Exceptional Luxury Galapagos Islands Cruise and Machu Picchu

5* Casa Gangotena Hotel – Quito

(Rated #1 Hotel in Ecuador by TripAdvisor – 2016)

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.

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 zeroº’0” latitude.

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

• 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

Luxury 5* Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel Lima

Ideally located for leisure travelers, the Miraflores Park Hotel is within walking distance from 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, 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 leatherback 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

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’ll enjoy a variety of gourmet Peruvian dishes as well as four different desserts and another pisco-based cocktail.

Luxury 5* Palacio Nazarenas Hotel

(Rated # 1 Hotel in South America and # 11 Hotel in the WORLD by TripAdvisor – 2016)

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.

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 washbasins and luxurious bath amenities.

Other Suites Available:

Suites – Our Suites provide the utmost comfort while reflecting the authentic charm of Belmond Palacio Nazarenas.

Grand Master Suites – Our grand Master Suites offer guests two luxurious Master Suites. Each has a spacious bathroom with underfloor heating and Peruvian travertine marble décor.

Palacio Suite – This beautiful Suite is located in the ancient part of the hotel.

It is ideal for longer stays in Cusco or for those who enjoy the luxury of space.

Nazarenas Suite – This elegant master suite boasts an original, handcrafted ceiling, whose colours have inspired the entire palette of the hotel. The authentic charm and exclusivity of the Suite make for an irresistible combination.

**** All Suites are enriched with oxygen to help combat altitude sickness. You may also choose to have your room delicately scented with healing essential aromas of Andean flowers and herbs.

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.

Full Day Private Sacred Valley of the Inca Tour

Pisac Market | Pisac Ruins | Lunch Posada Tunupa | Ollantaytambo

Pisac Market

A famed hill town, Pisac is a great place to purchase top quality Andean knitwear at lower prices than visitors will find in major cities during their travels in Peru. Woven blankets, tapestries, and alpaca garments such as sweaters and mittens, colorful fabric and accessories are found in abundance at the Pisac market in addition to pottery, jewelry, and other handicrafts.

Pisac Inca Ruins

It’s not hard to succumb to the charms of sunny Pisac, a bustling colonial village at the base of a spectacular Inca fortress perched on a mountain spur. Its pull is universal and recent years have seen an influx of expats and new age followers in search of an Andean Shangri-la.  Located just 33km northeast of Cuzco by a paved road, it’s the most convenient starting point to the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo

After lunch, we proceed onto Ollantaytambo an attractive little town located at the western end of the Sacred Valley. The town is located at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins which protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley. The temple area is at the top of steep terracing which helped to provide excellent defenses. Stone used for these buildings was brought from a quarry high up on the opposite side of the Urubamba River – an incredible feat involving the efforts of thousands of workers. The complex was still under construction at the time of the conquest and was never completed.

Luxury Hiram Bingham Train

To & 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.
• 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.

Private 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***