Exceptional Luxury Machu Picchu & Galapgos Cruise – Isabela II

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.

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 Cathed
•  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 ) 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.

Galapagos Yacht Cruise Isabela II – 40 Passengers

The Galápagos Islands are special and you want a special yacht in which to explore this living laboratory of evolution. Our Yacht Isabela II, accommodating 40 guests, promises an intimate experience of this unique world.

The Isabela II offers enriching wildlife encounters whether amid the islands’ haunting volcanic landscapes or beneath the waves of its marine reserve, all in the company of passionate, dedicated and expert naturalist guides. The islands’ marine life can be appreciated with a snorkel and mask, paddling a kayak or aboard our glass-bottom boat.

On board, guests find delicious cuisine, faultless service and excellent facilities, including a Jacuzzi, fitness room, bar and outside deck for al fresco meals, drinks and sunbathing. Her crew has remained virtually unchanged for years, their dedication, attention to detail and passion for service touching every one of her guests.

5 days / 4 nights – Southern Galápagos – Friday to Tuesday

Discover the wonders of the Charles Darwin Research Station, Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant in Floreana, Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay in Española Island, Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo in San Cristóbal.

5 days / 4 nights – Central Galápagos – Monday to Friday

Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, South Plaza, North Seymour, Las Bachas in Santa Cruz, Bartolomé and Sullivan Bay in Santiago Island.

Other services:

• Bar – Lounge, Boutique
• Gift Shop
• Glass bottom boat
• Jacuzzi
• Radio, telephone, E-mail, and Fax communications
• PA System
• Reading Room & Natural History Library
• Air conditioned throughout
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Safety boxes
• Multimedia natural history lectures
• Hair dryers
• Stargazing Program
• Wet suits for snorkeling in cooler waters
• Digital camera and underwater housing
• Sea Kayaks

Isabela II Cabins

• Classic Cabin
• Standard Cabin
• Master Suite Cabin

Cruise Itinerary – 5 days / 4 nights

Northern Galápagos – Monday to Friday

Our itinerary together begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous in the archipelago. Here, we first explore the

highlands of the islands with their lush vegetation before venturing down to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research

Station to meet giant tortoises face to face. After embarking at the end of the day, we sail to a stunning anchorage at Santa Fe Island for our visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems, a wonderful spot for our first snorkel, kayak or ride aboard our glass-bottom boat. In the afternoon, we disembark amid the waters of Plaza Island, with its yellow-gray land iguanas munching cactus fruits and coastline where we find sea lion colonies and dozens of sea birds.

A favorite among many visitors to the archipelago, our visit to North Seymour Island starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas, while later on we disembark on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, at the glorious white beach of Las Bachas, great for a swim or snorkel. We begin Thursday’s expedition at Bartolomé Island, with its unbeatable volcanic viewpoint on a hill, golden-sandy beach and excellent wildlife exploration for snorkelers or glass-bottom boat passengers. After lunch, we land at the white coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay, ideal for swimming or snorkeling, and with a trail over a dramatic lava field.

Wherever we sail, whatever we do, all the crew aboard the Isabela II will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos.

Monday – Day 1 of the Galapagos Cruise – Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz Island)

We arrive at Baltra Airport and then we take you to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora.

Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station

After driving down from the highlands, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Late afternoon we stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht Isabela II. We review the expeditions plan for next day, Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.

Tuesday – Day 2 in the Galapagos – Santa Fe Island/South Plaza Island

A stunning anchorage provides our jumping-off point for our visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Galápagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the walk. Snorkeling and swimming from the beach, kayaking or a ride in our glass-bottom boat rounds off the rewarding experience.

South Plaza

The turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a

carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-gray land iguanas. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island.

Wednesday – Day 3 of the Cruise – North Seymour Island/Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)

The morning starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, a favourite of many visitors, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. There are opportunities for snorkelling or coastal exploration. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.

Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)

After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to “bachas”. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach, with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. We can swim and/or snorkeling from the beach. Thursday’s expedition plan review and dinner.

Thursday – Day 4 in the Galapagos – Bartolomé Island/Sullivan Bay (James Island)

This morning, a Galápagos icon waits for us: 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 the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time we will enjoy the beach and some snorkeling. We can also ride in the glass- bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.

Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)

After lunch, we get on board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming, 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.

Belmond 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

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.

Luxury 5 * Palacio Nazarenas

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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***