Machu Picchu & the Galapagos

Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Early morning you will be assisted with checking in for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival at the airport you will be transferred to the hotel. Day at leisure to adjust to the altitude.

You will visit Chinchero, a picturesque village in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There, you will head to the PARWA Center, where you can appreciate beautiful textiles and even buy some to take home. Then, you will head to Ollantaytambo, where you can visit the archaeological complex of the same name, one of the largest in Peru, which is strategically located on top of a mountain. Then, enjoy a traditional lunch at a restaurant in the town of Ollantaytambo. Once lunch is over, you will head to Pisac, where you will visit the ruins overlooking the Vilcanota River, which will amaze you for its fascinating architecture.

You will visit the town of Maras, where one of the finest salts in the world is extracted: the salt of Maras. These mines form terraces and lagoons, which become an obligatory point to take amazing photographs. Also, you will visit the Andean community of Misminay, where the families of the community will give you a warm welcome with music and typical dances. Their hosts will share with you the traditional Andean lifestyle through a participative activity. You will know the local gastronomy through a delicious traditional prepared dish with local supplies, which you will enjoy at lunch time, then visit the huge circular agricultural terraces of Moray, which were used as a botanical laboratory by the Incas and from where you will have a privileged view of the Sacred Valley.

A visit to one of the most important tourist destinations in the world: Machu Picchu. The excursion starts with a train trip to the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The natural beauty of the surroundings makes the train the best way to start your visit. When you arrive, you will start the ascent to the ruins, which will without a doubt be one of your most unforgettable experiences. At Machu Picchu you can see one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World and take some impressive photos.

Lunch is at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (Buffet Lunch)

Visit the Machu Picchu archeological site for a second time with your guide.

At scheduled time, board the train to Ollantaytambo and upon arrival, transfer from the train station to the hotel.

After breakfast you are transferred to the airport in Cusco for your flight to Lima and onward connections home.

Casa Aliso is one of the best boutique hotels in Ecuador; full of personality and character and defined by its unique design, decor and ambiance. Delightfully secluded, Casa Aliso is well known to experienced travellers who want to be close to everything, but desire a quieter, more refined atmosphere. True hospitality is discreet and is expressed on a daily basis by a myriad of small gestures.

The place to start exploring Ecuador is Colonial Quito: a city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city's many spectacularly decorated historic churches. The city has one of the best preserved colonial centers in all South America, and its integrity was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared Quito a World Cultural Heritage site.

Morning visit to colonial Quito. We will walk through the Main Plaza, where you will see the Government Palace, La Compania, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery which was started 5 days after the founding of the city in 1534. Then we will visit the city's famous La Ronda street, where we will learn about traditional work in Colonial Quito.

For our last stop, we will also be visiting the 'Panecillo', the hill that dominates the South of the city, and where we will be able to admire the famous statue of Our Lady of the Panecillo and enjoy spectacular views of Quito.

Today marks your departure from mainland Ecuador to Baltra (approx. 2 and half hour flight). You will be picked up at the airport by your guides and taken on a ten minute bus drive to the pier to board the Corals.

In the afternoon, make a dry landing on Santa Cruz for a visit to the Galapagos giant tortoises breeding program, where the famous Lonesome George (last surviving specimen of Pinta Island) lived for decades. The center is conducted by the Galapagos National Park staff with the collaboration of scientists from the Charles Darwin Station. Here, eggs taken from Pinzon, Santiago and Santa Cruz Islands hatch without the danger of introduced species. After artificial incubation; the "galapaguitos" (newborn tortoises) are reared until the age of 5, when they are released in their native habitats, having the capabilities to survive alone. Since the 70s, more than 2000 specimens have returned to their own islands. In addition, the Darwin Station works in several scientific projects, botanical research, providing environmental education to communities, schools within the Islands and tourists. If there is enough time, it is possible to visit Puerto Ayora.

Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Flat
Duration: 1.5 hour visit

In the morning, walk by a brackish lagoon to see flamingos. The trail leads across a typical dry zone vegetation. Keeping up until Dragon Hill, there will be an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the anchored boats and neighboring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin's finches, yellow warblers, and Galapagos doves.

Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Rocky
Duration: 2 hour walk

This afternoon make a wet landing to discover a fascinating landscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones -lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones - that resembles the moon. Going up to the summit there will be an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. We also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies.

Beach time is a great opportunity to do snorkeling and see the famous Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles and White-tipped Reef Sharks among a great variety of colorful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best snorkeling experience. Crystal clear water is the perfect spot to appreciate the incredible marine life it has to offer.

Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable however, there are pioneer plants including the endemic Tiquilia nesiotica and Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes.

Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Trail made of 372 steps
Duration: 1.5 hour walk / 1 hour snorkel

This morning you will explore Rabida, also known as Jervis Island in English, one of the most diverse in terms of volcanic activity as it lies at the very heart of the archipelago's volcanic origin. In this deep red beach, surrounded by cliffs and steep slopes of volcanic cinder cones it is usual to find nesting colonies of brown pelicans, as well as, nine species of Darwin finches, fur seals, and Nazca boobies. Snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active and colorful.

Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy
Duration: 1.5 hour walk / 1 hour snorkel / 1 hour dinghy ride

During the afternoon, you will visit Buccaneers Cove / Espumilla Beach in Santiago Island.

This is an amazing location, featuring the remains of an eroded shoreline that is home to seabirds, fur seals and the playful sea lions. Its different shapes have been made throughout a process caused by erosion of the waves and the wind. Espumilla Beach is a white-sandy beach in James Bay and is a popular place among visitors. There are mangroves and a small palo santo forest that lead to salty-water lagoons that are home to wading birds like flamingos. In the upper dunes are a nesting site for sea turtles. A good place to snorkel to see rays.

Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: White sand
Duration: 1 hour walk / 1 hour snorkel / beach time

This morning enjoy a dinghy ride on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, accessible only by sea, where four species of mangrove crowd form an internal lagoon. Turtles visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface, while the fish and rays circle below. White-tipped reef sharks can be seen beneath the boat, plus seabirds including pelicans, herons, and egrets feed from the cove. This cove has been declared as a "Turtle Sanctuary".

Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: None
Duration: 1 hour dinghy ride

Later, transfer directly to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.