MAGICAL ECUADOR AND PERU

HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME

Monument to the Revolution, Quito, Ecuador

Quito, the capital of Ecuador

Cusco, Peru

Photographing animal up close, Galapagos

Photographing the animals of the Galapagos Islands.

Read the GALAPAGOS NATURE CALENDAR for more information about the life cycle of the most popular species living in the islands

Machu Picchu, The Lost City of the Incas

Peruvian girl in canoe

Motor Vessel Legend - Galapagos Islands Tours

M/V Legend, first-class vessel

Goway's Promise of Something Special

ALL INCLUSIVE FIRST CLASS TOURING

Magical Ecuador and Peru

20 days

Quito • Galapagos Islands • Otavalo • Papallacta

Lima • Cusco • Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu • Lake Titicaca

The following idea is very different to the other programs we offer to Latin America. It is Goway's specifically designated Holidays Of A Lifetime!

Carrying our promise of something special, Goway's Magical Ecuador & Peru captures the essence of the Inca culture that permeated Ecuador and Peru. Also marvel at the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands and enjoy the magnificent and mystical ruins of Machu Picchu. Experience fascinating cultures as you visit a local village with traditions linked to the Spanish Conquistadores and the Inca Empire. View spectacular scenery and the incomparable Andean mountain range. Come face to face with the endemic wildlife of the Galapagos and the Altiplano (high plains).

Share your experience with like-minded people who will become friends for life.

This Holiday Of A Lifetime includes stays at four Goway designated Stays of Distinction. (hotels or lodges we deem special).

Our professional Tour Directors take care of all the day to day details... all the way from North America and back allowing you to enjoy the history, culture and scenic delights of this comprehensive journey combining history with nature.

Don't expect just another escorted tour... you are on a Holiday Of A Lifetime!

Your Itinerary

Click to enlarge

Day 1. Fly Hometown to Quito
Depart your hometown for your flights to Quito, Ecuador, your first stop on our Magical Ecuador and Peru Holiday of a Lifetime Tour! After clearing Customs at Quito International Airport, you will be met by Goway’s local representative who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Nestled in an Andean Valley at an elevation of 9000 feet, the city is literally surrounded by volcanoes and is considered to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. As most flights arrive into Quito in the early to late evening there are no activities planned for today.

Accommodation: Le Parc Boutique Hotel (2 nights)

Day 2. Exploring Quito (BLD)
After breakfast, we start our day with a visit to downtown Quito and the colonial quarter to explore the bustling streets and squares of the most well preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America which has also been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 16th century, Quito was built on the ruins of an Incan city. Our tour includes visits to some of Quito’s most important churches such as the majestic Temple of La Compañía de Jesus and its awesome gilded interior as well as the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive facade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior are influenced by the Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Our tour also includes views of Independence Plaza, the Presidential Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace. We then travel via the traditional neighbourhood of San Juan en route to the Middle of the World complex. Here we will visit the monument to the equatorial line or “parallel 0,” latitude 0° 0’0” and be able to stand with a foot in each hemisphere. Lunch is included at “Crater Restaurant,” located on the rim of an extinct volcano before returning to our hotel.

Tonight we enjoy a “Welcome to Ecuador” dinner at Rumilioma, a luxury Hacienda located on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano.

Day 3. Fly Quito to Galapagos (BLD)
After breakfast this morning, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our vessel, the M/V Galapagos Legend, which will be our home for the next 4 nights while we explore these magical islands.

This legendary, 90 passenger, first-class vessel offers all the amenities of a large cruise liner without sacrificing the intimacy you would expect on a small sailing craft. The luxurious Legend is equipped with five decks, a swimming pool, exercise equipment, a library, 24-hour/pay medical service, international phone/fax/internet service, a glass-bottom boat, the most technologically advanced safety system in the archipelago and much more.
Furthermore, realizing that the ideal trip to the Galapagos should combine comfort, relaxation, and education, the Legend has one of the Islands' largest and most qualified staff on board. Among its courteous, professional team of 55 employees are 6 multilingual naturalist guides (each speaking an average of four languages), a concierge, a chef who constantly endeavours to spoil you with inventive combinations of Ecuadorian and international cuisines, and an M.D. who is always on call.

