Overview
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Not only will you visit the must-see sights, you’ll also have an opportunity to learn about Peruvian life. Experience a Mother Earth ceremony performed by a local shaman. These ceremonies thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health and safe travels have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas. You’ll also stop at a local Peruvian food market and visit a home to meet some of the locals and experience their way of life.
Conclude your vacation by cruising through the Galápagos Islands, where you will witness red and blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, land iguanas, and much more. For even more spectacular beauty and fun, you can swim or snorkel in search of sea life such as octopus, sea horses, and starfish. Also, spend time in Quito, where a sightseeing tour shows you its highlights—a perfect conclusion to an amazing adventure!
Highlights
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit San Francisco Monastery; visit a LF local Peruvian food market; welcome dinner at a local Peruvian restaurant
SACRED VALLEYLF Mother Earth Ceremony with a shaman; visit Awanakancha and Pisac; visit Ollantaytambo and LF a local home for a glimpse into rural Peruvian life
MACHU PICCHUTake the Vistadome train through the Urubamba Valley; sightseeing with a Local Guide and a second entrance to the ruins on your second day in Machu Picchu
CUSCOSightseeing with a Local Guide; LF participate in a celebratory pasacalle (Andean parade); visit the cathedral, Santo Domingo Monastery, Kenko, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman; farewell dinner
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Sightseeing in Quito; 3-night Galápagos Islands cruise
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU.
Day1
Arrive in Lima, where you will be met by your Tour Director.
LIMA
Day2
This afternoon, your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during a WALKING TOUR. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, stop at a LF LOCAL PERUVIAN FOOD MARKET to get a real taste of life for the local people. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Lima’s Peruvian restaurants with your fellow traveling companions.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY
Day3
Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will have lunch and experience an LF El Pago a la Tierra, or MOTHER EARTH CEREMONY, performed by a local shaman. These ceremonies, thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health and safe travels, have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas. Next, stop at AWANAKANCHA to meet local families who preserve the ancient technique of Pre-Columbian weaving using South American camelid fibers. Here is your chance to get up close to the various camelids, including alpaca, llama, guanaco, and vicuña, indigenous to the region. Continue to PISAC, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop its famous market for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, and enjoy a special dinner at the hotel.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
Day4
This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO, followed by the opportunity to visit a LF HOME, meet some of the locals, and experience their way of life. Next, board the Vistadome TRAIN for a short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Then, transfer to a motorcoach for the ascent to legendary MACHU PICCHU, the “Lost City of the Incas,” high above the steep valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle. Your Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the Pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. Tonight, stay at a nearby hotel.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO.
Day5
Your entrance to MACHU PICCHU is included for a second day. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning, with free time to wander the ruins at your own pace and experience the magic that is Machu Picchu. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by TRAIN TRIP and continue on to Cusco.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
CUSCO.
Day6
This morning, learn more about the Incas and their struggle against invading Spaniards on your Cusco CITY TOUR, with visits to the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY. A LF special treat is in store for you when you are greeted by a group of Andean musicians dressed in colorful Inca textiles. They will escort you on a PASACALLE (Andean Parade) through Cusco while playing traditional music and performing ancient dances—an experience you won’t soon forget! Also visit the semi-circular KENKO AMPHITHEATER with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages, and the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. The remainder of your day is free to explore at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
CUSCO–LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR.
Day7
Fly to Quito, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
QUITO
Day8
On a city tour, see INDEPENDENCE SQUARE with its CATHEDRAL and SAN FRANCISCO PLAZA CHURCH, and the BASILICA.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
QUITO–BALTRA–SANTA CRUZ (EMBARKATION)–CRUISING.
Day9
Fly to Baltra and transfer to SANTA CRUZ Island and the highlands. While here, visit a TORTOISE RESERVE where giant tortoises are found in their natural habitat. You can also explore lava tubes and pit craters. Board the Galápagos Legend for your 3-night CRUISE.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: GENOVESA ISLAND.
Day10
Wake up at GENOVESA ISLAND and encounter a small fur seal grotto before taking a walk up Prince Philip’s Steps, where you will see large nesting colonies of Nazca and red-footed boobies. Wedge-rumped storm-petrels can be observed flying in all directions and, if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a short-eared Owl. After lunch on board, visit DARWIN BAY to observe frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, herons, lava gulls, and many other bird species.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ & SANTA FÉ ISLANDS.
