Superior Luxury Machu Picchu & Galapagos Cruise – La Pinta

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 0º0’0” latitude.
• We also visit the Intiñan Solar Museum, where you’ll find scientific and experimental aspects of being right at the Equator.

La Pinta Description – 48 Passengers

La Pinta boasts among the largest cabins of any Galápagos vessel with floor-to-ceiling windows in all cabins. Its social areas have almost permanent visual contact with the islands through panoramic windows, while its outside deck areas are also wonderful havens for observation and relaxation. La Pinta is considered an ideal yacht for families travelling together, with many connecting cabins.

Expedition Features:

• Snorkeling equipment: masks, snorkels, flotation vests.
• 2mm “shorty” wet suits rental
• Glass-bottom boat
• Sea Kayaks
• Natural History lectures & briefings

She’s the newest yacht in the fleet of three, accommodating 48 guests, with ample social areas, an observation deck towards the bow, wrap-around windows, Jacuzzi, cardio-gym, kayaks, glass-bottom boat, sun deck, sun loungers… ideal for travelers looking for a sophisticated, upscale experience of the islands.

Her exciting itineraries promise a complete immersion in this unique environment, with expert naturalist guides enriching wildlife encounters like few others on the planet.

Faultless service, delicious cuisine and stylish design complement the experience on the islands. Our staff embraces a spirit of adventure, while ensuring safety at all times.

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

Other services

• Central air conditioning with individual controls in each cabin.
• In-room safe deposit box
• Telephone with direct international dialing
• Coffee station (coffee, tea and water 24-hours-a-day)
• Multi-channel sound system for closed circuit music and connection for personal iPods, MP3, MP4
• Briefings and Lectures
• Boutique
• Satellite Internet connection and wireless in designated areas

Wellness

• Fitness room
• Hot Tub
• A Medical Officer is permanently on board

La Pinta Cabins

• Double Room
• Triple Room w/ sofa bed

Cruise Itinerary – 5 days / 4 nights

Northern Galápagos – Monday to Friday

Our itinerary together begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous of all the archipelago, where we meet giant tortoises in the wild and then venture to Eden Islet. From there, we hop over the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the icon sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolomé Island, with its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach and great snorkeling opportunities. Close-by, Sullivan Bay, gives us a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the Islands. We end with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa, far up in the east of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds.

All the crew aboard La Pinta will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.

Monday – Day 1 of the Galapagos Cruise – Baltra Airport

Following our morning arrival at Baltra Airport, we transfer to the Itabaca Channel, taking a small ferry across the Channel to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. We board our bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where we’ll learn about the unique montane ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Note: please dress with comfortable shoes and clothes, bring a small backpack with any medicine you might be taken, sunblock, insect repellent and anything you need during the excursion as you will go onboard Yacht La Pinta and the end of the day.

Highlands (Santa Cruz Island)

After lunch, we travel by bus to El Chato Reserve, one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. A short bus ride takes us down to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta.

Tuesday – Day 2 in the Galapagos – Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island)

After breakfast, a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather condition permits, ride in the glass-bottom boat.

Sombrero Chino Islet

The tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance: a Chinese hat. This islet, only formed fairly recently, makes a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities with white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins.

Wednesday – Day 3 of the Cruise – Bartolomé Island

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

Sullivan Bay (James Island)

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

Thursday – Day 4 in the Galapagos – Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)

In the morning, we begin our exploration of this island with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks.

Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa Island)

The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs before we disembark for a steep climb up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a captivating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels and the elusive short eared owl.

5* J.W. Marriott Hotel Lima

The JW Marriott Hotel Lima is located in the Miraflores district, near the LarcoMar Shopping & Entertainment Center.

The Marriott Recently recognized by Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2011 as one of the Best Places to Stay in The World, as chosen by readers. Located atop Costa Verde’s rocky cliffs, overlooking the ocean and accessible by coastal path. It’s a draw for beachgoers, surfers, and paragliders. This is a luxury 5* Hotel but for its safe, central, and excellent location is worth the little extra.

The Deluxe Rooms are their entry level rooms and come with sea views.

Guest rooms and suites offer spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. For your convenience, high-speed Internet is offered in all guest rooms and suites for a daily fee. Spacious guest rooms at our hotel in Lima offer luxurious Marriott bedding and marble bathrooms. Our luxury hotel in Lima, Peru, is proud to be the city’s first 100-percent smoke-free hotel. Additional guest room amenities include cozy robes and slippers, mini-bars and LCD televisions. Business travelers will enjoy large desks with conveniently placed lighting and ergonomic chairs. This hotel has a smoke-free policy.

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* Monasterio Hotel

Right beside the lively Cuzco Central Square is Hotel Monasterio, a former monastery and national monument dating from 1592. This delightful hotel combines its centuries-old charm and ambience with luxury hotel service, inspired restaurants and boutique rooms and suites.

The ideal hotel from which to discover the delights of Cuzco, its doors open to a vibrant scene of old and modern architecture, markets, galleries and restaurants serving ‘new Andean’ cuisine.

