First Class Machu Picchu & Galapagos Cruise – Santa Cruz

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-minute walk of the recognized Church and Square of San Francisco; at 5-minute walk of the famous “La Compañia”

Church with its impressive gold leaf inner decoration; at 6-minute 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 forexecutives 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 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

Yacht Description

M/V Santa Cruz – 90 Passengers

The Santa Cruz is the finest ship in her class to sail the archipelago today. She’s versatile, flexible and fun, with an excellent crew committed to making her guests’ experience extraordinary.

Underwater discovery

We have an extra naturalist guide – an

Underwater Naturalist – who leads guests by the hand during swimming and snorkelling activities, helping them with masks, snorkels and techniques. We’re

confident far more of our guests will enjoy the ship’s snorkelling activities, revealing another world of wonder in the Galápagos that they might otherwise have missed.

Expedition equipment

To record our guests’ fun in the water, our high-quality staff camera has an underwater housing – and photos of the expeditions are always shown on the last night before disembarking, and all photos are uploaded to websites for future viewing and sharing.

Family Fun

We believe the Santa Cruz to be the best option for family journeys, so we’ve reinforced our commitment to giving families precious moments to share, explore, learn and have fun together. As part of every journey, we include: our “Pirates Aboard” program on board with attractive kits full of materials.  kids’ meals and times board games and puzzles in the library panga rides just for young explorers an “introduction to snorkeling for kids” time with our extra naturalist bridge visits with the Captain.

Santa Cruz Island visits: great alternative activities

During her twice-fortnightly visit to Santa Cruz Island, the ship offers alternative activities including trekking in the highlands through the impressive Scalesia forest, biking downhill to a secluded beach, or walking to Tortuga Bay for some kayaking or some down-time. We are one of the

very few companies to provide these alternatives.

Something for everyone

The Santa Cruz offers more flexibility in making groups – depending on physical abilities and/or personal interests (e.g. shorter walks for older passengers; children’s panga rides). There are options for the active, fun for families, underwater explorations, expedition equipment… something for everyone. Combine these with the crew’s deep sense of service and we feel each and every one of the Santa Cruz’s guests will return home enriched, revived and inspired.

Our Galapagos Travel Team consists of a Chief Naturalist and seven Naturalists.  All will delight guests with diverse natural history explanations, superb on-deck talks, and eye-catching lectures regarding natural history issues. Their multimedia presentations and recaps will complement the day’s activities. Together with the Captain, they will plan the day’s program. They are masters of Galapagos travel. Soon enough, our Naturalists will become the highlight of your voyage on Santa Cruz. At night, when pitch-dark starry skies are seen, stargazing is an amazing nocturnal activity. The southern skies are beautifully arranged with exuberant constellations.                                                             

4 Nights Northern Galápagos, Monday to Friday

We’re delighted to have you on board for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galápagos. Our itinerary together begins from the bay near Baltra airport, from where we’ll sail to the glorious white beach of Las Bachas with a pair of brackish lagoons only a few steps from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. On Tuesday, we explore two fascinating visitor sites on Santiago Island: Buccaneer Cove, home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms, and Puerto Egas, with its great walk along pools full of life and good snorkeling and swimming possibilities. The next day we visit the red-sand beach of Rábida Island, a lovely trail around some cliffs and a popular spot for swimming, followed by the volcanic viewpoint of Bartolomé in the afternoon, combining a hike, a swim, a beach and coastal exploration – a top Galápagos day! From here we sail northeast to the sunken crater of Genovesa, a wild place home to thousands of marine birds, a world a million miles from our own. We finish in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galápagos Province.

Wherever we sail, whatever we do, all the crew aboard the Santa Cruz will do their utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.                    

4 Nights Eastern Galápagos, Saturday to Wednesday

We’re delighted to have you on board for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the

Galápagos. Our itinerary together begins on San Cristóbal Island, the capital of the Galápagos Province. From here, we venture east along the northern shores of the island, visiting the fascinating site of Punta Pitt, taking us back to Charles Darwin’s visit of 1835. We then sail west to the central islands of Santa

Fe, with its beautiful tranquil bay (great for swimming and snorkeling), before continuing to the wild cliffs of South Plaza with their cactus, land iguanas and stunning marine birds. The following day we visit the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous in the archipelago, with a range of activities on offer in the afternoon.

Española Island awaits on our last day, a favorite of many visitors, with its remarkable visitor site of Punta Suárez. Here, we’ll wander along the rugged coastline, home to hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and even albatross (at certain times of year). In the afternoon, Gardner Bay provides a wonderful setting for a combination of beach-time, swimming snorkeling or exploring aboard the glass-bottom boat. Wherever we sail, whatever we do, all the crew aboard the Santa Cruz will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.

Other services

• Bar – Lounge, Boutique
• Gift Shop
• Email, radio, telephone, and Fax communications.
• PA system.
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Shortie wet suits (used between June and December)
• Multimedia natural history lectures
• Stargazing Program
• Glass bottom boat
• Jacuzzi
• Reading Room and Natural History
• Library
• Air conditioned throughout
• Safety boxes
• Hair dryers

Decks & Cabins

On the M/V Santa Cruz Boat Deck, there are two master suites with double beds (plus a sofa bed for a child) and a private balcony, and two junior suites with twin beds (plus a sofa bed for a child). Six Superior-Class cabins have twin or double beds, that together with the remaining Standard Cabins on the Upper and Main decks offer a variety of accommodations, all meeting the same high standard for comfort and style. Family guests have ample choice among single, double and triple accommodations.