The Galapagos Islands consist of 13 major islands of which five are inhabited. The Island's interesting volcanic geology, as well as its rich flora and fauna, have been admired and studied by numerous travelers, scientist, and nature-lovers. Scientists are still faced with the mystery of how such a large diversity of species could develop in a remote location like the Galapagos Islands. Charles Darwin’s observations of the animals and the subtle variations between races of the same species living on different islands led directly to his theory of natural selection.

Galapagos National Park Service requires that all passengers return to their boats no later than 6pm. Each evening is one of relaxation and reflection on the day’s activities. After our dinner sitting, we will join the naturalist’s briefing on the next day’s activities and then spend the evening with fellow passengers or perhaps reading or writing in one’s journal.

Note: The Galapagos itinerary listed below is to be used as a guide only. Actual itineraries are set closer to departure.

Accommodation: M/V Galapagos Legend (4 nights)

Day 4. Galapagos Islands (BLD)
Today we will cruise to Isla Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos and named by Christopher Columbus in honour of Queen Isabela of Spain who sponsored his voyage. Isla Isabela is home to a huge variety of plant and animal species including the endemic Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Sally Lightfoot crabs, boobies and pelicans. This island is also the habitat of the rare and endemic Darwin Finches, Galapagos Hawks, Galapagos Tortoises, land iguanas and the Galapagos Doves.

Each morning we are tendered to our island where we join our naturalist guide for a leisurely stroll along the beach and shoreline while our guide tells us about the human and natural history of the island. After our walk, we will have time for swimming and snorkeling before lunch back on board as the ship pulls anchor and continues on to the next island. After an early afternoon of relaxing on board, we will have time for a late afternoon hike at our next landing spot before dinner.

Day 5. Galapagos Islands (BLD)
We continue our journey with a visit to the Isla Santiago known to some as James Island. Here we will visit Puerto Egas on James Bay known for its long lava shoreline with many lava pools as well as caves and inlets that are home to an amazing variety of wildlife. One can spot marine iguanas here along with hundreds of Sally Lightfoot crabs and herons. In the inlets, Galapagos fur seals can be seen swimming with many species of tropical fish, sharks, moray eels and octopuses.

Day 6. Galapagos Islands (BLD)
Today we continue cruising to the Charles Darwin Research Centre on Isla Santa Cruz. Dedicated to scientific research, education and conservation efforts, the Charles Darwin Research Station is a biological research centre created in 1964 with the aim of assisting the Galapagos National Park Service and the Galapagos Marine Reserve Service to safeguard this vulnerable habitat. With a team of over two hundred scientists, researchers, students, and volunteers from all across the globe, the Darwin Research Station is committed to preserving this sensitive ecosystem. Natural science subjects are taught here as well as more complex topics such as climatology, population genetics and evolutionary biology.

Day 7. Fly Galapagos Islands to Quito (BD)
This morning we end our adventure to the Galapagos Islands at Isla Baltra where we will board our flight to Quito. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to our boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic “Quito Antiguo” quarter which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. A delicious dinner is included tonight at our hotel.

Accommodation: Patio Andaluz Hotel (1 night)

Day 8. Coach Quito to Otavalo via Papallacta (BLD)
After breakfast, we start our drive to Papallacta, famous for its thermal spas. En route we will stop to enjoy the rose plantations that have made Ecuador the second largest exporter of roses in the world. We continue our journey into the heart of northern Ecuador with the Andes as our backdrop for our late morning arrival into Papallacta where we will enjoy lunch and take the time to stroll in the town or relax in the natural hot springs. Later this afternoon, we drive to Otavalo, famous for its textiles and its natural backdrop of majestic volcanoes, for our 2 night stay.

