accessible for day trips out of Santa Cruz’s main port, Puerto Ayora. An approximately two hour walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles and as well as sea lions. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas, and on a lucky day, you might even come across a Galapagos Snake.

• Difficulty level: intermediate
• Type of terrain: rocky
• Duration: 2 hours walk

4* Ramada Airport Hotel

Strategically located in the heart of Jorge Chavez International Airport, few miles away from all cultural and historical wonders Lima has to offer, Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport Hotel is the first hotel that provides the necessary services to meet your expectations during your stay. Perfect for those on transit, perceptive traveler will enjoy our services and amenities with the tranquility of walking to or from your flight in a few minutes. Indoor pool and free Wi-Fi.

4* Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco

A beautifully renovated 18th- century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, it is replete with authentic colonial character. The Hotel is distinguished by its 3 interior patios with wooden balconies and surrounded by four colonial style courtyards The principal patio, featuring a gurgling stone fountain, is one of Cusco’s emblematic colonial courtyards.

In the Hotel’s cozy lounge and reading room has a massive stone fireplace that’s always crackling, while the romantic gourmet restaurant invites guests to dine by candlelight in one of 4 connected salons richly decorated with 18th-century Cusco School paintings.

Superior Rooms Includes:

• 1 King bed or 2 Full-size beds
• Hair dryer
• Desk and/or breakfast table
• Bathtub
• Coffee kit
• LCD TV
• Safety box
• Heating

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 centre.

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 amphitheatre where 19 window sills are located as a way of seats.

Sacsayhuamán – Its construction took over seven decades and required the work of approximately 20,000 men, both for the foundations and hewn stone works, the transportation of materials, carving and stones setting. Many say it is as impressive as Machu Picchu itself!

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.

4* Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel

Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective.

The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit. Turn into an amiable and healthy environment after your enlightening visit to Perus most distinguished destination, the Machu Picchu Archaeological site.

Superior Deluxe Rooms

Each room is equipped with blackout curtains, 100% cotton sheets, down duvets, hypoallergenic pillows, cotton bath robes, natural herbal amenities, 32″ flat screen TVs and tight- focus reading lights.

El Bar – Comfortable bar/lounge with Plasma TV and complimentary Wi-Fi, features a delectable variety of snacks and tapas, a wide selection of Piscos, and organic wines.

The Vistadome Train Service

This DELUXE train ride into the spectacular land of the Inca is highlighted by amazing views of valleys, Inca farming terraces, snow capped mountains, and sub-tropical jungle.

After arriving in Aguas Calientes, a shuttle bus will transport you to this magic, sacred, and mysterious town known as Machu-Picchu.

The Vistadome service has large panoramic windows and additional windows in the roof allowing you to enjoy the mountain scenery.

A small meal and hot drink are included with the Vistadome service.

There is also a table in front of you and posh leather seats which are very comfortable with plenty of leg room.

The Vistadome also has air conditioning and heating, leather seats that adjust the body to provide comfort and relaxation during the entire trip, and a traditional show as well as a fashion show to keep you entertained – as if the amazing scenery isn’t enough.

This service allows the visitor to be immersed and feel the Andean culture through its landscapes, music, dance and food carefully prepared with local ingredients.

On-board experience with the best comfort and quality service.

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.

Revisit Machu Picchu

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. There is a spectacular view from the gate!

Additional Tours Available

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 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.

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.

***We need to buy these special tickets in advance to be sure you will have space for this hike***