Day11
Back at SANTA CRUZ, walk by a brackish lagoon where feeding flamingos are often found. Climb DRAGON HILL, an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the neighboring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and Galápagos doves. At SANTA FÉ, a large sea lion colony greets you on its white-sand beach. Walk through a cactus forest in search of the endemic Santa Fe land iguana, the largest in the islands and distinctively paler. This island is home to a number of endemic species, including the Galápagos hawk, Galápagos snake, a variety of finches, and one of the four species of Galápagos mockingbirds.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: MOSQUERA ISLET–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)–GUAYAQUIL.
Day12
After breakfast, visit MOSQUERA ISLET located between North Seymour and Baltra Islands. This flat, sandy island has a large colony of sea lions and is an excellent site for observing shorebirds such as herons and lava gulls. Take a dip in the waters and snorkel to see the abundant sea life. Later, fly to Guayaquil, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
GUAYAQUIL.
Day13
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- Participation in this tour requires guest's name exactly as it appears on his/her passport, D.O.B., gender, and nationality at the time of booking.
- Cruise not available on the September 27 departure.
- Maximum elevation on tour: 13,000 feet.
Extend your stay
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Casa Andina Select Miraflores
Moderate First-Class
This hotel welcomes you to Lima in comfort and style. It is located in the center of Lima's bustling district of Miraflores, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and other Lima attractions. The excellent Casa Andina Select Miraflores exudes sophistication and comfort, focusing on personalized service and great amenities.
Location
Calle Schell 452, Lima, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Beauty Salon
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Desk
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Television
- Phone
- Cable/Satellite
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee Maker
- Internet Access
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Daily Housekeeping
- Voicemail
Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay
First-Class
Bursting with character, the Sonesta Posadas del Inca hotel is the leader in boutique hotels in the Sacred Valley. Featuring a rustic ambiance with modern comforts, dynamite local cuisine, and friendly service, it makes for a memorable stay in one of the most remarkable places in the world. The colonial-style former monastery is surrounded by views of the Andes and beautiful gardens - a leisurely and soothing escape.
Location
Plaza Manco 11 De Yucay 123, Sacred Valley, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Gift Shop
- Currency Exchange
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Internet Access
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Voicemail
- In-Room Safe
- Desk
- Air Conditioning
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
El Mapi by Inkaterra
First-Class
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo. The hotel welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, hot-water pond, gift shop, Internet, and laundry service.
Location
Av Pachacutec 109, Machu Picchu, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Voicemail
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Daily Housekeeping
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Superior First-Class
The Sonesta Hotel Cusco features a modern contemporary décor and a fine dining restaurant serving classic Peruvian cuisine. It is within blocks of a handicraft market, Plaza de Armas, shops, and restaurants.
Location
Av. El Sol 954, Cusco, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Parking/Valet
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Climate Control
- Smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Wake-Up Calls
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Daily Housekeeping
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
- Voicemail
- Cable/Satellite
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Television
Hilton Colon Quito (SAT)
Superior First-Class
The Hilton Colon Quito hotel is 10 minute walk from the colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This modern hotel enjoys spectacular views of the city. Amenities include a fitness center, spa, outdoor heated pool, 5 restaurants/lounges, laundry service, concierge, florist, barber shop, and gift shop.
Location
Ave Amazonas N 1914 Y Patria Avenida 1, Quito, Ecuador
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- ATM
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Beauty Salon
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
Room Facilities
- Television
- Internet Access
- Smoking Rooms
- Voicemail
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Daily Housekeeping
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Wake-Up Calls
- Phone
- Cable/Satellite
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Pay Movies
Hilton Colon Guayaquil
Moderate Deluxe
Combining excellent service and a laid-back resort feel, Hilton Colon Guayaquil is conveniently located only a few minutes from Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport. The hotel is the perfect retreat for those traveling to and from the Galapagos Islands.
Location
Av Francisco de Orellana Mz 111, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Currency Exchange
- Free WiFi
- Gift Shop
- Elevator
- Beauty Salon
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- ATM
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Voicemail
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Pay Movies
- Phone
- Desk
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Cable/Satellite
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Television
- Internet Access