Accommodation: Hacienda Pinsaqui (2 nights)

Day 9. Chaski Rail Excursion (BLD)
An exhilarating day today as we board the famous Chaski Train at Ibarra for our journey from the northern highlands to the tropical coast. From Ibarra, the train climbs down to the warm, dry valley of Ambuqui through sugarcane plantations, over bridges that span vast canyons and through tunnels – all viewed from the comfort of our rail carriage while we sip a glass of champagne. The 26-km ride to Salinas plunges from 2,200 down to 1,500 meters above sea level (7,216 to 4,920 feet) in only about two hours.

After disembarking, we board our coach and head to the Kichwa Karanki Indigenous Community of Magdalena located at approximately 3100 metres above sea level. The area, once home to Atahualpa, the last of the Incan emperors, inhabits a paradise lost in time with its setting amongst tranquil mountains and the patchwork slopes of Imbabura Volcano. Here in this breathtaking idyllic setting, the Karanki people have lived for centuries, tending their livestock and cultivating their land. We enjoy lunch with the community and spend the afternoon with the artisans, or, if interested, even horseback riding or doing a short hike in the area. Later this afternoon we return to our hotel in Otavalo.

Day 10. Coach Otavalo to Quito (BLD)
This morning we visit the Otavalo Indigenous Market, one of the most famous and colourful markets in South America. Here the locals come together to shop, haggle and gossip, while the merchants trade foodstuffs, animals, utensils, pots and pans or textiles. We have free time to explore the market, mingle with the locals and shop for souvenirs such as hand knitted alpaca sweaters and scarves. From Otavalo, we head to the village of Peguche, famous for its artisans who specialize in using traditional looms and making traditional Andean instruments.
Lunch and a folklore show are included at a traditional indigenous restaurant in Peguche.
Later this afternoon we return to Quito and our hotel. Tonight, a special “Farewell to Ecuador” dinner is included at a popular Quito restaurant.

Accommodation: Patio Andaluz Hotel (1 night)

Day 11. Fly Quito to Cusco via Lima (BD)
Today we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Cusco via Lima. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our overnight accommodation.
Inca walls, colorful costumes, churches built on top of palaces, citadels lost in the Andean heights, legendary roads--all the beauty of a glorious past will surround us in Cusco, the sacred city of the Incas and the archaeological capital of the Americas. Ever since US archaeologist Hiram Bingham “discovered” the citadel of Machu Picchu in 1911, the region has captured the imagination of millions of travelers from all over the world.
Dinner is included at our hotel this evening.

Accommodation: Monasterio Hotel (1 night)

Day 12. Coach Cusco to The Sacred Valley (BLD)
This morning we travel by land to the Sacred Valley, once the centre of the vast Incan Empire. This fertile land with its excellent climate has been a major agricultural region for thousands of years. The extensive ruins stretch from the villages of Pisac to Ollantaytambo, to the north end of the narrow valley and the citadel of Machu Picchu. Flanked by the Urubamba and Vilcanoca Rivers, the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley is also home to Quechan descendants who still maintain the same customs and rites of their ancestors. Our afternoon is spent learning how to cook like a Peruvian as we partake in a local cooking lesson and, of course, we get to savour the food we have cooked. When you return to North America you can introduce your family and friends to the wonderful flavours of Peruvian cuisine! After our lesson, we transfer back to our hotel for dinner and our overnight.

Accommodation: Libertador Tambo del Inka (2 nights)

Day 13. Sacred Valley Sightseeing (BD)
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our half day tour with a visit to the market town of Pisac in the heart of the Sacred Valley where we will have time to shop and bargain with the natives for Peruvian handicrafts such as hand-knitted sweaters and scarves, jewellery and basketry. From here, we head to Inca Pisac to see the fascinating archaeological ruins which lie atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. Our tour today also includes a visit to the Incan agricultural experimental centre of Moray, famous for its sunken amphitheatre which is made up of four circular terraces which appear to disappear into the earth like an artificial crater. The site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station designed for experimenting with crops at various altitudes (some of which run down to depths of 100 meters). It is believed that the terraces, built over containing walls filled with fertile earth and watered by complex irrigation systems, enabled the Incas to grow more than 250 plant species. We return to our hotel later this afternoon.