The building was seriously damaged by the earthquake in 1650, and upon restoration the beautiful Chapel was added. It is decorated in the indigenous Baroque style with gold-plated pictures frames and truly magnificent paintings by the best artists of the Cusquenian Art School, depicting scenes from the life of San Antonio Abad.

The Monastery was originally built in 1595 on the site of the palace of Inca Amaru Qhala. In 1598, it was founded as the Seminary of San Antonio Abad by the sixth Bishop of Cuzco, Monsignor Antonio de la Raya, to train Catholic priests.

Art and Architecture

The building which houses Belmond Hotel Monasterio is steeped in history and hosts its very own art collection. You don’t need to travel far to soak up the local culture.

Guest services

Whether you’re into white water rafting or a four-day trek through the Sacred Valley, there’s plenty of fresh air fun just outside the hotel walls. Our team can arrange guided cultural tours, classes in traditional crafts or an afternoon cooking regional specialties with our Chef.

Therapy suite

Choose relaxing aromatherapy or a reviving Thai massage from the massage menu. Or call your personal Bath Butler to prepare an exquisite and indulgent end to a day of adventure and exploration.

Business and events

The historical building offers a unique backdrop for your conference, team building or incentive event. The glorious Baroque chapel and cloistered courtyard make an exquisitely romantic setting for a wedding.

Enjoy modern comfort surrounded by timeless charm. Each Room is wonderfully unique, reflecting the monastery’s charm and elegance. Rich wood furnishings, antique artwork and architectural quirks add to the historic atmosphere.

Superior Rooms

Feature warm and inviting Spanish colonial décor, king-size or twin beds and luxurious marble bathrooms. Each Room is wonderfully unique, reflecting the monastery’s charm and elegance.

Views across a cloistered courtyard or the Hotel’s beautifully restored exteriors are sure to inspire.

These luxurious rooms feature rich wood furnishings and antique artwork, and some Rooms can be enriched with oxygen to combat the effects of Cusco’s high altitude.

All rooms also offer:

• Individually controlled heating system and air conditioning
• Personal safety box
• Televisions
• Telephone
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet connection
• Rooms can be enriched with oxygen to combat the effects of Cusco’s high altitude.

Dining in the Monasterio

Sample the Mediterranean cuisine and distinctive charm of Illary Restaurant. At El Tupay, French-inspired dishes and Bohemian Nights with local singers are not to be missed.

Hotel Monasterio is located right next to Palacio Nazarenas and you may add any dining expense to your account.

The Lobby Bar

Join us at the Lobby Bar after an exciting day of sightseeing. The tranquil atmosphere offers the perfect place to relax and sample a traditional pisco sour with canapés.

In the late afternoons, sink in front of the roaring fire and enjoy the smooth sounds of Cusco’s finest Jazz musicians.

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.

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* Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Breakfast | A la Carte Dinner | Orchid, Hummingbird, and Nature Tours Included

How does one best prepare for a visit to the enigmatic Lost City of the Incas? Nothing less than a natural paradise will do — a paradise where one connects completely with the sacred energy of the mountain. In Inkaterra’s vacation paradise and luxury boutique Hotel, a pueblo of luxurious whitewashed bungalow nestles into terraced hills. Spa services use sublime natural essences, and a first-class restaurant boasts stunning views of the rushing Vilcanota River.

The train station is only steps away but Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel exists in a world apart. An intimate 85-cottage luxury Hotel in sprawling Andean style village within the secluded 12 acres of exquisite beauty, where guests follow stone pathways to their rooms, located in comfortable one or two-story whitewashed casitas.

Pueblo Hotel includes several services in their prices being:

• Your choice of 6 tours detailed below
• A la carte Dinner
• Welcome gift
• Tea Time & Happy Hour
• Breakfast

Optional Tours – All Included

Birds (2 Hours) – Walk early in the morning for cloud-forest bird watching. Spot torrent ducks, white-capped dippers, and vibrant tanagers, cock-of-the-rock, and native hummingbirds.

Orchids (2 Hours) – Walk through the orchid garden to observe some of the hotel’s 372 native orchids in bloom, including species discovered on hotel grounds.

Nature Walk (2 Hours) – Explore cloud forest trails with bromeliads, ferns, flora, and fauna alongside the Vilcanota river system.

Tea Plantation (2 Hours) – Visit the organic tea plantation, press freshly picked leaves, seal your own tea bag, and enjoy iced tea.

Twilight Walk (2 Hours) – An early evening walk pausing at the Rocotal Observatory to appreciate an enchanting waterfall and sacred pre-Inca pictographs.

Spectacled Bear Project (2 Hours) – Visit the project managed with ITA and INRENA to rehabilitate critically endangered Andean spectacled bears.

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. Enjoy breathtaking views of soaring eagles, Putukusi, Huayna Picchu, Salkantay mountain and the Vilcanota River.

*** 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 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.

Huayna Picchu (3 – 4 Hours)

Huayna Picchu is the mountain towering above the north end of Machu Picchu with stone steps and steel cables used as handrails.

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***

The Vistadome Service

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. The Vistadome service has large panoramic windows, leather seats, and traditional entertainment on board.

Enjoy your final morning in the historic imperial city of Cusco before your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and connection home.

Services End.