Highlands of Ecuador & Machu Picchu Extension
DAY 1 - Depart USA — Quito Upon arrival in Quito, check into your hotel. The balance of the day is free to acclimate to the altitude and relax.
DAY 2 - Quito The colonial legacy here is so well preserved that Quito has been designated aWorld Heritage Cultural Site.The architectural wonder of old churches,monasteries and convents in the ornate colonial baroque will be highlighted on your morning city tour. You will also stop at the Equatorial Monument, a 90-foot stone block crowned with a metal globe, and exactly half way between the two poles. Your afternoon is free.Tonight your Tour Director will host aWelcome Dinner. (
Breakfast / Dinner)
DAY 3 - Quito — Riobamba Transfer to the Tambillo Train Station to board the Chiva Express.This brightly colored, one-coach train is like a tour bus on tracks.Your adventure begins as you head out into the ever-changing Andean landscape.You might want to ride on the top of the double decker vehicle, enjoying the panoramic view. There are plenty of activities along the way, including a stop at a dairy hacienda with its cows, horses and llamas. As you skirt Cotopaxi National Park,watch for vistas of Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Travel along the Valley of Latacunga to visit a rose plantation and sample fresh local produce. The last part of the journey will be by coach to Riobamba, set at the foot of snow-capped Chimborazo Volcano. On arrival, visit a Tagua (artisan) workshop. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
DAY 4 - Riobamba — Cuenca A day of incredible scenery and excitement as the Chiva Express travels with twists and turns through the Andes and over ravines and gorges. Keep your camera ready! Make a stop in the Indian village of Guamote and at Alausi, head down the astonishing switchbacks of Devil's Nose, one of the world's great feats of rail
engineering.The last portion of your journey will be bymotorcar,and includes a stop at the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
DAY 5 - Cuenca — Guayaquil A walking tour this morning will show off the charm of this UNESCOWorld Cultural Heritage town. The red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, cozy cafés and museums make it a very special place. Your tour ends at the colorful flower market. Late this afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to the historic port city of Guayaquil. (Breakfast / Lunch)
DAY 6 - Guayaquil — Baltra Island — Santa Cruz Island This morning fly to Baltra, one of the remote Galapagos Islands, and transfer to your ship, the M/V Santa Cruz. Cross the channel to Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Ayoro. Disembark for an easy hike to Dragon Hill, where you will see land iguanas and a variety of birds, including flamingos, stilts, pintail ducks, Darwin's finches and
flycatchers. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
DAY 7 - Bartholome Island — Santiago Island Bartholome Island is best known for its volcanic features. After a short hike past red and white mangroves, saltbushes and cactus, delight in the view.Next, stop in a cove with a chance for snorkeling next to Galapagos penguins, the only penguins north of the equator. Perhaps, ride on a glass bottom boat. This afternoon visit Santiago Island with its black beach and dramatic rock formations. Keep an eye open for fur sea lions,marine iguanas and oystercatchers. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
DAY 8 - Rabida Island — Santa Cruz Island A wet landing on a red beach will show off sea lions,marine iguanas,mockingbirds, warblers, finches and more. There's time for snorkeling from the beach before you cruise back to Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for giant tortoises. Afterward, there is time to stroll through Puerto Ayora and browse in the shops. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
DAY 9 - Santa Cruz Island — North Seymour Island This morning, head up to the highlands to see the scalesia (giant daisy trees) and famous giant tortoise.Back on board your ship, cruise to North Seymour Island,home to sea lions,marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds.Vegetation found in the dry interior areas of the island includes prickly pear cacti,palo santos trees and saltbushes. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
DAY 10 - San Cristóbal Island — Guayaquil Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the islands. After a visit to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, fly back to Guayaquil.Your afternoon is free. Tonight your Tour Director will host a special Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. (Breakfast / Dinner)
DAY 11 - Guyaquil — Lima Free morning. Late this afternoon, fly to Lima. (Breakfast)
DAY 12 - Lima — Cuzco — Sacred Valley Transfer to the airport for the scenic flight to Cuzco. Then travel to Urubamba, better known as "The Sacred Valley of the Incas," one of the most beautiful areas found anywhere in the world. Visit Ollantaytambo, for a walking tour through the quaint village. Continue outside of town and admire the magnificent Inca fortress. End the day at Pisac, where you will have an opportunity to bargain with the vendors for Peruvian arts and crafts. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
DAY 13 - Machu Picchu Excursion Board a train for the short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. At Machu Picchu village board a coach for the quick ascent to legendary Machu Picchu. Your local guide will bring better insight to the "Lost City of the Incas" and answer some of its mysteries. Return back to the Sacred Valley late in the day. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
DAY 14 - Sacred Valley — Cuzco Head back to Cuzco and enjoy a half-day tour of this colonial city and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay.Afterward, you are free to continue exploring on your own, stroll along the narrow streets and bustling squares with their boutique shops or relax in a sidewalk café. (Breakfast / Lunch)
DAY 15 - Cuzco — Lima A short morning flight brings you back to Lima. A city tour features the San Francisco Monastery, the Cathedral and much more. You evening is free. (Breakfast)
DAY 16 - Depart Lima — USA Morning transfer to the airport for your daytime flight home. (Breakfast)
|