Dinner tonight is included at our hotel.

Day 14. Rail to Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco (BLD)
This morning we transfer to the train station and board the famous Hiram Bingham 5 star luxury train for the ride through the Sacred Valley to the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu. Two thousand feet above the rumbling Urubamba River, we visit the cloud shrouded ruins of Machu Picchu (“old mountain” in Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas). It was both a centre of worship and astronomic observatory as well as the private retreat of the family of Inca ruler Pachacutec. It is split into two major areas: the agriculture zone, made up of terracing and food storehouses, and the urban zone, featuring the sacred sector, with temples, squares and royal tombs which have been carved to an extraordinary degree of perfection. The stone staircases and canals are found throughout this unique archaeological site. After touring the ruins, we board our train and return to Cusco late in the day, enjoying both lunch and dinner while en route. On arrival in Cusco, we are met and transferred to our hotel.

Accommodation: Monasterio Hotel (2 nights)

Day 15. Cusco Sightseeing (BL)
After breakfast, we gather for a guided walking tour of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire. Our guide will take us to the main plaza to see the Cathedral and Santo Domingo Church as well as take us on a leisurely stroll along some of the side streets to view the magnificent stone walls that line these historic streets. After our walking tour, we journey out into the surrounding valleys of Cusco to visit one of the many local villages. While Peru is considered a developed country in many regions, local infrastructure is still lacking or lagging behind other parts of the country. Today is an opportunity for us to visit one of the nearby communities who are struggling to maintain the basics. Often what is required are the simplest of things. School supplies, soccer balls, books in English, writing or dental supplies, many of the things we take for granted, can have a huge impact on communities that dot the Urubamba valley. We ask our travelers to consider bringing with them a donation for the village that we will visit. Past experience has shown that this village visit is often the highlight of the trip for many as there is no greater joy than being able to actively change the life of not one person but an entire community. Lunch is included in a local restaurant. After our community visit, we return to Cusco where our evening is free.

Day 16. Rail Cusco to Puno (BLD)
After breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to the train station and board our ‘Andean Explorer’ express train for our scenic journey to Puno. Lunch and afternoon tea are included on board as we make our way through the heart of the Altiplano to Puno, gateway to famous Lake Titicaca. The scenery is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains which tower over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River until it reaches the gentler, rolling Andean Plains. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel for the evening. After a full day of travel, we will be able to relax over a delicious dinner at our hotel.

Accommodation: Libertador Isla Esteves (2 nights)

Day 17. Excursion to Lake Titicaca and The Uros Islands (BLD)
This morning we transfer down to the lake’s edge and board our touring boat to spend the day visiting the Uros Reed Islands and Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca. Located between Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is one of the most fascinating lakes in the world. It is situated at a very high altitude -- over 3800 meters above sea level -- which provides an unforgettable experience for any visitor. We will see locals fishing in its icy waters, growing potatoes, and even herding llamas and alpacas. The lake was the most sacred body of water in the Inca Empire and has more than 30 islands. The reed islands dotting Titicaca's surface are the Uros Floating Islands and named after the Indians who inhabited them.
Legend has it the Uros Indians had black blood that helped them survive the frigid nights and safeguarded them from drowning. Amantani Island has no running water or electricity and night time temperatures drop to freezing even in the summer. Some Amantani residents live and die without ever leaving the island.
A boxed picnic lunch is included today while on the lake and dinner is included at our hotel on our return.

Day 18. Fly Puno to Lima (BLD)
This morning we are transferred to the town of Juliaca approximately 20 km (13 miles) from Puno to connect with our flight to Lima, Peru’s national capital. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. A relaxing lunch is included this afternoon and then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. This evening we enjoy dinner at one of Lima’s most popular restaurants.

