First Class Royal Palm Galapagos Hotel 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.

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 zeroº0’0” latitude.

We also visit the Intiñan Solar Museum, where you will find scientific and experimental aspects of being right at the Equator.

The Luxury 5* Royal Palm Hotel – Galapagos Package

The Royal Palm is a unique secluded hide-a- way nestled in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island in the heart of the Galapagos. Designed and crafted to complement our natural environment, the Royal Palm offers a spacious and exclusive paradise. The hotel is located a short 20 minute drive from the bustling port town of Puerto Ayora with its local shops, restaurants and fish market. A “must visit” in the Port is the Charles Darwin Research Station.

The hotel and its landscaped gardens, fountain, pool and outdoor Jacuzzis are surrounded by the natural beauty of the hotel’s 150 hectare private estate adjoining the Galapagos National Park. The largest accessible lava tunnel on the Island is also found here.

At the Royal Palm you can enjoy a great sense of space and far reaching, beautiful views over the Highlands to the sea beyond. The native ferns and flora create an enchanting environment of contrast and color and if you look closely, you may see some of the owls, Darwin Short Beak Finches, Garrapatero birds and Egrets that live here too.

Our Adventure Designers are here to create your very own Galapagos Adventure Experience.

The residences complement their natural surroundings and are designed for your comfort and relaxation. The Villas sit individually within the grounds while the Casitas are located on the Royal Fountain Circle, with verandas overlooking the Royal Palm estate. All the accommodation is well appointed with custom-made furnishings and luxurious bedding. Our rooms have everything you would expect a five star property to offer including Wi-Fi, LCD flat screen TVs with 15 satellite channels, minibar, in-room tea & coffee making facilities, safe, air- conditioning and private Jacuzzi.

Restaurant & Lounge Bar A beautiful space for our guests to wine and dine with spectacular views across the estate and out to the sea. The restaurant is a combination of elegant colonial style and traditional island design and offers the ultimate indoor and outdoor dining experience. The warm mahogany furniture reflects the glow of the open fire underneath the impressive pitch roof.

A large open fireplace divides the bar and the restaurant, and on warmer nights you can enjoy the terrace under the equatorial stars. The menu artfully combines traditional Ecuadorian flavors with some more established international favorites. As many ingredients as possible are freshly sourced from the Island, and fresh fish is collected directly from the fishermen in the port. The wine cellar reflect the eclectic nature of the menu and includes some interesting South American choices.

New Casitas

Each of our eight Casitas has a spacious bedroom with either a king size bed or two queens, dining area, en-suite bathroom, indoor Jacuzzi and a front porch looking onto the garden. Two pairs of Casistas can interconnect. Size -38m² / 409 sq. Ft. Can accommodate up to 2 guests.

Presidential Villa

The Presidential Villa is an open- plan secluded suite with its own private garden and outdoor Jacuzzi. The bedroom area is spacious with a king size four- poster bed and dressing area leading down to the living and dining area with large open fireplace. Size – 60m² / 645 sq. Ft. Can accommodate up to 2 guests.

Royal Villa

The Royal Villa is open plan and benefits from an indoor sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi in its own private garden. The bedroom has a king size, four-poster bed and a dressing area, which leads down to a large living room and dining area with open fireplace. Size – 78m² / 839 sq. ft. Can accommodate up to two guests.

Highland Villas

Each of our eight Highland Villas has a bedroom, a large bathroom, a separate Jacuzzi room and a living/dining room. They all feature open fireplaces and enjoy views out across the estate from the large windows. There is a choice of villas with either king beds or 2 queen beds.

Size – 85m² / 914 sq. ft. Double / King Villas can accommodate up to 2 guests. Double / Queen Villas can accommodate up to 4 guests.

Prince of Wales Villa

The largest Suite at the Royal Palm is named in honour of His Royal Highness – The Prince of Wales who stayed here with HRH the Duchess of Cornwall.

This luxurious private villa has two spacious en-suite bedrooms and dressing areas – one with a king size bed and the other with two queen size beds. The master bedroom has its own sauna. Both bedrooms have a private garden area with an outside Jacuzzi. The living / dining room that is central to the Prince of Wales Villa features an open fireplace, comfortable seating, dining area and a desk.

Size – 90 m² / 968 sq. ft. Can accommodate up to 4 guests.