The M/V Santa Cruz Sun Deck features a bar and Jacuzzi, along with the observation platform for dolphin and whale watching. The dining room, lounge and bar are elegantly appointed, as is the well-stocked library/reading room. As an alternative to snorkeling, the glass-bottom boat offers another opportunity to observe the marine life.

The entire ship is air-conditioned. A carefully planned Santa Cruz galapagos itinerary includes the Galapagos’ main highlights plus, a flexible program allowing guests to enjoy several alternatives for their daily activities. In essence, an expedition to the best National Park, aboard the only ship exclusively built for exploring the Galapagos.

Santa Cruz Cabins

• Boat Deck Master Suite Cabin
• Boat Deck Junior Suite Cabin
• Boat Deck Superior Twin Cabin
• Boat Deck Standard Plus Twin Cabin

 Cruise Itinerary – 5 days / 4 nights

Northern Galápagos – Monday to Friday

Our itinerary together begins from the bay near. Baltra airport, from where we’ll sail to the glorious white beach of Las Bachas with a pair of brackish lagoons only a few steps from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. On Tuesday, we explore two fascinating visitor sites on Santiago Island: Buccaneer Cove, home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms, and Puerto Egas, with its great walk along pools full of life and good snorkeling and swimming possibilities. The next day we visit the red-sand beach of Rábida Island, a lovely trail around some cliffs and a popular spot for swimming, followed by the volcanic viewpoint of Bartolomé in the afternoon, combining a hike, a swim, a beach and coastal exploration – a top Galápagos day! From here we sail northeast to the sunken crater of Genovesa, a wild place home to thousands of marine birds, a world a million miles from our own. We finish in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galápagos Province.

Wherever we sail, whatever we do, all the crew aboard the Santa Cruz will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.                                                   

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

We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz, where we receive a welcome introductory briefing and lunch.

Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)

This beautiful visitor site is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, 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. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with snorkeling gear and techniques. Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for Tuesday and dinner.

Tuesday – Day 2 in the Galapagos – Buccaneer Cove (Santiago Island)

After breakfast, we explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove, learning about the area’s distant and recent history. The cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the “Elephant Rock”, “The Bishop” and an impressive natural cave. This is a great site for snorkeling or panga ride.

Puerto Egas (Santiago Island)

Once we disembark at the beach, we can enjoy a swim or snorkel amid a rocky shoreline, usually in the company of

marine turtles. From here, we head off to our walk, a great opportunity to see land and marine birds amid landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and we can also observe a colony of fur-sea lions. Non-snorkelers can enjoy a longer walk.

Wednesday – Day 3 of the Cruise – Rábida Island

After breakfast, we land on Rábida Island’s red-colored beach, caused by the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Our walk brings us close to a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, a salt pond hosts migrating greater flamingos at certain times of year. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. Non-snorkelers will enjoy a ride on the glass bottom boat or a panga ride. During navigation to our next island, dolphins are often spotted!

Bartolomé Island

We land at Bartolomé for a hike to the summit of this diminutive island that boasts fantastic views of the archipelago.

This is a moderately steep climb aided by a wooden staircase, resting platforms and handrails – the view from the top is worth the effort! Following our walk, we take to the pangas and the glass bottom boat for a ride around the colossal Pinnacle Rock, and then land at the beach to enjoy some swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing (possibly with).

Thursday – Day 4 in the Galapagos – Prince Philip Steps (Genovesa Island)

The morning starts with a panga ride along the cliffs of this dramatic island, followed by landing with a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs to reach a flat plateau. Along our walk, we can observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). After the walk, we can snorkel along the dramatic cliffs where there are chances of spotting lots of fish, including hammerhead sharks.

Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)

In the afternoon, we land at this beautiful beach to enjoy some swimming and/or snorkeling. Following our dip, we take an easy stroll to observe hundreds of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. There’s an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach or enjoy a panga ride.

Friday – Final day of the Galapagos Cruise

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno & Tortoise Breeding Centre (San Cristóbal Island)

After breakfast, there’s optional departure to see the breeding program of giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. Here, we learn about this endangered species and its promising recovery.

Superior 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. Its quintessential Limeño flavor reverberates in the exquisite art collection of contemporary local artists and prized colonial-era antiques, in both public spaces and accommodations.

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.

Additional amenities include irons/ironing boards and complimentary toiletries.

Turndown service is offered nightly and housekeeping is available daily.

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.

his 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.

Superior 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.  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 is 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.

The Hotel has 93 rooms, which are surrounded by four colonial style courtyards.

Superior Rooms

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

100% non-smoking

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.

The Vistadome Service

To and From Machu Picchu

This DELUXE train ride into the spectacular land of the Inca is highlighted by amazing views of valleys, Inca farming terraces, snowcapped 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 snack 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.

Superior 4* Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel

Hotel El Mapi includes Dinner in the 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 Peru’s most distinguished destination, the Machu Picchu Archaeological site.

48 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.

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***