Accommodation: Miraflores Park Hotel (1 night + dayroom)

Day 19. Lima Sightseeing & Fly Lima to North America (BLD)
We have a full day to explore Lima as international flights do not depart until late in the evening. Lima, Peru’s national capital, was one of the first to be established in South America by the Conquistadores. It is filled with many amazing colonial buildings and historic streetscapes to be discovered. This morning we’ll enjoy a tour of the city including the Larco Museum with its interesting collection of ceramics, textiles and gold and silver work. Our tour also includes visits to both the colonial and modern sections of Lima. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, San Francisco Church and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace, the modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In modern Lima, we’ll drive along the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro. Lunch is included on our tour before having the afternoon at leisure to explore Lima on our own. Our rooms will be available until we are transferred to the airport later in the evening.

Tonight we enjoy a fabulous “Farewell to Latin America” dinner at a typical hacienda including an interesting Peruvian Paso Horse Exhibition. Over dinner we will say our good byes to our new found friends and reminisce about all the unique experiences and sites we have shared on our Holiday of a Lifetime. After dinner, we will be transferred to the airport for our return flight to North America.

Day 20. Arrive Home
We arrive back in North America where you will connect to your domestic flight to your hometown.

MAGICAL ECUADOR AND PERU PRICES:

Departing Date	TWIN	SINGLE
20 Day Tour CAD PRICE
September 25, 2012	$ 11,289	$ 14,378
April 16, 2013	*Pricing on Request*
June 11, 2013	*Pricing on Request*
July 09, 2013	*Pricing on Request*
Sept 24, 2013	*Pricing on Request*

PRICE INCLUDES (CAD): Airfares and government departure taxes for flights Quito to Galapagos return plus flights Lima/Cusco and Juliaca/Lima, accommodation at deluxe and first class hotels with private facilities and air-conditioning, meals as shown as BLD, sightseeing by private coach, professional Tour Director from North America plus local English-speaking guides, local transfers and entrance fees including Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card, Galapagos National Park Tax and cruise fuel surcharge.

Departing Date	TWIN	SINGLE
20 Day Tour USD PRICE
September 25, 2012	$ 11,289	$ 14,378
April 16, 2013	*Pricing on Request*
June 11, 2013	*Pricing on Request*
July 09, 2013	*Pricing on Request*
Sept 24, 2013	*Pricing on Request*

PRICE INCLUDES (USD): Airfares and government departure taxes for flights Quito to Galapagos return plus flights Lima/Cusco and Juliaca/Lima, accommodation at deluxe and first class hotels with private facilities and air-conditioning, meals as shown as BLD, sightseeing by private coach, professional Tour Director from North America plus local guides, local transfers and entrance fees including Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card, Galapagos National Park Tax and cruise fuel surcharge.

For more fabulous inclusions on our Magical Ecuador and Peru Holiday of a Lifetime, please see the inclusions.

DOMESTIC AIRFARES & FEES:

As we travel within a customized group itinerary, our four domestic air segments: Quito/Galapagos/Quito, Lima/Cusco and Juliaca/Lima have been booked and confirmed for the group and the cost is included in the cost of the tour. There are also 3 additional mandatory supplemental charges which are included in the price: Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card, Galapagos National Park Tax and a cruise fuel surcharge.

For more fabulous inclusions on our Magical Ecuador and Peru Holiday of a Lifetime, please see the inclusions page.

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICES ABOVE:

International airfare, Personal Insurances, optional excursions, items of a personal nature such as laundry, dry cleaning, phone calls, drinks and excess baggage charges.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES:

As travellers originate from different cities, we do not include international airfares in the above prices. As we are the airfares experts, we will arrange the best routing on the best airline for you. The flights that you will need to book are: Hometown/Quito/Lima/Hometown.

IMPORTANT:

For our June 12, 2012 departure, the itinerary will change slightly when in and around Cusco to allow us to visit Sachsayhuaman for the Inti Raymi Festival. (Full details).

DEPARTURES - 2012 ITINERARY	THEMES
September 25, 2012	A
April 16, 2013	G
June 11, 2013	L
July 9, 2013	A
September 24, 2013	G

A (Animal and Plant Life), G (Geography and History), L (Lifestyles and Native Cultures)