*You will be met at the airport and the bus transfer to the hotel takes around 1 hour including a short channel crossing aboard the Royal Palm’s boat. Our driver will meet you on the other side to take you up to the Hotel.

** BBQ is only available with packages starting on the Sunday. BBQs will be held either on the Estate or at Garapaterro depending on weather conditions. BBQs held on the Estate are included in the price. Overnight camping is an optional extra for the more adventurous.

*** All cruises and boat trips are strictly regulated and scheduled by the Galapagos National Park to ensure the protection of these precious islands. The destinations of our yacht expeditions will depend upon the day of your excursion, currently we offer three trips per week, one trip to each of the following three destinations: North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach; South Plaza Island and Punta Carrion; Bartolome. Click here for full detail on our yacht expeditions. Please check with our adventure designers for expected scheduling during your stay.

• All packages include return transfers, full board including soft drinks, your chosen activities & excursions and taxes.
• Alcoholic beverages are available and are charged separately.

Your Galapagos Adventure Value Packages

The Original Experience… Always Amazing!

You cannot simply visit the Galapagos Islands; it is an immersion into a different world. Take the journey of a lifetime and discover the unrivalled uniqueness of this archipelago of volcanic islands and its endemic species. Marvel at its unspoiled natural beauty and be touched by the magic of millions of years of evolution. This is a timeless wilderness of wonder, which reminds us how fragile our planet is. We ask you to leave only footprints and take only memories.

When you are on holiday, you should be able to do what you like when you like, and we want to give you as much choice as possible. We offer 3, 4, 5 & 7 night packages of activities to help you plan how much to see and do whilst you are staying with us.

Even if you are travelling in a group, you may choose different activities and excursions to suit your requirements individually, in couples, threes, fours or in a group. Our Adventure Designers are always available to help you to perfect your Galapagos Adventure.

All packages include return transfers, full board including soft drinks, your chosen activities & excursions and taxes. (Alcoholic beverages are available and are charged separately.) Packages do not include the National Park entry fee or any flights.

Galapagos National Park regulations applicable to tours and excursions:

• Places on tours are limited due to the small vehicle and group sizes, so we urge you to pre- book early to avoid disappointment.
• Changes are possible on the land-based tours and boat or yacht expeditions; but the original booking must be cancelled and a new booking made, subject to availability.
• Change requests and cancellations made to a pre- booked tour could incur a cancellation or change fee, admin charge and the tour price difference (where applicable).
• Cancellations and changes made within 45 days of the tour date, will incur 100% cancellation fees.
• The Royal Palm works with several different local tour companies therefore changes become cancellations as the booking moves between independent suppliers.

Yacht Expeditions

Bartolomé Island – Full day

Introduction – The orange beach and coastline offers great swimming and snorkeling with the opportunity of seeing penguins, sea lions, rays, reef fish and white-tipped reef sharks.

Description – This fantastic daylong tour offers spectacular volcanic landscapes and great snorkeling. The journey in the launch takes almost two hours but there is the chance of seeing dolphins and even whales during the crossing. And, the launch will stop at Daphne Island, a volcanic tuff coneformation to view the sea lions and various sea birds that inhabit it. Bartolome Island itself is famous for its ‘Pinnacle Rock’ – probably the most photographed volcanic formation in the islands. Climb up a long wooden staircase comprising 360+ steps to the viewpoint on the summit that offers uninterrupted views to nearly all the central islands in the archipelago. A short dinghy ride after the walk will allow you to photograph the Galapagos Penguins that live along the coastline. Lunch is served with one of the most amazing volcanic backdrops found anywhere in the archipelago. Please bring walking shoes, sun hat, sun block and beachwear.

Includes: transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, water, towels, snorkeling equipment.

North Seymour Island & Bachas Beach – Full day

Introduction – This picturesque island offers the opportunity of close up encounters with many marine birds, including the Dancing Blue Footed Booby and magnificent Frigate bird, as well as Land Iguanas and Lava Lizards.

Description – Located slightly to the north of the island of Baltra, and a short boat ride from Santa Cruz Island, North Seymour is a low, flat island, formed as a result of the uplift caused by magma build up below. It is covered with low, bushy vegetation and contains the largest colony of magnificent Frigate birds in the Galapagos; Land Iguanas are common here too. There is also a population of Blue-Footed Boobies that perform an amusing courtship dance when nesting conditions are right, making this one of the highlights of the visit. On your return, the launch will make its way back towards Santa Cruz, where it will anchor in calm water on Bachas Beach so that you can enjoy your lunch. A walk along the beach after lunch promises Sea Turtle nests, shorebirds, diving Boobies and even Flamingos. Snorkeling and easy swimming from the beach follows the walk. Please bring walking shoes, sun hat, sun block and beachwear.

Includes: transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, water, towels, snorkeling equipment. Wet suits are not provided.

South Plaza Island & Punta Carrión – Full day

Introduction – One of a very colorful pair of small uplifted islands a short distance from the east coast of Santa Cruz, South Plaza has a unique landscape of Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti and provides some of the most interesting wildlife observation spots in Galapagos.

Description – Land iguanas are easily seen from the trail, normally lazing in the shade of the cacti. Swallow-tailed Gulls and Frigate birds use the rising air off the sea to glide effortlessly over the escarpment. Towards the far end of the island lives a ‘bachelor colony’ of male Sea Lions. Lunch is served anchored close to the rocky seashore inhabited by a large colony of playful Sea Lions. After lunch, a short boat ride to Punta Carrion offers the opportunity for easy snorkeling and swimming around a shallow and protected cove. Please bring walking shoes, sun hat, sun block and beachwear.

Includes: transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, water, towels, and snorkeling equipment. Wet suits are not provided.

Santa Fe Island – Full day

Introduction – Santa Fe Island is located south of Santa Cruz. A walk around this dry and rugged island, offers the chance of spotting the Santa Fe Land Iguana that is only found here.

Description – Anchored in the crystal clear waters of this beautiful protected bay, here you can snorkel with sea lions. Landing on the sandy beach you will be greeted by colonies of sea lions. A short circular trail takes you along the cliff edge where you can spot the Iguanas as well as many Lava Lizards and even the Galapagos Hawk. The trail brings you back round onto a second beach that is also inhabited by Sea Lions and Blue Footed Boobies who sit on the rocks. Snorkel in the bay with Sea Lions and admire the many species of tropical reef fish and occasionally Sea Turtle and Rays. Lunch is served on board whilst anchored in the bay. Please bring walking shoes, sun hat, sun block and beachwear.

Includes: transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, water, towels, snorkeling equipment. Wet suits are not  provided.

The Royal Palm Hotel is located on Isla Santa Cruz in the Galapagos. The Royal Palm is a unique, secluded hideaway nestled in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, in the heart of the Galapagos.

The Galápagos Islands sit astride the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles / 926 km west of their sovereign country, the Republic of Ecuador in South America. These tiny islands are actually the tips of ancient volcanoes (many of which are still active) and consist of 13 large islands and 6 smaller ones plus 42 islets; the total land surface is 8,000 km². The principal language on the islands is Spanish and the islands have a population of just over 25,000. The capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the Island of San Cristóbal although Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz has a larger population. The Galápagos Islands is one of the few places in the world without an indigenous population. It has a mixed cultural heritage with two main descendant groups: the Ecuadorian Mestizos, descendants of Spanish Colonists and indigenous Native Americans and the European Spanish Colonists, some descendants of the early settlers still live on the islands today.

4* Casa Andina Private Collection – Lima

With its stylish contemporary design, cutting-edge technology and ideal location, the flagship Casa Andina Private Collection – Miraflores Hotel is the top of its class in every aspect. First-class amenities include a heated, indoor pool and breezy terrace, gymnasium with the latest exercise equipment, prestigious Joop salon & massage room.

Location

Situated in the heart of Lima, Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores, a family-friendly Hotel, is within walking distance of Sala Luis Miro Quesada Garland, Calle de las Pizzas, and Kennedy Park. Also nearby are Mercado Indios and Larco Avenue.

Guestrooms

The 148 air-conditioned guestrooms at Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores include laptop-compatible safes and minibars. Guests can use the in- room complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access. Rooms are equipped with LCD TVs with cable channels.

All accommodations provide desks and phones. Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations, bathrobes, hair dryers, and slippers. Turndown service is offered nightly and housekeeping is available daily.

The Lima Gourmet Company Gastronomic Tour

This Lima Peru tour starts at a local roastery, where they handpick 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 will 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 will discover the secrets to the perfect Cebiche 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 will enjoy a variety of gourmet Peruvian dishes as well as four different desserts and another pisco-based cocktail.

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
• Ø  LCD TV
• Ø  Safety box
• Ø  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***